Deprecated: mysql_connect(): The mysql extension is deprecated and will be removed in the future: use mysqli or PDO instead in /storage/content/49/145849/famitracker.com/public_html/forum/classes/dbHandler.php on line 29
FamiTracker
Hi everyone new to the site and FamiTracker, I've been playing around with it for a few days and looked up some tutorials but haven't really found any concrete information to build from, so I figured I'd go right to the source of it.
I'm looking to create my own original NES/8-Bit style music for my YouTube videos and I'm looking for tutorials and resources to help me along the way. I realize I won't suddenly become a master of Famitracker overnight but I'm willing to learn and put in the time.
[u]A brief history of my musical knowledge and experience:[/u]
None
Any help would be majorly appreciated, thank you everyone and have a great day!
Read that thread carefully, a lot of what you're looking for is in there.
That you have no prior musical experience, I'll be frank, this isn't going to be easy and you'll find it to be extremely frustrating as you try to figure it all out and improve. FamiTracker is NOT the best place to familiarize yourself with music starting from square(!) one.
Watch some [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwNElW5IEo0]tutorial videos on youtube, study FT forum user submitted .ftm files and go ahead and accept that spending 1 to 2 hours on single song is NOT enough time. A lot of people spend on average 10-15 hours for a quality NES tune (I usually take longer). This is [b]normal[/b].
Be very picky about what you choose to submit in the 'show your work' section. Understand that we get a lot of new people here that submit half-spirited songs because they want attention more than legitimate constructive criticism. Some people that have been around a while can be a bit harsh or rude at times to a beginner's submitted work.
Hope this was helpful, and welcome! : )
^
^
EDIT: haha, who says this forum isn't a friendly place? n00bs, take note on how to introduce yourself~
v
v
very very difficult question to answer, and i would say it dramatically depends on what kind of sound you want. partially.
famitracker, despite being an nes tracker, is a music sequencer. the core of it is no different from any other music sequencer. considering this, one would not simply ask "how do i start writing music", given that it would depend on what style or genre the person would want to compose in.
i would go and study the music that has inspired you to write your own, as learning through observation is easily the most effective way to start off writing music without any prior musical background [b]in my opinion[/b]. it will take time though, as will any method of learning how to compose.
composition aside, there is another half to writing nes music. the sound design.
the bittersweet thing about doing this kind of stuff is that a fantastic composition can be destroyed by poor sound design. while this may apply to producing any music, it is especially important to take a note of when doing nes music, given its limitations.
similar to what i said about composition, a great way to start learning sound design on the nes is by looking at the nes soundtracks that inspire you, and learning from them though observation and heavy analysis.
if you ever have any questions about the tracker itself specifically and how it operates, or if you are ever just feeling stuck and need some more advice, i will be more than happy to answer any of your questions. just drop me a PM and i'll be sure to get back to you ASAP.
good luck, and welcome to the community!
edit: darn gyms u butsa, beating me to first response hahaha.
Firstly, thank you very very much for the extremely helpful replies.
I think a lot of study is needed to acomplish what I want to do, which is fine because I'm not trying to rush the process at all.
I think I'll spend a lot of time listening to and examining other songs and get a feel for things before I try to attempt anything else in Famitracker.
I'll also read the threads linked, thank you again
There's still one important thing to remember, though.
This is something I'll take from ancient Greece & the oracle of Delphi; know thyself.
Naturally, you need to examine & study all that you can, but the most important thing is to know yourself; be sure that you're willing to learn all that you can & follow through with this hobby. The fact that you're not trying to rush anything is just one step (& it's rare to find beginners who feel the same as you about this).
But also remember one thing; where there's a will to make a real effort, you'll succeed in spite of whatever experience you may lack in music; some of the greatest musicians around have never had any formal music education because they know their instrument & how to express themselves through their instrument (which is also another important thing for you to learn & get used to).
_______________________
Technology: the one thing that's hated & cursed at by all engineers, technologists, scientists & technicians!
I've only recently joined the community myself and people are always quick to respond, and give fantastic feedback.
I've been studying famitracker for about 2 months now, and only now do I feel like i'm starting to get the hang of it. Still haven't had the balls to post any originals yet.
There's alot to learn, but if you dedicate yourself to it, there's endless possibilities for creating some really great retro music.
My best advice for you is to read up on the wiki, and check out this tutorial series from the ever so helpful danooct1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwNElW5IEo0
_______________________
"Mayhaps a hidden door lurks nigh? Let us search the environs." -Frog
) 