When you are new to computer-based music production, trying to finish a three-minute song right away can leave you unsure where to begin. Start by making a short, eight-bar background music track so you can experience the basic process of choosing sounds, arranging them, and listening back in a loop.
This article explains a software-independent process for beginners in computer-based music production to create their first eight bars. The goal is not perfection, but finishing a complete musical idea.
Choose the BPM, Key, and Time Signature First
After creating a project, choose a provisional BPM, key, and time signature. If you are unsure, start in 4/4 time at around 100 to 120 BPM in C major or A minor. This lets you work mainly with the white keys on a keyboard.
You do not need to search too hard for the perfect settings at this stage. Establishing a reference keeps the metronome, grid, loops, and tempo-synced instruments aligned.
Build an Eight-Bar Foundation with Drums
Start with a kick drum, snare drum, and hi-hat to create a simple rhythm. A kick on beats one and three and a snare on beats two and four is enough to begin.
Instead of programming every detail across all eight bars, create a one- or two-bar pattern and duplicate it. Adding more hi-hats in the second half or a short fill in bar eight gives the repeated pattern a sense of punctuation.
Layer Chords and Bass
Next, use a piano, pad, or another software instrument to add a chord progression. Beginners can keep things organized by starting with one chord per bar and repeating a four-chord progression twice.
For the bass, simply playing the root note of each chord in a low register is enough to create a foundation. Check that the kick and bass are not dramatically out of time and that long low notes do not overlap excessively.
Add a Short Melody
Finally, use the key’s scale as a guide to create a short melody of about two to four bars. Do not pack in too many notes at first. Leave rests and aim for something you can hum. Landing on a chord tone when the chord changes helps the melody blend with the accompaniment.
Checklist for Completing Your Eight Bars
- You can distinguish the roles of the drums, chords, bass, and melody
- The low end does not sound muddy from overlapping parts
- There is a small change in the second half
- The transition from bar eight back to bar one sounds natural
Once you reach this point, the foundation of your first background music track is complete. By duplicating these eight bars and creating places where parts enter and drop out, you can move on to arranging and developing the song. Completing a short section first is the most reliable way to practice making longer music.
