What Do You Need to Start Creating Music?

So, you've learned to play an instrument and now you want to create your own music. But how do you get from a simple idea to a finished song you can share? This guide will introduce three different approaches to writing and recording your musical ideas, perfect for beginners who are ready to start creating.

Approach 1: The Old-School Songwriter (Pen and Paper)

The oldest and most accessible method is simply writing your ideas down. This is perfect for singer-songwriters who just need to capture the core of a song to play on their guitar anywhere, anytime.

• How it works: Write down your lyrics and place the chord names above the words where the changes happen. You can use any sketches or diagrams needed to remember the idea.
• Pros: It's free, portable, and incredibly fast. You don't need any technology, just a way to remember your ideas.
• Cons: You can't hear the full arrangement until you (or a band) play it. It requires you to remember the rhythm and feel of the song.

Approach 2: The Digital Composer (Notation Software)

For more complex ideas or full band arrangements, music notation software is a powerful tool. It allows you to write parts for instruments you don't play and hear a playback of your composition instantly.

• How it works: Using software like Guitar Pro or the free MuseScore, you can write music in standard notation or tablature. You can create parts for drums, bass, keyboards, and more.
• Pros: You can hear your full arrangement immediately, easily make corrections, and share professional-looking sheet music with other musicians.
• Cons: It requires some knowledge of notation or tablature. The computer-generated playback often lacks the expression and feel of a real musician.

Approach 3: The Home Producer (Recording/DAW)

Recording your ideas is the fastest way to capture not just the notes, but the *feel* of your music. This is how most modern music is produced.

• How it works: Start by singing or playing ideas into your phone's voice recorder. For a more professional setup, you'll need a computer, an audio interface, a microphone (for vocals or acoustic instruments), headphones, and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
• Pros: You can capture the actual performance and expression. It's easy to layer multiple tracks (guitars, vocals, bass) and shape the final sound of your song.
• Cons: This is the most expensive option and has the steepest learning curve, as you'll need to learn how to use the hardware and software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Each of these methods is a valid tool for creating music, and the best songwriters often use a combination of all three. You might sketch out a lyrical idea in a notebook, arrange the full song in Guitar Pro, and then record a final demo in a DAW. Don't wait for inspiration to strike—pick a method, start creating, and don't be afraid to experiment. The fastest way to grow is to find a great teacher who can guide you. Good luck!

This article was written by Janez Janežič, a creative guitarist, songwriter and guitar teacher from Slovenia. If you are interested in learning from him in person about how to express yourself with your guitar and be creative, be sure to apply for his lessons: Šola kitare v okolici Novega mesta.