How to tune your 808 to the key of your song

An 808 isn't just a drum, it's a note. If it's not in your song's key, it clashes with the melody and sounds off. Find the key of your track, find the note your 808 sample plays, then tune the sample so it plays notes from your key.

How to do it

1. Find the key of your beat or sample.
2. Find the note the 808 sample plays (its strongest note).
3. Load it into a sampler and set its root note to that pitch, or tune it with the pitch knob.
4. Play your 808 pattern from notes in the key, usually following the root of each chord.
5. Check it against the melody. It should sound solid, not sour.

Why it works

The 808 has a long, loud tone. When that tone is a few cents or a semitone away from the music, the clash lasts as long as the 808 rings.

Free tool: Key & BPM Finder → Drop in a song, loop or sample and get its key, BPM, Camelot code and chords.