How do I create my own click track?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How do I create my own click track?

I don't like not being able to control the volume of the metronome, so I'd like to replace it with a click track. The percussion loops that come with Garage Band are too complicated; I want something that just pounds out quarter notes. It seems like the thing to do is to create my own click track and save it for reuse.

Here's what I've done so far: I decided I wanted a 120 bpm track, so I created a song that has a single software drum instrument. I went into the track editor and created one measure of quarter notes with a basic drum sound. I can duplicate this as long as I like, and it keeps perfect time.

So far so good. Now what I want to do is incorporate this click track into a different song. How do I do this? I don't see a way of pulling in tracks from a different song. I guess that's what loops are for, but I can't figure out how to record my own loops. Elsewhere in the forum I've seen references to an "Add loops to library" option, but I can't find that in my version of Garage Band. Is loop creation something that was added after version 1.0?

PowerBook G4 12" Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Apr 5, 2006 9:02 AM

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Answer 1

xs4is

Level 4

2,800 points

Apr 5, 2006 10:21 AM in response to billmcn

Create a Software instrument track, pick a drum kit (or any clicky sounding instrument) and record a click track that is in line with the time signature of your song. You can then quantize the notes so they snap to the grid.

You only have to record a measure or two, then you can drag it out as long as you want it.

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Answer 2

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Apr 5, 2006 12:55 PM in response to billmcn

The add to Loop Library is a version 2 feature.

To use the region you've created in another song, select it, copy it, open your next file, create a drum track and paste in your region.

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Answer 3

xs4is

Level 4

2,800 points

Apr 5, 2006 1:09 PM in response to xs4is

I guess I didn't read the thread in it's entirety. Sorry 'bout that.

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Answer 4

Apr 5, 2006 3:59 PM in response to xs4is

I personally prefer to use a simple drum loop as a click track, just to get a better feel for a song. It's more like playing with somebody that way. But there are times when a make a simple click track. Way up high in most of the drum kits is finger snaps, that if you max the velocity, can do well for a click track.

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