How To Get Started?

[gunsage 161]

Presently I'm using all the default RTP content (and some DLC) for music.  And really, it's working out so far, but I would eventually like to get some sweet custom music in there.  Here's the problem:  I have NO idea what I'm doing when it comes to making music.  At all.  I've tooled around with mixers before, like Dance2eJay, MTV Music Generator, and a few other things like that, but that's about it.

 

With literally no knowledge of developing music or where to go to get samples and so on, what would you say is a good program and place for resources?  Keep in mind, I am absolutely, 100% noobish on this, so something more complicated my not work out.  I have worked with Audacity to a small degree, but only for the purposes of splicing together stuff for podcasts.

 

As usual, if I've put this somewhere utterly incorrect, please feel free to move it.  It's possible that I won't HAVE to use different music, but I definitely want to learn about making it and would at least like that as an option, especially for future projects.

[ReidenLightman 5]

Well, if you're not versed at all in music theory or sheet music or playing any instruments, you should probably learn a little bit about that. Then delve into a music creation program like Mixcraft or FL Studio. Notice, I didn't say mixing software, although there is software that does mixing and creation. Audacity is definitely not for making music. What you could also do is hire someone or get a volunteer. Or exchange favors. I.E., if you did some art for me, I'd do some music for you.

[gunsage 161]

Ah, you definitely don't want me to do art for you.  I haven't tried to seriously draw anything since high school and I was mostly good at drawing ridiculous hardcore violence and gore.  I am pretty awesome at eventing and writing, however.

[Kayzee 4,032]

I really like LMMS actually... I think I was introduced to it from a topic here! Haven't really done that much with it yet, and might now ever, but it has some nice built in synth generators. It's kinda like FL Studio I hear but free and open source and therefor automatically better.

Honestly I still kinda miss good old Impulse Tracker. I used to make a lot of music in it back in the day... sure it's an old dos program for old tracker music, but tracker music is still pretty cool! It's like midi if midi included instrument data. The original Deus Ex uses all impulse tracker format music for example. It's kind of a lost art nowadays because everyone just wants to used compressed audio files instead. The only tracker I know of that is still really developed is OpenMPT though. I think it has a option to output to a audio file too if anyone wants to try it. There is  a script that loads the fmod dlls to let people use it in RPG Maker VX Ace, but I don't think anyone actually uses it (I actually use the script for a completely different reason).

Edited August 21, 2015 by KilloZapit

[Arrpeegeemaker 136]

FL Studio Mobile is 20 bucks and you can make music on your phone or tablet. The PC version is pricey, although you get a sort of lifetime upgrade deal (or at least you used to, I don't know if you still do). Audacity can do a lot for making music, but it's not built for you to do just one thing, it's for a lot of different functions. I use Audacity alongside FL on the PC. 

 

Think about FL Studio Mobile, I remember when I downloaded it from the app store the preview video was somebody's hand on the actual phone, making it pattern by pattern, showing the different functions and building a song. It was obviously written ahead of time but is actually made live on the video. Pretty impressive stuff. and a much cheaper option, although you don't have nearly as many options and plugins as the PC version can have. 

 

As far as how to make the music, pick a simple rpg favorite, like some town music that's slow and lazy, or if you'd like, go to my old soundcloud and listen to Small Town

soundcloud.com/arrpeegeemaker

See if you can replicate it, or make something similar. That's how I taught myself how to make music, by trying to rebuild things I'd heard until I understood enough to build my own. And maybe from playing guitar when I was younger

[EpicFILE 200]

Yeah, FL Studio is a good program.

 

There are many ways to make music.

When I make RPG music, I usually start with the melody first, then the bass, the rythm, and the beats will follow.

You can also start with the bassline first.

 

For the inspiration, try to seek inspiration from your favorite music, or music that you hear often. 

[geluf 38]

Early steps into composition should be all about imitation.  The old writing adage is "Read 1,000 words for every 1 you write" and that holds true for music...just substitute notes for words!

 

It's been suggested that you pick a tune you really like and try and replicate it by ear.  That is a fantastic exercise and will help you to begin understanding how musical lines "work".  I've been composing professionally for nearly 15 years now and I still sometimes do this exercise.  It always yields good results and opens doors to new possibilities.

[Kaimen 22]

Just as geluf said, imitating is a good way to start. I did this exact same thing four years ago when I started to remake video game soundtracks. And I'm still doing that today when I want to get a feel for a certain composer's style (*cough*GrantKirkhope*cough*) or a certain genre. Some of my original works were even inspired by video game soundtracks I remade.

So yes, trying to replicate other works is most certainly helpful whether you're just starting off or are an expert on composing.