Where to actually start?

[_leras]

I'm going to try to give you the advice I wish someone had told me when I started out 25 years ago.

Learn the following, in theory AND in practice:

- At least the basics of synthesizer and sampler sound design
- Loop manipulation
- Effects, what they do and when they're appropriate
- Elements of timing (tempo, signature, "humanization")
- Different types of sequencers (traditional, tracker, clip-launcher, maybe others) and which type(s) and model(s) you like
- Basic music theory: Keys, scales, chords, cadences
- Mixing techniques
- Mastering techniques

For starting out I think you u can trim that considerably.

Just start with 4 to the floor, use only the white notes, and use the piano roll in the DAW. You can expand on those later.

[_leras]

So much music has been made just from samples.

Sure but I'll bet all the good stuff was made by people who could play an instrument.

What is talent anyway? Just practice.

Not necessarily. There was a good thread on this topic a few years ago. If I cared more, I'd look it up and provide a link. Practice is no substitute for talent because any talented person who practices the same amount as you will always be better than you (and me, of course). That's just how it goes.

Yeah, perhaps that is true to an extent. But maybe the other person grew up with music lessons, or around music more. Or are just more focused on learning and improving, or simply more passionate and work at it more.

Anyway my point was more that you shouldn't let any of that put you off. Production skills are almost as much as the creativity in modern music.

Don't forget, saying I want to make a banging techno track like x, y z is a perfectly good place to start from.

Anyone can practice and learn, and I think anyone can also stretch themselves creatively if they want to. Keep pushing and you'll catch some ideas.

[JerGoertz]

For starting out I think you u can trim that considerably.

Just start with 4 to the floor, use only the white notes, and use the piano roll in the DAW. You can expand on those later.

You absolutely don't need to learn all these at once before "embarking on your musical journey," but I think they're all good things to learn as you progress out of novice-hood. They help solve problems you're likely to encounter as someone inexperienced.

[BONES]

Anyone can practice and learn, and I think anyone can also stretch themselves creatively if they want to. Keep pushing and you'll catch some ideas.

That's what I've been hanging my hat on for 40 years.

[NicknameJosh]

Definitely late to the party, But if you know how to count 4/4 and know the letters A-G, you can make the Hot 100 by next week. just start.

[BERESHIT]

get sylenth!

[jamcat]

Definitely late to the party, But if you know how to count 4/4 and know the letters A-G, you can make the Hot 100 by next week. just start.

But to make the Hot 100 this week it will have to be country without actually being country.

[enroe]

... use only the white notes, ...

But you could also start with just the black keys, there are even fewer!

[Uncle E]

All black keys is Eb Minor Pentatonic. Jimi would be proud.

[El°HYM]

[havran]

i often fail to remind myself of something xoxos said to me long ago: "the less i say, the more it's your universe"

Such a great line. A whole movie could be written around that.

[havran]

All black keys is Eb Minor Pentatonic. Jimi would be proud.

"Those were the days"