How to Make Your Own Techno Music

A guide on how to make your own techno music using basic equipment and software.

Introduction

Techno music is a type of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States in the 1980s. The first techno tracks were produced by Kraftwerk, a German band. Techno is characterized by a repeating four-on-the-floor beat, synthesizer melodies, and sometimes robotic voices.

What You Will Need

Techno music is a type of electronic dance music that is characterized by a strong beat and a repetitious melody. If you want to make your own techno music, you will need a few things. First, you will need a computer with a sound card and a music production program like Logic or Ableton. You will also need a synth, a drum machine, and some sound effects. Keep reading to learn about the process of making techno music.

A computer with internet connection

To make your own techno music, you will need a computer with some type of digital audio workstation software. You can find many of these programs online for free, or you can purchase a professional program. Once you have your software, you will need some basic equipment, such as speakers, headphones, and a MIDI controller.

A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

To create techno music, you will need a computer with aDAW (Digital Audio Workstation). This is the music production software that you will use to create your tracks. A DAW typically has a piano roll, drum sequencer, and various synthesisers and effects built in. Some of the most popular DAWs for making techno are Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. If you do not have a DAW, you can download a free trial version from the internet.

You will also need a MIDI keyboard. This is an electronic keyboard that can be used to play and record notes into your DAW. MIDI keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, from small portable ones to larger 88-key models. You can even use your computer keyboard as a MIDI keyboard if you do not have access to a physical one.

Finally, you will need some audio samples or loops to use in your tracks. These can be found online or created yourself using a microphone and recording device.

VST plugins (virtual instruments)

To make your own techno music, you will need a computer with a digital audio workstation (DAW) and some virtual instruments, which are programs that generate sounds. You can find many free and paid VST plugins online. Some of the most popular VSTs for making techno are Native Instruments’ Massive and Ableton’s Operator.

Techno music is often made with synthesizers, drum machines and samples. Synthesizers are used to create basslines, melodies and percussion. Drum machines are used to create drum patterns. Samples are snippets of sounds that can be used to create new sounds or add texture to a track.

To create a basic techno track, you will need a kick drum, hi-hats, claps and/or snares, and a synth or bassline. You can start by finding some drum loops or samples online or programing your own beats with a drum machine. Once you have your drums, add a simple bassline or synth melody. From there, you can start experimenting with different sounds and textures to create your own unique techno track!

Finding Your Sound

Techno is a type of electronic dance music that is usually characterized by a repetition of four on the floor beats, often with basslines and synth melodies that create a hypnotic effect. If you’re interested in making your own techno music, the first step is finding your sound. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to do that.

Experiment with different genres

Techno is a genre of music that is constantly evolving, so it is important to experiment with different styles and sub-genres to find what sound you are most comfortable with. You can start by listening to a variety of techno DJs and producers to get an idea of the different sounds that are out there. Once you have a good understanding of the genre, you can start experimenting with your own production. Remember, there is no wrong way to make techno music, so don’t be afraid to experiment and create something that is unique to you.

Use a variety of VSTs

In order to make your own techno music, you will need to use a variety of VSTs, or virtual Studio Technology instruments. These are basically software instruments that you can use in your DAW, or digital audio workstation. Techno is known for its heavy use of synthesizers, so you will need to find a good synth VST. Some of the most popular synth VSTs used in making techno include Massive, Sylenth1, and Vanguard. You will also need a good drum VST. Many producers use drum machines like the Roland TR-8 or the Elektron Analog Rytm, but there are also some great drum VSTs out there like Geist and Drumazon. You can also find some great techno samples on websites like Splice Sounds.

Create a unique sound

There are many ways to create a unique sound in techno music. One way is to focus on creating original beats. This can be done by experimenting with different drum sounds and rhythms. Another way to create a unique sound is to use synthesizers to create new and interesting textures. You can also use field recordings to add an element of realism to your tracks.

Making the Music

Techno music is a type of electronic dance music that was first developed in Detroit, Michigan in the 1980s. Techno music is typically characterized by a repetitive four on the floor beat, deep basslines, and synthesizer effects. If you’re interested in making your own techno music, there are a few things you’ll need to do.

Write a catchy melody

The melody is the heart and soul of your techno track, so it’s important to take the time to write a good one. Start by brainstorming a few ideas and then try to flesh them out into complete melodies. Once you have a few ideas that you like, try recording them so you can listen back and make sure they sound good.

Next, you’ll need to choose the right instruments to play your melody. In techno music, synths are typically used to create the main melody. However, you can also use other instruments like guitars or keyboards. Once you’ve chosen your instruments, it’s time to start recording your melody.

When recording your melody, it’s important to pay attention to the tempo (or speed) of the track. Techno tracks typically have a fast tempo, so you’ll need to make sure your melody is able to keep up. Additionally, make sure that each note sounds clear and distinct from the others. This will help create a catchy and memorable melody that listeners will want to hear again and again.

Create a strong beat

Creating a techno beat is all about creating a strong, continuous four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern. To do this, you’ll need a drum machine or drum sequencing software. Techno beats are usually between 120 and 150 beats per minute (bpm).

Once you have your beat, you’ll need to add some hi-hats. Hi-hats are usually played on the off-beats (the 2 and 4). Adding hi-hats gives your beat some texture and makes it more interesting to listen to.

Next, you’ll need to add a bassline. A techno bassline is usually made up of simple, repeating synth parts. It’s important to keep the bassline simple so that it doesn’t distract from the kick drum.

Finally, you’ll need to add some percussion. Percussion can be anything from claps and snares to cymbals and tom drums. Again, it’s important to keep the percussion simple so that it doesn’t distract from the kick drum.

Once you have your beat, bassline and percussion parts, you can start arranging them into a song structure. A typical techno song structure looks like this:

Intro: 8 bars
Buildup: 8 bars
Drop: 8 bars
Main section: 32 bars
Breakdown: 8 bars
Outro: 8 bars

Layer your sounds

Techno is all about layering sounds to create a thick, textured beat. In order to create a layered soundscape, you’ll need to start with a basic drum loop. Once you have your drum loop, you can start adding in other sounds. Common instruments used in techno include synthesizers, bass guitars, and even samples from other songs.

When layering your sounds, it’s important to consider the overall texture of the beat. You’ll want to add in sounds that complement each other and create a cohesive sound. For example, if you’re using a lot of high-pitched synthesizer sounds, you might want to add in some low-end bass guitar to balance things out.

It’s also important to leave some space in your beat for the drums to shine through. Too many layers can make the beat sound cluttered and messy. Once you’ve added all of your layers, take a step back and listen to the beat as a whole. See if there are any areas that sound cluttered or could use some thinning out.

Add effects

Adding effects to your music is a great way to create new sounds and to add interest to your tracks. There are many different types of effects that you can use, and the best way to learn is to experiment with them all. You can use effects to change the speed, pitch, or tone of your music, or to create new sounds altogether.

Reverb is one of the most commonly used effects, and it creates a sense of space in your track by adding echo. To add reverb, you can use a plugin or an external effect unit.

Delay is another common effect that adds echo, but with a slightly different sound. Delay can be used to create rhythmic patterns in your music, or to simply add depth.

Chorus is an effect that detunes your signal and then plays it back at different pitches. This creates a rich, full sound that can make your tracks sound bigger.

Flanger is an effect that combines chorus and delay, and it creates a sweeping sound that can be used for dramatic effect.

Compression is an important studio tool that helps control the dynamics of your track. By reducing the difference between the loudest and softest parts of your track, compression can make your track sound fuller and more controlled.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a beginner’s guide to creating your own techno music. Techno is a great genre of music to get into, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be making your own tracks in no time. Remember to start with a simple melody and build up from there, adding in more layers and elements as you go. And most importantly, have fun!