Guideline of the Month: Simpler is usually better.

When some people begin using BeepBox, they just randomly splash notes all over the place, as shown in the image below. This may look and even sound cool, but there's no real planning behind it, and it can be really overcomplicated to listen to.

Overcomplicated BeepBox (shown above)

Next, here's an example of a more carefully planned BeepBox.

Compare the two. What are some differences you notice?

Drum Channels: Rhythm Basics

On Beats vs. Off Beats

Basic Rhythm Cheat Sheet

The image below shows how to create different rhythm patterns. Many more patterns are possible, but these are the most common.

BeepBox Setup

Your BeepBox experience will be better if you set your preferences properly. The image below shows what preferences should be checked and unchecked when using the app.

Blank BeepBox

All of these are important, but "Display Song Data in URL" is especially important, because that's how you share the work that you've done.

Preferences that SHOULD be checked:

• Auto Follow Track - shows what section is currently playing

• Preview Added Notes - lets you see and hear a note when you add it

• Show Piano Keys - shows what note or drum pitch is being played

• Highlight "Fifth" Notes - extra visual help for melody writing

• Show All Channels - all melody channels can be seen at the same time

• Display Song Data in URL - this allows you to copy the URL and send your work to someone in an email or in a document

These preferences MAY be checked or not - you won't use them much at the start:

• Auto Play On Load - do you want BeepBox to start automatically?

• Octave Scroll Bar - advanced setting

• Enable Channel Muting - advanced setting

I recommend these preferences NOT be checked when you're just starting to work with BeepBox:

• Customize All Instruments - advanced setting

• Full Screen Layout - doesn't work well on all devices

• Light Theme - kind of hard on the eyes (but go ahead, check it if you don't believe me!)