In this article, you’ll learn the basics of how to program drum parts using Guitar Pro – one of many great software options for making beats, recording song ideas and more.
Some drummers might see programming drums as blasphemous. But there are many reasons we should learn how to do it:
It can be hard to find existing scores for your favorite drum beats.
Beginners may find it difficult to understand how a PDF score sounds.
Many drummers want to write down compositions to make practice easier.
One platform is a well established program called Guitar Pro. Guitarists or bassists aren’t the only musicians that can benefit from it; drummers can also use it to make progress and practice, and to edit and share scores. Many Guitar Pro files are available for free, which is a huge plus.
Use programmed drums to practice
Guitar Pro features several useful practice tools, like a metronome with a count-in. The “Progressive Speed” feature lets you speed up and play along at your own pace.
You can also use Guitar Pro for backing tracks. Just select the ones you need to hear when practicing:
Edit your scores
Click and edit your score with the virtual drums view:
Choose between three different musical notations: tablature, standard and slash. And you can also edit your score using the guitar tablature notation.
Thomas Duflos
is a guitar teacher, arranger, composer and multi-instrumentalist, and in charge of marketing and communication for Guitar Pro. Sharing his passion for music is his full-time job.