CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

Kicks are a beatboxing foundation. Originally, their purpose was to mimic kick drums, hence their name, but now have evolved to be more complex. Typically, they help provide the foundation for the beat, usually falling on the downbeat. 

 

LIP SNARES

Lip Snares are snares made primarily using the lips. Their base notation symbol is a P. This is why many people reference sounds in this family as "P Snares." 

 

Basic P Snare

The Basic P Snare is one of the first sounds every beatboxer should learn. This sound is made by creating pressure behind closed lips and then releasing it quickly. It is very similar to the Basic Lip Kick, and made the same way, but it is high pitched, instead of low, like the Lip Kick. This higher pitch is achieved by tensing the lips more even during release, and by making the sound with the mouth very shallow (think "eee" instead of "ohhh").

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Limit the amount of air coming out after the sound is released to make it as clean as possible.

Inward P Snare

The Inward P Snare is like the Basic P Snare, but with air coming into the mouth instead of out. This sound is made by creating suction behind closed, tense lips, and quickly allowing air to flow in in a sharp movement. It is very similar to the Inward Lip Kick, and made the same way, but it is high pitched, instead of low. This higher pitch is achieved by tensing the lips more even during release, and by making the sound with the mouth very shallow (think "eee" instead of "ohhh").

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Sometimes this is called the Peh Snare, because it often sounds like the word "peh."

Pf Snare

This is like the Basic P Snare except an "f" sound is made on release. Think "Poof" without the "oo."

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Make sure you're choosing to do this kind of snare, not just doing it by default! A lot of people default to this snare.

Psh Snare

This is like the Basic P Snare except a "sh" sound is made on release. Think "Push" without the "u."

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Make sure you are keeping this snare a consistent length and pitch within each beat.

Pss Snare

This is like the Basic P Snare except a hissing sound is made on release. Like "Pssst!" without the "t" on the end.

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: This is a great sound to use if you want to mimic cymbals.

Spit Snare

Also known as the French Snare or the BMG Snare, this is a unique snare that can spice up your beats. Like the other Lip Snares, it's made by creating pressure behind closed lips and then releasing it. However, the air pressure is built up only in the mouth, not with the lungs. On release, the lips vibrate for a short amount of time, making a loud, static-y sound. It's a difficult sound to master, so don't be discouraged if you can't get after a few tries. Keep at it!

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Try building up most of the air pressure in between your lower lip and your bottom teeth.

 

K SNARES

K Snares are snares made primarily using the tongue and the soft palate, which is in the top of the very back of your mouth. Their base notation symbol is a K. This is because these sounds are very similar to the articulation of a "k" sound in English, like in "kid."

 

Basic K Snare

The Basic K Snare is another staple. This sound is made just like a hard "k" in English, like in "kit." It's just more accented. You also may have heard of the old "boots and cats" beatboxing trick. If you can do that, you got it! Now practice.

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Try using lung air to make the sound, and then try making the K Snare while holding your breath.

Inward K Snare

You can probably guess that the Inward K Snare is exactly like the Basic K snare, but with air flowing in. This sound is essential for many beatboxers, since it allows you to breathe in while beatboxing without stopping. 

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Try using lung air to make the sound, and then try making the Inward K Snare while holding your breath! It may be harder with this one than the Basic K Snare, but it's very possible with enough practice.

Ksh Snare

The Ksh Snare is an outward Basic K Snare, but released into a "sh" sound. Think, the sound of cymbals!

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Try it inward... it doesn't quite make the "sh" sound but it's still cool.

Lateralized K Snare

The Lateralized K Snare is an inward or outward Basic K Snare, but done while the tongue is in an "L" position. The reason it's called "lateralized" is because the tongue position should be pushing air to the side, or laterally.

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Your Lateralized K Snare may start of weaker or more messy than your other beatboxing sounds, so be sure to practice volume and clarity!

Rimshot

This is a Lateralized K Snare, but uses the glottalic airstream mechanism. That means you aren't breathing out (or in) when you do it, you're closing your vocal folds, holding your breath, and pushing air out or pulling it past your tongue with your throat (instead of your lungs) to make the that Lateralized K sound.

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Perfect this and it might just be your cleanest snare!

Uvular K Snare

This is just like a Basic K Snare, but farther back, so that you are using your uvula. It can be outward or inward. While practicing this, you may gag or cough, in which case you should stop, hydrate, and take a break.

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Try releasing into other consonants, like "sh," to change it up!

 

SPECIAL SNARES

Special Snares are snares that don't fit in one of the other categories! Consider them miscellaneous. 

 

Cough Snare

This sound is made by making a loud, whispered "ah." Accent the attack so that it is prominent. Try different vowels for different effects, like eh! 

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Use at your own risk. I do not recommend this sound, since doing it wrong can apparently injure your vocal chords. I am not a medical professional and thus cannot give medical advice.

Tf Snare

This is a great snare to soften the feel of your beat. Build up pressure behind your tongue and make a "t" sound. Release it while holding your lips in the position for an "f" sound. Self explanatory, but still good to have a guide!

Audio: Coming Soon!

Pro Tip: Get really good at the Basic T Hi-Hat first so that you can have more power behind this snare.

 

 

Thanks for reading! Check back for updates, and, as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or compliments!
Devon Guinn