Sample chopping turns a recorded phrase into triggered slices that are re-sequenced into something new

Sample chopping means sampling an extended musical or rhythmic phrase, slicing it into sections, then re-sequencing and reworking the parts to make something new. The workflow is: (1) load or record a sample, (2) chop it up, (3) tempo-match to the project if needed, (4) convert the sliced sample into a playable kit or program, (5) play and sequence the sections. It borrows the groove, timbre, and character of an existing recording while placing it in an entirely new musical context. It is the core of hip-hop beat-making and of breakbeat/drum-and-bass programming, but any genre can use it. MPC, Maschine, and Push each implement this same five-step flow with slightly different UX.

Examples

Chopping a jazz drum break into slices across pads on an MPC; building a DnB groove by re-sequencing a break on Push’s Drum Rack.

Assessment

Describe the five steps of a sample-chopping workflow, and explain what distinguishes ‘chopping’ from using a loop straight.