Where to start

== Where to start ==
If you are a total beginner and want to create/make/produce music (or something that resembles music) you should first think about two basic things first:
* what music you want to create
* why you want to create music
Depending on the answers to those two questions the answers to the how to and especially the what to use questions are easier to answer. Ask yourself also if you would enjoy this. The work, not the perceived benefits.
== Quick guides ==
* I want to make predominantly electronic music (EDM, house, techno, trance, dubstep, glitch, trap, ...)
FInd a piece of software that suits your working style and that can load software synthesizers. Experiment a bit with it. Learn about how synthesis works and which effects produce what sound. Don't throw away good money at anything yet, especially not at cheap plastic and loop packs that promise to make you sound like this or that producer or even to help you create your first/next big hit.
Try to listen actively to songs you like in the genre you want to make and analyze them: Why do you like them, how is the song structured (tempo, buildup, chorus, verse, bridge, break, drop etc), what was used to achieve that sound or this effect, and how could you replicate it with your limited tools.
Also try to listen actively to songs you DON'T like, and especially from different genres and analyze why you don't like them, and which parts you did like, and what could be done to improve the song so you would like it.
Make stuff. Create simple melodies, create hooks, create chord progressions, create a complex melodic piece with three voices and counterpoint (just kidding). Learn how and why sometimes music sounds awesome with other music and sometimes you get ear cancer from it. Learn about music theory. You don't need to learn everything on one day.
Make more stuff. Find your own niche or style. Make at least two or three finished tracks (requirements: intro, chorus, verse, at least two minutes long).
Learn about mixing first and later about mastering tracks. If you are still at it think about learning an instrument, most likely keyboard/piano is a good fit.
By this time you should have refined refined both your taste and your style so you should have a good grasp on what brings you forward and what isn't actually needed. You can start buying stuff now.