Sample clashing with your beat? Find the key

A sample usually clashes with your beat because they're in different keys, so the notes rub against each other. Find the sample's key and tempo, then either write your beat in that key or pitch the sample to your key. Once they match, they sit together smoothly.

How to do it

1. Drop the sample into a key and BPM finder.
2. Note the key (for example A minor) and the BPM.
3. Set your project tempo to the BPM, or time-stretch the sample.
4. Write your chords, bass and 808 in the sample's key, or pitch the sample up or down to your key.
5. If it still rubs, try the relative key (A minor and C major share the same notes).

Why it works

Notes from two different keys sit close to each other but not on the same pitches, and that small difference beats against itself and sounds sour.

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