Continue to explore the last steps to create your own EDM tracks. Making an EDM track may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. The key to learning how to make EDM is to start writing a track and get inspired. To create your first EDM track, all you need is a spark of inspiration and a basic understanding of the songwriting and music production process. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry – you don’t need extensive knowledge of music theory or production techniques. By following some essential principles for songwriting, mixing, music production, and sound design, you’ll have all the tools you need to create your own EDM tracks. So, let’s jump right in and start your own journey!
6. Lead synth layering
After sketching out your drums, bass, chords, and melody, it’s time to focus on sound design, which is crucial for creating EDM music.
Synthesizers are fun to play with, but creating a particular sound can be challenging. If you’re new to sound design, it’s best to use a plugin with presets that you can layer on duplicate instances of your lead melody.
When looking for a lead synth preset, choose something that complements the sound you’re going for.
7. Polyphonic synths for chord writing
Polyphonic synth pads are ideal for playing chord progressions instead of pianos. Look for a synth plugin or preset that can play multiple notes at a time to form a chord.
For chords, you should look in the pads and keys section of your plugin’s preset folder. Alternatively, you can use a quality polyphonic synth like DX7, Juno, or Prophet-5 if you have advanced knowledge of synthesis.
8. Synth sound design
Although the music theory concepts for creating EDM music aren’t complicated, sound design and mixing are complex. Understanding various synthesis methods, such as subtractive, additive, FM, wavetable, and granular, is essential.
You should also know how monophonic and polyphonic synths are used and the different waveforms, including sine, sawtooth, and square, that can be used in synthesis. Additionally, understanding ADSR curves, EQs, and mod matrixes is necessary.
Playing with synth parameters is a fun way to start learning synthesis, and presets can help you achieve the sound you’re after.
9. Use loops, samples, MIDI, and plugins
EDM is predominantly a sample-based genre, with producers relying on royalty-free sample libraries for drums, risers, ambient effects, and vocal chops.
Using melody and chord loops can be a great source of inspiration for starting a new track. MIDI packs that provide the chords necessary to write a track are also useful.
Synth plugins with presets are an excellent way to learn sound design basics if you’re new to synthesis. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to use modern software to get started because the right tools can help you write an amazing track.
Finalize your track
Once you’ve completed the arrangement and sound design of your track, it’s time to celebrate and move into the mixing and mastering process.
We have extensively covered how mixing and mastering work in our guides, so head over and check them out if you want to learn the basics.
There is no right or wrong way to create music, and this guide simply demonstrates how the various elements of a song come together.
You don’t have to start a song with a drum beat every time; it’s all about finding an inspiring starting point and building your ideas from there.
There are no rules, and ultimately, it’s about creating something that sounds good and satisfies your creative needs.
So get out there and start composing your next EDM masterpiece!