Getting Started with Electronic Music Production: Tips & Tools
For many, electronic music isn’t just something to listen to—it’s an invitation to create. Those hypnotic beats and euphoric synths you’ve danced to began life in someone’s home studio, perhaps little more than a laptop on a kitchen table. The beauty of electronic dance music is that it has never been more accessible for newcomers, with tools and platforms available at almost every price point.
What used to require a roomful of equipment can now fit on your laptop or even your smartphone. But starting out producing your own EDM productions can still feel daunting. Looking out across the seemingly endless sea of plugins, sample packs, and DAWs, where do you begin?
Let’s break it down to the essentials.
The Foundation: Your Workspace and Mindset
Before you even think about your first synthesizer, there’s one tool no amount of money can buy: your mindset. Getting into electronic music production means you’re about to embrace experimentation, patience, and a love for continual learning.
Create a dedicated workspace for music, free from distractions. It doesn’t need to be a purpose-built studio—a quiet corner can suffice. Consistency in your environment builds creative habits, making it easier to switch between “everyday mode” and “producer mode” as soon as you sit down.
Essential Equipment: What Do You Really Need?
Expensive gear isn’t the secret. Instead, focus on the minimum setup that empowers you to learn and create:
1. Computer
Your computer is the heart of your studio. Almost any modern laptop or desktop works for beginners, but more memory (8GB RAM and above) and SSD storage make things smoother. Both macOS and Windows are popular within the EDM community.
2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
The DAW is where you lay down, arrange, and mix your tracks. Each DAW has strengths and quirks, and most offer trial versions. Popular DAWs for electronic music include:
DAW | Typical Use | Strengths | Notable Artists |
|---|---|---|---|
Ableton Live | EDM, performance | Intuitive session view, great for loops and live sets | Deadmau5, Skrillex |
FL Studio | Beat-driven genres | Pattern-based, user-friendly, strong MIDI features | Martin Garrix, Avicii |
Logic Pro | Production, songwriting | Robust plugins and instruments, Apple integration | Calvin Harris, Kygo |
Bitwig Studio | Modular, creative | Customizable, modular routing, great for sound design | Noisia |
Don’t get stuck analyzing forever—choose one that feels right and start learning.
3. Headphones or Speakers
Quality headphones can make a huge difference in how you hear your music. Over-ear, closed-back headphones are a great start for home producers. Studio monitors are ideal, but for beginners in shared spaces, headphones are both practical and effective.
4. MIDI Controller (Optional, but Inspiring)
While not strictly necessary, a MIDI keyboard or pad controller can be a satisfying way to input melodies and rhythms. Even a small, 25-key controller will get you performing chords and tweaking parameters.
5. Audio Interface (Optional for Beginners)
You may not need an interface at first, but for better audio quality and the option to record vocals or instruments later, it’s something to keep in mind.
Software Instruments and Sounds
Stock sounds can go a long way. All DAWs come with a selection of built-in instruments and effects. After getting to know your DAW’s native tools, you might branch out into third-party software instruments (VSTs), but don’t rush to buy extra plugins immediately.
When you’re ready to expand your sonic palette:
SYNTHS: Serum, Sylenth1, Vital, and Massive are staples in the EDM world.
SAMPLERS: Drum samples and one-shot libraries can spark inspiration. Free sample packs abound, but paid collections offer curated options.
Organize your samples into folders within your DAW for easy access. Auditioning random sounds while you produce helps keep creative momentum going.
Laying Down Your First Beat
Most EDM tracks begin with rhythm. Start simple: a kick, a snare, and a hi-hat, using your DAW’s step sequencer or piano roll. Layer basic drum samples, experimenting with timing and groove.
A few tips:
Begin with a four-on-the-floor kick pattern, which underpins most EDM styles.
Add percussion gradually—open hats, claps, and rides to create movement.
Once you’re comfortable, swap out samples until something unique emerges.
Building Basslines and Chord Progressions
EDM thrives on heavy, memorable basslines. Start by loading up a synth, choose a preset (like a saw wave for something aggressive, or a sine for deep sub-bass), and lay down single notes that lock in with your kick pattern.
Move on to chords. Many producers keep it simple—focusing on minor or major triads and experimenting until something clicks. Your DAW may have MIDI chord tools, which take the guesswork out of this step.
Bass and chords are the glue that holds your track together. Loop your drum pattern, add your bass, then stack chords or leads for a full sound.
Arranging Your Track
EDM is dynamic, building and releasing energy over the course of a few minutes. Here’s a basic roadmap:
Intro: Sets the mood, introduces key elements (8-32 bars)
Build-up: Adds energy, builds tension (8-16 bars)
Drop: Delivers the main hook or riff (8-16 bars)
Breakdown: Strips back, creates contrast (8-16 bars)
Outro: Winds things down, ready for the next track in a set (8-16 bars)
Copy other tracks’ arrangement structures at first. Analyzing your favorite songs in your DAW by importing and marking their sections is an effective way to internalize arrangement tricks.
Mixing and Effects Basics
As your track grows, things might start to sound muddy or cluttered. Mixing is where you sculpt and balance, using EQ, compression, and reverb.
EQ: Carves space for each sound in the frequency spectrum. Try cutting unneeded bass from high instruments and taming harsh highs from others.
Compression: Smoothes out dynamic range, making drums punchy and vocals sit right.
Reverb & Delay: Creates a sense of space. Less is more until you get the hang of it.
It helps to mix at lower volumes and take breaks. Your ears fatigue quickly, especially on headphones.
Resources for Learning and Growth
EDM production never has a final destination. The best producers share one thing: they listen as much as they create.
Here are a few ways to keep improving:
YouTube Channels: Channels like ADSR Music Production Tutorials, Point Blank Music School, and SeamlessR break down both music theory and production tips.
Online Courses: Websites like Skillshare, Coursera, and Producertech offer step-by-step training for all levels.
Producer Forums and Discords: Reddit’s r/edmproduction, KVR Audio, and dozens of Discord servers connect you with other beginners and seasoned pros.
Track Analysis: Deconstruct commercial tracks in your DAW, noting arrangement, sound choices, and effects.
Common Hurdles and How to Move Past Them
Every beginner faces a few common challenges. Knowing what’s normal (and temporary) can help you push through.
Perfectionism: All producers struggle with wanting their music to sound “professionally finished” too soon. Start with rough drafts, release your expectations, and allow for unfinished ideas.
Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS): Fancy equipment isn’t the answer; limit yourself to a core set of tools and master them before expanding.
Writer’s Block: Switching styles, limiting your sound palette, or finishing a “bad” track can break through creative stagnation.
Feedback: Ask for input, but remember it’s subjective. Take constructive notes and keep moving forward.
Legal and Distribution: What About Sharing Your Work?
Once you’ve got a few tracks you’re proud of, you might want to share your creations. Uploading to SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or Audius is straightforward. These platforms also connect you to listeners and other artists.
If you sample copyrighted music, be aware of licensing issues. Many platforms provide clear guidelines about what content is allowed. Starting with royalty-free samples avoids problems down the road.
The First Track: What to Expect
Your initial tracks probably won’t sound like those of your idols. This is absolutely normal, even for talented musicians. The gap between your taste and your skills closes the more you create.
Each session brings you closer to sonic mastery. If you start, you’re already ahead of everyone who just dreams about making music.
EDM thrives on experimentation and personal expression. So light up your laptop, tinker with those sounds, and let your creativity move the crowd—even if it’s just you in your bedroom for now. Your unique perspective and ideas are what the scene needs next.