How To Make Electronic Music: Beginner’s Guide (2024)

So, you’re interested in making electronic music? I’m excited to take you through some of my favorite professional producer approaches to get you going.

Whether you’re aiming to become the next big DJ or just want to have some fun, getting started with electronic music is a great way to express your creative ideas in an incredibly popular genre.

How To Make Electronic Music

The first important piece of advice I have is this – You don’t actually need a fully equipped studio to begin; with a computer, some basic software, and a bit of creativity, you can start producing right away. 

We’ll cover essential tools, sound design, and various production techniques to help you create your unique sound. 

Understanding the software and hardware, finding your style, and refining your techniques are all important steps in your learning process.

I’m going to break things down into manageable steps to make it easier for you to learn. We’ll explore choosing the right digital audio workstation (DAW), setting up your studio, and tips for promoting your music. 

By the time you’re done, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to make your own tracks.

Understanding the Basics

Before you can push the boundaries and break the rules to create your own hit songs, you need to first learn them. It’s crucial to grasp the foundational aspects that will set you up for success.

A solid base in music theory can significantly enhance your ability to create cohesive and compelling tracks. 

While it’s possible to make electronic music without a deep understanding of music theory, having this knowledge gives you a powerful toolkit for expressing your musical ideas more effectively and with greater nuance. 

By mastering key elements like scales, chords, song structure, rhythm, and tempo, you can elevate your productions and ensure they resonate with listeners.

Scales and Chords

Understanding the major and minor scales is fundamental to music production, as they form the basis of melody and harmony. 

Major scales generally produce a bright, happy sound, while minor scales tend to evoke a sadder, more introspective mood. 

Each scale consists of a series of notes, and these notes can be used to construct chords—combinations of notes played simultaneously.

Learning how to build chords from these scales is crucial for creating chord progressions, which are the harmonic backbone of most music. 

A chord progression is a sequence of chords that provides the harmonic foundation for your track. 

Common progressions like I-IV-V (a progression using the first, fourth, and fifth chords of a scale) can evoke a sense of resolution and familiarity, while more complex progressions can add emotional depth and interest to your music. By experimenting with different scales and chords, you can develop your own signature sound that sets your music apart.

In electronic music, these progressions can be used to anchor your track, giving it a strong sense of direction. 

Whether you’re creating a catchy hook or a deep, emotional build-up, understanding how to construct and utilize chords will give your tracks a professional polish.

Song Structure

Familiarizing yourself with common song structures is essential for creating music that flows well and keeps listeners engaged. 

Song structure refers to the arrangement of different sections within a track, such as the introduction, verses, chorus, bridge, and outro. Each section serves a specific purpose in telling the musical story.

In electronic music, the verse-chorus-verse structure is popular, but there are many variations. For instance, in genres like techno or trance, you might encounter extended build-ups, drops, and breakdowns that create a sense of anticipation and release. 

Understanding how these structures work allows you to craft tracks that not only sound good but also take listeners on a journey, building tension and providing satisfying payoffs.

The arrangement of these sections can significantly impact the energy and momentum of your track. For example, a long build-up followed by a powerful drop can create a dramatic effect, ideal for the dance floor. 

On the other hand, a more straightforward verse-chorus structure might be better suited for a radio-friendly pop EDM track. By mastering song structure, you can ensure your tracks are both engaging and memorable.

Rhythm and Tempo

Rhythm and tempo are at the heart of electronic music production, as they dictate the groove and overall feel of your track. Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences in music, while tempo refers to the speed at which a piece of music is played, measured in beats per minute (BPM).

In electronic music, understanding how to manipulate BPM is crucial. Different genres have characteristic tempos: for instance, house music typically ranges between 120-130 BPM, giving it a danceable groove, while dubstep often sits around 140 BPM, providing a more intense, head-nodding experience. Knowing these conventions allows you to create tracks that fit within a genre or push the boundaries by experimenting with tempo.

Beyond BPM, rhythm involves the placement of beats, offbeats, and syncopation, which can give your track its unique groove. 

For example, in genres like house or techno, the “four-on-the-floor” kick drum pattern is a staple, providing a steady, driving rhythm. In contrast, more complex rhythms, like those found in breakbeat or drum and bass, can create a more chaotic, energetic feel.

By mastering rhythm and tempo, you can control the energy levels of your track, making your music more dynamic and exciting. Whether you’re crafting a laid-back chillout tune or an adrenaline-pumping club banger, rhythm and tempo are key tools in shaping the listener’s experience.

These elements form the backbone of your music and enable you to experiment with various genres. Understanding them allows you to translate your musical ideas into compelling compositions.

Overview of Electronic Music

Electronic music is a broad and diverse genre that encompasses a wide array of styles, each with its own distinct characteristics and appeal. 

From the pulsing beats of techno to the ambient textures of chillout, electronic music offers something for every producer and listener. 

Whether you’re aiming to create the next big club anthem or a mellow, introspective track, understanding the core components of electronic music production is essential.

Electronic Instruments

To create compelling electronic music, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the tools of the trade—musical instruments that are the backbone of this genre. 

Synthesizers are perhaps the most iconic electronic instruments, capable of generating everything from deep bass lines to shimmering pads. Whether you’re using software synths within your DAW or hardware units like the Moog Sub 37, these instruments offer endless possibilities for sound design.

Drum machines are another staple, providing the rhythmic foundation that drives many electronic tracks. Classic models like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 have become legendary for their distinctive sounds, which continue to influence modern music. 

Paired with MIDI controllers, which allow you to manipulate your virtual instruments in real-time, these tools give you hands-on control over your production, making it easier to bring your musical ideas to life.

If you’re just starting out, the ease of use of modern software versions of these instruments is a big plus. Many DAWs come with built-in synths and drum machines that are intuitive and powerful, giving you a great option to begin exploring electronic music without needing to invest in expensive hardware.

Home Studio Setup

Setting up a home studio is one of the first things you’ll need to do to start producing your own electronic music. 

While it might seem like a lot to learn at first, you don’t need a professional-grade studio to get started—just a few essential pieces of gear and a bit of studio time to familiarize yourself with your setup.

The core of your studio will be your DAW. It’s the software is where you’ll record, edit, and mix your music. Popular choices include Logic Pro (formerly known as Logic Pro X, though v11 made Apple finally give up the Roman numeral system), Ableton Live, Cubase, Pro Tools and FL Studio—some of the most popular DAWs among producers. 

Each DAW has its own strengths, so the best option for you depends on your workflow and the type of music you want to create. Good news: most DAWs offer a trial version, so you can test them out before committing.

In addition to your DAW, you’ll need a computer that can handle the demands of music production, a good set of monitor speakers for accurate sound monitoring, and a MIDI controller to give you hands-on control over your virtual instruments. 

These elements will form the backbone of your home studio, allowing you to create good music without needing a lot of expensive gear.

Different Genres

Electronic music includes genres ranging from the high-energy beats of electronic dance music (EDM) to the more experimental sounds of glitch and IDM. 

Each genre has its own unique characteristics, BPM ranges, and instrumentation styles, so it’s important to explore different genres to find what resonates with you.

For example, techno is known for its repetitive rhythms and deep basslines, typically sitting around 120-130 BPM. 

House music, another cornerstone of electronic music, often features groovy basslines and soulful vocal samples, usually around the same tempo. 

On the other hand, dubstep is characterized by its wobbling bass and syncopated rhythms, often with a tempo around 140 BPM. 

By understanding these distinctions, you can start to identify which genres align with your musical tastes and production goals.

Experimenting with different genres not only helps you find your niche but also broadens your understanding of the possibilities within electronic music. This exploration is crucial as you develop your unique sound and start to create your own electronic music.

Next Steps

Once you’ve laid the foundation and familiarized yourself with the tools and genres of electronic music, it’s time to start creating. 

This is where the real fun begins—experimenting with different sounds, recording bass lines, crafting synth leads, and applying various effects to shape your tracks. 

The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about what works and what doesn’t, helping you grow as a good producer.

Use the music theory fundamentals you’ve learned to guide your compositions, ensuring that your tracks are not only sonically interesting but also musically coherent. 

Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and try new things—sometimes the best ideas come from taking risks and making bold choices.

By understanding the basics, you give yourself the freedom to explore new ways of creating great music across various genres.

Setting Up Your Studio

Digital Audio Workstation Selection

There’s always talk about what the best DAW is among beginner producers. I can tell you that there’s no such thing as the best DAW!

It really comes down to your workflow preferences. For example, Logic Pro works best for my approach, but I know many electronic music producers who prefer Ableton Live. But then I also know several producers using Pro Tools and still producing truly amazing electronic music.

So my point is this – try out a few different DAWs and go with the one that works best for your workflow.

Popular DAWs

The DAW is the core of your studio. Popular DAWs include Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Cubase and Pro tools among many others. Like I said, your choice depends on your preferred workflow and the genre of music you aim to produce. If you’re a Mac user you might prefer Logic Pro, but then again the workflow of Ableton Live might make more sense to you.

Choosing the best DAW involves considering your personal preference and what you find easiest to work with. 

The best thing is, most DAWs offer trial versions, allowing you to test them before committing.

Essential Equipment

Pick Your Computer

Your studio setup starts with a reliable music production computer. Both PC and Mac are viable options, but ensure your system meets the specifications for your chosen DAW.

I won’t get into the Mac vs PC arguments here; which ever platform works for you, go with it. If you have no idea, go with a Mac, there’s less moving parts to learn about. If you know about PC hardware and how to configure it, by all means go with a PC. The end result will sound the same no matter which choice you make here.

Monitor Speakers

Invest in quality speakers or studio monitors to accurately hear your mixes. Brands like KRK and Yamaha are popular beginner choices.

MIDI Keyboard

A MIDI keyboard is an essential tool for creating melodies and chords. Models such as the AKAI MPK Mini offer a good balance between affordability and functionality.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is critical for recording and producing high-quality sound. The Focusrite Scarlett series is widely recommended for its reliability and performance.

Additional Gear

Additional tools like drum machines, and studio headphones enhance your creative capabilities and fine-tune your sound.

Setting up a home studio involves careful selection of both software and hardware, ensuring you have everything needed to create professional-sounding electronic music.

Creating Your Sound

To develop a distinct musical identity, you need to focus on sound design techniques and utilizing virtual instruments that align with your creative vision.

Sound Design Techniques

Sound design involves manipulating sound waves to create unique tones and textures. 

Sound Synthesis

Sound synthesis is a key practice here; it uses techniques like subtractive, additive, and FM synthesis. For instance, subtractive synthesis shapes sounds by filtering frequencies from a rich waveform, whereas additive synthesis builds complex sounds by adding simpler waveforms.

Drum Samples

Drum samples and kick drums form the backbone of many tracks. Layering these with analog synthesizers can deliver a rich, dynamic sound. 

EQ

Experimenting with frequency spectrum adjustments ensures that not only your mix has clarity and depth, but you can get really wild with it on individual sounds when designing something unique and fresh. Only your imagination is the limit here, go to town on it and trust your ears.

Once it’s time to mix the tracks though, the EQ rules change; then it’s time to make subtle, key decisions that allow each track to fit in its space in the mix.

Tape Saturation

A tape recorder plugin can add a warm, retro feel to your tracks, mimicking the natural decay and saturation of traditional instruments.

Utilizing Virtual Instruments

Virtual instruments (often referred to as VST instruments, naming that comes from the original plug-in format created by Steinberg) are essential tools in modern music production. 

They enable you to simulate sounds of various instruments like acoustic instruments and electric guitars. 

Synth Plugins

Synth plugins provide infinite possibilities, from emulating classic analog synthesizers to creating futuristic, unheard sounds.

Using synth plugins, you can craft everything from lush pads to sharp leads. VST instruments offer detailed control over sound design, allowing you to tweak parameters such as attack, decay, sustain, and release. This precise control helps you shape every sound to your exact needs. 

Sample-based Instruments

Sample-based virtual instruments rely on recorded audio samples of real instruments. These instruments capture the nuances and character of live performances, allowing producers to incorporate the richness of acoustic or electric sounds directly into their projects. 

By using multi-layered samples that vary with velocity, articulation, and expression, these plugins can deliver incredibly realistic and dynamic performances. 

Sample-based instruments are ideal for recreating orchestral arrangements, realistic drum kits, or even detailed recreations of rare or expensive instruments that might otherwise be inaccessible. 

With advanced scripting and user interfaces, they provide intuitive control over playback, expression, and effects, ensuring that every note you play sounds authentic and vibrant.

These tools bring a vast library of sounds to your fingertips, expanding your options far beyond traditional instruments.

Mixing virtual instruments with drum samples and live acoustic instruments can give your music a unique, textured sound that stands out. Combining VST capabilities with traditional recording techniques makes your production more versatile and rich in quality.

Production Techniques

In electronic music production, the techniques you use for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering significantly impact the final product. Paying attention to each stage can lead to better results.

Recording and Editing

Start with a robust sound library. This collection should include samples and loops suited for EDM production. 

When recording, ensure high-quality input by using good microphones and interfaces.

Editing involves cutting, arranging, and adjusting your recordings. Use your DAW’s tools to time-align and pitch-correct as needed.

Applying audio effects like reverb, delay, and compression can add depth and character. Always make sure to use effects tastefully; too much can muddy your mix.

The bottom line is that thorough, precise editing lays the foundation for a professional track.

Mixing and Mastering

Mixing is about balancing the elements in your track. Pay attention to volume levels, panning, and EQ to ensure each part fits into the overall soundscape. 

Using a reference track can help guide you toward the desired sound.

Most important aspect is achieving clarity. Sidechain compression can help your kick and bass coexist without clashing.

Mastering is the final polish to your track. It involves applying compression, limiting, and EQ to the stereo mix. Aim for loudness without sacrificing dynamic range.

Learning these techniques takes hard work and honestly, it’s a whole series of articles to get into all the details here! But I can tell you that mastering them is key to a professional-sounding track. So take your time and learn these techniques.

Finding Your Style

Developing your unique sound as a producer is not easy or fast. But it can be very enjoyable if you approach it with the right attitude. 

Start by exploring different genres like house music, hip hop, and even classical music.

You might like EDM tracks by artists like Martin Garrix and Calvin Harris. Analyze how these producers craft their sounds. This can give you a sense of what resonates with you.

I strongly beleve experimentation is key. Create many tracks, even if they’re short. Every attempt helps you understand what works for you.

And here’s another important tip: Don’t be afraid if something you create doesn’t sound perfect. Each piece adds to your skill set and style. You have to experiment in order to find your way. Just trust the process, and trust your ears. Follow your taste.

Another way to find your style is by blending genres. Try combining elements from modern music with classical tones. This mixture could set you apart from others.

Use a DAW to experiment with different sounds and arrangements. In fact use your DAW like awn instrument. Be creative. 

Tools like MIDI controllers can help you get hands-on with your music, they are the physical interface between your expression and the DAW.

Network with other musicians. Platforms like Reddit’s WeAreTheMusicMakers can provide feedback and inspiration.

Remember, consistency is crucial. The more you create, the closer you get to defining your unique sound.

Above all, enjoy the process. Your style will evolve with each beat and melody you craft.

Going Live

Live performances might not be for everyone. But if it is a fit for you, then it can be a great next step in connecting with your fans.

Live Performance Setup

Setting up for a live performance can be complex, but starting with the right equipment will set you in the right direction. Invest in a reliable laptop with your preferred DAW software. Ensure your software is optimized for real-time performance to avoid any glitches.

Consider using drum pads for triggering samples. They allow for more interactive and dynamic sets. Controllers such as the Ableton Push can be invaluable for launching clips, adjusting levels, and adding effects seamlessly.

Having the right connections is crucial. Double-check all your cables, interfaces, and power supplies. Make sure you have backup gear to handle any unexpected issues during the show. 

Plan your setup meticulously so you can focus on delivering a high-quality performance.

Engaging Your Audience

Engaging your audience goes beyond just playing your tracks. Interaction is key. Make eye contact and respond to the crowd’s energy. Introduce your musical ideas with brief comments or visuals to provide context.

Use live effects and modulations to keep your set dynamic. Adjust filters, add reverb, or change tempos in real time to create a more immersive experience. This keeps the audience engaged and makes each performance unique.

Consider adding visual components like synchronized lights or video projections. These can significantly enhance the audience’s experience.

Promoting Your Music

Leveraging Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for getting your music heard. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are platforms where you can share previews, announce releases, and interact with fans.

Create an engaging profile that reflects your brand as an EDM producer. Posting regularly keeps your audience engaged. Share behind-the-scenes content, upcoming shows, and collaborate with other artists to expand your reach.

YouTube offers a unique opportunity to post music videos, tutorials, and live performances. Starting a YouTube channel can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. 

Consider offering free trials or exclusive content to your subscribers to keep them hooked.

Releasing Music Online

In recent years, online platforms have become essential for music distribution. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud allow you to upload your tracks directly and reach millions of potential listeners worldwide.

Creating a professional Electronic Press Kit (EPK) can help you pitch your music to playlists and bloggers. An EPK should include your bio, high-quality images, and links to your music and social media.

Try using tools that provide analytics to track your performance. This data helps inform your strategy and shows you which tracks resonate most with your audience, guiding your future releases and promotional efforts.

By maximizing these online resources, you can make sure your music gets the exposure it deserves.

Continuing Education

Learning Resources

Finding the right learning resources is essential. Online courses are a popular choice for continuing education. For example, Berklee Online offers a comprehensive program for electronic music production. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy also provide versatile courses that cover everything from the basics to more advanced topics.

YouTube videos are another excellent resource. Channels like Andrew Huang and ADSR Music Production Tutorials offer free tutorials. You can learn everything from setting up your home studio to mastering complex techniques.

Consider joining online communities and forums. Places like Reddit’s r/edmproduction and Gearslutz can provide invaluable advice from experienced producers and a collaborative learning environment.

Mastering Advanced Techniques

As you progress, mastering advanced techniques becomes crucial. Sound design is a key skill. Learning how to create unique and high-quality sounds can set you apart. Dive into synthesis, sampling, and effects processing. Courses like Syntorial and those offered by Massive can be very beneficial.

Mixing and mastering are also vital. You can have great tracks, but if they’re not mixed and mastered well, they won’t sound professional. Resources like iZotope’s tutorials and Masterclass courses on mixing and mastering can offer in-depth knowledge.

Experimentation is another essential aspect. Don’t be afraid to try out new styles and techniques. Sometimes the best learning comes from trying something unconventional and seeing how it fits into your music.

Conclusion

In the world of electronic music production, there are many paths you can take, and finding the right one for you involves exploration and experimentation. 

Whether you’re crafting your first EDM track or searching for unique sounds to set your music apart, the tools and techniques at your disposal are vast. 

We covered selecting the best DAW for your workflow to integrating sample-based instruments and synthesizers to your creative flow. Each decision plays an important role in your production process. 

The most important thing is to stay curious, follow your instinct, trust your ears and keep pushing forward. 

Work hard and keep a consistent schedule. I’m sure you’ve heard it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at anything? That for sure applies here.