Background music, or BGM, is an essential element in various media, from films and television shows to video games and presentations. It can enhance the mood, atmosphere, and overall impact of a project. While hiring a professional composer can be costly and time-consuming, many individuals and small teams are turning to DIY methods to create their own BGM.
Understanding the Basics of Music Theory
Before diving into the creation process, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of music theory. This includes concepts like:
- Scales: Major and minor scales are the foundation of most Western music.
- Chords: These are groups of notes played simultaneously, creating harmony.
- Rhythm: This refers to the timing and pattern of notes.
- Melody: This is the main tune or line of a piece of music.
While you don’t need to be a virtuoso musician, a grasp of these fundamentals will help you make informed decisions during the composition process.
Top Software for Creating Background Music
Creating background music can be a rewarding and accessible process, thanks to a variety of powerful software tools. Here are some of the top options to consider:
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
DAWs are versatile software platforms that offer a comprehensive suite of tools for composing, recording, editing, and mixing music. They’re ideal for both beginners and professionals.
- Ableton Live: Known for its intuitive interface and live performance capabilities, Ableton Live is a popular choice for electronic music producers and DJs.
- FL Studio: With a strong focus on sequencing and pattern-based composition, FL Studio is a great option for those who prefer a more modular approach to music creation.
- Logic Pro X: Designed specifically for macOS, Logic Pro X offers a professional-grade environment with a wide range of features and virtual instruments.
- Cubase: Renowned for its audio editing and mixing capabilities, Cubase is a powerful DAW that’s well-suited for both music production and audio post-production.
Online AI Tools for Creating Background Music
The world of music production has been revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI). These online tools can generate high-quality background music (BGM) tailored to your specific needs, saving you time and effort. Here are some popular options:
1. AIVA:
- Features: AIVA uses AI to compose original, royalty-free music in various genres. You can customize the mood, tempo, and instruments to match your project.
- Benefits: AIVA’s AI algorithms generate unique and diverse musical compositions, making it a great choice for those seeking original soundtracks.
2. Boomy:
- Features: Boomy offers a user-friendly interface for creating custom music tracks. You can select the genre, mood, and instruments, and Boomy’s AI will generate a matching composition.
- Benefits: Boomy is easy to use and offers a wide range of musical styles, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
3. Jukedeck:
- Features: Jukedeck specializes in creating royalty-free background music for videos. You can choose from a variety of genres and moods, and customize the length of the track.
- Benefits: Jukedeck’s AI is specifically designed to create music that complements visual content, making it a great option for filmmakers and content creators.
4. Amper Music:
- Features: Amper Music allows you to create custom music tracks by selecting the genre, mood, and tempo. You can also choose specific instruments and add vocals.
- Benefits: Amper Music offers a high degree of customization, allowing you to create music that perfectly matches your project’s aesthetic.
5. Soundraw:
- Features: Soundraw provides a platform for creating royalty-free music tracks. You can choose from a variety of genres and moods, and customize the length and tempo.
- Benefits: Soundraw offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to create music even if you have no prior experience.
Key Considerations When Using AI Tools:
- Customization: Consider the level of customization offered by the tool. Can you specify the genre, mood, instruments, and tempo?
- Royalty-Free: Ensure that the music generated by the tool is royalty-free, especially if you plan to use it in commercial projects.
- Quality: Listen to samples of the music generated by the tool to assess the quality and whether it aligns with your project’s requirements.
- Cost: Some AI tools offer free plans, while others require a subscription or per-track fee. Evaluate your budget and choose a tool that fits your needs.
Choosing Your Instruments and Software
The choice of instruments and software will significantly impact the sound of your BGM. Consider the following:
- Acoustic Instruments: If you’re skilled at playing instruments like the piano, guitar, or violin, you can record yourself playing and use these recordings as the basis of your BGM.
- Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): These software programs, such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro, provide a comprehensive set of tools for creating, editing, and mixing music. They also offer a vast library of virtual instruments and sound effects.
- Virtual Instruments: These software-based instruments can mimic the sound of real instruments, allowing you to create a wide range of musical textures.
Developing a Theme or Mood
The first step in creating BGM is to determine the desired theme or mood. Consider the overall tone of your project. Is it suspenseful, joyful, or melancholic? This will help guide your musical choices.
Creating a Melody
The melody is the most memorable part of a piece of music. Start by experimenting with different scales and rhythms to find a melody that suits your theme. You can use a piano or keyboard to help you visualize the melody.
Adding Harmony
Once you have a melody, you can add harmony by creating chords that complement it. Use a chord progression that fits the mood and tempo of your piece.
Building the Arrangement
The arrangement involves structuring the music and determining the roles of different instruments. Consider the following elements:
- Intro: This is the opening section that sets the tone for the piece.
- Verse: This is the main section of the song, where the melody is introduced.
- Chorus: This is the most memorable part of the song, often repeated throughout.
- Bridge: This is a contrasting section that adds variety to the piece.
- Outro: This is the closing section that brings the piece to a conclusion.
Adding Effects and Mixing
To enhance the sound of your BGM, you can add various effects such as reverb, delay, and equalization. Mixing involves balancing the levels of different instruments and elements within the piece.
Tips for Improving Your Skills
- Listen to a variety of music: Expose yourself to different genres and styles to broaden your musical knowledge.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become at composing music.
- Seek feedback: Share your work with others and ask for their opinions.
- Experiment and have fun: Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different sounds.
Conclusion
Creating your own BGM can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can develop your skills and create music that enhances your projects. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.
