For amateur musicians seeking to start their journey into the electronic composition. Fruity Loops or FL Studio is among the top digital audio workstations (DAW) available today. Its range of robust features accompanied by its user-friendly layout offers an excellent starting point. However, just like any software program on the market, getting acclimated with every nook and cranny associated with all aspects of FL Studio takes some practice. Therefore, We have created this FL Studio Tips and tricks to get started, Here are ten valuable tips and tricks assembled to help new users take flight when using Fruity Loops.

If you’re interested in exploring new ways of producing music, then FL Studio is definitely something you should try. This powerful digital audio workstation offers extensive capabilities for creating unique sounds and experimenting with various genres. Comprised of basic shortcuts and advanced techniques alike, our detailed guide provides essential insights into how best to use this software effectively. Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of Fruity Loops?

Let’s dive in…

FL Studio Tips for Beginners

1: Familiarise yourself with the core functions

Knowing what you’re looking at is the first battle in learning your FL Studio as it can feel like rowing a boat without a paddle. If you’re just starting out and need a full introduction to FL studio then you can check out our complete tutorial for beginners to get you started!

2: Learn shortcuts to the features you use the most

Shortcuts are your best friend for a quick workflow and are worth you investing the time to learn them. Being able to edit and remove notes on the fly without manually clicking on a different brush really helps you be creative without feeling clunky in the process. Most features on FL have a designated shortcut that can be seen in the bottom right of the hint panel whenever you hover over them. Drop-down menus will have shortcut listings too so learn the ones you use the most to save time.

For a full list of shortcuts Image Line have you covered

3: Treat each sound individually

Beginners like to send multiple instruments to a single insert on the mixer. By doing so they can add multiple effects and save on the CPU. The problem with this is when you EQ them you change the sounds of everything. When they all need individual treatment to be spaced in the mix. Instead, try to use FX sends giving you more freedom to fix bad frequencies before you route them to another insert.

4: Build a good sample library

It’s important to build a sample collection so you can drag and drop when you need them. There are many companies that sell quality sample packs as well as ones that provide monthly payment plans to access their library. If you’ve got nothing in the bank then many talented producers give away free drums all the time. Searching Reddit can yield some good results too!

5: Bounce your midi down to audio

Having loads of FX in your project starts to take its toll on your CPU causing latency and stutters in your playback. FL Studio has a nifty little feature that lets you turn your midi into audio giving your project room to breathe. Once you’ve got the sound exactly how you want then you can consolidate it to the waveform. You can do this by highlighting it in the playlist and pressing ctrl + shift + c together.

6: Follow the 8-bar rule

Many producers get a solid loop going and then sit there listening not knowing where to take it next. Music is all about repetition and progression that is designed to keep the listener engaged from start to finish. To achieve this it’s good to have your track introducing and/or removing elements every 8 bars in a way that builds energy, tension, and release. It’s good to map out your song so you have a cohesive piece that you can plan on how you’re going to transition from section to section.

7: Leave headroom for the low end of your track

When you’re mixing down it’s easy to get unpleasant distortion with an unbalanced mix. Having a well-mixed reference track similar to the style of your song can help you get the levels right. Low-cut everything in your mixer that has no low information with EQ up to around 100hz or more to keep room for your sub. It’s also a good idea to use low cuts on your reverb up to around 500hz. Sidechaining your kick to your bass will also help keep your low end under control and avoid distortion but you can skip this step completely if you have a good sound selection on your kick and sub.

8: Practice active listening and avoid repeating your idea too much

It’s easy to get accustomed to ideas before they’re polished with the confirmation bias we have in ourselves. You’ve sat at your desk vibing to your 8-bar loop but now you’ve cemented it as an idea and can’t progress. Active listening is the art of sitting and listening for errors trying to objectively ask “Why does this need to sound better”? “Have I done everything I can”? What does a good mixdown sound like? You can always ask a music community online for feedback if you don’t have the answers yourself! These skills you’ll need to develop over time as a music producer.

9: Everything can be automated even third-party VSTs

Have you tried to load up a 3rd party VST and noticed you could right-click it and create an automation clip like you can on FL Studio’s native ones?

There are a few more steps involved in doing it on 3rd party VSTs but we’ve got you covered. Simply hold left and slightly move the parameter you’re looking to automate. Then go to the Tools drop-down menu and select “Last tweaked “. From there click to create an automation clip and you should have a new pattern in the playlist you’re free to edit.

10: Be open to constructive criticism

This is the most important tip on the list as it will be the best tool you can use to grow as a producer. Nobody wants to take time out of their day and offer you advice for you to get emotional the second they say something you don’t like. Developing a tough skin and taking on board advice to make your track better will help you develop your problem-solving skills over time. Social networking and making circles with people you can trust who know what they are talking about is crucial to progression. It’s really difficult to look past our biases without them.

That concludes our FL Studio Tips for Beginners

After implementing these 10 FL Studio techniques, you will have the potential to produce superior-quality songs. Consistency and perseverance are essential qualities for mastering the craft of music creation using FL Studio and taking your abilities to greater heights. Therefore, do not hesitate to explore new paths and be experimental, while always remembering to enjoy yourself throughout this journey. Implementing these tips along with tips on how to become a music producer will ultimately lead to success.

And there you have our FL Studio Tips and Tricks for Beginners! If you found the article helpful then give it a share or drop a comment and let us know your thoughts!