How to Make Tyler the Creator Type Beats

The Tyler Sound

Tyler's production (self-produced, with Pharrell influence) is unlike any other rapper's: • Jazz and soul-influenced chords — 7ths, 9ths, extended harmonies • Bouncy, syncopated drums — influenced by Pharrell and J Dilla • Warm analog sounds — vintage keys, bass guitar samples • Swing is essential — nothing is straight • Dynamic arrangement — beats evolve, drop out, rebuild Tempo: 80-110 BPM. Slower and groovier than trap.

The Bouncy Drum Pattern

Tempo: 95 BPM

The kick pattern is syncopated — that double-kick on steps 11-12 is the bounce. The hi-hat pattern is irregular, not a straight grid. Swing: 58-62% in 1/16 resolution. This is crucial — Tyler's beats groove hard. Without swing, this pattern sounds robotic. With 60% swing, it starts nodding.

Sound Selection

Tyler uses warm, organic drum sounds: • Kick: soft, warm — not an 808. Think jazz kick drum or vinyl-sampled kick. • Snare: mid-range crack with body. Not sharp or digital. • Hi-hat: real recorded hi-hat, not a machine. Slightly different velocity on each hit. • Add: tambourine on the off-beats, shaker at low volume for texture Load the hi-hat on two pads at slightly different pitches (+1 and -1 semitones). Alternate between them in the sequencer for timbral variation.

The Pharrell Influence

Tyler learned from Pharrell's production. The shared DNA: • Four-note bass patterns that create melody • Drums that bounce rather than hit hard • Swing that feels human, not programmed • Space and dynamics over density Copy your bass to 4 pads at different pitches. Sequence a repeating 4-note bass melody. Tyler's bass is a melodic instrument, not just low end. Use AB mode: Block A is the verse (simpler). Block B adds extra percussion and doubles the hi-hat pattern for the chorus energy.