Online drum machine

Click the grid to build a beat, pick a preset, and press Play (or the space bar).

Practicing with a drum machine

Questions

How does a step sequencer work?

The grid is one bar split into 16 steps (sixteenth notes). Each row is a drum sound. Steps light up as the playhead moves, and every lit square plays its sound.

How do I make a basic rock beat?

Kick on steps 1 and 9, snare on 5 and 13, and closed hi-hat on every odd step (1, 3, 5…). Load the Rock preset to hear it.

What does swing do?

Swing delays every second sixteenth note slightly, turning a straight feel into a shuffle or groove. Around 20–35% suits hip-hop and funk.

Can I save or share my beat?

Your last beat is remembered on this device. Share beat copies a link that recreates the pattern and tempo for anyone who opens it.