In this in-depth guide, we’ll go over everything you’ll want to know get started with music production, from the tools you’ll need to the six creative steps you’ll take to make your own music.
The article on Splice’s blog, provides a comprehensive guide on how to make music, especially for beginners. It starts by emphasizing the ease of learning music production today with just a computer and online resources.
The guide covers the following key areas:
- Essential Tools for Music Production: It begins with the basics, explaining the need for a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and how to choose one. Popular DAWs like GarageBand, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Studio One, Bitwig Studio, and FL Studio are discussed, highlighting their features, costs, and the artists known to use them.
- Sounds and Plugins: The article explains the importance of sounds and plugins in a DAW, which are essential for producing audio. It also touches on the built-in sounds and effects that come with most DAWs and the option of expanding your library with third-party plugins.
- Physical Instruments and Hardware: For those who sing or play physical instruments, the guide suggests incorporating these talents into digital music production. It discusses the necessary equipment like microphones, audio interfaces, and MIDI controllers.
- Basics of Making Music in a DAW: The article provides an overview of the common views and workflows in DAWs, including the track/arrangement view, MIDI editor/piano roll, and channel strips.
- Music-Making Processes: The guide delves into the processes of making a beat, creating a chord progression, writing a melody, developing an idea into a full track, mixing, and mastering. It provides practical tips and theoretical insights for each step.
- Song Structure and Development: Finally, it discusses song structure and how to expand a core musical idea into a full song, focusing on composing different sections like verses, choruses, and bridges.
The article is a valuable resource for anyone interested in starting or improving their music production skills, offering both practical advice and theoretical knowledge.
Key Insights
- DAW Selection is Personal: Choosing a DAW is a personal decision and should be based on what excites and motivates you, considering aesthetics, functionality, and the artists you admire.
- The Role of Sounds and Plugins: Understanding the role of sounds, plugins, and physical instruments in music production is crucial. They form the building blocks of your music and offer endless creative possibilities.
- Learning by Doing: The guide emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience in learning music production. While theoretical knowledge is helpful, actual practice in a DAW is key to mastering music creation.
Source: How to make music: Create your own music in 6 steps – Blog | Splice
