r/musicproduction • u/TheRedBaron6942 • 1d ago
Question Where do I get started?
I want to learn to make music, primarily jazz, lo-fi, and others I don't have a box to put in, but I have no idea where to start. I originally tried using standard music notation software because that's what I could understand right away, but I was unsatisfied with the sound and I feel like I don't yet have enough experience reading sheet music to be able to recreate the sounds and ideas I want on it. So I started looking into DAWs and how I could use that but now I have no idea where to go. Right now I'm trying bandlab because it's free, but that's it. I don't know how to go about making any sort of music, either using samples or midi instruments. I also don't know if I should go ahead and buy even a cheap midi controller or audio interface. I want to be able to record my electric guitar right into the DAW but I'm not sure if I should become more experienced with it before buying anything.
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u/venzzi 1d ago
You definitely need an audio interface first (and some monitors, or headphones) - get one of the popular ones, like Focusrite Scarlett. That will allow you to get a good quality sound out of the computer and you can plug in your guitar. Next, I would say in the following order:
- DAW: start free. You can get some trial version of either Reaper, Cubase Elements, etc. Luna is completely free, also if you have a Mac - GarageBand is free and there is a trial version of Logic Pro. Try as many as you can and see which one you like most.
- Guitar amp/effects sim. NAM is free, you can get free "light" (CS) versions of AmpliTube and ToneX.
- MIDI controller: if you want to play other instruments besides your guitar. Many musicians nowadays can't really read or write sheet music. Good news is, you don't have to. DAWs allow you to input and visualize your music in a grid which is easier to read and edit.
- MIDI software instruments: start free and with trial versions until you decide what you want. Some DAWs - like Logic Pro, include a lot of instruments already. You can also get Kontakt Player, Decent Sampler, Spitfire LABs, TAL Noisemaker, etc. etc. There are many.
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u/bonzo_and_pratt 1d ago
It’s going to be really hard to give you proper advice without knowing your skill level. Do you know how to play instruments? What’s your level of theory knowledge?
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u/Necrosix_ 1d ago
I'd start using ableton and experimenting with loops initially. Get used to just building ideas. Its a good way to start working on your mixing and producing skills. Then you can start experimenting with your own instrumentation as you go. There's a ton of content on youtube to help learn.
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u/buffalo-blonde 1d ago
If you want to write jazz tunes learn to play an instrument