Beat Sequencer
A super simple 16-step drum machine. Click cells to build a pattern with kick, snare, hi-hat and clap, set the tempo, and press Play.
About this beat sequencer
This is a classic step sequencer: the grid loops over 16 steps (one bar of 16th notes), and every active cell triggers its drum sound. The drums are synthesized live with the Web Audio API — a pitch-dropping sine for the kick, filtered noise for the snare, hi-hat and clap — so the page needs no samples and works offline.
Try the classic building blocks: kick on steps 1, 5, 9, 13 (four on the floor), snare on 5 and 13 (the backbeat), and hi-hats on every other step. From there, move or add cells to hear how each change transforms the groove.
Frequently asked questions
What is a step sequencer?
A step sequencer divides a bar into equal steps — here 16 sixteenth notes — and loops them. Instead of playing in real time, you program which sounds land on which steps, which makes rhythm patterns easy to see and edit.
What is a basic drum pattern to start with?
Start with the backbeat: kick on beats 1 and 3 (steps 1 and 9), snare on beats 2 and 4 (steps 5 and 13), and hi-hat on every eighth note. Most pop and rock beats are variations of this.
Why 16 steps?
Sixteen steps represent one 4/4 bar divided into 16th notes — fine enough resolution for most grooves while staying easy to read. Each group of four steps is one beat.
