Here is a beginner’s guide with video tutorials on how to make Electronic Music.
Electronic Music is a very popular music genre and can be very technical on the production side. With tons of sound arrangement possibilities, producing electronic dance music may be hard at first.
Related: Online Music Courses – 1 Month Free Trial
How to Make Electronic Music
Here are some tips to help you with the process of getting started.
1. Music Gear Basics
These are the basic pieces of music equipment that you should have:
- Computer or Laptop
- Music Software
- MIDI keyboard
- Headphones or Studio Monitors
If you do not have a preferred music software program check out this article on the best software music programs available.
If you don’t have money for music software we also have a list of free music software programs you can download.
Related: 25 Free EDM VST Plugins For Electronic Dance Music
2. Electronic Music Tempo
In electronic dance music the tempo usually ranges from 120 to 130 BPM, with 128 BPM being the most common.
This is so DJs can easily sync different tracks. So this is something that should be thought of in advance when producing EDM.
Related: What is EDM Music?
3. Create Drum Patterns
Most electronic dance music drums follow the standard 4/4 beat or “four on the floor”, as it is popularly known.
This makes DJ’s work a whole lot easier when syncing different tracks, but don’t be afraid to try out new patterns.
For this simple and effective beat, place the kick on each of the four beats of the bar and a snare or a clap (or even both) on the off-beat.
You can also include a hi-hat between each beat for a vintage feel.
Here is a great video tutorial with 5 tips on making great electronic dance music and house drums:
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4. Add the Bass
In electronic dance music, the bass must be on point. It’s what is going to make people dance.
Make sure you pick some good synth sounds to start with. A great trick is to separate the sub-bass from the upper bass.
That way you have the control needed to make your track sound clearer and heavier.
Another indispensable technique when talking about bass in EDM is the sidechain effect.
Mixing the kick and bass can be very difficult since both are at similar frequencies of the spectrum.
That’s where the sidechain comes. It consists of pumping up the volume of the bass down each time the kick comes in.
Check out this video to learn how to create the sidechain effect in FL Studio.
5. Harmony and Lead Melody
Another two important aspects of an EDM track is the harmony and the lead melody.
this is where the catchiness of the song resides.
It’s always worth it to learn basic music theory to make sure you can bring your musical ideas to life.
5.1 Synth Basic
Starting with the melody creating a simple harmonic progression with three or four chords will be more than effective.
From there you can create depth by layering synth pads and atmospheric synth sounds.
Related: 100 Best Free Synth VST Plugins
5.2 Lead Melody
For the lead melody try to keep things simple: a catchy and easy-to-remember beat will go a long way.
This is true for the sounds you pick for the melody too.
Try a saw-type synth and automate the controls such as the filter cutoff for a more interesting sound.
6. Sound Effects & Transitions
Adding the right effects and creating great transitions can help to make your track sound professional.
An effect widely used in electronic dance music is a white noise sound.
From building tension to releasing it, this type of sound is one of the most versatile to use.
With instruments such as bass, harmony, and lead, you can try using automation to spice things up a bit.
Related: 50 Best Free VST Effects Plugins
7. Song Structure
The structure is a very important part of your track. In electronic music tracks usually start with an intro of 15 seconds to 1 minute.
Then there’s the verse, the drop, and the outro in this sequence:
Intro – Verse – Drop – Verse – Drop – Outro
This is the most common structure for electronic dance music tracks.
But you can always try to be creative and change it up.
How to Make Electronic Music Tutorials
How to Make an EDM Drop
How to Make EDM Music – Build-Up and Drop
How to Make a Simple Electronic Drum Beat
Related: Martin Garrix In The Studio With Future Music
Do you have tips on how to make electronic music?
Please share it with us in the comments below.
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