How to make basic beatbox sounds

Try beat boxing to make percussion sounds using only your mouth. Follow this Howcast guide to learn how to make basic beatbox sounds.

You Will Need
* Rhythm
* A mouth

Step 1: Create a kick drum
Make the kick drum sound by expelling pressurized air through your mouth. At the same time, pronounce the letter b without using your voice box. The effect should be punchy while you mouth the “b” sound and expel air simultaneously. Use only the air in your mouth.

Step 2: Create the hi-hat
Clench your teeth and expel short bursts of air while making the “t” sound. This is called hi-hat. Keep your tongue against the roof of your mouth and the back of your teeth, maintaining the pressure inside your mouth. Use your tongue to regulate air flow.

Step 3: Be a snare drum
Build on the kick drum sound to mimic a snare drum. Expel pressurized air using the same technique, only mouth the letter “p” instead of the kick drum’s “b.”
*Tip: Vary the snare drum with "ps," "psh," or "pf" sounds. Emphasize the variations by elongating the sounds: for example, "psssshh" or "pssssffff."

Step 4: Crash like a cymbal
Use the word ’’chish’’ to replicate the crash cymbal. Repeat through clenched teeth, without the vowel sound, for a duller crash. Keep your teeth clenched.

Step 5: Make a reverse cymbal sound
Keep your tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth where your upper teeth meet your palate. Clench your teeth and inhale quickly to create a reverse cymbal. Close your mouth to stop the sound.

Step 6: Get hip-hop inspiration
Listen to old school hip-hop and try to replicate those beats.

Step 7: Develop your sound
Develop your own unique sounds by putting all the elements together. Timing and breathing techniques are the secret to impressive beat boxing.