Free Online Drum Machine & Beat Maker
Free 16-step drum sequencer — make beats right in your browser
What Is a Drum Machine?
The electronic instrument that shaped modern music
History
Drum machines emerged in the 1980s with iconic devices like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909. Originally designed as practice tools for musicians, they became foundational instruments in hip hop, electronic, and pop music. The 808's deep kick drum and crisp snare defined entire genres.
How It Works
A drum machine uses a step sequencer to program rhythmic patterns. Each row represents a different percussion sound, and each column is a "step" in time. By toggling steps on and off, you create patterns that loop continuously. Most drum machines divide a measure into 16 steps.
How to Make Beats
Get started with the step sequencer in seconds
1. Toggle Steps
Click on any cell in the grid to activate or deactivate a beat. Orange cells are active — they'll play when the sequencer reaches that step. Each row is a different sound: kick drum, snare, hi-hat, open hi-hat, clap, and rim shot.
2. Press Play
Hit the Play button or press the Space bar to start the sequencer. You'll see the current step highlighted as it moves through your pattern. The pattern loops continuously until you press Stop.
3. Adjust & Experiment
Change the BPM to speed up or slow down your beat. Use the volume sliders to balance the mix between instruments. Try the preset patterns for inspiration, then modify them to create something new. Click any instrument name to preview its sound.