How to Start Making Music: Beginner’s Guide to Producing Tracks

Getting into music production might seem complicated, but with the right approach and tools, it becomes an exciting creative process. Let’s break it all down to help you get started, especially if you’re a beginner working with a budget.

1. Starting From Scratch

Music production doesn’t require you to have a background in music theory or expensive equipment. All you need is determination, some basic tools, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. Begin with creating beats and melodies, arranging tracks into sections like verses, hooks, and bridges, and finally mixing and exporting your tracks. Starting simple and working towards more advanced techniques keeps the process manageable.

2. Why Samples, Loops, and Presets Are Key 🎧

For beginners, samples, loops, and presets are lifesavers. They help you learn structure and focus on creativity without getting stuck on the technical side. Samples are pre-recorded sounds like drums, vocals, or effects that allow you to start with professional-quality audio. Loops provide sections of music such as basslines or guitar riffs that can serve as the backbone of your track. Presets are ready-to-use settings for synths or effects, letting you explore a variety of sounds without the need to learn sound design right away. Using these tools saves time and keeps your creative flow intact. Many producers, even at the top level, incorporate them into their workflow. With royalty-free options, you don’t have to worry about licensing issues either.

3. Picking the Right DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

Your DAW is where all the production happens. Choosing one that feels intuitive is crucial for learning. Below are 20 DAWs that cater to different styles and budgets, all compatible with Windows, macOS, and some with Linux support: Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X (macOS only), GarageBand (macOS only), Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig Studio, Reaper, Cakewalk, Tracktion Waveform, Reason Studios, Ardour (Linux-friendly), LMMS (Linux-friendly), Mixcraft, Audacity (basic, free DAW for starters), Serato Studio, Maschine, Samplitude, Renoise. These DAWs cater to various genres and budgets, with user-friendly interfaces to help beginners transition into production smoothly.

4. Budget-Friendly Setup

You don’t need an expensive studio to start creating music. Here’s a basic setup guide. Most DAWs offer free or trial versions. Consider FL Studio Fruity Edition ($99) or Reaper ($60 for beginners). Look for affordable studio-quality headphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($50) is a great start. A simple MIDI controller like the Akai MPK Mini ($100) lets you experiment with melodies and drum patterns. If you plan to record vocals or instruments, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (~$120) is reliable. Free resources like Splice, Cymatics, or Loopcloud give you royalty-free libraries. You can begin with just a laptop and headphones, gradually adding gear as your skills grow.

5. Choosing a Genre to Produce

Focusing on one genre makes it easier to stay motivated. Pick a style you enjoy listening to. Here are a few beginner-friendly options: Hip-Hop/Trap with simple drum patterns and layered melodies, House/EDM with straightforward structures, and Lo-Fi Beats with minimalist sounds and chill vibes. Genres with repetitive structures are ideal for beginners since they teach you how to build songs step by step.

6. Building Your First Track

Start small and focus on completing tracks rather than perfecting every detail. Lay down a loop by choosing a chord progression or melody from a preset or royalty-free loop. Add drums by building a rhythm using a drum kit sample pack. Layer sounds by adding a bassline or a supporting melody to complement your loop. Arrange your track by creating sections like intro, verse, and chorus. Copy and tweak elements to add variation. Finally, use volume and EQ to balance each sound. Don’t worry about perfection—it’s a learning process.

7. Top Tips for Beginners 🎵

Stay consistent, and don’t let early struggles discourage you. Practice daily, even short sessions help build skills. Use tutorials from platforms like YouTube, which have excellent walkthroughs for every DAW. Focus on finishing projects rather than starting new ones without completing them. Experiment with different sounds and effects to develop your style. Use professionally produced songs in your chosen genre as a guide to learn structure and mixing techniques.

8. Finding Samples, Loops, and Presets

There are tons of platforms offering royalty-free options. Splice is a subscription service with a vast library. Cymatics offers free and paid packs covering many genres. Loopcloud is a cloud-based sample management tool. Native Instruments provides free packs like Komplete Start with high-quality sounds. Looperman has free loops uploaded by a global community of producers. These resources are compatible with most DAWs, ensuring a smooth workflow regardless of your setup.

9. Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes

Here’s what to avoid when starting out. Overloading tracks—keep arrangements simple to avoid clutter. Skipping basics—learn your DAW and practice arrangement before diving into advanced techniques. Ignoring structure—plan your tracks with clear sections to maintain listener interest. Overusing effects—use reverb, EQ, and compression sparingly to keep your sound clean.

10. Long-Term Growth in Music Production

As you grow, expand your toolkit and refine your skills. Learn to create custom sounds with synths like Serum or Massive. Improve your mixing with plugins like FabFilter or Waves. Work with vocalists or other producers to learn new techniques. Invest time into understanding what makes professional tracks stand out. Every project you complete will teach you something new.

11. Developing Your Workflow for Efficiency

As you become more comfortable in your DAW, setting up an efficient workflow becomes essential. Organize your sample library so you can find sounds quickly. Create templates in your DAW with preloaded instruments and tracks to speed up your process. Save your favorite presets and plugin chains to maintain consistency. Practice using keyboard shortcuts—this can save hours during editing and arranging.

12. Collaborating with Other Producers and Artists

Collaboration is an excellent way to learn and grow as a producer. Connect with other beginners through forums or social media groups. Share project files and exchange ideas to understand different approaches. Collaborating with vocalists or instrumentalists also brings a fresh perspective to your tracks. Working with others can challenge your creativity and push your limits.

13. Expanding Your Knowledge with Advanced Tools

Once you have a solid foundation, you can begin exploring advanced production techniques. Experiment with layering sounds for depth and richness. Use automation in your DAW to add movement to your tracks. Explore new genres to challenge your skills and expand your versatility. Dive into sound design to create unique synth patches or manipulate samples in creative ways. Advanced tools like spectral processing or multi-band compression can also take your productions to the next level.

14. Sharing and Promoting Your Music 🎿

When you’re ready to showcase your work, choose platforms that align with your goals. SoundCloud and Bandcamp are excellent for independent artists. Social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok can help you connect with listeners. Join music forums or communities where you can receive constructive feedback. Consider uploading your tracks to streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music for wider exposure. Networking with other producers and DJs can also help you reach new audiences.

15. Keeping Yourself Inspired and Motivated

Maintaining inspiration is vital to your progress. Set small, achievable goals to stay motivated. Take breaks when you feel stuck, and come back with fresh ideas. Listen to music from diverse genres to spark creativity. Attend live shows or virtual events to experience how music connects with audiences. Remember, every producer faces creative blocks; it’s part of the process. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

Music production is an ever-evolving craft, and as a beginner, your focus should be on building a solid foundation. With the right tools, a bit of guidance, and consistent practice, you’ll soon be creating tracks that sound like they belong on the charts. 🎧