The Complete Guide to Starting Beatmaking in Ableton Live — 25 Carefully Selected Sources from Japanese Articles, International YouTube Channels, and Official Resources
I want to make beats in Ableton Live.
But, there is so much information that I don't know where to start.
Ableton is one of the most feature-rich music production software programs, and a search will yield countless tutorials. However, many of them are geared toward EDM or electronica. When you look for information specialized for hip-hop and beatmaking, you suddenly find a lack of organized guidance.
Moreover, while English resources are surprisingly abundant, you might have had the experience of only finding fragmented information when searching in Japanese.
This article was created to make that problem a little easier to manage.
I have collected 25 pieces of information that should be useful for starting beatmaking in Ableton Live from Japanese articles, blogs, international YouTube channels, and official Ableton resources, and organized them into a route that I think is easy to follow.
Ableton is a DAW with exceptionally comprehensive official free learning resources. Interactive tools like Learning Music and Learning Synths can be used in Japanese. Knowing about these will completely change your starting experience.
How to use this guide
・Sources are a mix of Japanese and English ・Each source has the following language labels attached ・For those who are not good at English, the structure is designed so that
you can learn the basics quite well by following only the 🟢 labels ・You don't need to look at everything. Please proceed along the route that matches your level
🟢 Japanese — Japanese content. Can be read/watched as is
🟢 Understandable via video — Foreign language, but you can understand the content by watching the video/operation screen
🟡 Subtitles available / Simple English — English, but easy to follow as it is video-centered
🔴 English proficiency required — English reading or listening skills required
Choose your route
・Complete beginner (never touched a DAW) → Follow only the 🟢 sources in Sections 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 ・DAW experienced (can use FL Studio / Logic, etc. First time with Ableton) → Lightly go through Section 1 → 2 → 3 → 5 ・English OK (want to learn including international information) → Read through all sections including 🟡🔴 ・Push user / considering it → Prioritize Section 7 "Making with Push", then 3 → 4 ・Want to try for free first (don't have Ableton) → Start from Section 1 "Learning Music", then go to the free trial version of Live
1. Entering the world of Ableton — First, grasp the big picture
Ableton Live has a design philosophy that is slightly different from typical DAWs. In particular, the Session View, a screen where you can manipulate clips in real-time, is a unique Ableton feature suited for sketching beats and live performances. Let's start by grasping "what kind of thing Ableton is."
1-1. Ableton Learning Music
🟢 Japanese | Web App (Free)
This is a completely free interactive music learning tool created by Ableton. It runs entirely in your browser. No software installation required.
You can learn the basics of music—beats, melodies, basslines, chords, and song structure—in a "touch, try, and learn" format. It supports Japanese, so there is no language barrier.
You can use it even if you don't have Ableton Live. For those who want to "get a feel for music production before diving into a DAW," I don't think there is a better entry point than this.
Perfect for: People who want to intuitively grasp the basics of music production before touching a DAW
→ https://learningmusic.ableton.com/
1-2. Ableton Learning Synths
🟢 Japanese | Web App (Free)
A sister site to Learning Music. Here, you can learn the mechanics of synthesizers interactively. Oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs—you can experience how the sound changes while actually manipulating each part of the synth.
This also supports Japanese and works entirely within your browser.
In beatmaking, there are many situations where you need to create bass or synth pad sounds, so it is worth learning the basics of synths at an early stage.
Perfect for: People who are interested in sound design for synths but don't know where to start
→ https://learningsynths.ableton.com/
1-3. Sleepfreaks "How to Use Ableton Live 12" Series
🟢 Japanese | Blog + Video
An Ableton Live 12 usage series by Sleepfreaks, one of Japan's largest DTM learning sites. It systematically covers basic operations, from how to input MIDI and create bass tracks to how to use Session View.
Each article includes a video, so you can check the content through both text and visuals. For those touching Ableton for the first time, we recommend using this to "get an overview before diving into the official manual."
Perfect for: People who want to learn the basic operations of Ableton in Japanese
→ https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/category/session-view-live/
1-4. Kohada "Simple Explanation for People Who Just Want to Try Using Ableton Live"
🟢 Japanese | note Article
The perfect entry point for those who just want to "give it a try." It skips complicated explanations and focuses only on "what to do first." You will understand how Ableton differs from other DAWs and what you should do upon your first launch.
Perfect for: People who want to just start using it before reading the manual
→ https://note.com/kohadachan/n/nbe792f85fa4a
2. Building Drums — Creating the Foundation of a Beat
The core of beatmaking is the drums. In Ableton, you build beats by arranging samples like kicks, snares, and hi-hats into a sampler called Drum Rack.
2-1. Otodesuku "How to Use Ableton Live: How to Create Drum Beats" Series
🟢 Japanese | note Article
This series explains how to create hip-hop drum beats in Ableton Live across three parts: Kick, Snare, and Practical Application. You will understand the entire workflow, from how to choose samples and place them in the Drum Rack to tips for programming.
Despite being systematic and thorough, it doesn't have that many 'likes' on note. It's a series that deserves to be discovered by more people.
Perfect for: Those who want to build hip-hop drums from scratch in Ableton
→ https://note.com/pain_modulation/n/n18dd4b519289
2-2. Sound & Recording Magazine "Ableton Live Drum Rack Utilization Techniques" (SAKURA TSURUTA)
🟢 Japanese | Web Media
A guide to utilizing the Drum Rack by Ableton Certified Trainer SAKURA TSURUTA, published in Sound & Recording Magazine. It is packed with practical techniques for sound design, layering concepts, and mastering the Drum Rack as a beat production tool.
SAKURA TSURUTA is a Japanese Ableton Certified Trainer who has also appeared on the official Ableton blog. Her explanations from a professional perspective are highly reliable.
Perfect for: Those who want to use the Drum Rack not just as a sample storage, but as a sound design tool
→ https://www.snrec.jp/entry/technique/live/sakura-tsuruta_2
2-3. Sleepfreaks "4 Techniques to Improve the Quality of Your Rhythm Parts"
🟢 Japanese | Blog + Video
Four techniques to solve the problem of drum programming sounding 'too mechanical.' It covers practical content for adding 'swing' and 'groove' to hip-hop beats, such as velocity adjustment, swing, and how to use Ableton's Groove function.
Perfect for: Those who can program drums but want to achieve a more 'human' groove
→ https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/ableton-live-tips/beat-teq-4/
2-4. Decap — Drums That Knock Tutorial
🟢 Understandable through video | YouTube (English)
Producer Decap, known for the "Drums That Knock" series, explains how to make drums sound powerful using only Ableton Live's native effects. There is also a demo video on the Splice channel showing how to build a beat from scratch.
Since the focus is on screen operations, you can follow what is happening visually even if you don't understand English. You will gain more techniques for increasing the sound pressure of your drums.
Perfect for: Those who want to increase the sound pressure and presence of their drums. Those who want to solve the problem of "my drums sound weak."
3. Sampling and Chopping — Cooking Your Material
In hip-hop beatmaking, sampling is one of the core techniques. Ableton provides two samplers: Simpler and Sampler.
3-1. Sound & Recording Magazine "Ableton Live Simpler Utilization Techniques" (SAKURA TSURUTA)
🟢 Japanese | Web Media
Like the Drum Rack article mentioned earlier, this is part of SAKURA TSURUTA's series. It explains how to use Simpler's Slice mode (a feature that automatically chops samples) and how to streamline sound design using the WARP function.
Simpler is included in all editions of Ableton Live (Lite / Intro / Standard / Suite), so its strength is that it can be used in any grade.
Perfect for: Those who want to chop records or loop materials to use in their beats.
→ https://www.snrec.jp/entry/technique/live/sakura-tsuruta_1
3-2. shunnarita.com "How to Sample in Ableton Live! Let's Make Beats!"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
Explains how to build beats using finger drumming by combining Simpler + Drum Rack. You can understand the entire flow from importing samples to chopping, placing them in the Drum Rack, and performing.
Perfect for: Those who want to know the overall flow from sampling to beatmaking.
→ https://shunnarita.com/abletonlive-sampling/
3-3. Murinai Kurashi "Let's Play with Sampling in Ableton Live"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
A practical record of sampling using Push. The philosophy behind sample processing is written in an unobtrusive tone. An article that conveys the feeling that "sampling is fun."
Perfect for: Those who want to start with the "fun" of sampling. Those who own a Push.
→ https://murinaikurashi.com/ableton-push2-sampling2/
3-4. Splice Blog "5 Advanced Sample Manipulation Techniques in Ableton Live"
🔴 English proficiency required | Blog (English)
Five sample manipulation techniques in Ableton Live featured on the Splice blog. It introduces advanced techniques to "transform samples into something else" beyond basic chopping.
Although it is in English, there are plenty of screenshots for each technique, so I think it is easy to follow the steps.
Perfect for: Those who have mastered basic chopping and want to process samples more creatively.
→ https://splice.com/blog/advanced-sample-manipulation-techniques/
4. Constructing Beats — Session View and Arrangement View
Ableton Live has two views: Session View (a screen for manipulating clips in real-time) and Arrangement View (a screen for arranging along a timeline). Session View, which is not found in other DAWs, is very suitable for sketching beats.
4-1. Sound & Recording Magazine "A Thorough Explanation of Ableton Live's Session View!" (SAKURA TSURUTA)
🟢 Japanese | Web Media
The third installment of SAKURA TSURUTA's series. It provides a thorough explanation of Session View from both production and performance perspectives. It covers clip manipulation, how to use scenes, and how to utilize Follow Actions (a feature that automatically moves to the next clip).
This is a practical guide to mastering Session View as a production tool, rather than just a "place to store clips."
Perfect for: Those who know Session View exists but don't quite know how to utilize it.
→ https://www.snrec.jp/entry/technique/live/sakura-tsuruta_3
4-2. Sleepfreaks "Expanding to Session View"
🟢 Japanese | Blog + Video
Learn how to expand beats created in Arrangement View to Session View, and conversely, how to organize ideas created in Session View into Arrangement View. You will understand the workflow of moving between the two views.
Perfect for: Those who want to know how to use and link the two views.
→ https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/ableton-live12/about-session-view/
4-3. Let's Make Music in Ableton Live! "Understanding How to View and Use Session View"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
A Japanese explanatory article specializing in Session View. This is an introductory guide for those using Session View for the first time, covering everything from how to read the screen to basic operations.
Perfect for: Those using Session View for the first time. Those who want to learn how to read the screen first.
→ https://live-de-tsukuro.com/session-view/
5. Refining Your Sound — An Introduction to Sound Design and Mixing
Once you have the skeleton of your beat with drums and samples, it's time to flesh it out with basslines, synths, and effects.
5-1. OTO×NOMA "Beatmaking by Genre ④: Mastering Hip-Hop Beats"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
An article explaining the structure of hip-hop beats. It covers tempo settings, characteristics of drum patterns, how to create basslines, and how to incorporate swing and ghost notes. While it doesn't focus on a specific DAW, it can be used as a resource to learn the "form" of hip-hop beats.
Perfect for: Those who want to learn the "theory" of hip-hop beats.
→ https://kensukeinage.com/rhythm_hiphop/
5-2. Underbelly (You Suck at Producing) — Sound Design & Drum Series
🟡 Simple English | YouTube (English)
An Ableton Certified Trainer with over 400,000 subscribers. The channel features comprehensive series by theme, such as "You Suck at Producing," "You Suck at Drums," and "You Suck at Sound Design."
The content is essential, delivered with a sharp, humorous edge. Although it is in English, the pronunciation is clear and the speaking speed is relatively slow. There are plenty of visuals, so those with a basic understanding of English will be able to follow along just fine.
I have written a separate article providing a guide to all the series on this channel.
Perfect for: Those who want to learn Ableton sound design systematically. Those who enjoy educational materials with a sense of humor.
→ https://www.youtube.com/@yousuckatproducing
5-3. Ableton Blog "Deconstructed Roundup — Five Big Beats and How They Were Made in Live"
🔴 English proficiency required | Blog (English)
An article from the official Ableton blog. It introduces five beat production breakdowns from Ableton users featured in Genius's "Deconstructed" series. Includes Kirk Knight (A$AP Ferg "Plain Jane"), Ludwig Göransson, Brasstracks, and more.
By learning how professionals actually use Ableton, you can gain tips for your own workflow.
Perfect for: Those who want to peek into professional production processes. Those who can read English.
→ https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/deconstructed-roundup-five-big-beats-and-how-they-were-made-live/
5-4. KUVIZM "On Vocal Mixing (Hip-Hop Edition)"
🟢 Japanese | note article
The philosophy behind mixing when adding rap over a beat. As more beatmakers are handling vocals themselves, this knowledge is useful to acquire early on.
Perfect for: Those who want to try their hand at vocal mixing in addition to beatmaking.
→ https://note.com/kuvizm/n/n83274ad179f9
6. Watching Professionals Produce — Getting Inspiration
Beyond learning through tutorials, there is much to be gained from watching videos of professionals actually making beats.
6-1. Kenny Beats — The Cave & Workflow Videos
🟢 Understandable through visuals | YouTube (English)
One of the most influential beatmakers today. In "The Cave" series, you can watch the process of making beats in real-time with artists like Rico Nasty, Vince Staples, and Freddie Gibbs.
He uses Ableton Live as his main DAW, and his use of templates and fast production workflow are also explained in his Splice Skills lessons. These are the type of videos where "even if you don't understand English, just watching the pro's hands is inspiring."
Perfect for: Those who want to see a professional's realistic production process. Those who admire high-speed production.
→ https://www.youtube.com/@kennybeats
6-2. Ableton Blog — Knxwledge Interview "Staying in 'Go' Mode"
🔴 English proficiency required | Blog (English)
An official Ableton interview with Knxwledge, one of the most prolific beatmakers in hip-hop. He discusses his production strategies in Ableton Live, his approach of keeping a laptop in every room so he never misses an idea, and advice for young producers.
The focus is more on his "production mindset" than technical details. Reading it is highly motivating.
Recommended for: Those who want to know the secret to staying prolific. Fans of Knxwledge.
→ https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/knxwledge-staying-in-go-mode/
6-3. FACT Magazine — Against the Clock Series
🟢 Understandable through video | YouTube (English)
A challenge series where producers create a track from scratch in 10 minutes. Many hip-hop producers have appeared, including Skywlkr (Danny Brown's DJ) and Channel Tres (from Compton).
You can see how professionals make decisions and work within a 10-minute limit. Even if you don't understand English, you can follow the production process perfectly through the video.
Recommended for: Those who want to experience the speed of professional production decision-making.
→ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg5ScSqSDXsvaE6YLwYhF-UIu-aWi23X0
6-4. Ableton Blog "Made in Ableton Live" Series
🟡 Subtitles available | Video series (English)
An official Ableton video series. Producers from various genres show in detail the process of creating a track from scratch. Since each producer explains their own process as they go, it is a great reference for workflow.
There are also episodes focused on hip-hop. The content is suitable for everyone from beginners to intermediate producers.
Recommended for: Those who want to compare the workflows of various producers.
→ https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/tags/series/made-in-ableton-live/
7. Creating with Push — Controlling Ableton with Hardware
Ableton Push is a dedicated controller designed to be used in integration with Ableton Live. Push 3 also has a standalone model (works without a PC). Tapping pads to program drums and using knobs to manipulate parameters offers a production experience you can't get with a mouse and keyboard.
7-1. Ikebe Digital Tower "Let's Start! Ableton Live + Push" (5 parts total)
🟢 Japanese | Video Series
A 5-part lecture video series produced by the musical instrument store Ikebe. This is a tutorial on creating beats and tracks using Ableton Live and Push. It is a valuable resource for learning how to use Push from scratch in Japanese.
Perfect for: People who bought a Push but don't know where to start
→ https://www.ikebe-digital.com/?p=12589
7-2. Murinai Kurashi "Impressions after using PUSH 3 for 3 months"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
A realistic review from someone who actually used the Push 3 for 3 months. It covers the usability of standalone mode, pad sensitivity, and comparisons with PC operation, serving as helpful material for those considering a purchase. The same blog also features an article on sampling using Push.
Perfect for: People considering purchasing a Push 3. People who want to know what it's like to use in practice
→ https://murinaikurashi.com/review-of-push-3-3-months-after-purchase/
7-3. Sleepfreaks "How to use Ableton Push 2 — Drum programming with the step sequencer"
🟢 Japanese | Blog + Video
How to program drums using the Push step sequencer. You can learn the steps to build kick, snare, and hi-hat patterns using only the Push pads. Although this is an article for Push 2, the basic operations are the same for Push 3.
Perfect for: People who want to learn the basics of programming drums with Push
→ https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/ableton-push-2/step-drum/
7-4. Ableton Blog "Beat Generation — Making Lo-Fi Hip Hop on the New Push"
🟡 With Subtitles | Blog + Video (English)
Ableton's official site has released a tutorial on Lo-Fi Hip Hop beatmaking using Push. You can watch the entire process of playing drums on the Push pads, chopping samples, and adding a Lo-Fi texture.
Perfect for: People who want to make Lo-Fi beats with Push. People who want to see the possibilities of Push in action
→ https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/beat-generation-making-lo-fi-hip-hop-on-the-new-push/
Summary: The Shortest Route
Although I have introduced 25 sources, here are the 5 that you should at least watch to get to the point of building the skeleton of a beat in Ableton, presented again.
1. Learning Music (1-1) — Grasp the basics of music intuitively
2. Sleepfreaks Ableton Live 12 Series (1-3) — A complete overview of basic Ableton operations
3. Oto-de-suku: How to Make Drum Beats (2-1) — Programming drums
4. Sound & Recording: Simpler Usage Techniques (3-1) — Chopping samples
5. Kenny Beats (6-1) — Boost your motivation by watching professional production
If you are not comfortable with English: You can get started just fine with the 1–4 above (all 🟢).
If you can read/listen to English: You can dive deeper by adding Underbelly (5-2), Splice Blog (3-4), and the Knxwledge interview (6-2).
If you have a Push: Please proceed with these three in parallel with Section 2: Ikebe video (7-1) → Sleepfreaks Push Step Sequencer (7-3) → Lo-Fi on Push (7-4).
For those who want to dig deeper
Other articles in the Ableton series
・Underbelly (You Suck at Producing) Complete Series Guide — A channel with over 400,000 subscribers; a guide in Japanese on which series to start with
・Complete Guide to Ableton's "Learn for Free" Official Resources — Not just Learning Music / Synths; a comprehensive list of official free Ableton resources
・7 Ways to Build Beats in Session View — A source guide for utilizing Ableton's greatest unique feature
・8 Ways to Learn from Professional Beatmakers Using Ableton — Carefully selected workflow videos and interviews with Kenny Beats, Knxwledge, and others
・What Changed in Ableton Live 12.4 — 8 Sources to Understand Link Audio, Stem Separation, and New Devices (Version updated for the May 2026 release)
Other series
・The Complete Guide to Starting Beatmaking on the SP-404
・The Complete Guide to Starting Beatmaking on the MPC
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This account introduces useful information sources for beatmaking in Japanese.
Whether it's international YouTube channels, tools, websites, or Japanese note articles—regardless of language,
I collect the best ones and deliver them with a guide.
Following me would be a great encouragement.