Beginning Producer Tips

[MAJOR235421]

yeah i'd get a midi keyboard and beginning theory book if you don't have a clue about scales, chords, etc... You'll be doing yourself a favor because I imagine it's a pain in the ass voicing notes in the piano roll instead of just hitting a key on a keyboard. but you just need like 2 or 3 notes for a dubby song sooo

Thank you for this! I have been playing piano since I was 3 and guitar since 6 and drums since 8 (Always had an immense interest in music) so I've got the music theory down PAT so Im set with that. Ive been practicing 3-4 hours a day with a basic piano roll, but I agree, it is quite annoying lol

[MAJOR235421]

You need to teach yourself music theory, i can not stress this point enough, the biggest roadblock in the way of most would be producers is the frustration created by a lack of musical theory knowledge. Understanding keys/scales/modes/rhythm/tonal quality/timbre/texture/melody/harmony/counterpoint/time signatures/song structure and composition ( <-BIG ONE ) and so on, as well as the individual nature of the relationships between different scale degrees within different scales keys and modes e.t.c. will be your biggest arsenal in the creative process. you cannot speak a language until you learn it.

WOW! I sure am glad that I have been playing music since I was 3! So if I know musical theory from playing piano, guitar, and drums, I am already a step ahead?

Also is Reaper mac compatible? Because I have a Macbook Pro. As of right now, I am leaning toward picking up Komplete (As I am familiar with Native Instruments from using Traktor), Logic Pro, an M-Audio Oxygen-49.

[MAJOR235421]

This could either be a nice pair of headphones or monitors. i know some people would say it's not necessary but i highly suggest a midi keyboard, even if you are just starting out. and if you do go with monitors i'm willing to bet you have a mixer you could run audio through to them if you don't want an interface but it sounds like you have the cash to get an inexpensive one. and that's really IT. don't go with anything else until you feel restricted by what you already have.

Could I run the audio through my Denon MC's? I have the 6000 and I believe they have a built in audio input, but would the quality be up to par? Also what monitors would you suggest?

[Turnipish_Thoughts]

You need to teach yourself music theory, i can not stress this point enough, the biggest roadblock in the way of most would be producers is the frustration created by a lack of musical theory knowledge. Understanding keys/scales/modes/rhythm/tonal quality/timbre/texture/melody/harmony/counterpoint/time signatures/song structure and composition ( <-BIG ONE ) and so on, as well as the individual nature of the relationships between different scale degrees within different scales keys and modes e.t.c. will be your biggest arsenal in the creative process. you cannot speak a language until you learn it.

WOW! I sure am glad that I have been playing music since I was 3! So if I know musical theory from playing piano, guitar, and drums, I am already a step ahead?

Also is Reaper mac compatible? Because I have a Macbook Pro. As of right now, I am leaning toward picking up Komplete (As I am familiar with Native Instruments from using Traktor), Logic Pro, an M-Audio Oxygen-49.

Then my friend you have one of the biggest roadblocks out of the way. Its great to hear you have that important framework in place!! So then I'd say focus on synthesis and the creative use of effects units and of course getting comfortable with your chosen DAW/instruments.

I'm not usre wether Reaper is mac compatible, I'm on pc.

[Sense of Direction]

While knowing all that is a step ahead it is also important to understand sound design, effects, synthesis, theory etc...