Do you make these mistakes when using Logic Pro?
They're very common. Unfortunately, I've made every single one of these mistakes while using Logic.
But against all odds, I've lived to tell the tale.
Mistake #1: Trying to do things the RIGHT way instead of the FAST way.
I've wasted hours upon hours trying to accomplish something that I knew could be done but for whatever reason, it just wouldn't work like it was supposed to.
I would wonder if I was doing something wrong, or if it was a bug, or if I was just completely in the dark and it wasn't even possible.
When I get into the zone, I don't leave for any reason. I don't eat, sleep, or to the dismay of my family, I might even skip a shower.
Instead of cursing the computer or stinking up the house, just get things done the fastest way possible.
Don't fight Logic. Do things the fast way instead of the right way.
Mistake #2: Trying to learn EVERYTHING Logic Pro can do.
If I didn't write the book on Logic Pro, I would never have touched half of its tools.
I'm constantly amazed at what Logic can do. I understand why people want to learn everything about it. It's as slick as a Vegas stripper pole.
But much like a Vegas stripper, it's easy to get blinded by all the glitter.
My advice is to pick a tool and ignore it.
Know your strengths and goals and get your music done.
Mistake #3: Losing sight of the MUSIC.
One time I spent an entire week trying to recreate all my synths in the Logic Pro Environment. I thought about how cool it would be to control all of my Nord C1 drawbars and other geeky synth knobs and sliders right from Logic.
Guess what. I never used any of it.
And guess how much music I made that week?
You guessed it. None.
I know a lot of people who procrastinate like that. Thank god I'm not the only one.
But if you've ever found yourself organizing presets and sample libraries, building complex controller mappings, or organizing your iTunes library, there's a very good chance you've lost sight of the music.
Don't lose sight of the music. That's why you got Logic Pro. To make music. Not to click buttons.
Ahmen to that you are exactly right!! I bought Logic Pro X (after starting with V9) like others to make my life simpler (great product) and then, we make recording and mixing more difficult by wasting time on trying to work out how we can change it to make our job easler instead of just getting on with the job of creating music which is why we bought the product in the first place.
Short cuts and automation come with time as we get deeper into the product by just getting on with the job of using it.
Oh and what you said about…
“When I get into the zone, I don’t leave for any reason. I don’t eat, sleep, or to the dismay of my family, I might even skip a shower.”
I resemble that remark!
Leigh
PS Keep up the great work I very much enjoy the emails.
Spot on.
Sadly, I’ve also done everything you have mentioned.
Got sidetracked in something technical… in the middle of trying to get a melody idea down …. and forgot the melody idea.
But my midi controller rotary knobs sure look cool … turning something …. never mind …. I forgot why I wanted them to do that.
Wow, all mistakes are in my flow when I go to Logic. I try and think of something to wow and look at all the choices and all of a sudden time goes by with no music. I like what you said about choosing one tool and work with that. I need to get out of my mind and try and make Logic joyful and fun instead of making it Mount Everest. Thing you Graham. I’m going to keep these three mistakes in front of me to check myself.
I estimate my music production to date has been no more than 10% of my time inside Logic, for the very reasons you have outlined. Thank you for this, I’m printing this out and sticking it on the wall behind my monitor where I can see it!
I am still the same songwriter with or without the ease of the Logic software! I am just reminding myself to remember that I love production, but it’s still a good song that I need to work with! I am the songwriter at beginning, during and after! I have to be an artist!