Beat Production and Rhythm Programming Flashcards
7 cards from real CMP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Beat Production and Rhythm Programming flashcards as text
What is 'quantization' in the context of MIDI drum programming?
Answer: Snapping MIDI note timings to the nearest rhythmic grid position
Quantization snaps recorded MIDI notes to the nearest rhythmic grid position, correcting timing imperfections so the performance aligns to the chosen note value.
In drum programming, what is a 'ghost note'?
Answer: A very low-velocity snare hit that adds subtle rhythmic texture between primary hits
Ghost notes are very soft, low-velocity snare hits that fill rhythmic space between louder accented hits, adding groove and human feel to programmed drum parts.
What does BPM stand for in music production?
Answer: Beats Per Minute
BPM stands for Beats Per Minute, the standard unit used to measure and set the tempo of a musical piece.
What is 'swing' (also called shuffle) in rhythm programming?
Answer: Delaying even-numbered subdivisions slightly behind the grid to create a laid-back, rolling feel
Swing delays the even-numbered (off-beat) subdivisions slightly behind the straight grid, creating a triplet-influenced, bouncy groove characteristic of jazz, hip-hop, and soul.
In a standard 4/4 time signature drum pattern, which beat is the snare drum most commonly placed on?
Answer: Beats 2 and 4
In most popular music genres, the snare drum is placed on beats 2 and 4, known as the backbeat, which creates the fundamental rhythmic anchor of the groove.
What is 'velocity' in MIDI drum programming?
Answer: A value (typically 0–127) representing how hard a drum note is struck, controlling its volume and timbre
In MIDI, velocity is a 0–127 value representing strike intensity; higher velocity produces louder, often brighter or more aggressive drum sounds, closely mimicking real drumming dynamics.
What is a step sequencer primarily used for in beat production?
Answer: Programming rhythmic patterns by activating discrete steps in a fixed grid without recording in real time
A step sequencer lets producers program beats by toggling on/off individual time steps in a grid (e.g., 16 steps per bar), without needing to play or record notes in real time.