I have a song in my head, I know how it sounds, but I can't get it to translate well to DAW
I've had a full-fleshed out song in my head for days, but I can't figure out how to get it started. I THINK I have the tempo correct, but when I play it out, it doesn't line up with the measures, and this is always a problem for me.
I try to start with a basic drum bass structure first, and add the rest on top of that. That way I know I'm in time. But it never seems to line up correctly with the measures still. Anybody have any ideas?
Also, I'm using Logic.
(3)3 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
It sounds as if you have conceived a song that doesn't fit the standard pop song format of 8 or 16 bar sections, with the same bar length throughout. That's fine. Plenty of songs don't. Stop trying to force your song into a rigid structure and find out just what it DOES do. Maybe there are 7, 9 or 13-bar sections. Maybe some bars have 4 beats, some have 3 (or 5, or 7...).
Try and fully understand what rhythm you are working towards - and if necessary tap it out on a drum or something else so you can feel the beat. If you can describe it as 4/4 6/8 or standard structure then it should be straightforward.
If you can't time it physically, you will have problems getting it into a DAW.
Assuming you can do it audibly and make the tracks line up, try tapping along to a click track. If there is a great deal of swing or groove you may find it hard to use a standard beat in a DAW so you may want to record you tapping along with the click track to give you a fixed point of reference for the melody/chords.
From your question, it seems you are totally confused about what to make, what instruments to use. I assume you are using virtual instruments for scratches, synths, bass and all other things. I will tell you an alternate (reverse) method for making a song. Some people use it, but I won't recommend you using it forever.
Now you have a tune in mind, put some words into it instead of throwing some drums and sticks first. Complete the tune, record it without any instruments, upload it to one of the tracks in your DAW. Now try using different instruments with that track. Listen, Listen again and listen again and choose what fits the best. Complete the track that way. I won't recommend you doing this always. Just give it a try.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.