How to Add Trackers for Music

Trackers were widely used in the 1980s.

Trackers are composition programs that allow you to make music by creating and editing files known as modules. This form of music production is known as "tracking" or "sequencing," and modules are known as MOD trackers. Trackers are an uncomplicated way to make music because you can only use module files. Adding trackers for music is a user-friendly process.

Things You'll Need

• Tracker program

Instructions

1. Choose a tracker program for your music. Renoise is a popular commercial tracker software, while Sunvox is a common freeware program. Most trackers have the same functionality. You may want to begin with a freeware program if you are new to working with trackers. After you become comfortable with the basics of a tracker, you may decide to purchase a program.

2. Open your tracker program and choose samples with which to work. Some advanced trackers allow you to use MIDI files, but most trackers only have the capability of using module files. Select the library tab in your tracker to determine which types of files are available; the library is categorized based on the instrument. Most people choose the drum track as the first track; select a bass drum, snare drum and a percussion sample such as "hi hat."

3. Select a synthesizer lead sound to go with your drum tracks. You can listen to each sample to determine which one to select. Most trackers have a music note symbol, which allows you to hear the samples in the library prior to choosing them; some trackers play the sample as soon as you click on it.

4. Choose a pattern for your samples. After you have some basic percussion sounds and a lead sound such as a synthesizer or guitar sample, you are ready to begin arranging the sounds. Use the pattern feature to arrange a pattern or select from one of the pre-programmed patterns. Now that you have your tracks ready, you can start making music.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the tracks on "play" as you arrange the notes so that you can hear the changes as you make them live.

References

• Game Sound: An Introduction to the History, Theory, and Practice of Video Game Music and Sound Design; Karen Collins; 2008
• Composing Digital Music for Dummies; Russell Dean Vines; 2008
• The Beginner's Guide to Computer-Based Music Production; Zack Price; 2005