A Guide to Making Video Game Music

Since I've been getting into creating video game music, I thought I would make a little guide for anyone interested. Please let me know if you want a full video of me creating a song while explaining what I'm doing!
Soundfonts: musical-artifa...
Free Plugins: docs.google.co...
Toby Fox Sample Sheet: docs.google.co...
Chord Player: www.onemotion....
Role of the Bass: www.studybass....
Game Jams: itch.io/jams
Check out my socials!
Second Channel - ‪@AlsoZectro‬
Music Channel - ‪@zectrofi‬
Twitch - / justzectro
Twitter - / zectroyt
Instagram - / justzectro
Join the discord!
/ discord
Please listen to my music!
open.spotify.c...

[@JustZectro]

I've realised that how I explained melodies wasn't great, and could've been done much better. Simpler, less complex melodies are often more memorable because they use familiar rhythms. That's why a lot of catchy melodies are usually quite simple. But my explanation implies that they are better than complex melodies. That's not true. There's no objective "good" or "bad" melody. Complex melodies can be very creative and exciting, but they might take more time to stick with the listener because they're less familiar. Simpler melodies tend to be more popular because they're easier to digest and recall. Complex melodies can sound amazing, but may require more focus to stick with the listener. There are no rules that say one is better than the other, and I apologise if I implied otherwise.

[@lwxlsh4114]

personally i clicked on this video because i really fancy the creator

[@JustZectro]

oh my gosh. we should like, stare into each others eyes

[@Theovates]

@@JustZectro😂

[@fernandokook8570]

@@JustZectro 👀

[@moontyinspace3004]

everyone needs a motivation

[@FigaroMacaroni]

Back off buckaroo, he's MINE!! 😡

[@geurworx8164]

I'm none of those people, I'm just interested in music

[@JustZectro]

That’s great!

[@RotcodFox]

Honestly the only thing different between videogame music and regular music (especially electronic music) is that it usually needs to loop seamlessly from the end of the tracks back to the beginning. The rest isn't exclusive to videogame music, such as using soundfonts and scene context

[@Lopuzal]

hmmm I'd say that it's a lot like film music, where music isn't created to fit a genre but to fit a certain feeling that corresponds to a scene/character

[@Big_Brainn]

@@Lopuzal exactly what i was going to say

[@JamesBob1337]

Making original music is the most fun hobby I've ever had. I've started 8 months ago and already made over 50 songs

[@JustZectro]

That's great! I've started a lot of songs but have hardly finished any haha

[@raikawa1189]

definitely man I feel more free doing this rather than when I was doing performing arts

[@growingoaks]

Remember, QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. Don't just bang em out,, take your time and make them shine.

[@JamesBob1337]

@@growingoaks Spending the entire day or sometimes 2 for one song seems to be enough to make a decent one

[@AnimatingTheGlobe13]

I've been making music for a few months now. I also have 50+ songs. I've uploaded a few. I don't have any fancy musical experience, I just mess around with notes until I find a good rhythm and melody.

[@JamangarYT]

As the current owner of the Toby Fox sheet this was an incredibly informative video!! Composing is so much fun and I’m glad to see more guides on making tracks.

[@JustZectro]

Oh that's so cool! I can't explain how useful the sheet has been haha. Thank you so much for the support!

[@justsomeguy727]

"hopefully you chose melody A" My brain cause ive learned music for 10+ years: sings melody B more than A cause it's more interesting LOL joking aside though, melody A def is the way to go for someone starting out. Simple, memorable, and can be easily sung by anybody hearing it for the first time. As someone still getting into composing, thank you so much for this video. Very helpful stuff here for getting started.

[@matercan5649]

What's funny is that most of this video is just music theory without the fancy terminology

[@raya-fantasia]

I clicked on the video bc I like to have tutorial videos and tips play in the background while I draw, and then I rewatch them when I want to extra learn, then the information is properly digested, I have so many sub conscious skills bc of this multi tasking style learning system lmao

[@frostthegrey]

i play ultrakill while listening to commentary video essays, so i learn a lot of random things subconsciously and remember some

[@UlshaRS]

Body doubling for the ADHD win!

[@victordayet]

Finally someone how doesn't overcomplicate the subject with difficult words and provides a simple roadmap to get started for anyone who would mant to! I've been trying to learn how to make music many times and always failed but I have a strong feeling that just following your video WILL make me complete my first song. Thanks so much, I'll start first thing toworrow❤

[@JustZectro]

Thank you so much! I like to try and keep things simple so that it's accessible to many people! I wish you best on making your song :)

[@Theovates]

Didn’t know game jams just for music existed lol

[@a.lollipop]

i believe the term game _jam_ comes from jam sessions, so that came full circle haha

[@Theovates]

@@a.lollipop oh really that would make sense haha

[@SGM1066Official]

i think "music jams" would be a more fitting name for that lol

[@m_affiliates]

As someone who already knows how to write music, I clicked this video because the idea of doing so was funny to me

[@CubeXplaiN]

The Undertale music made me feel so nostalgic

[@s1s1l1sko]

its only been 9 years

[@sellerspiano9811]

@@s1s1l1skofuck it’s been 9 years… am I old now

[@RiskOfJeffy2]

​@@s1s1l1sko ITS BEEN 9 YEARS?

[@s1s1l1sko]

@@RiskOfJeffy2 risk if rain 2 good game

[@RiskOfJeffy2]

@@s1s1l1sko yes

[@IDontReadReplies42069]

I need a guide on how to make non video game music lmao, because EVERY time i make music everyone always says: "Omg i love it, would work great in a game!" after nearly 20 years of making music It's actually kind of annoying XD

[@unrealredist4124]

I disagree with the tip of keeping a melody to be easy to sing or hum, As many songs (like classical) use very complex melody whilst maintaining a simple motif. And it would be a shame if this opportunity was ignored. Its the psychological the two factors of repetition and when/where this theme plays that makes a song memorable. even a complex synthetic arppegio can be memorized IF those other two factors are considered. One other thing is selected *timbre*(sound quality) is VERY important for melody. not just using "correct instruments for correct mood". BUT really some are able to play melodies that other instrument have difficulty with, (Example: Flute/Cello arppegio, ocarina, many synthetical sounds)

[@axel198]

I agree with you, to a point. I think keeping to a simple melody when you're learning to write or compose for the first time is a good rule of thumb sort of thing, especially if you're at a stage where you don't know what a DAW is. Like, you're right, but i think that's beyond the scope of who the video is for.

[@unrealredist4124]

@@axel198 yes! It is good to start off simple, and it isn't good if all the songs you made are 100% complex as well. The real goodies out there switch between simple and complex making beautiful melody

[@CC_Muzic]

both reasons don't fit me. I clicked on it because your videos are amazing and I have no doubt this will be helpful and awesome!

[@JustZectro]

I hope you still manage to learn something. Thank you for the support!

[@codesymphony]

4:57 i'm crying bro this is beautiful

[@JustZectro]

Thank you! It’s on my music channel in the description if you want to listen to it. It’s called When The Beats Meet :)

[@lorri1129]

8:42 Thank you for this! You just saved me countless of hours trying to make chords (i suck at doing chords) and this will come in handy so much! 🙏

[@JustZectro]

Glad I could help!

[@saddyowner]

Wow this is an incredibly informative video. I've been wanting to make music for video games for a long time now and I didn't really know where to start. This video has helped me link a lot of things together now, thank you so much. I had no idea about the gamejams but they seem really fun!

[@JustZectro]

That’s great to hear! I wish you the best

[@James_Kosmo]

Im new to making video game music, so this video was a very good recommendation. I already knew most of the stuff since i kind of play the piano, but one thing that really helped me out was to start with the base line and then add chords! Very good vid, keep it up!

[@romanallgeier4661]

a fellow vsauce subscriber

[@ginganinja5921]

I love the intro. Rules in music only matter if they fit with what’s in your head.

[@funnyfoxbiome]

I don't even necessarily want to make music to be used in actual video games. I'm more the type of person to hear a cool video game soundtrack and wish to emulate its vibe, or perhaps hear a particularly good song and imagine remixing it into something even better. Although, I guess that is closer to video game music than regular music. huh.

[@JustZectro]

Yeah, that's really cool! A good idea would be to try and recreate songs that you like. That way you learn how the song is structured so that you can apply it yourself

[@HOEMAN117]

5:19 I'm more of an ABBA guy, but whatever sits you well

[@PilloPallo]

Yea dancing queen never miss

[@SSQMinky]

Right now 2/10ths into the video, actually invested in making originals after making a lot of VGM remakes in FL Studio 🤩 Also it’s “sfor-zan-do”, like the Italian word for “sudden emphasis” in sheet music 😅

[@JustZectro]

That’s great to hear! Yeah my friend told me I was saying sforzando wrong 😭

[@RmationYT]

You’re the first person I’ve seen describe their point in the video with fractions and not a time stamp 😭

[@thepotatoportal69]

In Italian, 'z's in the middle of words are pronounced as a 'ts' sound, so it's actually pronounced 'sfor-tsan-do'

[@codesymphony]

mamamia

[@mcintoshprod4126]

I appreciate a youtuber who responds to most of their comments.

[@JustZectro]

Thank you! I try my best to respond to everyone

[@mcintoshprod4126]

@@JustZectro You're welcome.

[@laguaridadesyx]

It would be good if there was a video tutorial showing where can you actually tell people that you can make music for their games. It's really difficult to make a job out of this and it's frustrating how many times you could find yourself desperately searching in all social platforms without success...

[@sillyW0bb]

I love BBC Symnphony Orchestra

[@imspygamer9015]

Thanks for the description of a Letmotif,I've been wanting to know what that was

[@Lozt22catz]

amazing video! it's already started making be better at music

[@LemonTypo]

First time I've heard about ABAC for video game melodies, this was very informative, thank you

[@Mysteriebolt26]

5:33 I like melody b because i think it would be in a rpg horror game

[@justansmg4fan254]

He said you should learn music theory, but you really don’t want to. Unless it’s on your own time.

[@Roshandeepuroy]

Im none of those people because im game dev and music producer

[@EntitEEE]

0:50 i somehow noticed that there was no kerning between the "A" and the "W," i cant unsee it now 😭🙏

[@SmoofyYT]

I’m the third kind of person: I just want to learn to make banger music pieces

[@Geylo0812]

another DAW that is similar to fl studio (in a way) is lmms its pretty cool

[@Vers1.0]

Or just copy Hakita.

[@C_Corpze]

Gotta disagree with you on stock instruments not sounding good. FL Studio (and most other DAWs) actually have really good synths and effects, it just takes some time learning them to make something decent with it but they often come with many useful presets that you can modify. If you can find the right synth and preset there are just straight up realistic-sounding pianos, flutes and other instruments hidden under a few mouse clicks. Sakura, Morphine, Sytrus and Harmor are one of my favorite synths. Some of the synths are actually a lot simpler than they look at first glance, synths often have buttons and settings in common that typically do the same thing, it just looks different in the GUI.

[@JustZectro]

Oh yeah there are definitely a lot of good stock instruments. For me personally, I wouldn't use them if I'm trying to make something that sounds realistic. Most of them just don't sound natural at all, and lack controls for dynamics and expression.

[@C_Corpze]

@@JustZectro I think you might like automation a lot, FL Studio can suddenly become a power tool when you figure out how much you can actually automate and link to other controls, it's crazy. I use Patcher for instance to make complex effects or auto-sidechainers or auto-mixers that do the mixing and mastering automatically in real-time, it's really wicked.

[@JustZectro]

Oh yeah I love automation a lot. I just mean that the way third party plugins use dynamics and expression is more realistic than just automating the volume. Don't get me wrong, a lot of stock plugins can still sound beautiful with some basic automation. But for me personally, I just prefer how much more realistic even free third party plugins sounds

[@W1ntumn]

i clicked because i like music production

[@Nientaledfaux]

funny thing is in the easier to sing section i found b a bit easier and liked it even though it was supposedly more complex

[@value1lol]

Same but not "easier" but more... better? Idk. Sometimes i use a simple melody and transition to a complex one later in the song

[@GrizzlyHillman]

i clicked because i'm a metal musician and want to make metal game music 👀

[@cosmix_toast]

fuck it we ball > music theory

[@1020shaf]

Crazy how I was just thinking about where to start with making vg music and then your video gets recommended to me. Loved it, I watched your video on making lofi a while back and that was super helpful!

[@ambiguousfrog7977]

Thanks for all the information of where to find digital music creating tools.

[@losingindividuality]

never touched sound design and music compositing but this stuff is so interesting to watch

[@YourGoldJamAlt]

when i started i was insanely good at music theory since i had to study it for years- but i am scared to use DAW’s that require money because im trying to learn on my own haha

[@Draega007]

Bandlab is free. Probably not as in depth as paid DAW's but it's something better than nothing.

[@widojay2048]

Yippee!

[@JustZectro]

Yahoo!

[@widojay2048]

@@JustZectro this is like the one thing I’m actually decent at in music

[@biograft_phighting]

im going to ctrl + z myself

[@vystema]

Actually im a musician that learned to make video games >:0

[@JustZectro]

>:0

[@romanallgeier4661]

I remember when i saw your how to make lofi video a year ago. I named the song i made after you and i’ve been making music since.

[@JustZectro]

That’s so cool thank you! I’m glad you’re still doing music

[@azurepanda6584]

I clicked because I was bored and I said "Fuck it, I know how to make games, instead of stealing now I can make it, something that I totally haven't tried before and failed miserably"

[@boby6744]

I love listening the ost in video games but I wanted to know how they are made. I love condensed lessons and you give me answer to both of my demands. Thanks

[@ItsLusket]

holy zectro this popped off good stuff!

[@JustZectro]

thank you goat

[@yeets_galore3133]

i personally clicked on this because i make music as a hobby

[@inigodot]

Very good video! It was amazing :)

[@JustZectro]

Thank you!

[@just_a_dude_lol]

i dont know SHIT about music theory, i have perfect hearing!

[@pete_]

I'm none of those music guy or game dev. This video just appeared to me after i watched too many toby music work. Anyway, very great video even i know and learn almost NOTHING because i'm dumb. (It's weird when i learned nothing but this video still entertain me.)

[@TheLaughingMan283]

Hey Zectro aside from the fact that this is by far the most useful guide i've seen on digital music composition, I'd like to know how you go about finding (and distinguishing) different high quality samples ? And also how do you go about exploring different sounds? Meaning, i get from the video for a cathedral setting you'd find cathedral-like instruments but sometimes you wanna mix it up, and maybe get a trumpet in there, i'd like to know whats your logic when choosing new sounds to put into your mix. Do you think about the feeling of the song or do you just use the instruments found in the context as reference to choose. Sorry if it's too long!

[@JustZectro]

Thank you for your support! Finding samples is kind of a trial and error process to be honest. Obviously there are well-known companies that have consistently high quality samples, but they'll usually be pretty expensive. Distinguishing is something your ear just pick up over time. You can try to listen to music you're inspired by and try to compare it to a sample. To be honest, my logic for choosing new sounds is just if it sounds good, it sounds good. I like to try and match the music with the mood and scene, but if you can hear an instrument in your head, then you should always try it out. Whether you choose feeling or context is entirely up to you. If possible, I will do both. If you think it sounds good and you're proud of it, then that's all that matters!

[@RealAkioKami]

Hey, is there an electric guitar or violin or some instrument with VST format and free?, because no one is there in the archives

[@kuphead]

very useful video

[@JustZectro]

Thank you!

[@EternalRecurrence88]

With the A/B comparison i have allot of disagreements. Mainly because both sounded offputting and not very memorable. I would put B on par with allot of with allot of megaman music. I to this day hum the whole MM2 soundtrack like beavis and butthead covering Earacha my eye. I haven’t played the game in 20 years. While i logged my time on mega man legends 1/2 onand i couldn’t tell you how a single theme goes. I’m sure it was more on par with comparison A. All my favorite zelda and FF tracks are more on par with B as well. That comparison was almost like saying don’t use arpeggios because the other instruments cant take over a melody. Or rhythm can’t be the driving force of a track. The industry takes “keep it stupid, stupid” to a whole new level. Some of us thrive on well rooted complex intricacies. I’m not saying theres no room for A either. It’s give and take. No bad blood, i just despise this thought process….. yeah but if your goal is just make more product. Go with A. 😂

[@kurushimee]

clicked on this video because the deadline for the game jam is in two days and I still don't have music written

[@JustZectro]

i feel you 😭 you got this!

[@kurushimee]

@@JustZectro hopefully, made 3 OSTs and gonna focus on the code now

[@yokoverse]

was looking forward to this video v v good job brother

[@JustZectro]

thank you my goat 🐐

[@tristanmorgan4661]

I found this video after completing my OST lol. I guess it will help for other projects!

[@HK_lesgo]

I normally just use Musescore for a DAW lol. Would you reccomend FL Studio? Excellent video!

[@SufficeSlice]

I use beatbox (Specifically Ultrabox)

[@fraby2710]

I don’t know that much about music theory, and it wasn’t really needed for me at first, but after 4 years of making music I feel very stuck right now. I don’t know if it’s linked to the fact that I don’t know music theory but I guess that could be the reason

[@JustZectro]

Don't worry! Many people feel stuck at some point. My advice would be to learn a little bit of music theory like scales and chords. Discovering new chords helped me feel a little less stuck. But make sure you don't rely on music theory to create a song because your creativity is much more important

[@mutantfreak48]

@@JustZectro "make sure you don't rely on music theory to create a song because your creativity is much more important" -person who doesn't know music theory

[@JustZectro]

@@mutantfreak48 why are you such a hater? Of course music theory is important, I’ve learnt a decent amount of theory and I’m still learning. But writing a song PURELY with theory takes away from the art. Creativity beats theory 100% of the time. A a lot of people laser focus on theory and struggle to make music because they are focusing too much on the theory

[@mutantfreak48]

@@JustZectro there is a flaw in your thinking - people who make music without knowing music theory are still ultimately using the same tools as people who know music theory. if a person who knows music theory hears a good song by someone who doesn't, they'd be like "oh, this song is cool because of [music theory explanation]". if a person who doesn't know music theory hears the song, they wouldn't be able to explain what actually makes the song good even if they're composer/producer. you're still using music theory whether you know it or not. knowing it just makes it easy to understand what you're doing, how to reach the end goal you're trying to achieve, what alternate paths you could go down instead and what just plainly won't sound good. a person who doesn't know music theory is just doing the same process but stumbling blindly through it this is why i think your assertion is born out of lack of knowledge on music theory. your reply implies that you don't see it as something that works in tandem with creativity and deciphers vague ideas into actual transcribable music, which is what it ultimately is. i would recommend looking up channels like adam neely or 12tone, i think they're pretty good at conveying the freedom that music theory can give you in creating and understanding music

[@EKTE64]

Any advice and resources for complete beginners at music composition?

[@kag2576]

Hoping this video will motivate me to get back into this stuff, as I have way more knowledge I've accumulated. I used to make terrible songs on the regular but life kinda gets in the way and I lost all motivation. Also I'll say I've sat through 100s of tutorials and this is by far one of the best, it's nice to see someone cover a lot of elements simply and succinctly in a way that's applicable. Now if only I could figure out how to properly mix and master

[@joshviggiani9844]

I already know how to make a song. But clicking on this video is funny. So ill do it, but for that as a standalone reason and a standalone reason alone. Good video. I liked the part. So in conclusion, i liked and subscribed. But then I soon after that unsubscribed. I left the like intact though. Because, as I have already once stated, for the reason only that its a funny thing to do. But dont get it twisted. I resubscribed, undoing the unsubscribe, as a surprising twist. I really thought this message through. So I hope I dont get any likes, as that would degrade any authenticity inherent in the expression of pure art, for pure arts sake, held within this message. Like a pearl locked inside of an oyster. Or a treasure locked inside of a treasure chest. These things are important, guys. Dont degrade the value of the expression of pure art, for the sake of pure arts sake. I really tried here, guys. As a perfectionist is want to do in any endeavor in which he/she/they/them/ze/zer is want to take part in. I really tried to do something here. There is a concept to be present here, guys. In conclusion, I conclude with a conclusion. Its conclusive, if nothing else. Save for anything inconclusive, of course. 😅 I realize this could come off in some type of way. Fret not, guys. Im just sleepy and somewhat delerious, due to the poopedness. This is the type of thing I like to do from time to time, in such a state. Because as I feel I should state again, it is a fun/funny thing to do. Stay blessed, guys and artists. Everyone ever, really... 😶👄👁 Guys, I was here the whole night, okay? I dont want to talk about it. But just... if anyone asks... okay. I dont want to talk about it. But we dont have to worry about it anymore. So dont worry. Please, goodnight. Please, just shut up. Put the device down. Everything is okay. But just, goodbye. Can you hear me? Oh okay bye.

[@Jagathanthe3rd]

AW HELL NAW BRO TRICKED ME IT WATCHING MUSIC THEORY GAME DEVS SHANT GO THROUGH THIS😭😭😭😭😭🙃

[@lpsc_zzz]

really solid vid! great tips :) definitely gonna look around for some game soundfonts to use

[@Crimecraft2]

Honestly i think i could come up with some cool stuff, if it wasnt for the fact that i used fl mobile, which means no soundfonts or downloadable plugins :(

[@TheFedoraGirl]

0:01 Actually I was listening to someone’s song and accidentally clicked on the video because my finger slipped while scrolling.

[@jingboss1234]

0:45 yoo he used jschlatt's music W!!

[@Narpkao]

Jschelp probably like that

[@ActuallyAndrewYT]

HOW MANY MONTHS???

[@FloreyXE]

Im primarily an artist but also extremely interested in making music too Thus video was the best guide I've seen for a non musician like me Much appreciated

[@frostthegrey]

dang FL studio costs money? guess i'll just have to stick to beepbox

[@DavidLeather-eh5ze]

Ugh I dread this but I'm needing at least some basic rhythm and sound effects for my game. You are absolutely saving my hide with this video btw.

[@GlizzyStone]

I wonder, is there people that develops a game, for someone's music exist? 🤔

[@NumbersCanBeFun]

Actually I clicked the video on accident. Nice intro though 😁

[@TryhardViber]

Steps to making game music: 1. have a game to make music to (my part) 2. idk i haven't made it this far yet

[@tankkimorso]

Not having guitar solos for shmup OSTs is a federal offense

[@chrissysonicutdrloz]

5:38 but B could make a good background to a slightly different melody.

[@fullmoonxxxx]

FL Studio wise, I love using Genny for 8-bit

[@tesorencerstudio1144]

Thx for opening up my scope for music makeing. If this video didnt exist i would not tryed the ostcomp 7 Jam

[@RADOMYES1]

this video appeared in my recommended the moment i was talking about making game music in discord lol

[@royansabah5733]

das Leitmotiv🇩🇪. Leit- for lead and -motiv for theme, so Leitmotiv is equal to leding theme.

[@Wheatly_Portal2]

As someone that has always wanted to make music similar to minecraft legacy battle mode mini game. This might definently help

[@itsjuliao]

Learned a lot, and wow this video is nicely edited

[@JustZectro]

Thank you!

[@lukeharding5430]

Man this video was so helpful. Thank you.

[@OfficialPlushooterAcc]

Bitcrush is also p cool

[@DavidHerrera-vb1qx]

"Videogame music is not real music" - ☝️🤓

[@ericeric2973]

Gotta say, don’t feel the best at music. While making sprites for a game, was listening to this, and I am super hyped and I feel like I understand this a bit better

[@freddz808]

as a music producer, pretty interesting, well done

[@n3onblue500]

Nah bruh i clicked on this vibero cuz i was bored

[@torino20]

Watching this cuz i cant affor YT at the moment.... 🙃

[@BRC0503]

i personally just like to look at music tutorials for fun

[@simonebernacchia5724]

Can you talk on how to use music trackers as al;ternative workflow?

[@GoblinMode-p6k]

I don't know music theory but I know game theory