How to Make Game Style Music
If you are an avid video game fan, you may enjoy the sound of the music on the games you play and desire to compose some of your own. Whether it be for a game you made yourself or simply for your own personal interest, the easiest way to achieve that video game sound is by using a MIDI program. MIDIs are made using the sound card from the computer, thus giving it that electronic sound.
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Things You'll Need
- Program that can play and create MIDIs
- Keyboard
- Composition paper (optional)
- Sound recording program (optional)
Instructions
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Decide what type of song you are going to create. For example, if you are designing music for a game enemy or battle, it should be fast tempo and dark sounding. For traveling through game maps, music is generally tranquil.
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Start with a basic melody. If you have experience with composing, write the notes down before you play them in. If you lack composition experience and are playing by ear, record yourself whistling or humming the tune so that you don't forget how it sounds. Game music typically isn't very long, as it is usually played on a loop. Keep this in mind while you compose.
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Begin with a drum beat when inputting your song into the MIDI program. Select the drum set you want to use on your MIDI program. Use the metronome if your program has that option. Following the metronome, use the keyboard to play in the drum beat you want.
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Use the rhythm as a guide as you play in your basic melody. Be sure to play on the beat so that your timing will be correct. If you don't know what instruments you want to use, start out with the piano. Instruments can always be changed later.
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Start adding additional parts, such as harmonies, bass, counter melodies and anything else you feel you need to complete your piece.
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Select your instruments. Go through each part individually, trying out different instruments until it sounds right to you. Common instruments in game music are flute, harp, rock organ and brass instruments. Because you are composing in MIDI format, all of these instruments will have the electronic sound common to game music.
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Tips & Warnings
Most MIDI programs will allow you to change the tempo of your piece. If you are having trouble playing, play at a slow tempo and then speed it up after you have recorded.
Save your work multiple times as you go. You don't want to lose your hard work if your computer crashes. MIDIs will not sound the same on every computer. Keep this in mind if you plan on sharing your music with other people.
