Percussion adds the groove
The kick and snare set the pulse; percussion gives a beat its swing and character. A conga pattern turns a house loop Latin, a cowbell signals an 808 classic, and a tambourine on the backbeat lifts a chorus. Free libraries are rich in percussion because it is easy to record well: many of these sounds are close-miked hand drums and small instruments recorded by enthusiasts and orchestral sample projects.
Building a percussion layer
Start with one part that answers the hi-hat, such as a shaker or a conga on the offbeats, then add a sparse accent like a cowbell or clave every bar or two. Vary velocity and pitch slightly between hits to avoid the machine-gun effect of the same sample repeating. Pitched percussion such as congas and woodblocks also reacts to your key, so tune it by ear.
For a full kit, pair this collection with shakers and toms, or use the kit builder to assemble one in a few clicks.