Sequencing a Drum Pattern on the Ableton Push

This process uses the Push's Step Sequencer to visually place notes on a timeline, which is one of the fastest ways to build a loop.



Step 1: Set Up the Track and Drum Rack

  1. Select a New MIDI Track: If you don't have one ready, press the Add Track button (usually near the top right, looks like two vertical lines) and select MIDI to create a fresh track.

  2. Browse for Drums: Press the Browse button on the Push. Use the top rotary encoders (dials) to navigate to Drums and select a Drum Rack you want to use (e.g., a simple 808 or 909 kit, or a custom kit). Press the Load button to load the kit onto the selected MIDI track.

  3. Enter Drum Mode: Ensure the Push is in the correct layout by pressing the Note button. The lower 16 pads should light up in different colors, corresponding to the 16 drum sounds in your kit.

Step 2: Switch to Step Sequencing View

  1. Engage the Sequencer: Press the Clip button (or sometimes labeled Step) on the Push.

  2. Observe the Pads: The 64 pads will now change their function and lighting:

    • The Bottom Two Rows (16 Pads): These pads usually remain for selecting which drum sound (Kick, Snare, Hi-Hat, etc.) you are currently editing.

    • The Middle Four Rows (32 Pads): These are your Step Sequencer—the timeline where you place notes.

    • The Top Two Rows (16 Pads): These control the length and zoom of the sequence.

Step 3: Sequence the Kick Drum

  1. Select the Kick: Tap the pad corresponding to the Kick Drum (usually the bottom-left pad) in the bottom two rows. The Step Sequencer pads will now show the timeline specifically for the Kick Drum.

  2. Set the Loop Length: Look at the top two rows of pads. These represent the overall length of your loop (usually 1 bar, or 16 steps, is lit up). If you want a longer loop (e.g., 2 bars/32 steps), expand the highlighted area.

  3. Place the Steps: Tap the pads in the middle four rows to place the Kick drum steps. For a classic four-on-the-floor beat (common in house/techno):

    • Tap the 1st pad (beat one).

    • Tap the 5th pad (beat two).

    • Tap the 9th pad (beat three).

    • Tap the 13th pad (beat four).

  4. Listen: The beat should start playing automatically. If it doesn't, press the Play/Stop button (at the top near the tempo display).

Step 4: Add the Snare and Hi-Hats

  1. Select the Snare: Tap the pad corresponding to the Snare Drum in the bottom two rows. The Step Sequencer lights will clear, showing you the blank timeline for the Snare.

  2. Place the Snare: Place the snare on the backbeats:

    • Tap the 5th pad (the "two").

    • Tap the 13th pad (the "four").

  3. Select the Hi-Hat: Tap the pad corresponding to the Closed Hi-Hat.

  4. Place the Hi-Hats: For a basic pattern, tap every other step:

    • Tap pads 3, 7, 11, 15 (or every step if you want to get advanced!).

Step 5: Adjust Velocity and Nudge (Optional Polish)

  1. Adjust Velocity (Dynamics): If you want some hits to be quieter than others:

    • Hold the pad of the step you want to edit.

    • Use the bottom-row rotary encoders (dials) to adjust the Velocity (how loud/hard the note is played). This adds human feel.

  2. Nudge (Micro-Timing): You can move a step slightly off the grid for a more "swinging" or natural feel:

    • Hold the pad of the step you want to move.

    • Use the rotary encoders to adjust the Nudge parameter.

6. Exit Sequencing

  • To go back to playing the drums manually, press the Note button again.

  • To launch the new clip in a loop, ensure the clip is highlighted in the Session View, and it will loop continuously until you launch a new clip.




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