How to make your first beat on Korg Electribe Sampler


Korg Electribe Sampler: First Beat Instructions

These instructions will guide you through setting up a simple four-on-the-floor kick, a snare, and a hi-hat pattern.

Step 1: Initialize a New Pattern

This ensures you are starting from a clean slate.

  1. Press the SHIFT button (top left).

  2. While holding SHIFT, press the WRITE button (near the screen). This brings up the Utility menu.

  3. Turn the VALUE knob (bottom right) until the screen reads Initialize.

  4. Press the WRITE button to select Initialize.

  5. Press the WRITE button again to confirm. The Electribe will say "Completed".

Step 2: Set the Tempo and Swing

The tempo (BPM) sets the speed of your beat.

  1. Press the TEMPO button (near the screen).

  2. Turn the TEMPO knob (right side, above the VALUE knob) to set a speed. A good starting point is 120 BPM.

  3. Press the PATTERN SET button (next to the screen).

  4. Turn the VALUE knob until the screen reads Swing. Set the swing value to 0% for a straight beat.

Step 3: Program the Kick Drum

We will use Part 1 for the kick drum.

  1. Press the PART SELECT button (top right) repeatedly until the Part 1 indicator LED is lit.

  2. Select a Kick Sound:

    • Turn the TYPE knob (top center) until the screen shows Sample (or Oscillator if you want to use the internal synth for a kick).

    • Turn the CATEGORY knob (next to TYPE) to browse drum categories.

    • Turn the SELECT knob (next to CATEGORY) to find a suitable Kick sound (e.g., a simple 909 or 808 style).

  3. Enter Step Mode:

    • Press the STEP button (bottom right). The 16 pads will now represent the steps in your 16-step sequence.

  4. Place the Kick Notes:

    • A standard four-on-the-floor beat places the kick on steps 1, 5, 9, and 13.

    • Tap the pads corresponding to steps 1, 5, 9, and 13 to turn them on (the LEDs should light up).

  5. Press the START/STOP button to hear your basic rhythm.

Step 4: Program the Snare Drum

We will use Part 2 for the snare.

  1. Press the PART SELECT button again until the Part 2 indicator LED is lit.

  2. Select a Snare Sound: Use the TYPE, CATEGORY, and SELECT knobs to find a Snare sound.

  3. Place the Snare Notes:

    • With STEP mode still active, a standard beat places the snare on the 2nd and 4th beat.

    • Tap the pads corresponding to steps 5 and 13 to turn them off (since Part 1 had kicks there).

    • Tap the pads corresponding to steps 5 and 13 again (you are now on Part 2) to place the snare notes. Wait, this is confusing. Let's make it clearer:

    • Snare is on the "back-beat," which are steps 5 and 13 in a 4/4 16-step pattern.

    • Tap the pads for steps 5 and 13 to turn them on.

  4. Press START/STOP to hear the Kick and Snare working together.

Step 5: Program the Hi-Hat

We will use Part 3 for the closed hi-hat.

  1. Press the PART SELECT button again until the Part 3 indicator LED is lit.

  2. Select a Hi-Hat Sound: Use the TYPE, CATEGORY, and SELECT knobs to find a Closed Hi-Hat (CH) sound.

  3. Place the Hi-Hat Notes:

    • The simplest hi-hat pattern is on every other step, giving an "and" count.

    • Tap the pads for Steps 3, 7, 11, and 15 to turn them on. (You can experiment and put them on every step if you like!)

  4. Press START/STOP to hear the full beat.

Step 6: Save Your Pattern

Always save your work!

  1. Press the WRITE button (near the screen). The screen will prompt you to choose a Pattern Number (A1, A2, etc.).

  2. Turn the VALUE knob or use the PATTERN pads (A-D and 1-16) to select an empty slot.

  3. Press the WRITE button again to save the pattern. The Electribe will say "Completed".

Next Steps 

  • Adjust Sounds: Experiment with the AMP/ENVELOPE and FILTER knobs (top left) while the pattern is playing to make your kick, snare, and hi-hat sound punchier.

  • Add an Open Hi-Hat: Use Part 4 for an Open Hi-Hat and place it on steps where the Closed Hi-Hat is not playing for a more complex rhythm.

  • Motion Sequencing: Turn on MOTION SEQ (near the TEMPO knob) and turn any knob (like Filter Cutoff) to record the knob movement into the pattern!


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