TONEDB

piano from “lose yourself” by eminem | ToneDB

lose yourself

eminem

piano

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A melancholic and iconic looped piano phrase with a slightly gritty, pitched-down texture, forming the tense and determined backbone of the track.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Akai MPC3000 (loaded with a pitched piano sample)

Amp: Direct Input to mixing console/DAW

Processing: Internal MPC3000 pitch shifting & sample chopping, SSL Channel Strip emulation (EQ & Compression), Subtle studio reverb (e.g., plate or short room)

Other: Original sample source cited as a Bbm piano chord from Spectrasonics 'Symphony of Voices' sample CD, pitched down to Am, then re-sequenced. The character heavily relies on this sampling and manipulation process.

Recording Notes

  • The piano loop was programmed by Eminem on an Akai MPC3000.
  • The sound originates from a piano chord sample (Bbm) reportedly taken from the Spectrasonics 'Symphony of Voices' CD.
  • This sample was pitched down by a whole step (to Am) within the MPC, then chopped and re-sequenced to form the iconic riff.
  • The manipulated sample was recorded into Pro Tools.
  • Jeff Bass applied EQ and compression using an SSL channel strip emulation plugin during the production process.
  • Mixed by Dr. Dre and Eminem at 54 Sound, Detroit, likely involving further console processing and effects.

Recreation Tips

  • Source a clean, sustained minor piano chord sample. The original was reportedly a Bbm chord.
  • In a sampler (hardware or software), pitch this sample down by a whole step (e.g., Bbm to Am). This process is key to achieving the distinctive timbre.
  • Chop the pitched sample and meticulously re-sequence it to match the 'Lose Yourself' melody and rhythm. Pay close attention to the timing and swing.
  • Use an SSL-style EQ: gently roll off extreme high frequencies (e.g., above 10-12kHz) to mimic the sampled quality, ensure clarity in the mid-range where the melody sits, and manage low-end warmth without muddiness.
  • Apply SSL-style bus compression: use a moderate attack, quick release, and a low ratio (2:1 or 4:1) to 'glue' the loop and add punch, aiming for a few dB of gain reduction.
  • Add a very subtle, short reverb (plate or small room). The goal is to provide a touch of ambience without washing out the percussive, rhythmic nature of the loop.
  • The lo-fi character can also be enhanced by subtle bit reduction or sample rate reduction if your sampler allows, or by using vintage sampler emulation plugins.

Sources