In many recording programs you are given the ability to record your own instruments, use looped instruments or use software instruments and change the pitch of them to your liking.

Which one of these is the best route to go you ask? Well each has it’s advantages and disadvantages.

With programs like Garageband and Fruity Loops there are software loops that you can implement into songs that may be a few seconds or even a minute or two long. This route is best for perhaps an intro or just an easy song to throw together real fast. You can copy and paste the loops as long as you want and then add one next to another to get verses or choruses.

Next you have software instruments. These can sometimes be within the loops that are in the software but you are able to the chord or sounds of the instrument to a degree. Some programs allow you to use your keyboard to play an instrument. This works great for piano parts and some synth effects. The drawback to this is you’re pretty restricted as to your range of sound. Unless you plug in your own keyboard then the computer keyboard will only give you about 20 keys to use before having to shift tones or pitch.

Then there’s recording real instruments. This is the best way to get all the customization you want out of your music and sounds. You are only restricted by your own talent. The main problem with recording live instruments is getting the level and quality to sound good. It is somewhat difficult to record and get a solid guitar riff or piano parts that don’t clip. Once you get the level set you are free to shred away.

All of these are possibilities when it comes to creating your own music pieces. You do want to caution yourself with loops. Not all loops are free to use for your own pleasure. Some may be copy-written so you can use them but cannot publish them on websites without giving credit. Garageband allows you numerous loops to mess with that you can use however you want.

In the end I personally would always suggest recording your own music because there’s nothing like completing a song that is all yours. All options though can be valuable to you so use your resources and talents to your full advantage.