Everything seems to be louder and sharper these days, especially ever since the switch to digital. But lofi music offers a refreshing alternative. Lofi, short for “low fidelity,” is a genre that embraces the imperfections often found in recordings—think vinyl crackles, tape hiss, and even missed notes. These “flaws” aren’t mistakes; they’re the very essence of lofi’s unique charm.
Today I’ll walk you through the process of making a jazzy lo-fi beat with all the nostalgia and warmth of lofi hip-hop but with extra jazzy leads, chord progressions and textures.
Don’t forget to check out the video version of this blog post, you’ll find it at the bottom of the page!
What Is Lofi Music?
The appeal of lofi lies in its ability to transport listeners to a simpler time. It evokes nostalgia for vintage sounds and technology, often reminiscent of 90s boom-bap hip-hop or dusty record players. While lofi may harken back to the past, it’s very much alive in modern music production.
Today’s producers skilfully blend these nostalgic elements with digital tools, crafting soundscapes that are both familiar and innovative.
Music Theory for Lofi Jazz
Let’s start by talking about the basic building blocks of this track.
It’s in F minor, 3/4 time and at 94 BPM. This is quite slow for 3/4, usually I’d go for a minimum of 100BPM, but I want this track to be nice and laid back.
3/4 also has a jazzier feel than the typical 4/4, it has less of a steady hip hop groove and sounds more romantic.
The chords are played with open voicings, like so:
F minor 9
E♭ major - adding a C to transition into C minor 7
D♭ major 7
And back to E♭ major / C minor 7 again.
A simple chord progression like this gives us more opportunity to improvise over the top, add jazzy notes and play around with the chord transitions.
For the melody, we can improvise with the F natural minor scale: F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F.
Because it’s jazz, we can slip in extra notes outside the scale as well. If you’re playing on a keyboard, try sliding off one of the black keys onto the white key above it (e.g. G♭ to G) for an extra jazzy feel.
Instruments for Lofi Jazz
I started out with some basic ambience, just adding some chatter in the background.
Piano
For the piano chords, I used the Felt Grand Piano from Ólafur Arnalds’ composer toolkit and trimmed off some of the top end with an EQ to create a really soft sound.
Image credit: Spitfire Audio
When the drums kick in, I’ve introduced a second piano (the Noire felt piano from Native Instruments), cutting out the low end and adding a spacey reverb to make an airy sound.
Image credit: Native Instruments
I've also used the Noire felt piano for the main piano part.
Guitar
As well as my usual guitar chain, I added a spacey reverb to make a lush and dreamy sound. The reverb is on a send so that the dry sound of the main guitar is still present.
Vocal Pads & Ambient Texture
I used a couple of vocal pads from Spitfire Audio plugins: Oliver Patrice Weder’s “The Pool Project” and Alev Lenz’s “3”.
I also used the “Abandoned Voices” sound from texture grid in the London Contemporary Orchestra Spitfire Audio plugin.
All these vocal samples are grouped together so I can add effects onto them - a little bit of sidechaining to the kick and some automated filtering panning throughout the track.
“Trumpet” 😉
I thought it would be great to get a trumpet in, but don’t play the trumpet... so instead I used my ocarina in combination with some quietly mixed-in trumpet samples from Splice.
Bass
There is a combination of double basses in here - the Trilian acoustic double bass from Spectrasonics, along with a commissioned recording from a double bassist for a more realistic sound.
Image credit: Spectrasonics
Drums
Along with the typical crunchy lofi kick and snare, I also included some brushed hi-hats, and a few different snares, rimshots, cymbals and rides from the XLN Audio Addictive Drums modern soul and R&B kit with added filter delays.
Image credit: XLN Audio
Lofi hip hop wouldn’t be where it is today without jazz. It's been such a huge influence on the sound and the genre as a whole!
Check out the YouTube video below to hear the final result.
No of course we made this track Organically without any samples or loops, but if you'd like to fast forward this process we have lots of loops and samples available to purchase!
Lets dive deeper into Lofi and see how our samples could help you:
The Essential Elements of Lofi Music
To get started, let’s break down the essential elements that make this genre so captivating.
Tempo and Beat: The Lofi Pulse
Lofi music isn’t about rushing. It’s about slowing down and creating a relaxed atmosphere. That’s why most lofi tracks settle into a tempo between 60 and 90 beats per minute (BPM). Think of it as the heartbeat of your track, setting the pace for a chill listening experience.
The backbone of any lofi beat is the drum pattern. Keep it simple yet groovy with a classic combination: kick, snare and hi-hat. The kick provides the foundation, the snare adds a touch of punch and the hi-hat keeps the rhythm flowing.
Ready to dive in? Mondo Loops’ Sleepy Lofi Drum Kit is the perfect starting point. It’s packed with carefully crafted drum samples, from foley loops and guitars to pianos and one-shots, all designed to infuse your beats with that signature lofi vibe.
And if you’re looking for an even wider range of sounds to experiment with, check out Mondo Loops’ Chill Lofi Drum Kit Vol#1. It’s a comprehensive collection of drum samples, ambiance and even a playable bass, recorded in a professional studio by Lofi Hip Hop artist Bcalm.
Chords and Sounds: Crafting Lofi Atmosphere
The heart and soul of lofi music lies in its chords and instrument choices. Opt for major 7th chords to infuse your tracks with a warm, comforting vibe. These chords, often found in jazz, evoke a sense of optimism and tranquility, perfectly aligning with lofi’s laid-back nature.
When it comes to instruments, think vintage. Channel the sounds of a smoky jazz club with instruments like the mellow Hammond organ, the smooth electric bass and the ethereal vibraphone. These timeless classics add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your lofi compositions.
To effortlessly incorporate these sounds into your music, explore Mondo Loops’ Dreamy Lofi Hip Hop Volume 2. This sample pack is a treasure trove of soft atmospheres, percussive snares, transitions and a variety of captivating guitar and piano loops.
If you’re seeking a more organic touch, Mondo Loops’ Organic Lofi Hip Hop Volume 1 offers a diverse palette of sounds. From lush vocals and cinematic pianos to organic drums and sound guitars, this pack provides all the tools you need to create rich and textured lofi tracks.
Imperfections and Variations: The Lofi Groove
In the world of lofi, perfection takes a back seat. In fact, it’s the imperfections that give this genre its distinct character. Don’t be afraid to experiment with “off-grid” placements in your drum patterns and instrument melodies. Let a snare hit slightly ahead of the beat or a piano note linger a bit longer than expected.
Remember, lofi is about feeling, not rigid precision. These subtle variations add a human touch to your music, making it sound organic and alive. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining a simple structure and injecting just enough surprise to keep your listeners engaged.
For a wealth of inspiration, turn to Mondo Loops’ Dreamy Lofi Hip Hop Vol #1 sample pack. Packed with drum loops, one-shots, atmospheres, keys and guitar loops, this collection empowers you to infuse your tracks with unexpected twists and turns.
The imperfections are where the magic happens in lofi music. Embrace them, and watch your tracks come to life with a unique groove.
EQ, Tone and Saturation: The Lofi Sound Signature
Shaping the sound of your lofi tracks involves a bit of sonic sculpting. Start by cutting the low and high frequencies with your equalizer (EQ). This emulates the limited range of vintage radios and cassette players, creating a warm, intimate sound that’s synonymous with lofi.
Next, add a touch of distortion and saturation. These effects introduce a subtle grittiness reminiscent of worn-out tape reels and dusty vinyl records. Think of it as adding a layer of character to your music, making it feel lived-in and authentic.
To venture into darker sonic territories, consider Mondo Loops’ Dark Ambient Synth Presets. These presets, designed for the free VST Vital, infuse your music with a mysterious and evocative atmosphere, perfect for adding depth and intrigue to your lofi creations.
Going Further: Tips and Tricks
Take your lofi tracks to the next level by incorporating atmospheric samples. Field recordings of rain, city sounds or crackling fireplaces can add a unique dimension to your music.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with reverb, either. A touch of reverb can create a sense of space and depth, immersing your listeners in a sonic landscape.
Remember, there are no strict rules in lofi production. Feel free to layer different sounds, experiment with unconventional instruments and discover your own signature style. The possibilities are endless!
Mondo Loops Samples: Your Lofi Toolkit
Want to jumpstart your lofi productions? Explore Mondo Loops’ extensive collection of sample packs. From drum kits and synth presets to dreamy melodies and organic soundscapes, we offer everything you need to bring your lofi visions to life.
Your Lofi Journey Begins
Creating lofi music is about embracing imperfection, exploring vintage sounds and crafting a unique sonic experience. By incorporating slow tempos, jazzy chords, intentional variations, warm tones and atmospheric samples, you can craft tracks that resonate with listeners on a deep level.
So, are you ready to embark on your lofi adventure? Explore our sample packs today, and don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions or support.
Please also checkout this new video below!
