Once you’re done, freeze and flatten the audio (right-click on the track and select freeze, wait and then select flatten). If you struggle with writing chords, check out Connor’s article. It can be as long as you want, but lo-fi hip hop typically features shorter loops that repeat throughout. Sketch out some chords over about 4 bars. Once you’ve got a suitable sound, create a new clip. If you’re in Ableton, there is a nice variety of ePiano and Rhodes-type instruments that work nicely.įL Studio additionally has FL Keys with a decent Rhodes preset. In the video, I went for a Rhodes/keyboard type sound. So find a sound that suits the vibe of the track you are going for. In this example, I’m going to write my own and resample it to show you both workflows. But you can also just write your own progression. So when it comes to lo-fi hip hop, sampling chords and melodies is commonplace, especially from old funk and jazz records. Once you’re ready, let’s begin with step 1. Prepare your project file by setting the BPM between ~70-100 and by making sure you have all your sounds at hand. So take a few minutes to prepare yourself before just jumping into the studio – you’ll thank me later. One thing that helps me write in this genre is getting into a specific headspace before, by recalling a memory from my past or introducing some nostalgia.īeing in this frame of mind will help guide the creativity in the production process, but make it suited to your workflow and specific situation. One thing I mention in the video is that lo-fi hip hop is quite a moody genre and is designed to have that effect on the listener.

If you after something more introductory, then check out our electronic music guide.

How to make chords in fl studio