One of the most exciting aspects of modern music production is that it's easier than ever to incorporate the art of sampling into your beats. Even if you don't have access to hardware samplers, you can effectively learn how to chop samples within your DAW whether you use Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic, or Cubase.

Below, we'll explain the basics behind sample chopping so that you can start incorporating this funky technique into your beats.

Understanding Sample Chopping

So what exactly is sample chopping? As the name suggests, sample chopping is a creative process in which an audio file is dissected into smaller parts and placed within the context of a song. Sampling can add atmosphere, texture, and interest to a piece of music, especially if a sample carries cultural significance on its own.

However, it should be noted that any samples pulled from copyrighted work that you do not own the rights to must be "cleared" to be used in your own composition, as explained in this article on how to get a sample clearance .

As long as you're using royalty-free samples or samples you own, you don't have to worry about an additional clearance.

Permissions aside, sample chopping has a rich history, especially within the context of hip-hop and electronic music. Dub reggae producers like Lee Perry and King Tubby were among the first to incorporate sampling as a key part of their process. Reggae beats were sampled to create riddim tracks, which were then DJ-ed over to create a new, inventive sound. These techniques slowly trickled over to American communities through Jamaican immigrants during the 1970s.

Finding and Preparing Samples

There are several ways to source samples for your music. If you're prepared to license and clear samples from copyrighted works, you can sample published sources like CDs, vinyl records, or any digital recordings you might have in your library. Alternatively, you can source royalty-free samples from libraries like BPM Supreme which can be used with a subscription instead of individual licenses.

You can also purchase sample packs from independent creators or get plugins like Output's Arcade, which provides an ever-expanding sample library. Commercial sample packs and sample libraries are likely already prepped accordingly, but it's a good idea to check the gain on each of your samples to ensure that they are at the proper level in your mix. A good point of reference is that sample chops shouldn't be louder than your vocals or other lead instruments.

Essential Tools for Sample Slicing

Here are some of the main tools that you might use in the music production process:

• DAW: Your digital audio workstation is the primary tool for modern sample chopping and comes with a whole host of stock samples and sounds you can use in your music without additional licensing. Many DAWs also come with a stock "sampler" plugin which may make it easier for you to edit, adjust, and flip audio files.
• MIDI Controller: A MIDI keyboard or controller isn't technically necessary in order to play chopped and flipped samples (you can use your computer's built-in keyboard in place of a MIDI controller in your DAW), but it will definitely enhance your productivity. A MIDI controller makes it easy to load and play samples with a couple of clicks within your DAW, making it easy to audition different sounds while you're building beats.
• Hardware Sampler or Drum Machine: The most old-school, but still very valid way of sampling beats is to get a hardware sampler or drum machine. Some popular hardware samplers include the AKAI MPC series or Roland SP-404 consoles.

Check out a popular hardware sampler in action here, with this Roland SP 404 MKII workflow walkthrough:

Creating Sample Slices

Once you have the tools you need to sample audio properly and a sample library itself, it's time to start making your sample "selects". To do this, you'll take individual samples and divide them into small segments or slices. These slices usually include ear-catching melodies, hooks, or any other sound that will draw your listener into your composition.

A single sample can be sliced into several parts, which can then be placed directly onto your beat grid, processed with additional effects, or loaded onto a piano roll or MIDI keyboard to configure your samples into a playable format. Many samplers also have an "auto slice" function, where the sampler will suggest sample chop placement to give you a head start on your selection.

For example, this video details how Ableton Live's "Sampler" can help you speed up the process by automatically chopping samples at transients, and other predefined points:

You can experiment with different slicing points over the course of a sample and take what works for you. If you're struggling to find enough nuggets to enhance your composition, consider reversing the sample. Any drastic resampling technique like changing the speed, reversing, or changing the pitch of the sample can totally change the way you hear the audio, so definitely consider playing around with these techniques.

I often like to duplicate the same sample across several tracks so that I can freely manipulate the source audio in multiple ways without worrying about going too far into processing.

When in doubt, keep your source sample on a clean, deactivated audio track where you can reference the original audio moving forward when needed if you find yourself going down a rabbit hole of resampling and processing.

Set Appropriate End Points and Clean Your Samples As Needed

Whenever you're working with samples, picking where the sound ends is just as important as selecting where the sound starts. For instance, you wouldn't want to necessarily have your sample end wherever there are transient peaks. Also, you might want to consider cleaning up any loose ends of your samples before you add them to a piano roll or MIDI instrument track.

Remember, most sample processing is additive, meaning that every layer bakes into the previous processing. If there is a resonant tone you'd like to EQ out, or wish to fade out the loose end of a sample, reign it in before moving further along in your project.

Some producers might also wish to normalize their samples before placement within a composition to ensure that they all come in at more or less the same levels. Take a look at an Ableton producer working through that process for reference:

5 Strategies for Effective Sample Chopping and Sequencing

Now that you know how to find and curate samples, it's time to put your chopped samples to good use! Employ these strategies to help your samples sit properly in the mix:

Use Timing to Your Advantage

If I'm ever in a rut, I like to treat any samples as I would a drum sample. What do I mean by that? Well, if you're not sure where you should place your first slice, opt for the downbeat of the measure (beat 1), like a great introductory kick drum. Any samples placed on the strong beats of a track can instantly add some groove if you're not sure where to start building your new pattern of sound.

Stack Your Samples

Samples can also be stacked on top of one another, similar to what you might do with notes creating a chord progression, or when stacking individual vocal tracks to create backing vocal harmonies. You can use your DAW's stock plugins to pitch shift your samples at third intervals to create harmonized sample layers. Even shifting the pitch formant just slightly can have a cool effect.

Use a Drum Machine

You can try putting your samples into a drum machine or instruments like Ableton's drum rack to build a rhythmic pattern of chopped samples. You can even experiment with tools like Magenta Labs' AI-assisted "Generate" plugin, which can help you randomize a unique combination of your sequenced samples, serving as your sample-focused writing partner as showcased here:

Incorporate Loops

For a longer sample section, experiment with looping. You could loop a melody line sample and use that as the foundation for the rest of your beat. There are plenty of classic hip hop songs that borrow hooks from looped, sampled classics. For instance, you can hear the piano riff from Andrea True Connection's More, More, More in Len's Steal My Sunshine :

Make Samples out of The World Around You

Don't forget that you don't have to just use sample packs or pre-made sounds in your music. Go out of your comfort zone and add sounds from your world to your sample player! Any smartphone microphone recording is perfect for capturing sound to incorporate into your beats. Whether it's the sound of the train, nearby birds, or even conversation, using samples from your day-to-day life can give your track a more personalized feel.

Making the Most out of a Chopped Sample

When it comes down to it, a sample chop is just another tool in your music production palette. Pop and Hip Hop producers use chops to add interest to their musical compositions, making them a great resource for any producer!

Hopefully, some of these strategies help you uncover new creative possibilities, but remember that flipping samples is all about experimentation. There isn't one right or wrong way to chop and manipulate individual slices of sound. Have fun playing with your sampler and other editing tools to make your chops stand out from the crowd!