So you’ve caught the music bug and want to create your own beats or start DJing—but where do you even begin? Don’t worry, you don’t need a professional studio or a degree in sound engineering to start making music. Today, there are plenty of beginner-friendly software options that can help you produce tracks or mix like a pro—without overwhelming you.
1. Choosing the Right Type of Software
First things first: decide whether you want to produce music (compose, record, and arrange) or DJ (mix and perform live).
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Music production software is usually called a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Think of it as your virtual recording studio.
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DJ software is built for mixing tracks live, syncing beats, and performing.
Knowing your main goal will help you choose the right tool from the start.
2. Best DAWs for Complete Beginners
If your dream is to create your own songs or remixes, here are some popular DAWs that are great for newcomers:
GarageBand (Mac/iOS)
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Why it’s awesome: Free, user-friendly, and packed with loops and instruments.
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Best for: Total beginners who want to experiment without spending a dime.
FL Studio (Windows/Mac)
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Why it’s awesome: A colorful, intuitive interface and tons of tutorials.
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Best for: Beatmakers and electronic producers.
Ableton Live Intro (Windows/Mac)
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Why it’s awesome: Great for both production and live performance, with an easy workflow.
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Best for: Those who might want to produce and DJ down the line.
Pro tip: Start with the entry-level version of a DAW—these cost less and still give you all the basics. You can always upgrade as you grow.
3. DJ Software to Get the Party Started
Want to mix songs and keep a dance floor moving? Check out these beginner-friendly DJ tools:
Serato DJ Lite
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Why it’s awesome: Free and super intuitive, with built-in tutorials.
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Best for: Absolute beginners who want to learn the ropes.
VirtualDJ
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Why it’s awesome: Works with or without DJ hardware and supports video mixing.
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Best for: Budget-conscious DJs or anyone wanting to practice at home.
rekordbox
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Why it’s awesome: Industry-standard features with a free basic version.
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Best for: Aspiring club DJs who might play on Pioneer gear.
4. Helpful Add-Ons and Plugins
Once you’re comfortable with your main software, you might want to expand with plugins like virtual instruments or effects. Many DAWs come with plenty built-in, but free plugin libraries (like Spitfire LABS or Native Instruments’ free bundle) can spice up your sound without costing a fortune.
5. Tips for Getting Started
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Start small. Focus on learning a few core features rather than everything at once.
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Watch tutorials. YouTube is full of step-by-step guides for every software mentioned.
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Practice regularly. Even 20 minutes a day builds skills faster than a marathon once a month.
Final Thoughts
Music production and DJing might seem intimidating, but the right software makes it approachable and fun. Whether you’re making beats in GarageBand, mixing tracks in Serato, or planning to headline a club, the key is to just start experimenting. Who knows—you might create the next hit track right from your bedroom.
Find our range of music software by clicking here.
