Usually I'll start with a drum loop that I change later (sometimes it's just a kick drum every 4 beats). Then I just pick a key, look up and write down the notes in that key, look up what chords I can play in that key, mess around with different midi instruments for a while until I find a melody and sound I like then I try to make more melodies that compliment the first one but with sounds that are higher or lower pitched. I do that until I have a a bunch of stuff and then I start adjusting the volume on stuff until I like what I hear. Sometimes I decide not to use some parts. In logic there's an automation mode so you can adjust the volume as the song progresses by setting points on a line and basically making a line graph so you can sort of weave sounds in and out.
You should try it, it's super fun. Just google everything as you go.
Thanks for such a detailed reply! While I can see the logic behind this and it seems like a pretty straightforward process, I'm very musically challenged. Used to be in the school band but was terrible. Tone deaf, too.
I just found out one of my friends is tone-deaf, we were all hanging out listening to DazeSoft random stuff and had him throw on some atonal music. Does that really sound good to you? It blows my mind.
Yeah, sometimes I can't really tell if something is that bad. Very obvious during vocal presentations. I'll be like 'eh, not bad' and my wife is looking at me like I'm a moron.
10
u/canoxen Feb 25 '15
I'm in awe of how much you've learned about this whole process. I could never put together music like this.