Besst tip i can give is, Practice, Practice, Practice. Especially using a hands on machine like the MPC. Try doing a drum beat with a few pads n keep that goin untill u feel well comfortable n are ghetting most hits acurate, then add in something else into the rhythm n keep on it untill u feel comfortable with it b4 adding in something else. Just break the pads down, once u are using a few pads/keys its alot easier to find space for more. If that makes any sense. :-?
But the likes of software sequencers, its all about just messing with knobs n buttons n finding out what they do, youl come across things that youv heard in songs b4 n be like yea i now know that.
Cause like someone could sit n tell u absolutly everything they know n it might mean anything to u but when u move the knob youl be like..Ahhh.
Also check out tutorials on youtube ect