Mastering your instrument
Recently, I’ve begun some session guitar playing with a studio called Score Concept here in the city. In the 2 sessions that I’ve had, there have been some very enjoyable and rewarding musical experiences and I thought it was important to outline what I think is a great way to prepare yourself for situations like this.
Often I’m asked what kind of software and other gear I use for my music productions and I felt compelled to compile this list for reference. Please ask questions if you have any.
- Logic Pro 9
Symphobia
WIVI Brass I
Evolve
EZDrummer
Steven Slate Drums
FM8
Kontakt 3
CineSamples Drums of War
CineToms
Tonehammer (various)
Evolve Mutations
Alti-Verb (industry standard reverb; despite what Space Designer does, this is better)
As you can see, I’m a percussion maniac. It’s my firm belief that one cannot ever have too many percussion samples or midi loops.
So it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything and since I’m working terribly hard at building my catalog, it’s been a bit tough keeping up. But this next one is something that will benefit anyone who uses orchestral strings in any DAW. This particular video was made for Logic, but the theory is the same.
Part 2
How to get a great mix.
This is one of the most elusive aspects of recording music. Even some professionally made albums, songs, and music scores can have a bad mix or be poorly recorded. I’m going to go over some of those pitfalls to avoid and how to avoid them using the least amount of money and effort as possible. After all, we’re trying to MAKE money with our music; not just spend it on gear, right?!
Part 2
How to get a great mix.
This is one of the most elusive aspects of recording music. Even some professionally made albums, songs, and music scores can have a bad mix or be poorly recorded. I’m going to go over some of those pitfalls to avoid and how to avoid them using the least amount of money and effort as possible. After all, we’re trying to MAKE money with our music; not just spend it on gear, right?!
This article is actually a prequel to a series I’m starting on how to make the most of what you’ve got in composing music. This series will consist of concrete and proven ways of improving your songwriting, composing, and your DAW chops as well as shed some light on some professional tips I’ve learned along my way in making music and composing for film.
Part 1
How to acoustically treat your mixing space.
This is singlehandedly the most important part of getting a great sound in your home studio (or any studio) and is the key to what pros call transerability of a mix.
This article is actually a prequel to a series I’m starting on how to make the most of what you’ve got in composing music. This series will consist of concrete and proven ways of improving your songwriting, composing, and your DAW chops as well as shed some light on some professional tips I’ve learned along my way in making music and composing for film.
Part 1
How to acoustically treat your mixing space.
This is singlehandedly the most important part of getting a great sound in your home studio (or any studio) and is the key to what pros call transerability of a mix.
Continue Reading
First, check out this link to ModernBeats.com: Making Hip Hop Beats
Placement of the kickdrum in production beats is one of the most important aspects to spicing up any song or backline. If we have a straight 4/4 rhythm with the kick on the 1 and 3 and the snare on the 2 and 4, it’s a straight-up 4/4 feel.
I found this site for setting up your electric guitar on icepoint.com. It’s an outstanding graphical guide for setting your axe up perfectly. Even if you’re a beginner, DON’T be afraid to make these adjustments. There are those who pay $20-$50 PER SETUP of these exact procedures, so don’t be intimidated. I know a professional guitarist who pays his guy $35 once per month to do this – how many others do you think he sets up in that month? Ok, you get the point of the value of this piece. Good luck! If you have any questions, please post them here or email them so we can all benefit!
I’m going to let the cat out of the bag right now:
Colbert is pretty obnoxious, but I think
Full Bird Music Blog
- Mastering your instrument January 30, 2010
- Complete Gear List January 8, 2010
- String Automation Drawing in Logic December 19, 2009
- How to get a great mix May 23, 2009
