Step Sequencer Presets
Our browser-based sound board works on desktop, tablets, and phones. You can play it three ways: mouse, keyboard, or touch—pick what feels best for live beat making.
Mouse: quick exploration
Click pads in different orders to sketch ideas and learn the layout. Mouse input is great for testing sounds, but rapid combos and precise multi-pad hits are harder to pull off compared to keyboard or touch.
Keyboard: fastest for complex rhythms
Each pad is mapped to a specific keyboard key, letting you trigger several pads nearly at once for tight rhythms and fills. If some keys don't fire together, that's likely a hardware limit called key rollover (NKRO)—try different key groups (e.g., ZXCV row with ASDF), or use an external keyboard with higher rollover support. Keep the browser tab focused so system hotkeys don't intercept your presses.
Touch (mobile/tablet): natural finger drumming
Tap pads with one or multiple fingers to practice live patterns. Multi-finger taps help you learn layered parts (e.g., add a clap while you keep the kick going). If your screen is small, rotate the device to the orientation that gives you the most comfortable pad spacing.
Bluetooth audio latency (important)
Bluetooth headphones and speakers add delay between hitting a pad and hearing the sound. For the tightest response, use wired headphones/speakers or your device's built-in speaker. If you must use Bluetooth, keep the device close and avoid heavy background apps to minimize lag.
Quick start
The step sequencer and the sound board are a perfect combo for learning beats and how to perform them live. Pick a preset (or make your own), watch the pad animations to see the order of hits, then replay the same pattern on the drum pad—step by step.
How to use it
Pick or create a preset
Choose a sequencer preset that matches your vibe—or build a simple one yourself. Press play and watch the pad animations to understand the hit order and feel of the groove.
Copy the pattern, one layer at a time
Start simple. Let the sequencer keep the drums going while you play just one element live—for example, vocal shots or piano with one hand. This teaches the movement without overwhelming you.
Drill core pieces separately
Practice only the 808 line until it's comfortable. Then practice only the snare pattern. Breaking a complex beat into focused pieces helps your fingers learn faster.
Add complexity gradually
When a single layer feels natural, combine two: e.g., 808 + snare. Then add hats, shots, or extra rhythms. Increase complexity bit by bit—don't jump to the busiest version at once.
Repeat the cycle with new presets
Rotate through different presets. Each one trains new finger paths and timing ideas, building confidence for live play.
Daily routine (short & simple)
Tips that help
- Learn the order of hits first, then speed and flair come naturally.
- If a section feels hard, strip it down to one sound and rebuild.
- Consistency wins: repeat a little every day to build finger muscle memory.
What is an online sound board?
A sound board is a grid of pads you tap or press to trigger sounds (kick, snare, hats, shots, loops). It runs in your browser on desktop, tablet, or phone.
How is beatmaking different from finger-drumming?
Beatmaking is building a pattern; finger-drumming is performing that pattern live with your hands. You can design a groove in the sequencer, then learn to play the same groove on the pads.
How do I start if I'm new?
Pick a sequencer preset, press play, and watch the pad animations. Copy the pattern one piece at a time—start with drums, then add other sounds.
Do the sounds change between presets?
The sound board stays the same; the sequencer presets change the pattern. That consistency makes learning and memorizing layouts easier.
Can I create my own patterns?
Yes—build a simple pattern in the sequencer, learn it on the pads, then increase complexity step by step.
How do I practice complex beats?
Break them into layers. Let the sequencer run the drums while you play only vocal shots or piano with one hand. Then drill the 808 line by itself, and the snare pattern by itself. Combine layers when each one feels comfortable.
What's the best way to build finger muscle memory?
Short, daily reps. Repeat the same pattern for a minute or two, then add a small variation (extra hat, moved kick, one-bar fill).
Why do some multi-key hits not trigger on my keyboard?
That's likely keyboard "rollover" limits (NKRO). Try different key groups or an external keyboard with better rollover support.
Why is there a delay with Bluetooth audio?
Bluetooth adds latency. For the tightest response, use wired headphones/speakers or your device's built-in speaker.
Should I use mouse, keyboard, or touch?
Mouse is great for exploring sounds. Keyboard and multi-touch feel better for fast patterns and layered hits—pick what's most comfortable for you.
How do I know which pad to hit next?
Follow the pad animations from the sequencer. They show the order of hits so you can mirror the same moves on the sound board.
How do I get unstuck on a tricky section?
Strip it down to one sound, slow your movements (don't rush), and loop just that fragment until it feels natural. Then rebuild the full phrase.
What's a simple path to progress each session?
1) Choose a preset. 2) Learn one layer. 3) Combine layers. 4) Add a tiny variation. Consistency beats long, irregular sessions.
Can I perform live with sequencer help?
Yes—let the sequencer hold a part of the groove while you play another part live. As you improve, take over more layers on the pads.