Ableton Live: Producing Alternative R&B
Studio pro Thomas Cochran delivers in-depth Ableton Live production video tutorials! See how to make a complete Alternative R&B song in the style of Frank Ocean and The Weekend from scratch, step-by-step using only Ableton Live. This course is for those who are already familiar with Ableton Live, but want to learn Alternative R&B sound design and production techniques. You also get the samples and presets used in the videos so you can follow along on your studio system.
Intro
• Introduction (02:53) - In this first video, Thomas introduces and course and plays though the song that he will be creating.
Starting The Track
• Lofi Synth Chords Pt. 1 (09:38) - Thomas starts off the track by creating a lofi inspired synth keyboard patch that will be used as the basis for the whole song. This video also shows how simple chord progressions can be created to give flavor to a track.
• Lofi Synth Chords Pt. 2 (08:36) - This video wraps up the development on this synth patch by demonstrating some simple effects processing. Additionally, this video covers the chords and musical key that will be used in the song.
• The Drums (09:47) - Watch how to create the basic rhythm for the song using samples from classic drum machines, as well as what types of samples are used in Alternative RnB and RnB songs.
• Percussion (09:03) - Thomas adds some simple percussion to give life to the rhythm section of the track, which enhances the drum beat and adds a nice rhythmic shuffle to everything.
• Bass Guitar (12:06) - Watch how to add a vintage inspired bass guitar to the track. Additionally, Thomas shows how a parallel processed layer can be used to create a dreamy chorus-y bass part.
Adding Layers
• Juno Keys (08:51) - Learn how synthesized keyboard patches can be used to make dynamic chord patches. This synth patch also utilizes some interesting modulations to make a simple, yet interesting patch.
• Wah Wah Guitar (10:05) - This video shows how to make a wah wah guitar patch from a simple sampled guitar, which will add additional flavor to the track and make it have a bit more of a throw back RnB feel.
• Rhodes Chords (05:35) - See how to create an additional chord layer for the main section of the song, by utilizing a Rhodes keyboard, which is an excellent layering element for creating a full sounding chord arrangements.
• Glass Synth Keys (12:28) - Learn how to create a quirky synth keys patch that can be used to fill out the final chorus. This sound also uses some compressed delay and reverb processing to add additional ambience to the patch.
Final Arrangement & Vocals
• Basic Arrangement (07:49) - This video shows how to make the basic arrangement and song structure of the track.
• Verse Vocals Pt. 1 (08:57) - In this first video on vocals, Thomas explains the vocal recording setup and starts showing how he would go about processing the verse vocals.
• Verse Vocals Pt. 2 (12:35) - This video wraps the verse vocal production and shows some additional processing and effects to finish it off right.
• Chorus Vocals Pt. 1 (13:06) - Learn how to process the chorus vocals of the track by using processors such as EQ, compression, and parallel compression.
• Chorus Vocals Pt. 2 (09:08) - This final chorus vocal video teaches you how to process the vocals to give them that finished sound you find in commercially released songs.
• Fills & Variation (13:40) - To wrap up the course, Thomas shows how to make some interesting fills and automation moves that make the track more exciting. Watch how!