RIDDIM LAB

Build the beat

The drum machine is where a riddim is born. Before a singer ever reaches the mic, a producer programs the kick, snare and hi-hat and lays the offbeat skank that gives reggae and dancehall their bounce. Tap a riddim, hit play, and build your own.

RIDDIM MACHINESTEP SEQUENCER

BPMSWING0%

VOL

RIDDIM

Kickdeep boom

Snarebody + noise

Rimcross stick

Closed hattight

Open hatsizzle

Claplayered

Basssub

Skankoffbeat chord

LEARN

What is a riddim?

A riddim is more than a backing track. It can be a reusable musical system where drums, bass, offbeat chords, producers, studios, labels, selectors and artists all shape how versions travel through dances and recordings. Program the drums here, then follow the links to hear how the same riddim carries different songs.