How to make VIDEO GAME MUSIC for free (beginners' guide)

💥🎶🎮 FREE VGM AND COMPOSITION RESOURCES 💥🎶🎮
1. Start with my free 1.5-hour course on becoming a game composer. We'll go over composition, arrangement, business, and more! 🎓 composer-code.ck.page/e5e7c20b73
2. Next, download my cheat sheet of 83 💻FREE💻 plugins, software, and resources to help you create amazing VGM. 🎹 composer-code.ck.page/2ece474751
3. If you're ready for even more, consider joining my Fundamentals of Game Composition course! 🎵 With several free lessons available, you'll be on your way to composing like a pro! 🔥 matt-s-school-cb6a.thinkific....
4. Check out my favorite gear, software, tools, and equipment for making VGM. 🎧 composercode.com/equipment-fo... Download the list of 83 free VGM resources here: composer-code.ck.page/2ece474751
I hope this beginner's guide to composing VGM is helpful to you!
Feel free to skip around the video with these chapter markers:
0:00 Intro
0:25 Getting setup
3:21 Tip #1 - Study the music you want to write
3:56 Tip #2 - Create a creative brief
5:30 Tip #3 - Set up your sound palette
6:26 Tip #4 - Experiment with layering
7:02 Tip #5 - Start with a small idea
9:35 Tip #6 - Keep an idea file
11:07 Tip #7 - Build out the structure early
12:08 Tip #8 - Keep melodies singable
13:11 Tip #9 - Utilize repetition
14:13 Tip #10 - Keep the melody on top
14:52 Tip #11 - Quantize intelligently
16:02 Tip #12 - End loops on a dominant chord
16:47 Tip #13 - Use an arrangement checklist
18:36 The banger emerges
19:20 Bonus tips!
For more VGM-related content and helpful resources, check out www.composercode.com.
Thanks for watching! GEAR AND RESOURCES
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Composer Code podcast and blog: www.composercode.com
Making Game Music (My Game Composition Course): matt-s-school-cb6a.thinkific....
Canon M50: amzn.to/3uC5BRi
Sennheiser MKE 400 On-Camera Shotgun Microphone: amzn.to/3JZyNIr
DaVinci Resolve: www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...
Reaper: www.reaper.fm/
AKM320 MIDI keyboard: amzn.to/3LyeCSe
Focusrite SCARLETT SOLO: amzn.to/3LyeCSe
Rode NT1-A Condenser Microphone: amzn.to/3tRGzP8

[@composercode]

Want more?? Start with my free 1.5-hour course on becoming a game composer. I go over composition, arrangement, business, and more! 🎓 composer-code.ck.page/e5e7c20b73

[@jSpirituS7]

How do I import reference tracks into my daw?

[@TheUnderscore_]

Interesting, commenting years later.

[@ayylmao.mp3]

What there is more?! This was already the best and most informative video on music composing I've seen. Been looking for a easier way to get into making music and this finally feels clear and concrete enough.

[@composercode]

@@ayylmao.mp3 Thank you!

[@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135]

I actually have a real DX7 lmao

[@JosephRaoII]

"The French who are notoriously good at cooking" , shows the German flag.

[@HealyHQ]

Huehuehuehuehue

[@carlosleonardo88]

Incorrect. The German flag is the one with the white crescent and star on a red background.

[@aristology6912]

@@carlosleonardo88 Turkey? 🇹🇷

[@carlosleonardo88]

@@aristology6912 No, that's the German flag.

[@dingusmcbingus3965]

@@carlosleonardo88 wait are you actually being serious or is this satire

[@Redhollow]

I don't understand why this doesn't have more views. You deserve way more attention for this high quality content.

[@composercode]

Wow that’s really kind! That makes my day. Thank you!

[@DonovanGG__]

Because video game music composition is kind of a niche thing. It’ll never be super popular. But this guy’s content is fantastic.

[@Redhollow]

@@DonovanGG__ I've noticed with the arrangements I've uploaded. People who care REALLY care, and the ones that don't care haven't noticed them yet.

[@WilliamGiaccone596]

A lot of people do stuff like this already

[@VanillaSoul]

shit fire

[@CaptainGerBear]

I love your way of explaining things. I've been really trying hard to improve my music production abilities recently and this is one of the most digestible collections of base-level reminders I've ever come across. I'm gonna tie this one around my finger. Thank you.

[@akohler1150]

Thank you so much for making this! I'm totally new to making my own music, but you made jumping into the water a heck of a lot more accessible for me. Amazing content!

[@vascuin]

Wow this video is so good! You actually made me feel better and more interested on my music and workflow. I cant thank you enough

[@danielthefletch]

I've been vaguely interested in writing some video game music as a hobby, and I just stumbled upon this. What a great, engaging video with lots of helpful advice. I'm excited!

[@munkyman33]

This was great and super helpful, the resource shoutouts like the VGleadsheets alone was gold, thanks Matt!

[@MxStinky]

Not only is this a great beginners guide on Video Game Music, but on any creative process in general! Cheers

[@monkeysocks1018]

This video was beyond helpful to me! Thank you so much for taking the time to create and post this, not only was it super insightful but it was funny and easy to follow too!

[@composercode]

You’ve touched my heart with this comment, my friend ❤️

[@bangchanns]

I've just come here from your podcast. This is genuinely such good advice. I've been meaning to start creating music and other advice just flew over my head. Thank you so much! Great video :]

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@TachyBunker]

Geez, your channel is a gold mine of eye-opening and useful stuff! Thank you!

[@composercode]

Awesome, thank you!

[@undersink8597]

This is simply amazing. Thank you! I love the way you convey all these solid information in a concise and easy to understand way.

[@composercode]

Glad you liked it!

[@ansimuz]

Very useful tips Matt, thanks . Currently watching your course Hope you release more courses and videos on the future.

[@composercode]

Thanks a ton! Glad it was helpful!

[@Vallosick]

It's the best video/lesson/tutorial I've seen about writing music so far! So simple and yet so useful and inspiring! Thank you very much!

[@composercode]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@DominusNL1993]

I am someone who's been playing piano as a hobby for years, and composing for video games is my ultimate goal. I've tried my hand at composing and I seriously struggle with the analysis paralysis you mentioned. So much that I have never truly finished a single song, even though I have plenty of fun ideas and unfinished songs. It's very demotivating at times. Watching your video has been like a breath of fresh air that I much needed. Thank you for the comprehensible tips. I feel like this video is just what I needed to push me a bit further on my journey. I subscribed to your channel and am hoping to learn much more from you. :)

[@composercode]

Thanks man! Good luck!

[@etherealaesthetics4706]

Dig the tune you composed in the end and the video. Subscribed peace and love

[@armanhemat1479]

As someone else has already commented, I don't understand how possibly this has gotten so few views!!! This has been the most thorough and sincere tutorial I have ever encountered on KZbin. Thank You Matt!

[@piousthepious]

This is actually really good. I’m an absolute beginner and these tips are really useful. I’d love to see a workflow example employing all these tips, especially tips on loopable things and transitions like use of dominant chords

[@composercode]

Good to know for content in the future, and thanks!

[@user-sf3lg5xy6i]

This is one of the most helpful videos on composition (not just video game music) I've probably ever seen!

[@composercode]

Really appreciate it!

[@crusenho]

Thank you for creating this video, I really enjoy watching this, and a helpful guide to start as a beginner.

[@sebastianmafioly5831]

Excelent video, you covered so much topic in it that I'll have to watch this 3-5 times to digest it all.

[@shimono992]

starting up with making game music and this is what I needed to watch!

[@N3Selina]

that part with the voice recording is genius. i don't know why i never thought of that

[@MattyDins]

Bro, I’ve never had someone explain it so clearly before. Praises!

[@mitchell3.517]

man that plug-in thing at the end i needed. Amazing video all around thank you!

[@composercode]

Glad it helped!

[@KryxtianBlack]

Amazing tips! Looking forward to listening to your course. Also, your sense of humor is reassuring.

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@zenzelstephensmusic]

wow... Amazing video like really! I'm happy I found your channel matt, you got a new subscriber!

[@PixelRoyalOfficial]

So one of these tips was something along the lines of gathering needed instruments that the song your wanting to do similar to and this really clicked in my head and i managed to make something similar to a song i used to like listening to before. Thank you man!

[@Native_Creation]

Such a wholesome vid, I feel like I leveled up a few times here. Getting back into my music gear after many moons. Also great Reaper tips, didn't know about those epic features.

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@bitsandpiecesmusic]

Matt, I've been making music for 4 years now, and you still taught me some useful things in this video. Thank you so much! I always look forward to your videos and insight! :)

[@composercode]

Fantastic!! I'm glad it was helpful :)

[@Imma-dragon]

There it is

[@Invert_Scrub]

Homie, this is SUCH great video. Nicely done, my guy.

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@arfo92]

This was great, Matt! Thanks for the tips!!!

[@composercode]

Hope they’re helpful :)

[@meeseman7996]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed!

[@rometahoe]

3 Years later and I appreciate this so much. First tip video I have ever been able to sit through all the way, not only that but I truly feel like I learned something, this is unbelievably underrated.

[@composercode]

Super glad it was helpful!

[@vasto7638]

I just subscribed , I am in love with your content already , high quality ,entertaining , and beneficial

[@monohero231]

Informative, well edited and funny. Great job man!

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@runhidesleepeat]

Absolute solid gold. So sad I'm only seeing this now, but I'm glad I saw it anyway! Amazing tutorial!

[@cruzrfl]

This is, by far, the BEST guide on YT on how to compose AND record music/, no matter if it's game music or not. Thank you so much, man!

[@composercode]

Really appreciate it :) What do you want to see next?

[@ash-nr4us4dy1o]

GOD THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO, this is by far the best music video tutorial I've ever seen, good job man, good job. AND THAT'S FUCKING MUSIC IS A BOP

[@redstonepumpkin]

This is such a good video! As an amateur musician looking to compose different types of music (but some music similar to video game music), I thought this was an excellent beginners guide. I've always enjoyed listening to video game music, and it's true that to create good video game music or just good music in general, it's not about the fancy techniques or fancy software. Though those can give polish to your piece, it's not important when first starting to compose. Even when I had protools on my side, an industry standard, I was still able to create garbage music. However, the next song I made in garageband, despite being much more limited, still allowed me to create much better music because my skills had improved. I agree with your idea that musicians should transcribe music they enjoy, and I don't hear it talked about that much. When I took my music production class, (which was why I was able to use protools without paying for it) I transcribed, essentially remixed two songs, which helped me tremendously, though it took a lot of time. Like with art, it is important to break down advanced work to see the underlying foundation of it. Nowadays, when I listen to something interesting, I usually transcribe either the melodies or harmonies of it and nothing else. I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of having an ideas document. I have a garageband file that I keep all the ideas I come up with, which usually happen when I'm playing the piano. It makes a big difference to be able to test my ideas in garageband to see if they have potential. I also completely agree with your take on learning music theory. While I did learn some really basic music theory in music production class, I really think my composing skills would have improved faster if I was able to understand what chords and harmonies were possible. For example, I had no idea what harmonic minor was, and I was clueless as to why someone would use a C major of G major chord in the key of F, and why it would sound good. When I tried my own attempt to replicate the sound I liked about it, I created something very strange. While I wouldn't say it's bad, I think more music theory knowledge would have gone a long way in the beginning. I also couldn't find out how people wrote happy songs (like mario music) interesting because I didn't understand how to keep them interesting and playful while only being able to access 3 major chords in the key. If I had a grasp of music theory, I might have known that while there are only 3 major chords in the major key, one may borrow other chords like the major 2 chord, giving it a lydian feel. The modes of the major scale are also, in my opinion, one of the most valuable tools a composer can learn, as it opens up so many possibilities. A couple things I learned from this video are humanization and structure planning. I think humanization can bring some life into my songs and structure planning can take some of the guesswork out of how to progress. I appreciate that this video is there to help aspiring musicians start on their composing journeys, keep it up man!

[@Ninjujitsu]

I've been composing for 20 years. This is one of the best tutorials I've seen.

[@composercode]

Wow!! Very kind words, that made my day. Thank you!

[@JETTgtag]

with adhd i can say this is one of the best videos and I could focus that mean a lot

[@seismaisdoiss7215]

Amazing! Thank you for making that video!

[@gazeth]

Really enjoyed your style and feel like I learnt a lot. Now to apply it

[@composercode]

Glad to hear!

[@NertoFurity]

Thanks!. I never played any instrument and I know nothing about music, and I felt that maybe it was too ambitious to compose my own music for my games because it would always suck for theoretical reasons beyond my comprehension, but now maybe I have the courage to compose music that sucks.

[@STaSHZILLA420]

That half step up at the end of your Aldi theme is super videogame-esque. It has such a combative lead into the resolution.

[@composercode]

Glad you like it! Also, love that it's the "Aldi theme" :D

[@t-saiga1917]

bro, these tips are so relateable :D Really great advices

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@REChief]

That advice about adding all the instruments before you start is GENIUS.

[@ketthefox]

Brilliant video! These are good tips and they made me inspired to do something new

[@sofiejensen3804]

i think I learned more from you than summarized 40 other music tutorials I have done!

[@composercode]

Awesome! What other topics do you want to learn about?

[@sofiejensen3804]

@@composercode Well I have to see more of your videos to answer fully. But I would love to see a real "how to" about the structure of a song. Give 20 minuts on Tip 7 - Structure with an example. For that I would be very happy.

[@composercode]

@@sofiejensen3804 That's helpful!!

[@RemitheDreamfox]

Such a concise video :D Very big brain. I made sure to hit subscribe

[@pianoatthirty]

What a great overview of the creative process.

[@BriamGzz]

Thank you really much, I was trying to start learning to compose VGM ♥

[@shing02]

good video i been looking into getting back into game composing had so much fun and learned so much in the process of my first 3 yrs of doing it

[@Hadren89]

he is great!!

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@frogzoid]

this video is literally life saving thank you brother

[@Vin1m]

this video is awesome and sooo helpful, just like you are! thank you so much man

[@composercode]

Really appreciate it!

[@DanAbsalonson]

Amazing video bro. Super informative and helpful. Also, very funny. Cracked me up over and over again. I’ve always been into rock, and have been in a couple bands, but also have gotten into synthwave and I’ve been listening to Super Nintendo soundtracks while studying for years. I’m intrigued with the idea of making full tracks alone now too instead of with a band since my old man life is so busy now. Thanks for the great video. I subscribed after watching only a few minutes.

[@composercode]

Thanks man! That's how I got back into VGM - listening to old OSTs from my childhood while I worked.

[@DanAbsalonson]

@@composercode Nice!

[@Mystical-TEDDY_]

bro this helped me so much on structuring my sogns, thank you

[@julianmanjarres1998]

Good luck with your sogns

[@silverian]

Thanks for beginner's knowledge!

[@piousthepious]

Literally how do you not have many subscribers already, this is really good content

[@composercode]

Thank you!!

[@ceciliabarbon2828]

High quality content, thank you! :D

[@mursudetti7599]

Our friend group started making a game and this heloed so much In our games development big thanks

[@6moon18]

This is so excellently helpful

[@Stone_RedSkye]

I was not ready to hear the completed banger. That beautiful creation is going to be stuck in my head for quite a while.

[@composercode]

Hahaha, thank you ❤️

[@WombieFerguson]

I've returned to this vid tons of times and always leave with some inspiration. Keep it up my man.

[@composercode]

I love to hear it, my guy! What content would you like to see next?

[@matthewhoward69]

Great work like always

[@composercode]

Thanks!

[@langstonstevens6551]

while I play alot of instruments and have a pretty good understanding of music theory, this was very helpful in quite a lot of ways

[@StevenDiLeo]

Great tips for beginners! ❤😊

[@MDSeldome]

Спасибо большое за полезные советы, очень помогаете нам!

[@alexis.martin-comte]

just found this vidéo because i was stuck with a lead and nowhere to go, juste love your tone and all the tips seems very good, thx for that !

[@composercode]

Thanks, Alexis!

Amazing tips. Thanks!

[@johnmccardle]

You're hilarious. I've always considered myself to be very non-musical, but I think I need to change that on my indie gamedev journey. I will take a crack at it because Matt said I could. Subbed

[@composercode]

Thank you! I believe in you, king 💪🏻

[@ElectroBeaty]

thank you! you saved my motivation! :)

[@ashtoxart]

Well, now I'll have your melody stuck in my head. Lol Great video! I loved it! ...and it gave me hope lol

[@zz_dev]

Best guide I ever saw in my life

[@composercode]

Thank you!

[@SotriaTheInanimateInsanityFan]

this is awesome! ive been planning for a game i might try to make.. i dont know if it will neccessarily succeed, but im trying. this is probably gonna help me out later on!!

[@composercode]

Good to hear!

[@Tep_Music]

Thanks a lot! This helps alot.

[@ice_popzz6623]

Awesome tutorial will consider doing this

[@composercode]

Have fun!

[@tellnicklegit]

Thanks man this helped me big time, mentally

[@GameTesterBootCamp]

This is awesome. A lot of stuff went over my head (I know nothing about music) but I was able to follow along with most of it! Thanks! PS: Is there a chance that, somehow, someday, you might do a little video on each of your tips? Just a video for each, going into more detail? 😅

[@composercode]

That's a great idea! Maybe I will. :)

[@genkishan]

Awesome channel! Thnx a lot 🙏

[@LegendOfCalvas]

the whispering at the beginning earned you a sub.

[@LovevonMelenEkman]

This is by far the best video on this topic ever.

[@composercode]

Dang! I'm flattered, thank you! What other topics would you like to see on this channel?

[@frommyoffice]

Super insightful, thanks! As an odd aside… the color palette of your polo makes me think of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. So bonus points for that!

[@composercode]

Hahaha, amazing! I get all my clothes as hand-me-downs from my dad, he's got that preppy WASP drip going.

[@joelcordeiro3255]

Thnks good man..now i'll get to learn and someday I'll make a song like your example (a simple record that becomes a good music)👽👍

[@nomalizar]

TY man! this will help alot.

[@composercode]

My pleasure!

[@ultramelon3960]

Inspiring vid! As an aspiring game dev, one of the tasks I’m most daunted by is a banger soundtrack lol. But after this it seems doable

[@rmt3589]

This is utterly amazing! Will definitely watch this as I attempt again. You made it all sound simple to understand and implement. I'm gonna try this on LMMS, and if that fails I'll use reaper. (Hope to get FL Studio one day) Got a song done with pentatonic scale on guitar I wanna flesh out. Now excuse me. As a new subscriber, I got a vgm megaman video to watch. Which is perfect because one game I want to make is a loveletter to Custom Robo & Megaman Battle Network!

[@composercode]

Thank you, and good luck! I've heard great things about LMMS

[@rmt3589]

@@composercode Thanks! Apparently I've made a song in it before? Have the song, and the LMMS files, but have no idea how. Hoping I can remember.

[@henrique_zsp]

So many good gems in this one Matt, TANK!you. I struggle so fucking much with using reference tracks and building the structure 11:08. I feel like I'm battling myself to not do that at all times. But really, I promise I will try this next time haha

[@composercode]

Thanks, Henrique! Also, thanks for your kind comment on my survey! Good to see you on here :)

[@Lamonier_]

Awesome content! How come your don't have more views and subs? Just subbed! Thanks for the valuable content!

[@PancakeTheKat]

Thank you so much!

[@GemTappX]

Thank you, this video is very helpful.

[@jahveen]

Great tutorial!!

[@chriswahl1337]

Never heard of this guy, but I like'm. Subscribed.

[@wadoid4239]

I'm gonna crush the Reaper with this guide! Can't wait to start! Thank you, man!

[@CatDraft0307]

This video is amazing!

[@KennethWestervelt]

All hail the algorithm for giving me Scooby Doo's Fred having a new purpose in life. Glad to hear there is life beyond mystery solving.

[@samforsyth]

I love it that I'm not the only one who sings melodies into my phone while out in public so I don't forget it.

[@astrifarhansatriorahadian536]

So that's why you didn't show up, I was searching for Matt Kenyon! Great video.