Learn How to Produce No Problem by Chase & Status with Stranjah


Welcome to another exceptional tutorial by the master of drum and bass education, Stranjah. This tutorial breaks down the arrangement, music theory, production, and sound design techniques used in the iconic Chase and Status track, "No Problem".




Overview

This holistic guide is designed for both beginners and those seeking a deeper understanding of drum and bass production. The tutorial combines practical demonstrations, equipment insights, music theory, and sampling techniques to equip aspiring producers with valuable skills for their music production journey.


1. Drum Production

The tutorial kicks off with a focus on drum production, emphasizing two-step drum and bass beats. Explore the use of drum loops from The Teddy Killers and DJ Crystal's fragments pack, highlighting the importance of layering and EQ for shaping the sound. Learn the art of removing unnecessary frequencies for a clean mix.


2. Sub-Bass

Craft the sub-bass using a square wave and a low-pass filter to eliminate high frequencies. Apply an amp envelope to introduce a subtle attack, enhancing the impact of bass hits. The tutorial emphasizes crafting a rhythmic pattern for the bass, showcasing a dotted quarter note pattern for a distinct groove.


3. Rave Lead and Acid Bass Stab

Discover the iconic Rave lead from Prodigy's "Charlie," imported into Ableton Sampler. Learn to create a sharp stab, adjust pitch, and apply reverb and delay for the desired effect. Additionally, design an acid bass stab using Serum, experimenting with pulse waves, PWM modulation, and extensive filter, overdrive, and EQ adjustments.


4. Equipment and Software Used

Gain insights into the essential equipment and software used in the production process, including Ableton Live as the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), external drum loops, Serum for synthesis, Ableton Sampler for sampling, and various effects processors for shaping sounds.


5. Music Theory

While primarily practical, the tutorial subtly integrates music theory concepts. Explore drum patterns, bassline rhythms, melody creation through sampling, bassline modulation, and 16-bar phrasing for dynamic composition, aligning these elements with foundational principles of drum and bass music.


6. Sampling and Sound Design

Delve into the creative processes of sampling and sound design. Learn how to sample the Rave lead from an existing track, design the sub-bass through careful sound shaping, and synthesize the Reese lead in Serum. Experiment with layering, processing, glide, and portamento effects to enhance the sonic palette.


Step-by-Step Guide


  1. Introduction:

    • Watch the tutorial video from start to finish to familiarize yourself with the overall process.
    • Take notes on key techniques, settings, and equipment used.

  2. Setting Up Your Workspace:

    • Open your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), ensuring it's updated.
    • Load any necessary plugins, including Serum and Ableton Sampler.

  3. Drum Production:

    • Import or recreate the two-step drum and bass beats in your DAW.
    • Experiment with layering drum loops and ensure proper EQ adjustments for each layer.
    • Check for a clean mix by removing unnecessary frequencies, especially in the bottom end.

  4. Sub-Bass Creation:

    • Generate a sub-bass using a square wave and apply a low-pass filter to eliminate high frequencies.
    • Experiment with envelope settings to achieve a subtle attack on the bass hits.
    • Craft a rhythmic pattern for the sub-bass, incorporating a dotted quarter note pattern for groove.

  5. Rave Lead and Acid Bass Stab:

    • Import a sample from Prodigy's "Charlie" into Ableton Sampler to create the iconic Rave lead.
    • Adjust pitch, apply reverb, and experiment with delay settings for the desired effect.
    • Use Serum to design an acid bass stab, playing with pulse waves, PWM modulation, and various filters.

  6. Equipment and Software Setup:

    • Ensure your computer and DAW are running smoothly.
    • Confirm the availability and proper functioning of plugins, especially Serum and Ableton Sampler.

  7. Music Theory:

    • Implement two-step drum and bass beats in your drum production, aligning with the rhythmic backbone of the genre.
    • Apply a dotted quarter note pattern to the sub-bass to create a distinctive groove.
    • Experiment with 16-bar phrasing, especially during drum pattern switch-ups.

  8. Sampling and Sound Design Techniques:

    • Sample a section from an existing track to create the Rave lead, following the tutorial's guidelines.
    • Experiment with sound shaping for the sub-bass, ensuring it aligns with the desired characteristics.
    • Synthesize the acid bass stab in Serum, paying attention to modulation, filters, and effects.

  9. Layering and Processing:

    • Layer drum loops strategically for a dynamic and engaging rhythm.
    • Apply EQ to sculpt frequencies, reverb, and delay for spatial enhancement, and distortion/drive for warmth.
    • Experiment with layering and processing techniques to enhance the overall sonic palette.

  10. Final Sequence and Review:

    • Arrange the elements in your DAW to recreate the sequence demonstrated in the tutorial.
    • Play the entire sequence and assess how all elements come together.
    • Make adjustments as needed to achieve a balanced and cohesive mix.

  11. Creative Experimentation:

    • Encourage experimentation with modulation, parameter adjustments, and alternative techniques.
    • Make the production process your own by adding personal touches and exploring variations.

  12. Feedback and Iteration:

    • Share your work with peers or online communities to gather constructive feedback.
    • Iterate your project based on feedback and refine the overall quality.


For other Chase and Status re-production tutorials and production help please check out How to produce like chase and status