Every musical genre has its own vibe. Most people can spot the difference between a reggae track and a metal song in just a few seconds, even before any vocals kick in. That’s because each genre has built up its own collection of go-to sounds and instrument pairings over the years.
When learning music production, diving into reference tracks from the genre is really helpful. Check out how producers handle drum sounds differently in hip-hop compared to rock. Notice how synthwave synths have that warm, retro feel, while EDM synths are usually bright and punchy. Worth paying attention to:
Here’s where things get fun: knowing the genre rules is important, but the real magic happens when someone adds their own spin. Maybe it’s a folk song with some sneaky electronic bits, or trap music with some jazz chords thrown in. The key is understanding when to bend the rules versus completely tossing them out the window.
Making sounds mesh in a mix is part art, part science. It’s really about understanding how different instruments take up space across the frequency range. Think of a mix like a room where each sound needs its own spot to exist without stepping on the others.
Low frequencies (20-250 Hz) are home to bass and kick drums. These sounds are the foundation, but when too many things fight for this space, everything gets muddy. The midrange (250 Hz-4 kHz) is where most melodic stuff lives – vocals, guitars, keyboards. High frequencies (4-20 kHz) bring the sparkle and air, with cymbals, vocal brightness, and synth shimmer.
Beyond just frequency stuff, think about these things when mixing sounds:
Quick tip: when trying out a new sound, always listen to it with what’s already there. A synth patch might sound amazing solo but totally wrong when played with the other tracks.
Starting a new track can feel pretty overwhelming, especially when staring at thousands of presets and samples. Here’s a straightforward approach to build a solid sound palette without getting lost in all the choices.
Start with the rhythm section. Pick the kick drum first since it often sets the tone for everything else. Then find a snare or clap that works with the kick without competing for the same frequencies. Add hi-hats and other percussion, making sure they create a groove that feels good.
Once the drums are working, move to bass. Whether it’s a synth, sample, or recorded instrument, make sure it locks in with the kick drum. They should feel like one solid low-end foundation instead of two separate things fighting each other.
For harmonic and melodic layers, try this approach:
Remember, presets are just starting points. Don’t hesitate to mess with filter settings, tweak envelopes, or add effects to make a sound fit perfectly in the track.
Even experienced producers stumble into certain traps when picking sounds. Knowing about these issues helps avoid them.
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing sounds by themselves. That beautiful grand piano might sound gorgeous alone, but if it’s taking up all the space where vocals need to sit, it’s not the right choice. Always test sounds with the rest of the mix.
Another common problem is loading up arrangements with similar-sounding stuff. Three different pad sounds all sitting in the same frequency range will just turn into mush instead of adding richness. Better to pick sounds with different frequency content and textures.
| Common Mistake | Why It Happens | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Too many similar sounds | Getting excited about options | Pick contrasting textures |
| Ignoring dynamics | Only focusing on tone | Balance sustained and percussive |
| Frequency masking | Not checking with other tracks | EQ to make space for each part |
| Preset dependency | Being afraid to change things | Customize to fit the track |
Dynamics matter too. When every sound in a track is compressed and loud, there’s no contrast or movement. Mixing punchy, dynamic parts with more sustained, flowing sounds creates interest and energy.
Picking the right sounds for songs is something that gets better with practice. The more time spent doing it, the more natural it becomes. Start by learning genre conventions, understand how sounds interact across frequencies, build sound palettes step by step, and watch out for common mistakes. Most importantly, trust those ears and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Ready to level up sound selection skills? At Wisseloord, we’ve been helping artists and producers develop their craft since 1978. Our Academy career development programs offer hands-on experience with professional equipment and guidance from industry pros who’ve worked on countless hit records. Whether just starting out or looking to refine skills through our camps and writing sessions, we’re here to help find that unique sound.
Ready to learn more? Contact our team today