I want to start a hobby (just mixing and creating/producing tracks, forgive me if the terms are wrong). I watched a few tutorials and I'm currently using Ableton (as it looked the easiest to me and my amateur friend also recommended it to me).
I'm just curious, I watched the tutorial on functions of the program and everything...but nobody actually teaches you how to START/CREATE a track. A quick background - I have no prior musical foundation (played mary had a little lamb with a wind instrument back in high school, but that is the extent of my education).
How do I actually start? Do I pick a chord? Do I need to know what each chord sounds like and does? Do I start with a high to low chord? Reverse? Everything is so overwhelming and honestly, I've just been playing around in Ableton and seeing if I can make anything that sounds like what I want (but with no luck)
With a basic understanding of elementary music theory..... You should look into Band in A Box. Grab a copy of the PRO level and this program will give you the fastest start you can possibly get. Pro version is the entry level and has a limited number of styles and real tracks but it gets you in the door to see what this can do. You have a great wealth of knowledge in the forums as well. Ask questions and people will assist.
You don't need to play an instrument... you simply tell it what chords you want ( that's the music theory part) and it does the rest for you. You can import it into Ableton and play around to your hearts content. It's not a hard thing to learn.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Open the program, type a chord in the first bar location. Maybe a C then hit tab twice to the second location (bar 2) and type a G tab twice again and type C, tab twice again and type D tab once and hit D7 . hit play and listen. Now experiment.
then watch
Last edited by Rob Helms; 10/18/2307:41 PM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
If you can afford it buy the Ultra plus pak, and never look back. it comes with RealBand a nice related DAW program. you can open Band in a Box songs there and add personal tracks it the project.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Henry Clarke's channel on YouTube is also very accessible: +++ here +++
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Henry Clarke's channel on YouTube is also very accessible: +++ here +++
Yes. Definitely explore some of Henry's great intuitive works. You won't be disappointed.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
If you get yourself a copy of BiaB, choose a style (Country, Jazz, Pop, Hip-Hop, Funk, Latin etc), start entering chords as per the video instructions indicated above, then start using the integrated mixer to change volume levels, panning, reverb etc. of different instruments. Listen to your results, Rinse and repeat. That's a starting point.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
This thread takes me back to years ago when I got barbequed for saying something similar to this. I am going to make this post as a role playing conversation.
Track: "Start entering chords..." Newb: What's a chord? Track: You know, the progression of the song. Newb: What's a progression? Track: The order of the chords. Newb: Again, what's a chord?
And on and on.
This software in particular, but all DAW software in general, requires a certain amount of assumed and implied knowledge. We went though this with a discussion of chords once as well. I asked someone to tell me, as if I knew nothing about music, what this thing called a major chords is that everybody talks about. Somebody (I think it was Norton) said "A major chord is 1-3-5." Now of course I know that is correct, but I was asking as a music know-nothing. THAT conversation something went like this.
What's a 1? What's a 3? What's a 5? The notes in the scale. What's a scale? The series of notes in the key you are playing in. What's a key?
And on and on.
Note that the OP has not returned to this thread, and that this is his only post. I thought from the beginning that this thread was somebody thinking it would be fun to troll this forum. How does somebody who admittedly knows nothing about music end up with a copy of Ableton and think "Hey now! Music, which I know zero about, looks like a fun hobby." and then end up in THIS forum? Wouldn't Ableton software's documentation land him on Ableton's web page?
I have my doubts that Lamar4 is real.
As to the OP, in case it IS real (and yes, I am calling you out here, Lamar), you probably want to take up a different hobby. This is not something you are just going to "pick up". Yeah there are posers and pretenders here who just want to use "auto-everything" and claim to be a musician. Every kid with a laptop thinks he is a producer anymore because they download a loop from somewhere and somebody reads angry, sexist, racist beat poetry roughly in time with the loop and they call it a rap song. You simply HAVE to know about music to make music. You can't just sit down at an instrument you can't play and turn into Diane Warren cranking out #1 hits.
But, again, I don't think this account is even real.
Hobbies are supposed to be for fun, right? What fun is it to do somethink you know nothing about? Otherwise, the best you will end up doing is spending the next years watching YouTube videos.
I agree with Eddie. Anyone who bought Ableton then asks "How do I actually start? Do I pick a chord? Do I need to know what each chord sounds like and does? Do I start with a high to low chord? Reverse? Everything is so overwhelming and honestly, I've just been playing around in Ableton and seeing if I can make anything that sounds like what I want (but with no luck)" is putting us on!
If by chance this is a one in a million honest post then I suggest the OP buy Acid Pro and mix loops.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
This thread takes me back to years ago when I got barbequed for saying something similar to this. I am going to make this post as a role playing conversation. Track: "Start entering chords..." Newb: What's a chord?
Eddie, c'mon. To be fair, you only quoted a fragment of the actual sentence that this Track guy mentioned. Track mentioned "start entering chords as per the video instructions indicated above". I think that fragmentation reduced the intended guidance. Anyway, have a great day Nothing wrong with a good BBQ either (the one with food ).
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I'm with Eddie and Mario on this one. It has to be a put-on.
Byron Dickens
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
We may never know because it was his first post and everyone pounced on him! maybe we should be a little more patient. Eddie i remember when you had a ton of question with RB just saying.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Eddie i remember when you had a ton of question with RB just saying.
Yes I did. With Real Band. But who comes onto a music software forum and says they know nothing about music and want to be a producer as a HOBBY? Asking about "what chords sound like"? Forward or reverse chords? With Ableton?
I want to start a hobby (just mixing and creating/producing tracks, forgive me if the terms are wrong). I watched a few tutorials and I'm currently using Ableton (as it looked the easiest to me and my amateur friend also recommended it to me).
I'm just curious, I watched the tutorial on functions of the program and everything...but nobody actually teaches you how to START/CREATE a track. A quick background - I have no prior musical foundation (played mary had a little lamb with a wind instrument back in high school, but that is the extent of my education).
How do I actually start? Do I pick a chord? Do I need to know what each chord sounds like and does? Do I start with a high to low chord? Reverse? Everything is so overwhelming and honestly learning , I've just been playing around in Ableton and seeing if I can make anything that sounds like what I want (but with no luck)
Starting your journey into music production can be both exciting and challenging, especially if you're new to the world of music and digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton. Here are some steps to help you get started with creating your own tracks:
Learn the Basics: It's great that you've watched tutorials on Ableton. Continue learning about the software and its various functions. Understanding the tools at your disposal is crucial.
Explore Music Theory: While you don't need to be a music theory expert, having some basic knowledge can be extremely helpful. Start by understanding scales, chords, and keys. This will make it easier to create melodies and harmonies.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment. Start with something simple, like a chord progression. You can choose a key and experiment with different chords within that key. Ableton has virtual instruments that allow you to play around with sounds.
Use MIDI Instruments: If you're not familiar with playing traditional instruments, you can use MIDI instruments within Ableton. These instruments allow you to create music using your computer keyboard or a MIDI controller.
Listen Actively: Listen to music actively. Pay attention to the music you enjoy, and try to deconstruct it. What makes it sound the way it does? How do different elements work together?
Drum Patterns: Start with a basic drum pattern. The rhythm can serve as a foundation for your track. Experiment with different drum sounds and patterns.
Layering: Music production often involves layering different sounds. You can layer multiple instruments, synths, and samples to create a rich and complex track.
Arrangement: Once you have some musical elements you like, start arranging them into a structure. Most songs have an intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. Arrange your elements into a similar structure.
Effects and Mixing: Experiment with effects and mixing to shape the sound. Ableton offers various audio effects and mixing tools to enhance your track.
Practice: Music production is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient with yourself, and keep practicing. Your early tracks might not sound the way you want them to, but that's part of the learning process.
Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to share your work with others and seek feedback. Join online music production communities or forums to connect with fellow producers who can offer advice and guidance.
Remember that there's no one "right" way to create music. It's about expressing yourself and having fun. Keep learning, experimenting, and, most importantly, enjoy the creative process. Your skills will improve over time, so keep at it, and you'll see progress in your music production journey.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
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Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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Nothing wrong with a good BBQ either (the one with food 
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