i’ve been playin guitar for 4 years and piano for like 6 but i really like the digital side of music i just have no clue how to go about starting.

i’d like some help from the people with experience here and i’ve been listening to all the amazing work the community has contributed here it all sounds awesome.

but you had to start somewhere and i would like to learn how to do the same great work as you.

how did you first start mixing or creating your own music? did you grab a program like Reason 4 and start with drum tracks? hook up your keyboard to your computer? how did you even learn how to use the programs you use?

Im quite lost but determined to find a forum with people who can share their experience and set some stepping stones down for the newbies.

what are some first hardwares or softwares that i should get my hands on to start off?

thanks for your guys’ feedback.

First thing to start with is choosing the ‘right’ Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

One important hint: Beginners often tend to ask for ‘best’ or ‘best sounding’ DAW. It doesn’t exist. They all sound the same. It depends on which plugins and samples you use and how well you know your program.

You can browse ’What Tools I Use’ to get an overview how ‘popular’ each DAW is among ccMixter’s producers (btw: I was surprised how many people are using Reason, as you mentioned this).

I would advise to download some demo versions to see which DAW you feel comfortable to work with before buying it.

And I would advise not to chose a too ‘exotic’ DAW that only a few people are working with, as you will find a better support for a widely used one. There are tons of tutorials, how to’s, tips and tricks on youtube for each common DAW. Working them through step by step is a good way getting started.

As a beginner the question of finding the right DAW seems impossible to answer. The good thing is: regardless of which one you choose - you won’t go wrong too far.


Once you have chosen your DAW, you need to get sounds in and out of it.

One way to get sounds in is using samples (audio material like wav, mp3). Most DAW’s come with a decent sample bank to start with. There are thousands of free and commercial sample packs arround the web. Which one to use depends on the music genre you want to produce. And of course, a great way to start is using ccmixter’s samples.

The other cool way of getting sounds in your DAW is using VST-Plugins - small software programs that emulate virtual instruments, synths and all kind of effects.

As you already play piano, one thing you might want to use is a MIDI keyboard. So you won’t have to draw in each single note manually via mouse.

For mixing some decent headphones will work fine or use the monitors of the sound system you already have. You shouldn’t use the cheapest laptop speakers for audio output, but I wouldn’t spend too much money on it when beginning.

I learned a lot from redaing magazines mostly http://www.soundonsound.com on there website you can read every issue ever published except the last 3.

Since you are playing a real instrument that you will want to record at some point you need a DAW that does that well. Something like cubase, logic, studio one or pro tools.

I would suggest an audio interface with a break out box something that allows you to plug in mics or amps. You won’t get very far with your onboard soundcard.

A good set of monitor speakers and headphones not to fancy but most definitely not something from a pound shop.

And for plug-ins think about what you want to achive with it. A good starting point is
http://www.kvraudio.com A place where every released vst is on with links to download sites. A ton of HQ free stuff with a lot of good users reviews


As an overal advice I’d say think about what you want to do and what you don’t need. Start small learn one plug-in or technique good and then move on to another.

I never learned an instrument. The few guitar playing and piano, I taught myself. Music is simply a passion and, I guess, skills grow by experience (I’m still a beginner…) The main thing is, that you have fun!

For the beginning I could recommend Ableton Live , with a free 30-days trial (unlimited features!!!). It has tons of good instruments and effects.
Important is a midi USB keyboard and for guitar recording (electric) you can get a good usb-midi interface for some money (EMU, M-Audio etc).

Just choose one fantastic pella from this site and start with a simple Drum Loop in your DAW. Continue with some VST instrumant tracks and play around with your midi keyboard.
Have fun!

Thanks guys. I have a keyboard that i believe hooks up to midi. Would i be able to just buy a sound card that connects to the piano keyboard with a Midi cord? or do i need a little box thing that i’ve seen that connects to the keyboard and pc? or the sound card + little box thing?

so many questions i know but this community seemed real knowledgeable.

I took a long time to get started, trying to work things out by myself. My first bit of software was a trial version of Cool Edit but things really took off when I bought Acoustica Mixcraft, a very reasonably priced program ($90 Australian)…but not the best by any means. I would like to get something like Reason but decided to start small. I believe there is still a free trial of Mixcraft http://www.acoustica.com/mi...

I also downloaded a lot of VST effects, bought a digital recorder - Zoom H4n http://www.zoom.co.jp/engli... and a Shure SM58 mic for vocals.
You’ve come to the right place for great samples, a friendly community, and helpful tips and support!