Create a Song
From Guide
In this section you'll learn how to easily create a new song from scratch using RiffWorks Standard.
This guide will also work for RiffWorks T4 (free) and RiffWorks Line 6 Edition, although they have fewer features than RiffWorks Standard - See RiffWorks Editions Feature Comparison Chart.
This chapter assumes you have a compatible audio capture device - if not, see Recommended Hardware for RiffWorks. And that you've already setup your audio capture device to work with RiffWorks - if not, see Audio Setup for RiffWorks .
Also check out the new interactive "Quick Start" tutorial available in 14 languages in RiffWorks 2.2 or later! Click Help in RiffWorks, then click Quick Start.
Also you can watch RiffWorks Tutorial Movies here.
Step 1: Start Recording.
To prepare for recording in Riffworks click the PLAY button located in the RIFF RECORDER panel (The 2nd play button down from the top).
Step 2: Select an Amp
Install IK Multimedia's AmpliTube 2 Live (free with RiffWorks Standard). See the AmpliTube 2 Live installation guide.
The RiffWorks effects, plus approved amp plug-ins can be activated and heard while playing your instrument through RiffWorks by using the EFFECTS feature.
- First turn down the monitor level on your hardware device.
- Turn off HARDWARE monitoring by clicking the HARDWARE button
- Then click the EFFECTS button to show the list of effects.
Click on AMP and set up a great guitar tone. IK Multimedia's AmpliTube 2 Live will pop up when you're using RiffWorks Standard and give you up to 15 guitar and bass amp combinations plus 10 effects to create a great guitar tone. RiffWorks T4 and Standard can access IK Multimedia AmpliTube products, Line 6 Gearbox and most other amp modeling software you may own. RiffWorks Line 6 Edition can only access Line 6 Gearbox. More about how to use amp modeling plug-ins in RiffWorks.
Step 3: Choose your Backup Drums.
Easily add a drum part to your guitar recording. RiffWorks T4 includes 2 backup methods: INSTANTDRUMMER and Metronome. RiffWorks Standard includes four diverse backups to accompany you while you record: INSTANTDRUMMER, Metronome, ReWire, REX Player, with editing on their individual settings. The drums are mixed into the Riff's audio just like layers are. InstantDrummer produces great drum grooves, the REX player allows to use any REX loops, the REWIRE allows to use any REWIRE instruments (such as Reason). Some people like to start with a simple Metronome beat to get ideas flowing and some choose one of the other DRUMMER options, like InstantDrummer for inspiration:
- Choose an InstantDrummer session
- Click on the DRUMMER tab, and then click on the INSTANTDRUMMER tab below.
- Select an InstantDrummer session and part from the pull-down menus.
- Turn the intensity knob to adjust the drummer's energy level. The VARIATION knob mixes up the beat a bit, while the AMBIENCE knob adds reverb.
- Choose a tempo that best fits the mood of the song
- In the TEMPO field you can set the tempo in beats-per-minute (BPM) by either using your mouse cursor and dragging up and down on the arrows or by simply clicking and typing in the number on your keyboard. You can also use the JUNT feature to set the tempo with your guitar and to start recording automatically.
Step 4: Record a Riff.
- Click on the LAYERS tab.
- Click the big red Record button, your takes will appear when recording. Or press the RETURN key to start recording. (Many keyboards may say ENTER)
- You'll see that the Riff Timeline Cursor moves from left to right, and then starts back at the left again and keeps looping until you click the stop button.
- Each recorded loop is saved as a layer within the Riff. Layers are basically a single recording of your instrument. You can stack layers on top of each other (bass, guitar, vocals) to create a full groove. The Riff Recorder, by default, will record a new layer each time the Riff loops. Use this looping feature to quickly double up your tracks, do multiple takes, and so on. Each layer has several controls for mixing and applying the 7 Guitar-Oriented EFFECTS included in RiffWorks.
- Click the AUTOMUTE button to mute tracks as they're recorded. Once you think you've got a layer recorded just the way you like, you can go back and manually unmute the track(s) of your choice.
- Please refer to the RiffWorks Trouble Shooting Guide if you unable to hear your instrument while playing. Layers will only be created if you play your instrument after you have clicked the red RECORD button.
- Click the STOP button or press the SPACEBAR to stop recording. Alternatively, you can click the PLAY button or press the RETURN (or ENTER) key instead to hear what you've just recorded.
Step 5: Record more tracks.
By repeating the procedure, you'll make several Riffs for different parts of your song. Each Riff is represented by a colored brick in the RIFFS list. Use different colors and names (intro, verse, chorus, break etc.) to organize your Riffs. Each Riff can have a different InstantDrummer or other BACKUPS, different TEMPO, LENGTH and different RIFF EFFECTS.
Step 6: Arrange Riffs in Song Timeline to make a song.
After you create Riffs, you can drag and drop them into the SONG TIMELINE above the grid, serially, so that the riffs you select play one right after another. It's fun to experiment with your songs structure using drag and drop.
Step 7: Recording Vocals or Solos
Once you have a song built, you can record solos or vocal tracks across the entire song by using the SONGLAYERS. Song Layers is a special Riff that allows you to record straight linear tracks, or layers, over a complete song. This is especially useful for recording solos and vocals.
Step 8: Mix, Save, and RiffCast
When you have your song recorded and you are happy with the sound, it is time to mix down. Clicking the MIX button at the top of the song panel brings up the Mix Options dialog. Here you can get a .WAV file to burn to a CD or an OGG file for internet broadcsting. If you want to export separate tracks simply mute the layer accordingly during the mix-down process. How to Mix
You can save your song as a RiffWorks (.rws) file by clicking SAVE. SAVE AS will save a new version of it. Then you can OPEN it later in RiffWorks using the OPEN button.
You can Open your song using the OPEN button and listen to it by using the PLAY, FAST FORWARD and REWIND icon buttons.
Clicking RIFFCAST will allow you to broadcast your song to the RiffWorks community on RiffWorld.com. How to RiffCast
Step 9: Export from RiffWorks to Other DAWs
Complete songs and CDs can be recorded using RiffWorks. Or, if you prefer, you can export your songs made with RiffWorks Standard as .wav files to continue working on them in other DAWs like Audacity, Pro Tools, GarageBand, etc. See: Import and Export Riffs
Step 10: RiffLink Online Music Collaboration
After you've got a feel for RiffWorks and would like to create songs with other RiffWorks users online, check out the RiffLink guide.
Other Links
- RiffWorks Users Forum About Song Writing
- Next FAQ: How can RiffWorks be used in Guitar Lessons?
- FAQ Front Page
- Next Page in RiffWorks Guide: Recording: Riff Recorder
- Previous Page: Basics: Song Layers
- Front Page: RiffWorks User Guide
- Download RiffWorks T4 Free
- Buy RiffWorks Standard, InstantDrummer Sessions, and more
