Learn how to program authentic Jungle drums using breakbeats, layering, EQ, compression and classic Amen Break techniques in Ableton Live.


Stranjah is one of the most respected Drum and Bass educators on YouTube, and this is the first part of an excellent three-part series covering Jungle drum programming.

In this tutorial, he demonstrates how to build classic Jungle drum patterns using a combination of programmed drums, breakbeats and modern production techniques. You'll learn how to create a solid rhythmic foundation, layer Amen breaks, shape drum transients and process your drums to achieve a punchy, professional sound.

Although Stranjah uses Ableton Live, the techniques can easily be applied to other DAWs including FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, Studio One and Reaper.



What You'll Learn

  • Programming Jungle drum patterns from scratch
  • Using the Amen Break in Drum and Bass production
  • Layering breaks and one-shots for more punch
  • Jungle drum EQ techniques
  • Pitching drum samples creatively
  • Using multiband compression and distortion
  • Building a simple bassline around your drums
  • Creating professional sounding Jungle grooves


The Amen Break

The Amen Break is one of the most influential drum loops in music history. Originally taken from Amen Brother by The Winstons (1969), it became one of the defining sounds of Jungle and Drum and Bass.

In this tutorial, Stranjah demonstrates how to combine the Amen Break with programmed drums to create the energetic, rolling rhythms that define classic Jungle music.

He also explains how to process individual drum hits and breakbeats to achieve a cleaner, more modern sound.


Video Breakdown

00:00 - 07:00 Building the Jungle Drum Foundation

Creating the core groove using programmed drums, breakbeats and basic sequencing techniques.

07:00 - 10:00 Jungle Drum EQ

Learn how to shape drum transients, improve clarity and make your drums sit better in the mix.

10:00 - 11:00 Pitching Drums

A simple but often overlooked technique that can dramatically change the character, weight and placement of drum sounds within a mix.

11:00 - 12:00 Additional Hits and Layering

Using extra drum hits and layers to increase punch, control and overall impact.

12:00 - 14:00 Multiband Compression and Distortion

Using dynamics processing and saturation to enhance transients, glue drum elements together and add energy.

14:00 - End Adding a Simple Bassline

A basic bassline is added to demonstrate how the drums interact within a full Jungle arrangement.


Why This Tutorial Is Worth Watching

One of the strengths of this tutorial is that it focuses on practical Jungle drum programming rather than simply showing plugin settings.

You'll learn the reasoning behind the drum arrangement, layering and processing decisions, making it easier to apply the techniques to your own productions.

The workflow shown can be adapted to:

  • Jungle
  • Drum and Bass
  • Jump Up
  • Liquid DnB
  • Minimal Drum and Bass
  • Breakbeat


Continue the Series

Part 2 - Jungle Production Tutorial

Part 3 - Jungle Production Tutorial


You may also enjoy our Drum and Bass Drum Patterns Tutorial and Drum and Bass Bassline Tutorial for more rhythm and groove ideas.