How to Start Making Electronic Music

A beginner’s guide to getting started with electronic music production. Learn about the essential equipment and software you need to get started making your own beats.

Introduction

Electronic music has come to be one of the most popular genres in recent years. If you’re interested in making your own electronic music, there are a few things you should know before getting started. In this article, we’ll give you a brief overview of what you need to get started making electronic music.

First, you’ll need a computer with some type of audio interface. This will allow you to connect microphones and other instruments to your computer so that you can record them. You’ll also need some type of software that allows you to edit and mix your recordings. There are many different software options available, so it’s important to do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.

Once you have your recording setup ready, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of sounds you want to create. Do you want to make dance music? Or are you more interested in creating ambient soundscapes? The possibilities are endless, so it’s important to spend some time exploring different genres and sounds before settling on a specific direction.

Once you have an idea of the direction you want to take your music, it’s time to start acquiring the necessary equipment. If you’re interested in making dance music, for example, you’ll need some drums and synthesizers. If ambient soundscapes are more your thing, then perhaps a keyboard and some effects pedals will be all you need. There is no right or wrong answer here – it all comes down to personal preference and what kind of sounds you want to create.

Finally, it’s important to remember that making electronic music is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different sounds. The best way to learn is by doing, so get out there and start creating!

What You Need

Before you start making electronic music, you need to gather a few things. You’ll need a computer with music production software, a MIDI keyboard, and some audio equipment. Once you have these things, you’re ready to start making electronic music!

A computer

In order to start making electronic music, you will need a computer. This can be a desktop, laptop, or even a tablet. The important thing is that you have a device with enough processing power to run the music production software of your choice.

There are a number of different music production programs available, and which one you use is largely a matter of personal preference. Some of the most popular options include Abelton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. Once you have chosen your software, you will need to purchase or download it.

In addition to the music production software, you will also need a digital audio workstation (DAW). This is a type of software that allows you to record, edit, and mix audio files. There are many different DAWs available on the market, so again it is largely a matter of personal preference which one you choose.

Once you have your computer set up with the necessary software, you will need to purchase some musical equipment. This includes items such as microphones, speakers, and an audio interface. If you do not have any experience with musical equipment, it is recommended that you consult with someone who does before making any purchases.

Music production software

The software you need to produce electronic music depends on the genres you want to create. If you want to create trance, techno, EDM, or any 4/4 dance music, then you’ll need a digital audio workstation (DAW). A DAW is an all-in-one program that lets you record, edit, and mix your music. Many DAWs also come with sound libraries full of loops and instruments.

There are many different DAWs available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Reaper. If you’re just starting out, we recommend trying a few different programs to see which one you like best. There are usually free trial versions available for download on the developer’s website.

In addition to a DAW, you might also need some virtual instruments (VSTs). VSTs are software versions of real-world instruments or effects that you can use in your DAW. For example, if you want to add a piano sound to your track, you can use a virtual piano VST instead of recording a real piano. Or if you want to add some distorted guitar sounds, you can use a guitar VST instead of recording a real guitar. VSTs give you more flexibility and options when creating your music.

There are literally thousands of different VSTs available, so it’s important to do some research before purchasing any. You can find reviews and demos for many popular VSTs online. Once again, there are usually free trial versions available so you can try before you buy.

Setting Up

Let’s get started making some electronic music! In this section, we’ll go over the basic equipment and software you’ll need to get started. We’ll also talk about some of the key concepts and terminology you need to know.

Choose your software

The software you choose will be the heart of your studio, so it’s important to select something that suits your needs and preferences. If you’re just getting started, Ableton Live Lite is a great option. It’s a stripped-down version of the industry-standard software that’s perfect for beginners. If you’re on a tight budget, Tracktion 6 is a free option that offers many of the same features as Ableton Live Lite.

Once you have your software installed, it’s time to set up your audio interface. This is the hardware that will allow you to connect your microphones and instruments to your computer so that they can be recorded or processed by your software. Many audio interfaces also have built-in preamps, which are essential for getting high-quality recordings of acoustic instruments and vocals. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great option for those on a budget, while the RME Fireface UFX+ is a top-of-the-line option for professionals.

Now that you have your audio interface set up, you’ll need to connect it to your computer using an Ethernet or USB cable. Once you’ve done this, open up your selected recording software and take a look at the settings menus. In most cases, you’ll need to select your audio interface as the input and output device. You may also need to set up separate channels for each input (e.g., one for your microphone and one for your guitar). Consult your software manual for specific instructions on how to do this.

Connect your audio interface

The first thing you need to do is connect your audio interface to your computer. Most audio interfaces will connect to your computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or MIDI. Once you’ve connected your interface, you’ll need to install any drivers that came with it. Once the drivers are installed, you should be able to open up your DAW of choice and start playing around.

If you don’t have an audio interface, you can still make electronic music using your computer’s built-in sound card. However, an audio interface will give you much better sound quality and allow you to record multiple instruments at once.

Making Some Noise

Music is sound, and sound is made by vibrations. When these vibrations are made by musical instruments, we call it music. But when these vibrations are made by electronic devices, we call it electronic music. In this article, we’ll show you how to start making electronic music.

Creating a beat

To create a basic beat, start by picking a tempo (speed) in beats per minute (BPM). A good tempo to start with is 120 BPM. Then, use a drum synth or drum machine to create a kick drum sound on every beat. For the next layer, add a snare sound on the beats 2 and 4 (the so-called “backbeat”). You can also add hi-hats on beats 2 and 4 for more texture. Finally, add some percussion sounds on top for even more interest.

Adding bass

In every genre of music, the bass provides the low-end frequencies that anchor the tune and give it a feeling of heaviness or lightness. In electronic dance music, or EDM, these bass frequencies are often manipulated and combined with other sounds to create a unique sonic experience. To add bass to your own electronic tracks, you’ll need to start with a basic understanding of sound design.

First, it’s important to select the right software for your needs. There are a variety of digital audio workstations, or DAWs, that are available on the market today. Each offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to do some research before making your purchase. Once you have selected a DAW, you’ll need to acquire some basic equipment, such as a MIDI keyboard and an audio interface. With these tools in hand, you’re ready to start adding bass to your EDM tracks.

One of the most important aspects of sound design is layering different sounds together. When creating basslines, it’s often helpful to start with a simple sine wave tone. You can then add additional layers on top of this foundation, such as sub-bass frequencies or even chords. By layering different sounds together, you can create a more complex and interesting bassline that will better support your track as a whole.

Another key element of sound design is shaping the envelope of your sounds. The envelope is basically how a sound changes over time – it can be used to make a sound louder or quieter, change its pitch, or even add effects like reverb or delay. Experimenting with the envelope of your sounds is a great way to add interest and variety to your basslines.

Finally, don’t forget about EQ when shaping your sounds. Equalization is an important tool for achieving the right balance between different frequencies in your mix. By EQing your bassline properly, you can ensure that it sits well in the mix and doesn’t become too overwhelming or muddy sounding.

By following these tips, you can start adding engaging and professional-sounding basslines to your EDM tracks today!

Arranging your track

The arrangement of your track is how you lay out all of the elements in a song. This includes the intro, verse, chorus, bridge and outro (if you have one). A well-thought-out arrangement can make a huge difference in how your song is received.

There are a few things to keep in mind when arranging your track:

-The length of each section should be appropriate for the genre you are working in. In general, pop songs are between 3 and 4 minutes long, while EDM tracks can be anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
-Each section should have a specific purpose. The intro should introduce the listener to the main melody, the verse should provide more information about the story or subject of the song, etc.
-The chorus is usually the most important part of the song, so make sure it is catchy and memorable!
-The bridge can be used to change up the melody or provide contrast to the other parts of the song.
-The outro should wrap up the track and leave the listener wanting more.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this short guide on how to start making electronic music. If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in the comments section below. Also, if you know of any other helpful resources for people just starting out, please be sure to share them as well. Until next time, happy creating!