How To- Andrew Hardy

While I can do several things in my life, I'm not sure I have a mastery of anything that warrants me doing a how-to. Nothing I've accomplished, or want to accomplish is something that out of the ordinary. If you actually wanted to learn something, I suggest steering far away from any advice of mine. I implore you to go find a more unique "how-to" and leave me to my mediocrity.

How To Make A Medicore Musical Track

Step 1. Learn to play guitar. If you have even lower standards than I, or have transcended current musical restraints,  this step is optional

Step 2. Get a rudimentary understanding of bass and percussion. The rhythm section is underrated. If you have real standards, get another musician who has talent to do this part for you. For the time being, I've been pitch-shifting my guitar down an octave for bass and using a standing drum for a beat. This is far from recommended.

Step 3. Get Recording equipment. Here's something you shouldn't skimp on. I use a Shure Microphone, a Scarlett 2i4, and the complimentary version of Ableton. If you don't plan on using a synthesizer or other MIDI device, the Scarlett 2i2 will suffice. If you take the doctrine of mediocrity to heart, there are some decent USB microphones and Audacity is a free program. 

Step 4. Come up with a chord progression.  People more creative than I might write a melody first, and I've done that on occasion, but matching a melody to a chord progression is simpler. The basic chord progression is I V, or if you want something a bit more complex I ii IV vi V it's still pretty basic. lower case numerals are minor chords. In lieu of any theory, just turn the feedback up and wildly strum your guitar or smash it against a wall. f

Step 5. Come up with a melody. This is optional, but you're really stretching the definitions of mediocre. Any note in the key will work, but if you're worried about harmony and don't want to deal with passing tones, scales will suffice. 

Step 6. Lyrics. Actual lyrics are always appreciated. Stories and narrative tend to go over better then general angst, but anything will work. Guttural screams are sufficient.

Step 7.  Record. Single tracks at a time are easier and you'll get higher quality recordings.  Make sure to line them up right or it'll sound terrible

Step 8. Master. Compress tracks, fiddle with the EQ, and a bit of reverb no matter what. Do what ever you want.