Disjointed set of music on Garageband

I try to create songs using Garageband or FLStudio, but the music doesn't seem a lot natural or the awesome ones which you folks tend to create.
I just make these as a part time hobby, I haven't learnt anything or read anything, I just tend to go with the flow.

I was wondering if someone can guide me on anything I could improve like a book, article or any great advice would be great.

Here is the latest song I composed. The process I used to create is 

1. Create a basic bassline.

2. Play around with some notes to get a decent arpeggio.

3. Add lower notes of a synthetic string to make it sound more serious.

4. Any fillers I use claps and hat's or something of that sort.

Most of the times I tend to make a music based on these ideas. I wonder if anyone has any great pointers on their process of creating a musical piece.

And I really struggle to complete a song, my ideas just sustain only in the initial phase, I can't find something to add to complete it.

Thanks 🙂

Thanks for sharing this! I really like some of the ideas you've come up with in that piece - you've done well to create a good baseline and added some interesting layers and percussion section. Well done!

In terms of material, I found that studying a bit of music theory helped me a lot for composing. There's a book called 'Music Composition for Dummies' which helped me (and still helps me) to composed. 

Also, learning an instrument and learning to play other music has helped me understand how music is created and comes together. So if you can do this (or continue to do this), I'm sure that will help. 

It sounds like you've already got a creative process that is working for you, which is important. As well as focusing on baselines and harmony, I would also focus on what chords work with the melody. Structure and form are also worth considering, and these are things you can learn through music theory. 

But the main thing is that you're enjoying it, and as long as you continue to enjoy and learn then I'm sure your music will continue to improve. It's easy to be self-critical and compare your music to others, but everyone is at a different stage so this won't help. Keep up the good work, I look forward to hearing more music from you! 🙂

youve got good instincts, especially rhythmically. I would say the next step in your journey would be to learn how to make B sections, which might require some knowledge of music theory. Berklee has some good music theory books, they're hard work but if you have a strong will to improve you can get through them. (I'm still working on them because they show you a million things you have to learn and memorize). <- but its cool to watch yourself improve and definitely worth the effort.

@JamesRichardson Thanks for your valuable feedback, I am thankful that you liked my piece. :)

As you have mentioned the topic of learning a musical instrument, I must say that I already play a little guitar and have the basic skills in it and yes it does help. I will surely looking into the book 'Composition for dummies', all I wanted to was some material which is basic so that I can grasp things and try to improve my skills.

I value your advice and your motivation for me to create more music, I will keep you posted..Thanks :)

@Left Unexplained Yes, many have told me that I have a good sense in rhythm. Thanks for that feedback.

I will surely see what is a B-Section and how to incorporate that into my music. :)

I am also very fond of Berklee school of music, I hope the books aren't really complex to read, but I will surely give it a try. Thanks 

On 9/27/2020 at 2:53 AM, JamesRichardson said:

Thanks for sharing this! I really like some of the ideas you've come up with in that piece - you've done well to create a good baseline and added some interesting layers and percussion section. Well done!

In terms of material, I found that studying a bit of music theory helped me a lot for composing. There's a book called 'Music Composition for Dummies' which helped me (and still helps me) to composed. 

Also, learning an instrument and learning to play other music has helped me understand how music is created and comes together. So if you can do this (or continue to do this), I'm sure that will help. 

It sounds like you've already got a creative process that is working for you, which is important. As well as focusing on baselines and harmony, I would also focus on what chords work with the melody. Structure and form are also worth considering, and these are things you can learn through music theory. 

But the main thing is that you're enjoying it, and as long as you continue to enjoy and learn then I'm sure your music will continue to improve. It's easy to be self-critical and compare your music to others, but everyone is at a different stage so this won't help. Keep up the good work, I look forward to hearing more music from you! 🙂

 

Great feedback. Thanks for this post.