To fully master an instrument, such as a guitar, for example, you need around 9 years.

Since many readers have neither the time nor the desire to learn an instrument, they can also use the Ample Sound software version and install the program and familiarize themselves with how to use it, always consulting the enclosed manual if they don't know what this or that function is for. Learning by doing!

Don't make mistakes like many do and become a copy of this or that music star. In the worst case, your listeners will later say that you sound like this or that musician. Then you are a copy of someone else.

Try to find out what is easy for you and what you enjoy and then develop it. Some people then become drum experts or perhaps sound designers or they simply make music to relax. Some of you will have a talent and then develop it, which will lead to a later career in music.

Remember, the journey is the destination. Some fail, but the time they spent with music was valuable, useful time.

If any of our readers are still reading, buy yourself a book about music, mixing and mastering. Learn something, train your brain by setting small goals, you grow with tasks and challenges. Every beginning is difficult, you can see the result, but the road to get there is rocky and difficult.

 

i am

 

It could happen

 

com'on smeg ....you know the thing....

 

the music gone treat you how you treat it

 

If you are on macOS just get started with Garageband and /or Logic, it has anything you need.
No need for any 3rd party plugins to make music.

 

Last edited: Jan 23, 2025 at 5:02 PM

Ableton is great start because that DAW has built-in, interactive tutorials on how to use it. Same for Arturia VSTs, they teach basic sound design from within the plugin. Those two should cover your DAW and sound design learning experience.

As for music theory in general, you should skim through some youtube basics and really put in more time practicing than watching. I'm a professional piano player and the key to my success was the most boring part: playing major and minor scales hundreds of times every week until I could do it without thinking. Learning basic chords and combining with the ability to play partial scales in between chord switches is the secret sauce of music improvisation. It may be overwhelming to learn scales and chords in all 12 keys, so you can master one key first (popular choices are C, D and E-flat. With midi transpose, a producer can compose for any key in the studio.