How to Layer Kicks (Properly!) - EDM Tips

How to Layer Kicks (Properly!)

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Layering kicks in electronic dance music is a tried and tested way to get control over arguably one of the the most important foundations of your track.

What happens when you LOVE the low-end “thump” of a kick sample, but it just doesn’t cut through your mix? Sure, you could swap it for a sample with more high-frequencies, but then you could be sacrificing the bass…

OR, you might have a kick tuned to the key of your track (you should!), but it might lose the mid-range tone you like if you pitch it down or up.

This SIMPLE technique is used by some of the world’s biggest EDM producers (David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Nicky Romero and Axwell to name but a few) – and for good reason. In this short video, I show you how to do it properly in under 5 minutes (with a bonus tip at the end). Check it out, and I hope you enjoy!

(If you want to learn how to layer pads, click here, and if you want to layer lead synths, click here).

Do you have any techniques for getting the most out of your kicks, or have any questions? Let me know in the comments!

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About the Author

My name's Will Darling. I've been making and playing dance music for over 25 years, and share what I've learnt on EDM Tips. Get in touch on Facebook.

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