20 Unwritten Rules About Music Production
Music production is both an art and a science, requiring creativity, technical skills, and a good ear for sound. While there are countless guides on techniques, gear, and software, some crucial lessons are learned only through experience. Here are 20 unwritten rules that every music producer should know.
1. The Best Gear Won’t Make You a Better Producer
A high-end studio won’t fix a lack of skill or creativity. Focus on mastering what you have before upgrading.
2. Simplicity Often Sounds Better
Overcomplicating a track with too many elements can ruin its clarity. Less is more.
3. Reference Tracks Are Essential
Listening to professionally mixed songs helps you understand balance, EQ, and structure.
4. The First Idea Isn’t Always the Best
Don’t settle for the first melody or drum pattern you create. Experiment until you find something truly special.
5. Mixing at Low Volumes Improves Accuracy
Loud volumes can mask imbalances. Mixing at a lower level ensures you hear everything clearly.
6. Ear Fatigue is Real—Take Breaks
Listening for too long can lead to poor decisions. Step away and return with fresh ears.
7. Always Save Multiple Versions
Back up your projects regularly. Corrupt files and accidental changes happen.
8. Sound Selection is More Important Than Effects
A great mix starts with choosing the right sounds, not just applying EQ and reverb.
9. Arrangement Matters as Much as Mixing
A well-structured song keeps listeners engaged. Make sure transitions are smooth and dynamic.
10. Space is Just as Important as Sound
Silence and empty space in a mix allow key elements to stand out.
11. Learn to Finish Songs
Many producers get stuck in endless tweaking. Set a deadline and complete your tracks.
12. Invest in Good Headphones and Monitors
Your mix is only as good as what you hear. Accurate monitoring is crucial.
13. Avoid Overprocessing
Too many effects and plugins can ruin a track. If a sound needs excessive tweaking, it might not be the right one.
14. Sidechain Compression is Your Friend
Proper sidechaining helps create clarity between competing sounds, especially the kick and bass.
15. Your First Mix is Never the Final Mix
Revisiting your mix after a break often reveals flaws you didn’t notice before.
16. Perfection is the Enemy of Progress
There’s always room for improvement, but obsessing over tiny details can keep you from releasing music.
17. Trust Your Ears, Not Just Meters
Loudness meters and spectrograms are useful, but if it doesn’t sound right, fix it by ear.
18. The Listener Doesn’t Care About Technical Details
Most people just want a good song. They won’t notice a tiny EQ tweak—focus on the bigger picture.
19. Collaboration Expands Your Skills
Working with other producers, musicians, or vocalists introduces you to new techniques and perspectives.
20. Have Fun—Music is About Emotion
Technical knowledge is important, but at the end of the day, music is about expression and feeling.
Mastering these unwritten rules can help you become a more efficient and creative producer. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep making music!
