arrangement/sequencing

[G3rard]

I like to first just mess around with sounds on a soft synth or drum machine.

Then once im happy with a looped sound, create a 16/32 bar scene in the arrangement adding all the basic elements I want, then copy and paste it across for about 10 minutes.

I go back in removing parts to make the intro, outro and getting the basic groove.

I then select the track I want to edit and press record then just mess around with knobs adding the automation, then go back in and add all the smaller details.

Bit long winded way of working with loops but its how I like to do it to get a basic track going.

[Decepto]

try to imagine in your head, how you want your track to progress, switch off ableton and just do it in your head. maybe even new elements will come into your head.

Yup, that's how I do it. After I get a loop running with a good groove, I'll turn off Ableton and get out a piece of paper. I'll visually sketch the progression of the track based on how I want it to hear.

[mlexicon]

i find that sometimes making just a good loop isnt enough....sometimes the loop without all the elements sounds like sh!t nomatter what u do....so maybe try to write a song by measures rather letting a loop dictate where and when your song is gonna start... I have a ton of awesome loops that cant get anywhere ....its a great loop but maybe i didnt consider how it would reach that awesome loop status thing.....and it is......umm......its very tempting to go straight to the awesome loop mode....but maybe u shouldnt.