Beginner

Can i get some help on how to cheaply (preferably free) get into music production. I want to get into but i am lost in all of the crap on the internet. What do i use? is there anything free? and how to i got about making a song? Any help will be great Thank you guys in advance.

I don't know of any free music production softwares but there is free online notation softwares like http://www.noteflight.com where you can build a track and then get a MIDI to export into other program. I use Ableton live lite 8 (going to upgrade to live 9 Suit) but for that I'll have to spend some money. Maybe if someone you know that has some software you can use or something like that would be great.

Reaper is a free DAW that mostly does what all normal DAWs do. http://www.reaper.fm/

When I first started getting in to producing, I thought that the big name programs were way too expensive, and spent a couple years puttering around with cheap programs before I figured everything out. Here's what I wish I had known:

-Music production isn't a free hobby. Nor is it cheap. Period.

-The most important thing to get at first is a DAW (digital audio workstation) like FL Studio, Reason, Ableton Live, Garage Band, etc. If you'd like, I can list more. Most of them are somewhat expensive. Generally, cheap or free programs are not going to be nearly as good as the more expensive ones. Reaper is the primary exception to this and is the cheapest professional-quality DAW that I know of.

-Many of these DAWs have great free trials. Here's FL Studio's and here's Reason's.

-Every DAW is different (some more different than others), so play around and find the one you like the best. Don't limit yourself to my examples. Figure out what programs your favorite producers use and give those a shot.

-If you really can't afford the DAW you like, you can always get a cracked version. If you do this and end up sticking with the program, then I would suggest eventually buying it. Benefits of doing so include tech support, involvement in the community, and not being a prick to the developers who made the program you enjoy using.

-As an alternative to a DAW, you could try a tracker like LMMS. Trackers tend to be free, which is cool, but they're kind of limited and different than the usual DAW. I've never used a tracker before so I'm no expert, but if you're intent on free software, invest some time in to researching them.

-Once you're set up with a program, Youtube tutorials are your friend. Playing around with the stuff you learned through video tutorials will help inspire dozens of songs. Never stop learning!

-Having some rudimentary piano skills helps immensely.

-There are some great production communities out there that are glad to answer your questions (clearly, you've already got this one). Continue asking them!

djcalvycakes wrote:

Reaper is a free DAW that mostly does what all normal DAWs do. http://www.reaper.fm/

Are you sure it's free?

djcalvycakes wrote:

Reaper is a free DAW that mostly does what all normal DAWs do. http://www.reaper.fm/

Well actually it's 50$ (or something like that) but it doesn't shut down after trial preiod and allows you to use it like it is licensed... So... You can use it for free but it is not

Legacide wrote:

-If you really can't afford the DAW you like, you can always get a cracked version. If you do this and end up sticking with the program, then I would suggest eventually buying it. Benefits of doing so include tech support, involvement in the community, and not being a prick to the developers who made the program you enjoy using.

I admittedly did this; I'm not entirely sure if my music production will take me anywhere, but I have full intention on paying for the actual product if I actually can get somewhere with it. I always feel filthy saying that I have a cracked version, though... -_______-

Nequissimus wrote:

djcalvycakes wrote:

Reaper is a free DAW that mostly does what all normal DAWs do. http://www.reaper.fm/

Well actually it's 50$ (or something like that) but it doesn't shut down after trial preiod and allows you to use it like it is licensed... So... You can use it for free but it is not

I don't use it so I didn't look to deep into it to be honest. People kept telling me it's free, so I suggested it. It's still pretty much free nonetheless *shrugs*

I started a couple months back when i bought my launchpad and used Ableton lite. After talking to a friend who used FL i tried FL and he tried Ableton and in my opinion they're better in their own ways. From what i found FL is leaps and bounds better at audio editing while Ableton is a lot easier and faster when it comes to midi controllers and actually putting the song together. It's all about preference. I use FL for making synths and editing all my sounds and use Ableton for putting the song together and using my launchpad. Hope i helped!

Thank you for the advice when i find the time i will try FL and Ableton and a few other to see what i like.