Swing is the secret ingredient that can bring a lifeless beat to life, adding groove and movement that listeners can’t help but feel. MJ Cole breaks down the essential use of swing in a two-step beat, showing how subtle adjustments can make a huge difference in the vibe of your track.
Want to see these techniques in action? Watch our full video with MJ Cole to learn more about crafting a groove with swing settings.
Why Swing Matters in Two-Step
If you try to create a two-step beat by strictly placing hi-hats or drum hits on sixteenth notes without any swing, the result can often sound stiff. This straight pattern lacks the rhythmic “bounce” that defines the groove of two-step and garage music. Swing settings help shift these elements slightly off-grid, creating a more human feel—one that’s less robotic and more dynamic.
Finding the Sweet Spot
According to MJ Cole, the key to nailing swing lies in finding the perfect balance. For him, the sweet spot usually lands at around 66% swing. This gives just enough rhythmic variation without overdoing it. Most Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) allow you to adjust the swing setting—whether you’re using Logic, Ableton, or any other software. MJ recommends playing around with this setting, typically between 62% and 68%, to find what works best for your beat.
Tweak Your Samples for Extra Groove
Besides adjusting swing, the way you trim your samples also contributes to the groove. If there’s a tiny gap at the start of your sample, it can create a natural delay, adding to the swung feel. MJ Cole also mentions the value of using different hi-hat samples with varying velocities—subtle variations that add “skiffiness” and make the beat feel alive. You might hardly notice these quieter hi-hat sounds, but they contribute significantly to the overall groove.
Using Delays and Variations
Swing can also be achieved by applying delays, particularly on hi-hats. By delaying some hits, you create a laid-back feel, often heard in hip-hop and more relaxed beats. It’s all about experimentation—layering different samples, adjusting velocities, and playing with delays to craft a rhythm that feels fluid and engaging.
Experiment with Tempo
Another advantage of using individual samples rather than pre-made loops is the freedom it gives to experiment with tempo. MJ Cole highlights that when using one-shot samples, you can easily adjust the tempo without worrying about time-stretching artefacts. Slowing down your beat can be particularly revealing—it helps you really hear how swing settings affect each element and allows you to tweak until it feels just right.
Swing isn’t just a setting—it’s an approach to making your music feel more human and alive. Whether it’s subtle sample delays, variations in velocity, or the perfect swing percentage, all these factors add up to a groove that moves people.
