Electronic music first appeared in the mid-19th century. However, the first electronic musical instruments used in musical compositions were the Etherophone and Rhythmicon, invented by Leon Theremin in the 20th century. As technology develops, music synthesizer devices (known as synthesizers) that were originally only available in music recording studios can now be owned by you at home. You can also use it with your band, as part of your musical composition. Now, you can go through the process of arranging and recording electronic music more easily. Not only can you do it in a music studio, you can even do it while traveling by car or plane.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Electronic Musical Instrument Components
Step 1. Use a synthesizer to create electronic music
Although the term synthesizer is often considered a synonym for electronic musical instruments, the synthesizer itself is a subset of electronic instruments that can produce musical parts, such as beats, rhythms, and notes.
- At first, earlier types of synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog were only able to produce one note at a time (monophonic), so they could not produce a second note like other musical instruments. However, some synthesizers can produce a single note in two different pitches simultaneously when two keys are pressed. Since the mid-1970s, synthesizers that can produce more than one note at a time (polyphonic) have become available, allowing you to produce chords and melodies at the same time.
- Most of the earlier types of synthesizers had separate functions, between tone generation and tone setting. Today, however, many electronic musical instruments, especially those commonly used at home (such as keyboards) have integrated features, where the synthesizer and sound control parts are already in one instrument.
Step 2. Play the synthesizer using the instrument controller
Many earlier synthesizers were controlled via levers, turning knobs, or even by positioning your hands around the instrument (for the Etherophone or now known as the Theremin). Now, there are a variety of modern control devices that are easier for musicians to use. The device can also control the synthesizer via a digital music instrument interface (known as MIDI or Musical Instrumental Digital Interface). Some of the modern control devices that exist include:
- Fingerboard (keyboard). The fingerboard is the most commonly used synthesizer control device. They range in size from a full 88-key fingerboard (7 octaves, as in digital pianos) to short octave timed fingerboards (2 octaves, as in toy pianos) with a total of 25 keys. Keyboard instruments commonly used in homes usually have a number of keys varying from 49, 61, to 76 keys (4, 5, or 6 octaves). Some keyboard instruments have a heavy key mechanism to simulate the same key mechanism as an acoustic piano. However, there are also keyboard instruments with keys that are supported by a spring mechanism, and some even combine a spring mechanism with keys without weights. Many fingerboards have a touch sensitivity feature, where the loudness of the sound is determined by how strong it is. You press the keys.
- Wind instrument control device (mouthpiece / wind controller). You can find this device in wind synthesizers, electronic instruments designed to resemble wind instruments such as the soprano saxophone, clarinet, recorder flute, or trumpet. As with wind instruments, you need to blow through the mouthpiece to produce sound. The resulting sound can be modified by using certain methods.
- MIDI guitar. This is a piece of software where you can pair your acoustic or electric guitar to your computer and use it as a synthesizer control device. MIDI guitars work by converting string vibrations into digital data. Often when used, the sound of guitar strums is not immediately audible (sounds don't appear along with guitar strums) due to the minimum number of sound samples needed to create a digital sound.
- SynthAx. SynthAx has a fretboard that is divided into 6 diagonal sections. This device uses strings as sensors. The sound output will depend on how you strum the strings. Now, SynthAx is no longer in production.
- Keytar. This device is shaped like a guitar, but in its main part there are no strings; it has a three-octave fingerboard and a sound control on the neck. Inspired by an 18th-century musical instrument called the orphica, you can play music by pressing your fingerboard while moving as freely as you would an electric guitar.
- Electronic drum pads. Introduced in 1971, this device has parts similar to acoustic drums, such as hi-hats, toms, and cymbals. The former uses pre-recorded samples of acoustic drum sounds, while the newer types use mathematical formulas to produce drum sounds. This device can be paired with headphones, so only you can hear the sound when you play the electronic drums.
- radiodrum. Initially, this device was used as a three-dimensional computer mouse. You can use two drummers to hit the surface from three sides of the Radiodrum. The sound produced will depend on which part you hit.
- BodySynth. This synthesizer control device is a unique device that you can wear, just like clothes. BodySynth uses muscle tension and movement of your body to control sound and lighting. At first, this device was used by dancers and artists, but they often had problems using this device. There is a simpler type of BodySynth, in the form of a pair of gloves or shoes that serve as the control unit of the synthesizer.
Part 2 of 4: Electronic Music Production Equipment
Step 1. Choose a computer system with adequate power, and make sure you are also familiar with the system used
You can use the electronic musical instrument itself to play music. But if you want to produce electronic music, you will definitely need a computer system.
- Desk computers (desktops) or laptops are suitable for use in the music-making process. If you plan to make music in a designated place (not moving), use a desk computer. However, if you want to make music in different places (traveling), a laptop can be a good choice.
- Use the computer operating system that is most comfortable for you to use. Make sure you are using the latest version of the operating system (both Windows and MacOS).
- Your computer system must have strong power and sufficient storage memory to be able to compose music. If you don't know what kind of computer specs you should have, try referring to a system specifically designed for audio and video gaming use. This reference is expected to help you determine the system specifications you need to make electronic music.
Step 2. Make sure your computer has a good sound device
You can still make good electronic music using the soundchip built into your computer and cheap loudspeakers. But if you can afford it, consider upgrading your sound device.
- Soundcards. It is highly recommended to use a sound card specifically designed for electronic music creation, especially if you plan to record a lot of sound.
- Monitor studio. What is meant by a studio monitor is not a computer screen, but a loudspeaker designed for recording studios. (In this case, the word monitor refers to loudspeakers that produce sound from the sound source accurately, with no or little distortion.) There are many studio monitors on the market. For studio monitors at low prices, you can buy M-Audio or KRK Systems products. For studio monitors at a higher price (but of course with better quality), you can buy Focal, Genelec, and Mackie products.
- Recording studio headphones. By listening to your music through headphones, you can focus more on individual parts of your music. Later, you can more easily match the rhythm of the music with other parts of the music, as well as adjust the volume level for each piece of music. The recommended recording studio headphones for use are Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser products.
Step 3. Install the software to make music
In making electronic music, there are several applications that you will need:
- Digital audio workstation (abbreviated as DAW). DAW is music software that allows all the components of your software to be used together to create music. The interface is usually a simulation of an analog recording studio (with a mixer, tracks, and other features, including a display of sound waves from your recordings). There are various DAW applications that you can purchase. Some of them are Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar, Cubase, FL Studio, Logic Pro (for MacOS operating system users only), Pro Tools, Reaper, and Reason. There are also several DAWs you can download for free, such as Ardor and Zynewave Podium.
- Sound editing application. This application has a greater ability to edit sound than the sound editing features found in DAW. This app can edit sound samples and convert your music into MP3 format. Sound Forge Audio Studio is an example of a sound editing program that is sold at a relatively low price. But if you want to find apps that can be downloaded for free, you can try the Audacity program.
- VST (Virtual Studio Technology) instrument or synthesizer. These instruments are software versions of the previously described electronic musical instrument components. To use it, you first need to install VST as a plugin for your DAW program. You can find these VSTs on the internet for free, by typing in the keywords “free soft synths” or “free vsti”. Alternatively, you can purchase VST from various VST providers such as Artvera, H. G. Fortune, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments, or reFX.
- VST effect. This addition to the DAW produces musical effects such as echo, choral effects, and other effects. You can download these VST effects from the same site you visit to download VST instruments. Some sites provide it for free, while others require you to pay when you download the VST effect.
- Sound samples. These samples refer to pieces of music, beat patterns, and rhythms that you can use to enrich your musical compositions. Usually these samples are contained within a particular genre of music package such as blues, jazz, country, or rock and include either individual sound samples (such as a glissando sample on a piano) or loops (such as a repeating melodic pattern). Sample providers usually offer free samples to use. However, there are also sound sample packs that require you to purchase a license in order to use them in your musical compositions. Some audio software companies provide access to download sound sample packages for free. In addition, you can also get sound sample packages from third-party sources, either for free or paid.
Step 4. Use a MIDI control device
While you can still compose music on your computer using your mouse and keyboard as a virtual piano, you will find it more convenient to use MIDI control devices connected to your computer system. The keyboard is the most commonly used MIDI control device and can be used to play music without the need to be connected to a computer. You can also use other types of MIDI control devices, as previously described.
Part 3 of 4: Pre-Electronic Music Making
Step 1. Learn music theory
While you can still play electronic instruments or compose music on a computer without the ability to read musical notation, a knowledge of musical structure can help you understand how to make better musical arrangements. In addition, by studying music theory you can also find any mistakes in your musical composition so that your musical composition will be even better.
Read articles on how to learn music or how to compose music for more information on music theory
Step 2. Know the capabilities of your instrument and software
Even if you tried using the instrument or software you had before you bought it, try experimenting with the instrument or device you have before you get into a more serious music project. By trying it, you will know the advantages of the instrument or software that you have and after that, maybe you will have some ideas to start a music project using the instrument and software.
Step 3. Identify the genre of the music you want to compose
Each genre of music has certain distinctive elements. Try learning the elements of a particular musical genre by listening to a few songs from a genre you like and find out how those elements apply to the songs you listen to:
- Beat and rhythm. Each genre of music has a distinctive beat or rhythm pattern. For example, rap and hip-hop music are known for their heavy and passionate beats and rhythms, while big band jazz has a swinging and changing rhythm pattern. As another example, country music has a distinctive rhythm pattern, known as the shuffle pattern.
- Instrumentation. Each genre of music has its own unique instrumentation. For example, jazz music is known for its use of wind instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, clarinet, and saxophone. Other examples, heavy metal music is known for its use of distorted electric guitars, Hawaiian music with the use of steel guitars, folk music with the use of acoustic guitars, mariachi music with trumpet and guitar accompaniment, and polka music with tuba and accordion accompaniments. However, many songs and artists have succeeded in combining elements of other genres (for example, the instruments used) into one particular genre. For example, Bob Dylan combined the use of electric guitar with folk music in his performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Johnny Cash's song "Ring of Fire" also has a blend of two different genre elements, in which country music arrangements are combined with trumpet rhythms. typical mariachi. Another example is the flute playing by Ian Anderson which is featured in the rock band Jethro Tull.
- Song structure. Vocal songs that are commonly played on the radio generally have this structure: intro, first verse, refrain, second verse, refrain, bridge (or abbreviated stanzas), last refrain, and ending (also known as an outro). Meanwhile, for comparison, electronica (electronic dance music or EDM) genre instrumental music such as trance (music usually played in nightclubs) has the following song structure: song intro, a melody that is played repeatedly until the song reaches the part of the song. where all elements of the song are played, and the ending of the song with the music volume gradually decreasing.
Part 4 of 4: Producing Your Own Electronic Music
Step 1. Make your music beats first
The beats and rhythm will serve as a reference for the other elements of your music. Use drum sounds from the sound sample packs you have.
Step 2. Add the bass rhythm
You can use a bass guitar or other instrument sound that has a lower pitch. Before you create other musical elements, make sure the drum beats and bass rhythms you create are pleasing to the eye.
Step 3. If you want, you can add other rhythm patterns
Not all songs have only one rhythm pattern; some songs have several different rhythm patterns that appear in certain parts of the song to grab the listener's attention. Different rhythm patterns can also be inserted at key moments of the story in your song lyrics. If you add different rhythm patterns, make sure they match the main rhythm pattern of your song so that when you listen to them, they can create the impression you want.
Step 4. Add a melody or sound harmony
Use your VST instrument to create melodies and sound harmonies. You can also use pre-existing sound samples or experiment with existing sound settings to create the sound effect you want.
Step 5. Adjust the volume of each element of the song appropriately
When creating music, of course, you want every element to sound not only compatible, but balanced. To achieve this balance, choose one musical element (such as the beat of a drum) to serve as a reference for other elements, then balance the volume of the sound of these other elements.
- In music-making, you tend to want a richer sound rather than a louder one. For a rich sound, you can use several instruments in a particular section (such as using the violin, viola, and cello sounds to play the melody in the chorus). You can also use the same instrument for the same melody or part of a song multiple times (such as creating three violin tracks with the same melody). The same can be done on vocal recordings. You can add vocal tracks to your song by adding backing tracks, or you can create additional vocal tracks yourself (such as a two-voice or three-voice variation, as in a chorus). Singer Enya uses this method a lot to get rich vocals in her music.
- You can add variety by using different instruments to each refrain, especially if you want to evoke different emotions from your listeners at different parts of the music. You can also vary the base note to your song to make your music sound more lively.
- You don't need to fill your entire musical composition with lots of variety. Sometimes you just need to use beats, melodies, and vocals, with no added harmonies. You can also start or end your song with vocals only, as you can hear in many pop songs today.
Step 6. Know what your music listeners want
If you make music for other people, you need to consider the wishes of your music listeners. Try creating a musical intro that instantly grabs the attention of your music listeners so they'll want to listen to your entire song. However, you also don't have to do what your music listeners ask you to. For example, if a listener asks you to make the chorus of your song as grandiose as possible but for some reason you feel it can't be done, then you don't have to.
Tips
- When choosing software such as digital audio workstation or other music creation software, first try demo versions of the applications you choose. After trying it, you can then decide which app is best for you and buy the app.
- Once you've finished composing your song, try playing it through different types of music players, such as your home music player, car music player, portable MP3 player (such as an iPod), your phone's music player, and your tablet. Also use loudspeakers and earphones of different types. See if your music is pleasant to listen to when played through various music player formats.
Warning
Don't rush into making electronic music. In the process of making it, you may feel bored from hearing the same music over and over again. Just as you can miss a writing error because you read too many words without a break, you can also miss a mistake when composing electronic music, whether it's because the instrumentation used isn't right or the sound levels of your musical elements are out of balance
Things You'll Need
- Electronic musical instruments (synthesizers/synthesizer control devices – for playing music)
- Computer system, recommended with a sound card specially designed for music production (for composing/recording songs)
- Studio monitor (speakers) and recording studio-quality headphones (for composing/recording songs)
- Digital audio workstation software and sound editing applications (for composing/recording songs)
- Additional virtual electronic music instrument (VST) (for composing/recording songs)
- Additional digital effects and sound sample packs (for composing/recording songs)
- MIDI control device (part of the instrument for recording music, its use is recommended in the process of composing/recording songs)
