Essential Guidelines for making Music

Article | Mar 07, 2023

This article provides five tips for producing music. The first tip is that there is no right or wrong way to produce music, as long as it sounds good. The second tip is to get your mastering right, especially if you plan to distribute your music on vinyl. The third tip is to not obsess over details initially and instead focus on building a good foundation with a few elements. The fourth tip is to keep things in motion, using modulation to create movement in your tracks. Finally, the fifth tip is to experiment and find what works best for you as a producer.

Producing music is an exciting and creative process that requires a unique combination of technical skills and artistic expression. Whether you are just starting out or have been producing music for years, there are always ways to improve your craft and create better music. In this article, we will explore some tips and insights that can help you produce great music.

Analyze song structure #

Recreating a track helps you understand its composition, arrangement, and the way different elements work together. This knowledge can be applied to your own productions, improving your ability to create well-structured and engaging tracks.

Study sound design and synthesis #

By replicating specific sounds or textures from existing songs, you can learn about various synthesis techniques and sound design principles. This process can help you develop your ear for identifying different types of sounds and understanding how they were created.

Improve mixing and mastering skills #

Deconstructing a professional mix provides insights into how the various elements have been balanced, processed, and panned. By attempting to recreate a mix, you'll develop a better understanding of how to achieve a polished and professional sound in your own productions.

Learn production techniques #

Recreating tracks exposes you to various production techniques used by other artists, which can be incorporated into your own workflow. This can help you develop your unique style while still drawing from proven methods.

Develop your critical listening skills #

To accurately recreate a track, you need to pay close attention to its details. This process will help you develop critical listening skills, which are essential for identifying areas that need improvement in your own productions.

Learn the basics of music theory #

Understanding fundamental concepts such as scales, chords, harmony, melody, and rhythm will provide a strong foundation for your music production. This knowledge will help you make better decisions when composing and arranging your tracks.

Master your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) #

Choose a DAW that suits your needs and budget, and invest time in learning its features and workflow. Popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Cubase. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so explore and select one that best fits your creative style.

Focus on sound design and synthesis #

Developing your sound design skills will allow you to create unique and personalized sounds for your tracks. Learn the basics of synthesis and familiarize yourself with different types of synthesizers, samplers, and effects. Experiment with various sound sources, including software synthesizers (VSTs), hardware instruments, and field recordings.

Develop a strong sense of arrangement and structure #

A well-structured track is crucial for keeping listeners engaged. Study the structure of songs you admire and try to apply those principles to your own work. Consider elements like intro, build-up, climax, and breakdown. Learn to balance tension and release, and create smooth transitions between sections.

Seek feedback and collaborate #

Share your work with others and ask for constructive criticism. Engage with the music production community through online forums, social media, or in-person events. Collaboration with other producers can be a valuable learning experience, exposing you to new techniques and perspectives.

Trust Your Ears: There Is No Right or Wrong Way to Produce Music #

One of the most important things to keep in mind when producing music is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. If it sounds good to you, then it's good. Music is a subjective art form, and what one person loves, another may not. So, it's important to trust your ears and follow your instincts.

Context Is Key: Mixing and Matching Sounds Can Play with Expectations #

Context is also key when producing music. Different sounds work in different tracks and genres. Some music styles prefer dirty sounds, while others require a cleaner sound. Mixing and matching sounds can play with expectations and surprise listeners, so experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your music.

Mastering Matters: Understanding the Techniques That Fit Your Genre #

Mastering is an essential part of producing music, and there are some things you need to get right to ensure that your music fits within the genre you are creating. For example, making the mono sub-bass mono is crucial if you want your music to be pressable to vinyl. It's important to do your research and understand the mastering techniques that are specific to your genre.

Don't Obsess Over Details at First #

While it's tempting to obsess over the details, it's essential to focus on the big picture first. Start by building a solid foundation with a few elements and getting them to sound good without heavy use of dynamic plugins. Modulation is also crucial in keeping your music in motion and creating interest, so experiment with different modulation techniques to add texture and movement to your music.

Limitations Make You Creative: Restrict Yourself to a Small Amount of Gear or Instruments #

Limitations can be incredibly useful in making you more creative. Restrict yourself to a small amount of gear or instruments and try to get the best out of what you have.

Embrace Boredom: Experiment with Extreme Decisions to Take Your Music in New Directions #

Boredom can also be a powerful motivator for creativity. If you feel like you're doing the same thing every day, try experimenting with more extreme decisions and watch your music take on new and exciting directions.

Samples Are Your Friend: Start with Good Ones to Make Your Life Easier #

Starting with good samples is a great way to make your life easier when producing music. Instead of processing sounds heavily to fit your needs, try finding samples that already sound how you want them to. Additionally, recreating tunes from your musical heroes can give you valuable insights and gotcha moments that can help you improve your music.

No Hard and Fast Rules: Don't Fall for "You Always Need to Do X" Tips #

It's important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to producing music. Don't fall for the trap of thinking that you always need to do X, Y, or Z. Everything can be good or bad depending on the context, so always trust your instincts and follow your creative impulses.

Use Tutorials Wisely: They're Meant to Help the Creator, Not Necessarily You #

Finally, it's important to recognize that most music tutorials are made to help the creator who made the videos and not necessarily the watcher. While tutorials can be useful, they should be used as a starting point, and it's important to experiment and develop your own unique approach to producing music.

Learn from professional sounds #

High-quality sample packs are often created by experienced producers and sound designers. By using these samples, you can learn about sound design, processing techniques, and gain a better understanding of how professional sounds are created.

Set realistic goals #

As a beginner, it's essential to set achievable, short-term goals that help you progress steadily. Focus on improving specific skills, finishing tracks, or learning new techniques, rather than aiming for perfection or instant success.

Develop a consistent workflow #

Establishing a consistent workflow will help you stay organized and efficient in your music production process. Create templates for your projects, organize your samples and presets, and develop a routine that works for you.

Invest in quality equipment and plugins #

While it's not necessary to have the most expensive gear, investing in quality equipment and plugins can make a difference in your sound quality and productivity. Start with the essentials, such as a reliable computer, a good pair of studio headphones or monitors, and a quality audio interface.

Stay persistent and patient #

Music production can be challenging and sometimes frustrating, especially for beginners. Be prepared for setbacks and don't get discouraged by initial difficulties. Remember that progress takes time and consistent effort.

Network with other producers and musicians #

Connect with like-minded individuals in the music production community, both online and offline. Engage in discussions, share ideas, and learn from others' experiences. Networking can also open doors to collaboration opportunities and help you grow as a producer.

Stay true to your artistic vision #

While it's essential to learn from others and stay informed about trends, don't forget to follow your instincts and develop your unique sound. Trust your creativity and allow it to guide your journey as a music producer.

Summary #

In conclusion, producing music is a constantly evolving process that requires a balance of technical skill and artistic expression. By keeping these tips and insights in mind, you can improve your craft, find your unique voice, and create music that you are proud of. Remember to trust your instincts, experiment, and have fun!