How To Get Better At Sound Selection

Sound selection is an essential aspect of music production and can greatly impact the overall feel and emotion of a track. Here are a few tips on how to get better at sound selection.

How To Get Better At Sound Selection

1. Build a library of sounds:

   The more sounds you have at your disposal, the more options you’ll have to choose from when creating a track. Make sure to keep your library organized and easily searchable so that you can quickly find the sound you’re looking for.

2. Experiment with different sounds:

   Don’t be afraid to try out new sounds, even if they may not fit the genre of music you typically produce. Experimentation can lead to new and exciting discoveries.

3. Use your ears:

   Trust your ears over anything else. If a sound doesn’t feel right to you, then it probably isn’t the best choice for your track.

4. Learn synthesis:

   Understanding how to create sounds from scratch will give you a deeper understanding of sound design and allow you to create unique sounds that you can’t find in sample libraries.

5. Use effects:

   Experiment with different effects to change the character of a sound. Reverb, delay, and distortion can all be used to add depth and texture to a sound.

6. Listen to different types of music:

   Exposure to different types of music can inspire new ideas and lead to new discoveries in sound selection.

7. Take a break:

   Sometimes taking a break can help you hear things differently. After working on a project for an extended period, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Taking a break can help you come back with fresh ears and new ideas.

8. Get feedback:

   Showing your work to others can provide valuable feedback and help you see things from a different perspective.

9. Practice, Practice, Practice:

   As with anything, practice is essential to getting better. The more you work with sounds, the better you’ll get at selecting the right ones for your tracks.

Remember, sound selection is a personal and subjective process. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to keep experimenting and trust your ears. With time and practice, you’ll develop a better understanding of sound design and be able to create tracks that truly stand out.

Check out more music production tips HERE.