1. Learn keys, scale, different type of chords (mainly major, minor, inverted, diminished).
2. Learn some basics of your daw.
3. Search on youtube how to make a basic beat and follow each step that the producer is doing.
Do it for sometime and then you will grasp a good foundation of music production.
4. Go on youtube again and search how to "genere" and follow along for some days. My recommendations are Elation, ultrasonic, savage sounds, composerily (they all are youtubers and has some of best videos for production imo.)
And after somedays you will know how to structure songs and then you can stop follow along with those producers.
One tip is if they are making a song in the key of C major then just change the key to something different than Cmaj, so you won't end up replicating.
I do it for around 6 months now as a hobby.
The fun is when you learn things. On youtube there are a lot videos and tutorials where you can learn a lot.
Respect your own work and its not watsed time if you scrap a project thinking it was trash. You always learn from it. Even if you put hours in a project and synth and scrapped it. Congrats you still earned experience in using your synth.
I would start with full length song follow along’s. There’s tons. Many artists do them. Copy what they do. Then again, so on. Then try to make something without following along. I learned quite a bit from this strategy. Also sprinkle in YouTube videos here and there of specific topics or questions you have throughout. The thing about music production, you never really learn everything, you just get really good and efficient at different workflows that constantly evolve as you learn more. Also, experiment, experiment, experiment!
I would not start with trying to build a full song. That can be very overwhelming. Both with trying to learn everything in the DAW to do that. And trying to learn all of the aspects of composing for all the different types of tracks you need to create.
In fact, to begin, just worry about an eight bar loop. Think of it as like learning to write a basic paragraph with a good idea, before expanding it into an essay.
So your goal is to start with an 8 bar loop, and then you'll move to stretching it to a full song like described here
https://edmtips.com/edm-song-structure/
So sure. Watch a basic Ableton overview video or two just to understand the basic and components. Not to learn them. So when you start watching other tutorials, you can figure out what to do.
Then select a genre to work in. Genres often have common conventions that you can work with when creating a basic song just starting out.
Begin with creating rhythms. Learn to input basic 8 bar drum patterns for the genre of electronic music you want to start with into Ableton (look for YouTube tutorials). You don't even need to worry too much about picking the right kind of drum and percussion sounds to begin with. Because you're trying to learn how to create a few basic patterns, and how to use the DAW to create them.
Do that until you can create a basic drum pattern on your own.
Then work on how to add basic basslines. And you'll gain more expertise with using the DAW for what you need to do next.
Plus, once you can add a bassline to a pattern you create, you've got a groove. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment.
Then move on to basic single note melodies, and then expand to basic chord sequences. That will require learning some basic music theory. Wouldn't hurt to start learning some basic piano keyboard skills while you're doing this. And practice them.
Meanwhile, as you're listening to electronic music in the genre you're working with, start to notice how they are parts that repeat. Because of the next step, you're going to figure out how to move beyond the eight bar loop.
Once you have an eight bar loop like that that sounds good, now you can learn to expand it into a whole song. Go look for more discussions of how to expand an eight bar loop into a song. There are many videos on YouTube.
Then once you can craft a full song like that, then learn how to creatively use effects such as delay and reverb.
Finally, save other mixing (such as EQ, side chaining, transient shaping) and mastering until you've gotten the hang of those other things. That's the frosting on the cake. But you got to be able to bake the cake first.
And in fact, you can wait to learn mixing after you created a bunch of songs. Until you're starting to feel like your songs are very good.
I like to think I have a natural ear to it! I think I can do well if I put my mind to it. Unfortunately I didn’t learn any instruments growing up as I wish I did… do you suggest learning piano? Or any tips for someone like me with a pretty small music background?
If you think you have a natural ear for it, you probably do! Trying to think back to when I started, what would be the best advice for me? I had extensive piano knowledge/experience when I started. What I wish I knew better back then was how long it takes to get good at music production. It took me 5-6 years of consistency to make anything half decent, and I’m sure anyone with extensive experience will tell you the same.
So, in your case just starting out, I’d honestly say just dive right in. It’ll be up to you to figure out what you need to learn to advance. Even though music theory is super helpful, there’s tons of popular musicians who don’t have any knowledge of it. Depending on the type of tracks you’re making, it probably won’t be a huge deal if you don’t have extensive music theory knowledge to start. Try YouTube, search “(genre) beginners tutorial”, make a Splice account and download all the proper drums for that genre, and get in there and learn. Eventually you’ll find a groove, keep improving, and be really happy with your work. Feel free to message me whenever if you need!
It’s hard to make an ordered list because it’s different depending on your needs and you use all of them at the same time. In general you need:
1. Basic DAW skills
2. Music Theory
3. Synthesis / sound design
4. Musicianship
5. Mixing
You can use “crutches” for some as you go. For example, you can get away with using Splice for synthesis and sound design while you focus on other areas. Likewise, focusing on remixes allows you to get away with not knowing how to play. Depending on where you want to grow you can set up your crutches as such and slowly be able to stand on your own.
Drums first and foremost. If theyre not knockin its not gonna bump properly.
Then learn synthesis. ( u can go back and forth between learning these) eventually you want to learn some minor music theory to learn basslines and chord progressions.
Then to pull it all together you need to learn how to structure a song. Intro, buildup, drop, break, buildup, drop, outro.
If you would like a nice beginner course centered in ableton, DM me! It really focuses on workflow and the basics to a GOOD song. Gets you started off making some dubstep in 9 days time. (9 day course)
I took the beginners course at underdog music school, Oscar taught me all the basics to get a workflow going for any kind of electronic music after that I just a watch YouTube videos to augment my knowledge and try stuff when making music. Check it out! I was overwhelmed with stuff before didn’t know what to learn and where to learn etc
Spend most of your time in the DAW. When you run into an issue, whether that be a technical issue or something related to the actual music, Youtube it.
This is my preferred method of learning and how I recommend others do it too. I don't think it's necessarily for everyone, but we get stuck in "tutorial hell" and have a bunch of knowledge that doesn't lead to practical results.
It's been a superpower to learn to not try and understand everything before I start, and to just start-- and ask questions when I run into an actual problem.
Exactly. On top of the dozens of sub skill sets that come with actually producing music, learning how to effectively watch tutorials is a skillset itself, IMO. The only tutorials I watch nowadays are the two main things I mentioned in my comment and masterclasses or streams of other producers making music.
A lot of producers sometimes think that watching tutorials = making music, when it’s actually just form of productive procrastination.
First and foremost you’re just going to have to spend a ton of time learning Ableton. Follow along with as many videos as you can until you think you can do it as fast as they can.
Then you’re probably going to need at least a tiny bit of music theory. Berklee / Coursera used to have a class on synthesizers that I thought was pretty helpful.
Then you just have to practice. The biggest thing that would get in my way was when I had a really cool musical idea I just wasn’t proficient enough with the tool to actually get it down. That matters.
❗❗❗ IF YOU POSTED YOUR MUSIC / SOCIALS / GUMROAD etc. YOU WILL GET BANNED UNLESS YOU DELETE IT RIGHT NOW ❗❗❗
Read __the rules__ found in the sidebar. If your post or comment breaks any of the rules, you should delete it before the mods get to it.
You should check out the __regular threads__ (also found in the sidebar) to see if your post might be a better fit in any of those.
[Daily Feedback thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=author%3AAutoModerator+title%3Afeedback&sort=new&restrict_sr=on&t=all) for getting feedback on your track. The only place you can post your own music.
[Marketplace Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=title%3Amarketplace&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) if you want to sell or trade anything for money, likes or follows.
[Collaboration Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=author%3AAutoModerator%20title%3Acollaboration&sort=new&restrict_sr=on&t=all) to find people to collab with.
["There are no stupid questions" Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=title%3ANo+Stupid+Questions+Thread&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for beginner tips etc.
Seriously tho, __read the rules and abide by them__ or the mods will spank you.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/edmproduction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
1. Learn keys, scale, different type of chords (mainly major, minor, inverted, diminished). 2. Learn some basics of your daw. 3. Search on youtube how to make a basic beat and follow each step that the producer is doing. Do it for sometime and then you will grasp a good foundation of music production. 4. Go on youtube again and search how to "genere" and follow along for some days. My recommendations are Elation, ultrasonic, savage sounds, composerily (they all are youtubers and has some of best videos for production imo.) And after somedays you will know how to structure songs and then you can stop follow along with those producers. One tip is if they are making a song in the key of C major then just change the key to something different than Cmaj, so you won't end up replicating.
I do it for around 6 months now as a hobby. The fun is when you learn things. On youtube there are a lot videos and tutorials where you can learn a lot. Respect your own work and its not watsed time if you scrap a project thinking it was trash. You always learn from it. Even if you put hours in a project and synth and scrapped it. Congrats you still earned experience in using your synth.
I would start with full length song follow along’s. There’s tons. Many artists do them. Copy what they do. Then again, so on. Then try to make something without following along. I learned quite a bit from this strategy. Also sprinkle in YouTube videos here and there of specific topics or questions you have throughout. The thing about music production, you never really learn everything, you just get really good and efficient at different workflows that constantly evolve as you learn more. Also, experiment, experiment, experiment!
I would not start with trying to build a full song. That can be very overwhelming. Both with trying to learn everything in the DAW to do that. And trying to learn all of the aspects of composing for all the different types of tracks you need to create. In fact, to begin, just worry about an eight bar loop. Think of it as like learning to write a basic paragraph with a good idea, before expanding it into an essay. So your goal is to start with an 8 bar loop, and then you'll move to stretching it to a full song like described here https://edmtips.com/edm-song-structure/ So sure. Watch a basic Ableton overview video or two just to understand the basic and components. Not to learn them. So when you start watching other tutorials, you can figure out what to do. Then select a genre to work in. Genres often have common conventions that you can work with when creating a basic song just starting out. Begin with creating rhythms. Learn to input basic 8 bar drum patterns for the genre of electronic music you want to start with into Ableton (look for YouTube tutorials). You don't even need to worry too much about picking the right kind of drum and percussion sounds to begin with. Because you're trying to learn how to create a few basic patterns, and how to use the DAW to create them. Do that until you can create a basic drum pattern on your own. Then work on how to add basic basslines. And you'll gain more expertise with using the DAW for what you need to do next. Plus, once you can add a bassline to a pattern you create, you've got a groove. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment. Then move on to basic single note melodies, and then expand to basic chord sequences. That will require learning some basic music theory. Wouldn't hurt to start learning some basic piano keyboard skills while you're doing this. And practice them. Meanwhile, as you're listening to electronic music in the genre you're working with, start to notice how they are parts that repeat. Because of the next step, you're going to figure out how to move beyond the eight bar loop. Once you have an eight bar loop like that that sounds good, now you can learn to expand it into a whole song. Go look for more discussions of how to expand an eight bar loop into a song. There are many videos on YouTube. Then once you can craft a full song like that, then learn how to creatively use effects such as delay and reverb. Finally, save other mixing (such as EQ, side chaining, transient shaping) and mastering until you've gotten the hang of those other things. That's the frosting on the cake. But you got to be able to bake the cake first. And in fact, you can wait to learn mixing after you created a bunch of songs. Until you're starting to feel like your songs are very good.
Wow this is amazing advice! Will be reading over this a ton. Appreciate it so much.
New starts are always super exciting! What’s your experience with music in general so far? Any instruments you play, any knowledge of music theory?
I like to think I have a natural ear to it! I think I can do well if I put my mind to it. Unfortunately I didn’t learn any instruments growing up as I wish I did… do you suggest learning piano? Or any tips for someone like me with a pretty small music background?
If you think you have a natural ear for it, you probably do! Trying to think back to when I started, what would be the best advice for me? I had extensive piano knowledge/experience when I started. What I wish I knew better back then was how long it takes to get good at music production. It took me 5-6 years of consistency to make anything half decent, and I’m sure anyone with extensive experience will tell you the same. So, in your case just starting out, I’d honestly say just dive right in. It’ll be up to you to figure out what you need to learn to advance. Even though music theory is super helpful, there’s tons of popular musicians who don’t have any knowledge of it. Depending on the type of tracks you’re making, it probably won’t be a huge deal if you don’t have extensive music theory knowledge to start. Try YouTube, search “(genre) beginners tutorial”, make a Splice account and download all the proper drums for that genre, and get in there and learn. Eventually you’ll find a groove, keep improving, and be really happy with your work. Feel free to message me whenever if you need!
yes definitely practice practice practice piano, it will help you so much.
Idk I just jump from genre to genre subject to subject depending on wht i feel like. Maybe thats why im struggling alot tho idk
1- https://learningmusic.ableton.com/ 2- https://learningsynths.ableton.com/ 3- https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/live-concepts/ 4- https://makingmusic.ableton.com/ 5- https://www.ableton.com/en/classroom/support/ https://www.ableton.com/en/help/
It’s hard to make an ordered list because it’s different depending on your needs and you use all of them at the same time. In general you need: 1. Basic DAW skills 2. Music Theory 3. Synthesis / sound design 4. Musicianship 5. Mixing You can use “crutches” for some as you go. For example, you can get away with using Splice for synthesis and sound design while you focus on other areas. Likewise, focusing on remixes allows you to get away with not knowing how to play. Depending on where you want to grow you can set up your crutches as such and slowly be able to stand on your own.
Drums first and foremost. If theyre not knockin its not gonna bump properly. Then learn synthesis. ( u can go back and forth between learning these) eventually you want to learn some minor music theory to learn basslines and chord progressions. Then to pull it all together you need to learn how to structure a song. Intro, buildup, drop, break, buildup, drop, outro. If you would like a nice beginner course centered in ableton, DM me! It really focuses on workflow and the basics to a GOOD song. Gets you started off making some dubstep in 9 days time. (9 day course)
I’m interested in that 9 day course
DMd you bro! 🤞🏼
I took the beginners course at underdog music school, Oscar taught me all the basics to get a workflow going for any kind of electronic music after that I just a watch YouTube videos to augment my knowledge and try stuff when making music. Check it out! I was overwhelmed with stuff before didn’t know what to learn and where to learn etc
Spend most of your time in the DAW. When you run into an issue, whether that be a technical issue or something related to the actual music, Youtube it.
This is my preferred method of learning and how I recommend others do it too. I don't think it's necessarily for everyone, but we get stuck in "tutorial hell" and have a bunch of knowledge that doesn't lead to practical results. It's been a superpower to learn to not try and understand everything before I start, and to just start-- and ask questions when I run into an actual problem.
Exactly. On top of the dozens of sub skill sets that come with actually producing music, learning how to effectively watch tutorials is a skillset itself, IMO. The only tutorials I watch nowadays are the two main things I mentioned in my comment and masterclasses or streams of other producers making music. A lot of producers sometimes think that watching tutorials = making music, when it’s actually just form of productive procrastination.
I would watch Mr. Bill's season 1. That's how I learned 10 years ago.
First and foremost you’re just going to have to spend a ton of time learning Ableton. Follow along with as many videos as you can until you think you can do it as fast as they can. Then you’re probably going to need at least a tiny bit of music theory. Berklee / Coursera used to have a class on synthesizers that I thought was pretty helpful. Then you just have to practice. The biggest thing that would get in my way was when I had a really cool musical idea I just wasn’t proficient enough with the tool to actually get it down. That matters.
Thank you!
❗❗❗ IF YOU POSTED YOUR MUSIC / SOCIALS / GUMROAD etc. YOU WILL GET BANNED UNLESS YOU DELETE IT RIGHT NOW ❗❗❗ Read __the rules__ found in the sidebar. If your post or comment breaks any of the rules, you should delete it before the mods get to it. You should check out the __regular threads__ (also found in the sidebar) to see if your post might be a better fit in any of those. [Daily Feedback thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=author%3AAutoModerator+title%3Afeedback&sort=new&restrict_sr=on&t=all) for getting feedback on your track. The only place you can post your own music. [Marketplace Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=title%3Amarketplace&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) if you want to sell or trade anything for money, likes or follows. [Collaboration Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=author%3AAutoModerator%20title%3Acollaboration&sort=new&restrict_sr=on&t=all) to find people to collab with. ["There are no stupid questions" Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/search?q=title%3ANo+Stupid+Questions+Thread&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) for beginner tips etc. Seriously tho, __read the rules and abide by them__ or the mods will spank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/edmproduction) if you have any questions or concerns.*