Step 1: Choose Your DAW
Free options: GarageBand (Mac), LMMS (Windows/Mac/Linux), Cakewalk (Windows). These have everything you need to start — synths, drums, effects, and mixing tools.
Step 2: Start with the Beat
Most beginners start with melody and struggle. Start with drums instead — they provide the foundation and groove. A basic beat: kick on 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4, hi-hat on every eighth note.
Step 3: Add Chords
Four chords is all you need: I-V-vi-IV (C-G-Am-F in the key of C). This progression is used in thousands of hits. Play with a piano or pad sound.
Step 4: AI Assistance
Use our AI Music Generator to create backing tracks, loops, or complete arrangements. Great for generating ideas when you're stuck. Our Karaoke Maker can isolate instruments from reference tracks for study.
Step 5: Mix and Export
Basic mixing: balance volumes so everything is audible, pan instruments left/right for width, add slight reverb for depth. Export as WAV for quality, then use our Audio Converter for distribution-ready MP3.