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.