Introduction to Finger Drumming with Maschine
A course by gnarly , Finger Drummer, Music Producer, and Content Creator

Learn finger drumming on Maschine and create music in a new way.
Dive into the world of finger drumming with Gnarly, a talented musician and content creator who will guide you step by step through this creative practice. Throughout the lessons, you will learn everything from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques using Native Instruments' Maschine.
Gnarly, with an established career in the music industry, has taken her art to prestigious stages such as Glastonbury, TEDx, London’s Southbank Centre, and has shared the stage with artists like Anoushka Shankar at the Dialled In Festival. She will show you how to transform simple taps into complex rhythms, combining different sounds and styles. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience in music, you will discover how to use your fingers as instruments to create unique and personal beats.
Additionally, you will learn how to import and manipulate samples in Maschine, maintain finger agility, and explore various rhythmic patterns. All of this while developing a consistent and disciplined practice that will allow you to improve over time. If you're passionate about music and looking for a practical and accessible way to create it, this is the perfect space to explore new sonic possibilities.
What will you learn in this online course?
13 lessons & 16 downloads
- 98% positive reviews (43)
- 3,061 students
- 13 lessons (1h 45m)
- 16 additional resources (3 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
The project involves creating a one-minute performance using finger drumming techniques that you will share on social media. You will develop your own rhythm and style, applying the knowledge gained to produce an original and creative beat.
Who is this online course for?
This course is designed for people passionate about music who want to learn a practical way to create it. It is ideal for beginners interested in finger drumming as well as experienced musicians looking to expand their skills.
It’s also perfect for content creators who want to integrate music into their productions.
Requirements and materials
You will need a finger drumming device, such as a Native Instruments machine, and compatible software for creating beats.
It is important to be ready to practice and experiment with different sounds and techniques.
Reviews

gnarly
A course by
Sonalie, better known as Gnarly, is a talented musician, producer, and content creator based in the UK. With a degree in Sound Arts and Design and classical piano training, she has collaborated with renowned brands such as Native Instruments, Akai Professional, and Roli.
Gnarly has taken her art to prestigious stages like Glastonbury, TEDx, London’s Southbank Centre, and has shared the stage with Anoushka Shankar at the Dialled In Festival. Her skill in finger drumming, combined with her experience in music production, has made her stand out in the industry.
She has released several album series and collaborated on projects with major brands, including Disney.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
First Steps
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What Is Finger Drumming?
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Setting up the Software
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Typical Sounds of Finger Drumming and Styles
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Adding and Chopping Samples
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U3
Production
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Hand Posture
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Straight Beat
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Syncopated Beat
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Variation and Arrangement
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Recording Performance
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U4
Postproduction
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What to Do With Your Session When It’s Done?
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Tips for Practice
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FP
Final project
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Introduction to Finger Drumming with Maschine
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners with no prior experience in finger drumming or music production. Step-by-step lessons and practice routines make it accessible to all skill levels.
You’ll need a pad controller (like Akai MPC or Maschine), a computer, and basic audio gear such as headphones or speakers. Most lessons also work with entry-level gear.
You’ll learn finger drumming techniques, pad setup, beat creation, song arrangement, live performance skills, social media promotion, and troubleshooting your gear for both studio and stage.
No prior music theory is required. The course covers essential concepts like chord progressions and beat patterns in an easy-to-understand way for beginners.
Yes, the course provides instruction for both Maschine and Akai MPC, including specific setup, pad layouts, and integration with DAWs like Ableton.
The course includes lessons on configuring pad layouts, audio interface setup, latency reduction, and hardware settings to prepare for live shows.
Yes, you’ll learn how to record high-quality audio and video, edit performances, and optimize posts for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Um ótimo curso introdutório. Estou gostando, mas é importante praticar.
Cours intéressant, la professeurs explique bien , par contre la synchronisation son / image est à revoir, beaucoup de bugs de ce coté la.
Curso eficiente e prático, direto no assunto e não é muito longo.
Ela poderia adicionar mais um pacote de treinamento com outros recursos pra ficar perfeito
E isso tambem é um fator positivo, ela disponibilizou os recursos do curso
muito bom!
este curso es increíble desde, lo comencé por que quería aprender a hacer prestaciones en vivo y estoy a un mes de hacer mi primer tocada. lo recomiendo mucho