Is it better to draw in notes, or play them while recording?

[LetsGoBlues91]

I personally try to play something I like first, (If I can even find anything good) then draw it in and make changes as I feel necessary.

Is that the best method?

[decklyn]

Don't matter if you have to turn the knob around backwards - if it sounds good, it's good.
It's thought often that getting the notes a bit off the grid (ie recording without quantize or drawing with snap off) can give some humanization that sounds more natural but being right on the grid can be what you're looking for too. Depends on the style etc.

[tavravlavish]

I would say so yes. But you can get some cool results just having fun in piano roll. If you want a more human feel recording is a good idea.

[LetsGoBlues91]

thanks for the opinions. I will try using the keyboard and just recording something that way.

[jaimelee]

Depends really, for drums you're better off programming them and adding grooves after so it's less hassle that way.
Or else do it from scratch on keyboard and tweaking it after.

For synths the best is to record yourself, gives it a better feeling in the end.

[LetsGoBlues91]

would you say drums should be made before bassline/synth? Or the other way around?

[jaimelee]

would you say drums should be made before bassline/synth? Or the other way around?

That's down to preference really, I could go either way but usually it's drums for me. So i can get a feel of what my bassline is gonna do.
Or I could be humming a bassline all day, record it and then make the drums go with it. Try both I say!!

[decklyn]

There is no right way or even better way to write music.
There is only what works for you and what doesn't.
Try the search functions if you want to see people's opinion - these questions are asked all the time.
Best way is to try both and find out.

[LetsGoBlues91]

There is no right way or even better way to write music.
There is only what works for you and what doesn't.
Try the search functions if you want to see people's opinion - these questions are asked all the time.
Best way is to try both and find out.

will do!

[Sinisterbeats]

just depend how you work. I draw in everything, but some people will play and record everything. And some will do a bit of both

[tavravlavish]

just do your thing that is all that really matters in the world of music.