Gunna Beat: How to Make Beats Like Gunna in FL Studio
Key takeaways
- Gunna beats feature upright and grand pianos combined with strings and vocal chops
- FL Studio is the primary DAW used for making Gunna type beats
- Drum patterns emphasize tight 808s, hi-hats, and snares with swing
- Processing samples and layering vocals are critical for the signature vibe
- Dirkey’s 'MAKE BELIEVE' collection offers sound kits tailored for Gunna style
Gunna Beat: How to Make Beats Like Gunna in FL Studio
Gunna's beats are characterized by smooth melodic elements combined with trap drums, creating a signature vibe that blends elegance with street energy. To make beats for Gunna, producers typically use FL Studio, layering upright and grand piano melodies with strings, vocal chops, and hard-hitting drums. For those interested in crafting similar sounds, Dirkey's MAKE BELIEVE collection provides exclusive sound kits designed to capture Gunna's style.
Understanding the Core Elements of a Gunna Beat
The foundation of a Gunna beat lies in its melodic instrumentation. Upright piano plays a crucial role, offering a soulful and jazzy feel that complements the trap rhythm. Alongside this, string instruments add atmospheric depth, enhancing the emotional tone of the beat. Grand piano layers provide richness and fullness, making the melody more dynamic and engaging.

Video: How To Make Beats For Gunna
Vocals, especially chopped and processed samples, are another hallmark. These vocal chops are often sourced from platforms like Splice and manipulated through pitch-shifting and filtering to create unique textures that sit well within the mix.
Creating Melodies with Upright and Grand Piano
Melody creation starts with selecting the right piano sounds. Upright piano patches are chosen for their warm and organic tone, while grand piano samples bring clarity and resonance. When programming melodies:
- Use simple, repetitive phrases that build atmosphere without overcrowding the mix.
- Layer the upright piano with string pads or sustained notes to add depth.
- Experiment with chord progressions that evoke a mellow yet catchy mood.
This layering technique is essential to evoke the luxurious yet raw energy found in Gunna’s music.
Incorporating Vocal Samples and Processing
Vocal chops are integral to the Gunna beat aesthetic. Producers typically take short vocal snippets, then:
- Slice them into rhythmic patterns matching the beat.
- Apply pitch correction or creative pitch shifting for a melodic effect.
- Use filters, reverb, and delay to integrate the vocals smoothly.
These vocal samples add a human element and enhance the emotional resonance of the track.
Building the Drum Pattern: The Backbone of Gunna Beats
Drums in Gunna beats are tight, punchy, and rhythmic. Key components include:
- 808 bass: Deep, sustained 808s with glide and subtle distortion give the low-end punch.
- Hi-hats: Fast rolls and triplets with varying velocities add groove and bounce.
- Snares and claps: Crisp snares on the 2 and 4 beats, often layered with claps for texture.
Drum programming should maintain a balance between complexity and space, allowing the melodic elements to shine.
Processing and Mixing for a Polished Sound
After laying down the melody and drums, processing the beat is crucial:
- Use EQ to carve out space for each instrument, especially cutting unnecessary low frequencies from non-bass elements.
- Compression on drums helps to tighten the rhythm section and add punch.
- Reverb and delay add atmosphere but should be used sparingly to avoid clutter.
Dirkey’s tutorial emphasizes subtle processing of samples to maintain clarity while achieving a cohesive sound.
Common Questions and Tips from Producers
Many producers wonder about the best approach to vocal chops or drum patterns when aiming for a Gunna type beat. Feedback from beatmakers highlights:
- Keeping vocal chops simple but melodic to avoid overpowering the track.
- Prioritizing drum swing and hi-hat variation to replicate Gunna's rhythmic feel.
- Using quality piano samples and layering to create a lush melodic foundation.
These insights reflect the delicate balance required to produce authentic Gunna beats.
Useful Links
- Dirkey’s MAKE BELIEVE collection with exclusive Gunna-style sounds: https://dirkey.shop/products/dirkey-make-believe-collection
- Dirkey’s official shop for sound kits: https://dirkey.shop/
- Dirkey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirkey_/
- Dirkey’s Discord community: https://discord.gg/wfFCqACbq4
Conclusion
Making beats for Gunna requires attention to melodic detail, creative vocal chops, and precise drum programming, all typically crafted in FL Studio. Dirkey’s tutorial breaks down these elements step-by-step, providing producers with a clear framework to create authentic Gunna type beats. For those serious about mastering this style, exploring Dirkey’s MAKE BELIEVE collection is highly recommended to access tailored sounds that capture Gunna’s vibe perfectly.
Questions & answers
What software is best for making Gunna type beats?
FL Studio is the preferred digital audio workstation for producing Gunna style beats due to its versatile piano roll, sample manipulation, and drum programming features.
How do I create the vocal chops used in Gunna beats?
Vocal chops are created by slicing vocal samples into smaller pieces, then pitch-shifting, filtering, and sequencing them rhythmically to complement the beat's melody and groove.
What drum elements are key in a Gunna beat?
Key drum elements include deep 808 bass, fast hi-hat rolls with varying velocities, and crisp snares or claps on the backbeat to create a dynamic trap rhythm.
Are there any recommended sound kits for Gunna beats?
Yes, Dirkey’s MAKE BELIEVE collection offers sound kits specifically designed for Gunna type beats, featuring pianos, strings, drums, and vocal samples that capture the artist's signature style.
Source: How To Make Beats For Gunna · Markdown version