Side Brain’s Study Group #19 Reggaeton MULTIFORMAT
Reggaeton is a popular music genre that originated in Panama and was later popularized in Puerto Rico during the late 1990s. It’s defined by its fusion of multiple musical styles, drawing strong influence from dancehall, hip-hop, and a wide range of Latin American and Caribbean rhythms.
The Dembow
The dembow rhythm is the foundation of reggaeton music. Often referred to as the “dembow beat,” this repetitive, syncopated pattern drives every reggaeton track. While relatively simple, it’s highly infectious and bouncy, giving the genre its unmistakable, dance-driven energy.
The origins of the dembow rhythm trace back to Jamaican dancehall — specifically the track “Dem Bow” by Shabba Ranks, released in 1990. The drum pattern from this record became the blueprint for what would later evolve into the reggaeton dembow. In the late 1990s, Puerto Rican producers and artists adopted this rhythm and shaped it into the sound we recognize today.
Reggaeton Drum Techniques
In this session, we explore different approaches to producing modern reggaeton dembow rhythms. You’ll learn how to choose and layer drum sounds for different sections of a track, how to add groove, and when to introduce Caribbean-inspired drum fills.
We’ll also dive into creative drum programming techniques that help bring energy, movement, and authenticity to reggaeton productions.
Custom Reggaeton Arp Preset
Included with the download is a custom, production-ready Instrument Rack for Ableton Live Suite. (Please note: the latest version of Ableton Live Suite is required.)
What’s Included in This Session
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2 hours of Ableton Certified Training video
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2 Reggaeton Ableton project files
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Style Overview PDF
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Reggaeton sample pack
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Bass Pad Ableton preset
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Reggaeton Arp preset pack
