Here is a free beginner’s guide on how to make beats and how to make music in general.

This guide is for new music producers, but even if you are a pro, you will still find helpful links on how to make better music.



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Introduction to How to Make Beats

There are many aspects to making music. From learning software to making the beat, to mixing the audio, to exporting audio for music artists.

Learning to make your own beats can be an overwhelming process, but this guide covers a lot of the basics to make it easier for you to learn.

So let’s get started!

Music Equipment Basics

Your music equipment will be the foundation of your music-making process.

In the beginning, we all want to be like the big music producers we see online with the room full of music equipment, but you don’t need all that when you are getting started, and here is why:

Music Equipment is Expensive

Limit your spending to the basic equipment at first, and then buy more advanced gear when you are earning money. Time & Learning

The more equipment you buy, the more equipment you have to learn, and less time is spent on learning to make better music.

Remember this…

It’s not about the music equipment or software you are using, but about the person using the equipment.

Your ear for music, skills, and talent matters more than the equipment you are using.

Dr. Dre’s music equipment didn’t make him the big music producer he is today. His ear for music and talent did, so don’t think you need a big studio to make good music.

Music Equipment Essentials

Here are the very basics of what you need to make music.

1. A Laptop or Desktop Computer

A computer is a must-have to use any music software programs.

Microsoft Windows computers are more popular for creating music because there is more software available for free.

But Mac computers have continued to grow in popularity with popular music programs like Apple Logic and Garageband.

2. Music Software

Music software is essential for recording and making music.

Below we will cover the top 3 most popular music programs.

3. MIDI Keyboard

You can connect a MIDI keyboard to your computer to play out chords, melodies, and your musical ideas.

Making music is much easier with a keyboard because you can just play out your ideas instead of clicking musical notes with a computer mouse.

4. Studio Headphones

Headphones will let you hear all the different elements when making music.

5. Studio Monitors

Studio monitors are great for listening to your beats. (Optional)

Popular Speakers

That is the basic equipment you need to make beats.

If you have a limited budget, you can consider buying used music equipment from sites like Craigslist or Offerup.

Music Software Basics

There are tons of music software programs available, but which one is the best for you? Watch the video below.

Music Software Overview

The Top 3 Beat Making Software Programs



#1. Image Line FL Studio

FL Studio (formerly known as Fruity Loops ) is a digital audio workstation developed by Image-Line.

FL Studio features a graphical user interface based on a pattern-based music sequencer.

Why FL Studio is Popular:

It’s easy to learn.

Cheaper than many other programs.

Supports VST plugins, samples, and other software programs.

Making patterns and arrangements is easy.

Offers tons of built-in instruments.

Website | Free Trial | Buy It

FL Studio Links:

#2. Propellerhead Reason

Propellerhead Reason is a digital audio workstation for creating and editing music and audio developed by Propellerhead Software.

It emulates a rack of hardware synthesizers, samplers, signal processors, sequencers, and mixers.

Why it’s popular:

Includes tons of instruments: Synthesizers, Samplers, Drum Machines, Effects.

Cool interface, racks, and mixer.

ReWire allows you to use Reason in other popular music software programs.

Add additional sounds called Refills.

Website | Free Trial | Buy It

Reason Links

#3. Apple Logic

Logic Pro is a digital audio workstation and Musical Instrument Digital Interface MIDI sequencer software application for the Mac OS X platform.

Why it’s popular:

Nice-looking interface.

The virtual instruments and session drummer work well and sound incredible.

Mixing, effects, and automation

Enhanced Piano Roll Editor.

Website | Buy It

You should research the programs above and see what works best for your needs.

What is the most popular music software?

FL Studio was voted the most popular music software in the poll we ran. So you may want to look into that program if you are a beginner.

Other Popular Music Programs are:

Ableton Live

Steinberg Cubase

Pro Tools

Reaper

Garageband

Sony Acid

VST Instrument Plugins & Effects

Another software you will need to get familiar with is VST Instruments and VST plugins. VST Stands for Virtual Studio Technology and these are plugins or add-ons that you can use in different music programs for instrument sounds or effects.

A VST Instrument can be a piano, synthesizer, organ, or guitar.

A VST Effect can be autotune, delay, chorus, or reverb.

VST plugins can be helpful add-ons for any music program you are using to give you additional sounds and effects.

Most DAWS offer great stock plugins and sometimes that’s all you will need. However, if you want to dive deeper in this world, check out some of our most popular free VST plugin articles:

Common Software Related Questions:

+ - What Is MIDI? MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI allows electronic music instruments, computers, and other devices to connect and communicate with one another.

+ - Music Hardware vs Software When I began my journey of making music, I always saw people in music forums getting into heated debates on hardware vs software. The hardware lovers would look down upon the FL Studio users, question Propellerhead Reason users, and not consider someone to be a serious music producer unless they have real physical equipment. Are music software users less credible than hardware users? No! Everyone is making music with software today. The problem is the market is oversaturated with everyone trying to be a music producer. Here are examples of popular songs that were created with FL Studio: Hit-Boy Created Beyonce’s “Bow Down” in FL Studio

Cardiak Making Meek Mill’s “Lean Wit It” in FL Studio There are many more examples you can find online. You can use FL Studio, Reason, Logic, MPCs, MIDI Keyboards, etc. It doesn’t matter. It’s not about the music equipment or music software, but about the person using the equipment. Your ear for music, skill, and talent matters more than the equipment you are using. Dr. Dre’s music equipment didn’t make him the big music producer he is today. His ear and talent for music did. So don’t think you need a big studio to make good music. Related: 7 Things Every Music Producer Should Have Music Hardware or Music Software? I suggest both. Depending on your budget you should start with music software because it’s not usually dependent on other hardware. Once you start making music, slowly add more equipment. Music hardware and software can work well together with getting your creative juices flowing. But don’t think having tons of music hardware is a must because you see other music producers with it. With music software, there are so many VST Plugins, presets, effects, and add-ons that you should never run out of sounds. Why I Love Music Hardware Creativity – With hardware, you are more focused on sounds because you aren’t staring at a computer screen and clicking around on a mouse.

– With hardware, you are more focused on sounds because you aren’t staring at a computer screen and clicking around on a mouse. No Audio Latency Issues – When you run a lot of plugins and sounds on your computer, you can get audio delay issues that drive you nuts. With hardware, you don’t have these issues.

– When you run a lot of plugins and sounds on your computer, you can get audio delay issues that drive you nuts. With hardware, you don’t have these issues. Fewer Options – When you have an MPC or keyboard, you know exactly what it’s capable of. Too many options can be distracting from the creative process.

– When you have an MPC or keyboard, you know exactly what it’s capable of. Too many options can be distracting from the creative process. Something Physical – I’m on a computer all day. I’m not a fan of all the clicking you have to do with a mouse. It feels good to have something physical to make music on that isn’t a computer, and that doesn’t involve a computer mouse. Reasons I Love Music Software Portability – A laptop and a MIDI keyboard can be your entire set up. You can have thousands of sounds and a variety of software. You can take it with you anywhere and not be restricted to one place.

– A laptop and a MIDI keyboard can be your entire set up. You can have thousands of sounds and a variety of software. You can take it with you anywhere and not be restricted to one place. Editing – It is easier to edit audio, samples, and MIDI.

– It is easier to edit audio, samples, and MIDI. Free Music Software – Online you can find tons of free VST plugins, presets, and add-ons. In fact, some VST plugins are modeled after vintage hardware and carry the same sounds. They may even sound better.

– Online you can find tons of free VST plugins, presets, and add-ons. In fact, some VST plugins are modeled after vintage hardware and carry the same sounds. They may even sound better. Collaborate with Others – With many music programs you can package up your song and send it to others to work with. Remember, it’s not about the music equipment you have. It’s about the music you make with what you have. You can have a big studio and suck, or have FL Studio, Reason, or Logic and create great music. It’s up to you.

How to Make Your Own Beats

Making beats may actually be easier than you think if you have an ear for music. Beats are essentially loops that are rearranged and repeated.

Beats can be simple, or beats can be complex.

It’s all about giving the music artist a good foundation to get their creative juices going to make a great song.

Basic Beat Elements



1. Drums – Songs usually consist of kick drums, a snare or clap, hi-hats or shakers, cymbals, and other drum sounds.

2. Melodies – The melodies are the instruments that are played over the drums. The instrument can be a piano, synth, bass, strings, live instruments, and more.

3. Samples – A lot of Hip Hop beats feature samples that have been chopped and reorganized to fit a drum pattern.

How to Make a Beat

Here is an example of how to make a beat. Even though the beat below is made in FL Studio the same process can be applied to other music software programs and hardware. Lay out your drums, add instruments, and arrange your beat into a full song.

How to Make a Beat in Reason

Here is an example of how to make a beat. Even though the beat below is made in Propellerhead Reason, the same thought process can be applied to other music programs and hardware. Lay out your drums, add instruments, and arrange your beat into a full song.

Please Note: The beat below isn’t great. Just try to learn from the process.

How to Create Better Intros, Choruses, and Verses

Here is a process of what I like to do to create different sounding parts of a beat. The tutorial is done in Reason but it can be done in other music software as well.

Detailed Beat Making Tutorials

The examples below are made with different music equipment and software, but the process is very much the same for all the different music genres.

Beat Making Inspiration

Beat Making Tips

Here is a collection of beat-making tips to use when making your own beats.

Focus on mastering the one program you choose to use. Don’t try to learn everything at once.

Study your favorite music producers. Try to recreate your favorite beats to understand how beats are made.

Collaborate with others.

Beats should usually stay under 3 1/2 minutes.

Import MIDI. If you don’t know how to play the keyboard well, try importing MIDI files and edit the notes in your music software.

When you need inspiration look at beat-making videos.

Music Tempo Guide

Here are a few of the suggested tempos for different music genres.

Hip Hop: 76 to 95 BPM

76 to 95 BPM R&B: 72 to 110 BPM

72 to 110 BPM Dance: 112 to 145 BPM

112 to 145 BPM Dubstep: 138 to 145 BPM

138 to 145 BPM Rock: 72 to 95 BPM

72 to 95 BPM Trap: 130 to 140 BPM

130 to 140 BPM Techno: 220 to 125 BPM

Beat Making Helpful Links

Other Music Topics

Free Drum Kits & Music Samples

Below we have put together some of our best free resources for you to download and add to your music making collection.

Free Drum Samples & Drum Kits

Popular Free Sample Packs



Song Arrangements

Once you have a good understanding of putting together a beat, next you need to understand song structures. Different music genres are laid out differently. Song tempo and length may vary.

Common Song Sections

Intro

Usually has fewer elements and builds up to the verse or hook.

Verse

Usually a simpler version of the beat, allowing room for vocals. Usually 16 bars.

Hook

Usually has the most elements in a song and repeats a chorus. Usually 8 bars.

Bridge

Usually appears before the last verse. Usually appears in R&B and Pop songs. Usually 8 bars.

Outro

Usually fades the song out.

Solo

This is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer.

Common Song Structures

Intro – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Outro



or

Intro – Hook– Verse – Hook– Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Outro

R&B Songs

Intro – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Bridge – Hook – Hook – Outro

Rock Songs

Intro – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Solo – Hook – Hook – Outro

The examples above are just examples. You should study your favorite songs to see how they are structured. You can also search Genius.com for song lyrics, and see the order of song lyrics.

Helpful Links on Song Structure

Music Theory

Music theory is without a doubt the subject most feared by music producers and artists. It may be complicated to get a grip on it a first, but with millions of tutorials available in the internet, you’ll learn it in no time.

While many music producers and beatmakers underestimate the importance of music theory, it’s important that you take some time to learn the basic stuff such as scales, harmony and circle of fifths.

Check out these videos we’ve gathered on basic music theory:

A Beginner’s Guide to Music Theory

Music Theory Videos

Mixing Music

Once you have a good beat, you want to make sure the audio is mixed well to sound good on different devices.

Audio mixing is the process of taking all the individual tracks and instruments, adjusting the audio levels, panning, adding effects, and more.

Mixing the audio will help to make sure your beat sounds good on your computer, car, home stereo, and more.

Basic Mixing Theory

Additional Tutorials

How To Mix Hip Hop Beats – This video is done in FL Studio, but the same rules apply to other music production software. 10 Audio Mixing Tips

10 Audio Mixing Tips

Start with high-quality sounds. Use studio monitors. Use Multiple Sound References – Test out your audio mix on your computer, in your car, with headphones, with monitors, etc. Gain Staging – Get your levels right, avoid audio clipping. Get good with EQ. Give your ears a break. Take breaks from mixing and come back with a fresh pair of ears. Rely on your ears. Don’t focus on what you see on the screen. Use panning. Mix at low levels at first, then turn the volume up. Listen to top quality mixes as a reference of what you should strive for.

Tutorials on Audio Mixing

Basic Audio Mixing Terms

Clipping – Clipping is a form of audio distortion that happens when audio is too loud.

Clipping is a form of audio distortion that happens when audio is too loud. Equalization ( a.k.a EQ ) is the process of adjusting the frequency of the audio or instrument.

is the process of adjusting the frequency of the audio or instrument. Panning is the process of adjusting the audio to the left speaker, right speaker, or center.

is the process of adjusting the audio to the left speaker, right speaker, or center. Effects – Effects is the process of adding reverbs, delays, echoes, and more to audio tracks.

– Effects is the process of adding reverbs, delays, echoes, and more to audio tracks. Compression – Compressors are devices / plugins used to reduce dynamic range, even out performances and tame transients.

Compressors are devices / plugins used to reduce dynamic range, even out performances and tame transients. Volume Adjustment and Automation – Before going any further, adjust your volumes to a point where the track sounds even and balanced. Often, some instruments such as vocals will need volume automation.

Before going any further, adjust your volumes to a point where the track sounds even and balanced. Often, some instruments such as vocals will need volume automation. Limiters – Limiters are devices / plugins that won’t let the audio pass through a said dB. Often used to raise the perceived volume of a track or song without clipping it.

Limiters are devices / plugins that won’t let the audio pass through a said dB. Often used to raise the perceived volume of a track or song without clipping it. Delay / Echo – As the name implies, delays and echos create a certain number of repetitions of the audio track. Often used in mixing to create space without losing clarity.

As the name implies, delays and echos create a certain number of repetitions of the audio track. Often used in mixing to create space without losing clarity. Reverb – Reverbs are used to create the illusion of the instrument being played in a certain room or space.

Reverbs are used to create the illusion of the instrument being played in a certain room or space. Stereo Width Enhancer – Stereo Width Enhancer devices / plugins are used to create a more open and wider stereo sound. A great option to use if your track is sounding too mono or too centered.

Stereo Width Enhancer devices / plugins are used to create a more open and wider stereo sound. A great option to use if your track is sounding too mono or too centered. Saturation – Saturation is the process of creating subtle harmonic distortion. Often used to mimic the warmness vintage gear. Great to make the bass more audible, the drums more characteristic and the vocals more powerful.

Exporting & Tracking Out Beats

Exporting is the process of saving your beat to your computer. All music programs will have an export option.

The most popular file formats are WAV and Mp3.

WAV – This file format is high quality and usually uncompressed. The file size is much larger compared to mp3.

– This file format is high quality and usually uncompressed. The file size is much larger compared to mp3. MP3 – This file format is compressed, so the file size is much smaller and the quality is lower. This format is used more for streaming online.

Tracking Out Beats

Tracking out beats, also known as “Bouncing Audio,” is the process of exporting all the individual instruments and sounds into separate audio files so they can be mixed in another audio program.

Sometimes music artists request beats to be tracked out so they can make adjustments to the beat to fit with their vocals. The artist may add or remove elements from the beat.

How to Track Out Beats In FL Studio

The tutorial below is done in FL Studio, but the same process can pretty much be done in other music programs. Once all the individual instruments are exported, they would be imported into an audio program.





Helpful Links

Music Glossary Terms

Here is a collection of common music production glossary terms and definitions for music newbies.

Music Terms

Digital Audio Workstation ( DAW ) – This is a computer software program for recording, editing, and producing audio files such as songs, beats, and sound effects.

– This is a computer software program for recording, editing, and producing audio files such as songs, beats, and sound effects. Musical Instrument Digital Interface ( MIDI ) – MIDI allows electronic music instruments, computers, and other devices to connect and communicate with one another.

– MIDI allows electronic music instruments, computers, and other devices to connect and communicate with one another. Virtual Studio Technology ( VST )

This is a software interface that can add instruments ( Examples: Synth, Piano, Bass, etc. ) and effect plugins to music programs.

This is a software interface that can add instruments ( Examples: Synth, Piano, Bass, etc. ) and effect plugins to music programs. WAVeform ( WAV ) – WAV is an audio file format.

WAV is an audio file format. Synthesizer ( Synth ) – A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates electric signals that are converted to sound through instrument amplifiers.

( Synth ) – A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates electric signals that are converted to sound through instrument amplifiers. Metronome – A metronome is a device that produces regular ticks – settable in beats per minute. These ticks represent a fixed, regular pulse.

– A metronome is a device that produces regular ticks – settable in beats per minute. These ticks represent a fixed, regular pulse. 16 Bars -16 Bars is a reference to how long a usual rap verse is. Rap Song Structure

-16 Bars is a reference to how long a usual rap verse is. Rap Song Structure Tempo is the speed or pace of the music. The same info for Beats Per Minute ( BPM ).

is the speed or pace of the music. The same info for Beats Per Minute ( BPM ). Chords – A chord is a harmonic set of three or more notes played at once. Video

– A chord is a harmonic set of three or more notes played at once. Video Music Theory – The study of music elements, including sound and pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, and notation.

– The study of music elements, including sound and pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, and notation. Drum Machine – A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument designed to imitate the sound of drums, cymbals, other percussion instruments, and often bass lines.

Audio Mixing Terms

Clipping -Clipping is a form of audio distortion that happens when audio is too loud.

-Clipping is a form of audio distortion that happens when audio is too loud. Equalization ( EQ ) – EQ is the process of adjusting the frequency of the audio or instrument.

– EQ is the process of adjusting the frequency of the audio or instrument. Panning – Panning is the process of adjusting the audio to the left speaker, right speaker, or center.

– Panning is the process of adjusting the audio to the left speaker, right speaker, or center. Effects – Effects is the process of adding reverbs, delays, echoes, and more to audio tracks.

General Music Terms

Mastering Audio is the process merging all mixed audio and preparing it for distribution.

is the process merging all mixed audio and preparing it for distribution. Bounce or Bouncing – Bouncing audio is the process of exporting individual audio tracks in your audio mix.

Advanced Video Tutorials

Here are a couple of videos with more details on how to make music.

How to Start Producing Music

Additional Videos

Beat Making Articles

9 Things They Don’t Tell Music Producers

Your first attempts at making music won’t be great, and that’s the way it should be. Your habits count more than your knowledge. Everybody steals. Everybody! Most of the tools you think you need, you don’t need. Nobody creates in a constant peak state. Most of what you think you need to know, doesn’t matter. You don’t have to be miserable to make good music. Musicianship is optional. Time is the only difference from you & those who are now successful.

Read More

Become Efficient At Creating Music

While it may seem like an avoidable topic, objectivity, and proficiency when producing music is very important.

If you don’t work these skills, you risk ending up doing much less than you are capable of and taking much more time than needed in learning music production.

Check out some tips on how to apply objectivity and proficience into your music producers’ routine:

Try producing music everyday. Don’t treat it solely as a hobby.

Set a routine and stick to it. For instance, you can start by picking 2 hours of your day to produce music and 1 hour for learning new techniques related to music production.

Use focus timers such as an online stopwatch to help you track your time and maintain you focus.

Turn off unnecessary distractions such as phone notifications and social media while producing music.

Set goals and deadlines for yourself.

10 Tips for Music Producers

+ - Video Summary View yourself as a small business. Research topics you don’t know. Educate yourself. Plan smarter and work harder. Work with people with similar goals. Start working on full projects from start to finish. Learn to read contract agreements. Build an online brand. Don’t believe everything you hear. Set fair beat prices. Get an entertainment lawyer.

Collaborating With Other Music Creators

In your journey through music production, you will most likely want to collaborate with another producer, singer or musician some time. This is a great opportunity to learn new things and put your teamwork skills in practice.

When working with another producer, be sure to have open communication about what’s the goal of the project before hitting the studio.

Nowadays many producers collaborate through the internet using tools such as Splice. Splice is a platform that allows producers to share project files automatically and without much effort; All you have to do is download Splice for Desktop for free and get going.

If you’re working with a singer or musician, it’s great to establish some guidelines for the performer to make sure he or she is totally comfortable. Take some time to review things such as lyrics and melodies.

Related: 5 Music Collaboration Tips for Producers & Music Artists

Beginner Music Questions

+ - Do I need to master my beats? No, songs are usually mastered when a song is completed with vocals. But you should mix your beat so it sounds good on the listener’s speakers.

+ - I don't have money to buy music equipment, what do I do? If you have a computer you can start making music with free music software. You can even download free trials for paid software to start learning the programs. I suggest you start saving up for a MIDI keyboard. You can get a USB MIDI keyboard for as low as $50. FL Studio ( Fruity Edition ) may be the cheapest paid music software option out. With a computer, MIDI keyboard, headphones, and music software, you are pretty much set with being able to make music.

+ - Which is better, Hardware or Software? They are both equally good. It’s all about personal preference. You can make good music with software only. You can make good music with hardware also.

Start Making Music!

There are a lot of different aspects involved with making music.

Here are my top 3 suggestions:

1. Make Lots of Music!

Skills are built through repetition. When you do something multiple times you get better, grow, and it becomes easier.

2. Work with Music Artists

There is nothing like getting hands-on experience. You can make beats forever by yourself, but there is an end goal, which is to see songs made with your beats.

By working with music artists you will get requests for instruments, song rearrangements, and creating different types of moods and feelings with your beats.

These experiences will help you grow to see what music artists are thinking of, and how to meet their needs to make good music.

3. Be a Self-Learner

Because of the internet, you can learn almost anything online. If there are things you want to know or learn, do a Google search or look on YouTube.

If you want to learn faster by skilled music creators, take an online music course.

Either way, there is so much information online at your disposal that there is no excuse to not learn and become more skilled on your own.

If you have input on this article or feel the article is missing something, please share in the comments section.

Next check out our beginners guide on How to Sell Beats to make money from your beats.