Something Really Cool - Using Only MIDI To Make Backing Tracks

I had no idea that I could use my MixCraft program to piece together backing tracks using MIDI bass and drums. It is so awesome! Here's how to do it...

1. Right mouse click on any audio track and choose “Insert Track,” and then select “Virtual Instrument Track.”
2. Double left mouse click anywhere on the new track (in the white area). This will create an Instrument Track to edit.
3. Click on the picture of the piano keys under the name of the track. Here you can select the MIDI instrument you want. I se bass (electric) and “Percussion - Drum Kits” and choose “Drum Machine Kit 1.” There's a nice kick drum in there that sounds like the one Dave Hum uses. This is how Dave Hum made his drum lines, but he used Reason instead of MixCraft. Reason, to me, is MUCH more complicated! I made this backing track for My Grandfather's Clock in the Key of G, Dave Hum style, but it is not done yet. I am still learning how to get the timing right. The process is simple, and does not even require using a bass guitar at all! The track you just heard is strict MIDI instruments from my computer's sound card, that I made into an MP3 to share.

There are two things to remember that I have learned:

1. Make your drum track first and then use that as a guide to lay down your bass beats (synced with).
2. You can get a human feel to your backing track by adjusting the duration of certain bass beats, to give it rhythm and a bounce feel at times. In other words, I tried to make my bass beats sound like Dave Hum's playing. Dave is actually playing a bass I believe, but he is definitely using a MIDI tambourine and kick drum (his two favorite percussion instruments).

Also, in the lower portion of your MixCraft screen, in the MIDI editing area, I set mine to “Snap 1/16.” This allows you to set your beats at 1/16 beats. If you want even more precision, choose “Snap 1/32” or even “1/64.” If you get good at your timing, you can create backing tracks that sound VERY realistic. It took my a few hours to make my track, but it was my first one, so I think it came out really good. Cool huh?