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Does this ever work out? I keep seeing people wanting to make beats because they're into whatever genre they're into, without having any background in music. It's not the same as picking up a guitar because you like Metallica. I don't understand this. It's always the same, they ask for advice and say they have no idea where to start. Of course you don't. Are DAWs and soft synths going to be how people learn to play music now? If so, that's just weird.

Some of my favourite producers probably don't have a clue about learning music. Good.

Whole grime scene and dubstep scene was created by people who had no background in music. Now many of them are on big money and probably still don't know much music theory, not to the extent of being able to play multiple instruments anyway.

I've met people who are insanely good on numerous instruments, know a shit load of theory and study music/mostly classical, but they can't get their head around some electronic music because it doesn't make 'theoretical' sense. I've had someone really talented watch me do some basic mixing and be fascinated because the songs werent in the same key but still sounded good lol. Sorta surprised me how much the theory can sometimes cloud your judgement of just listening to good music.

Just pirate FL studio or Reason an go ham on the beats it's like putting a puzzle together once you learn how to use it it's easy

Definitely glad I've got some theory knowledge. I think I'm pretty good at blocking it out sometimes if it does get in the way of creativity, so it's anything but a burden.

Never really understood people who expect to be able to make electronic music straight away with no musical background at all, but having said that there are plenty of people who get good results without being a musician first so I can't really judge them!

DrVinnyBoomBeats wrote:Does this ever work out?

Of course it does. Just look at your cd/vinyl collection.

It's not the same as picking up a guitar because you like Metallica.

It is the same. I picked up Soundforge because I like Burial's music . You like something so much (tune, movie, video game etc) you want to recreate it. If you 're good at it, you ' ll keep practicing, picking up the skills as you go along. If you 're not, you quit sooner or later.

I don't understand this. It's always the same, they ask for advice and say they have no idea where to start.

You're actually referring to all the lazy people who are not really into it, and you're right. People too bored to even google stuff, asking "where do I find video game sounds?". (hint: get a video game, look in Sounds folder)

Are DAWs and soft synths going to be how people learn to play music now?

We 're not building spaceships, just tunes. People don't go on forums asking "Need monkey to send to space, any good free fuel tank resource?, how do I fly this thing?". Tunes are not so much about tech skills, it's about soul trapped in them. And the less rules you know, the more adventurous you can be in your productions.

If so, that's just weird.

It is a bit weird, but it's a helluva lot of fun.

I think this is because dance music is more rhythm orientated, not diminishing the amount of skill it takes to make good rhythms etc(all you drummers out there), but I feel that because thats dance music and dubstep especially's central focus, its much more of a taste thing than a definite science in the way theory is. i just about manage and i know fuck all theory apart from some basics

I'm a guitarist myself and a computer geek, and I enjoy the journey of creating music in my DAW. I think like others have said - It's not about how much 'music theory' you know. It's about the feelings and emotions that go into your music. Anyone willing to put the time into learning how to use their DAW is capable of producing music. I think it's really cool that a lot of people are making music nowadays. Regardless of skill, there's a lot worse things one can be doing than making some tunes

My mate knows a feel scales and chords and made some amazing stuff, really simple but sounded beautiful... you don't need to know anything but it helps

I know nothing about music theory or any of that..if it sounds good I roll with it.

m8 just pray to jah imo

I think that if you're making melody based music some theory comes very handy, but dubstep is more sound based type of music.
Not saying that you can't make good melodies if unschooled but I think it takes more time to make good melodies through trial and error than if you know what harmonies and keys that fits.

No reason to hold yourself back. Nothing should keep you from restricting yourself. Best advice is to get like two soft synths max and a sequencer. Learn everything inside out so it becomes less overwhelming, and DO NOT listen to the style of music that got you into it ad nauseam.

i agree with that you don't actually have to know anything but it helps.. it's all in ya mind if you don't have the talent it wont work.. as someone said prolly most of the early grime and dubstep was done by people with little musical knowledge yet it's so powerful, at times emotional and perfectly good sounding yet you could have the guy who's done his theory and has played the guitar for 10 years give him two hours with ableton and the result is emotionless wank for music