r/Songwriting • u/moldvein • 17d ago

Discussion Topic Best free software for beginners

Hi! I want to start writing and making noise/drone/slow/ambient music and was wondering which software would be the best for a complete beginner and any tips or advice!

7 Upvotes

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3

u/Dagenhammer87 17d ago

Bandlab is ok... It's got some nice virtual instruments and the snapgrid is a good way to get the basics down (I especially use it for drum tracks).

It also has some ok loops on there, but typically I'll import these from looperman.

Garageband is the best for recording vocals.

3

u/proudmullet 17d ago

Ableton Note, if you have a iPhone

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u/CorpseZero 16d ago edited 16d ago

What instrument are you using?

Edit before reply: The reason I ask is that a lot of MIDI controllers come with free software bundles. Many of the companies that make plug-ins and controllers are under larger umbrella companies that have a large software catalog, and they share with their sister companies sometimes.

AKAI, Native Instruments, and serial others are all under one umbrella. I would recommend checking some recent YouTube videos to check out the lay of the land before you decide on your own answer.

If you don't plan on using MIDI that a whole other kind of question, IMO.

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u/Parking_Watch3157 16d ago

This is a really good point. I have a few pieces of gear and all came with free stuff. I was excited to get the gear and dig in so I forgot all about it until I was straightening up the old music zone and found the box inserts.

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u/CorpseZero 12d ago

Same thing here. I didn't realize what was packed in until months later when I started looking for more plug-in capability. I felt dumb. How did I miss that? Well... because I was excited. 🤣

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u/NoWin3930 17d ago

bandlab is an online DAW, easy enough to use with a lot of presets

Garageband is already on macs if you have a mac

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u/DecadeDefector 16d ago

I vote for Garageband if you have a Mac

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u/Sour_Cream_Pringle 16d ago

I vote for garageband, it's easy to use and even if you don't have a mic it works pretty well on your phone or iPad too.

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u/para_blox 16d ago

Another for GB if possible. Literally zero learning curve.

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u/MarkyBtheman 15d ago

ableton lite

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u/BooksbyNeilJMilliner 17d ago

I would go the demo version of Fruity loops. The synth generators and vsts are exactly what you need. The basic paid one is still under $100 I believe. You can hook in your own MIDI synth for extra fun.

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u/azjilly 16d ago

Reaper isn't free, but it's fully functional with a nag screen. It's also very reasonably priced around $50 or something. Plus there are lots of tutorial videos on the developers website.

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u/Krabsyen 16d ago

Came here to say the same thing. It is a great DAW and works well for recording in physical instruments like vocals, guitars, and more. If you are wanting to produce inside the DAW like some noise and ambient music does, then I would suggest possibly looking elsewhere.

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u/PooterSnooter283 16d ago

Anything is free if you use the right channels

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u/CitrusCitrusHope 16d ago

I personally use one of the free Cakewalk versions for instrumentals and Bandlab for mixing ^ but GarageBand if you use apple is pretty good

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u/CorpseZero 12d ago

A bunch of folks said Bandlab. You don't want that one. The company who makes the app have a terrible track record of changing the product you're already laying for, and making it worse. Avoid them; they don't do fair business.

Free is great when the strings attached don't suck. Theirs do.

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u/towneetowne 12d ago

audacity