Making your OWN music

Hey now,
Ok, If anyone saw my other topic on music, this almost connects to it. I notice that some of this music that we use in our games, have to be created somehow. Not ALL music, I believe, is created with a band and a recording studio. Are some of these songs that we hear in games created with the computer keyboard? I play guitar, but it will be a cold day in *ell before I plug it to my computer (it will definetly kill it). Are these music programers using this type of method to do this? Is there a program out there that can turn my computer into an entire Band? If this is so, what program or site alows you to do this. Hit Shift G and get a minor-G.Hmmm Sounds Interesting. I like the idea of using my computer keyboard as an instrument. Please, hold the applause.

Guitar Pro is really good at doing most instruments, doesn't come free though.

http://www.guitar-pro.com/en/index.php

It may not be too good for games though ;p

Search for Module Music... there should be something you want..

Theres tons of stuff out there. A lot of the game music are actually done through software mixers and sample mixers.

A popular mixer is Fruit Loops : http://www.flstudio.com/

I use to use MTV Music Generator for the PC (which also happens to be a game) - http://www.codemasters.com/mtvmg3/usa/

Also Cakewalk Music Creator : http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/MusicCreator/default.asp

Magix Music Maker - http://site.magix.net/english-us/home/music/music-maker-11-deluxe/?version=eversion

There also the Music Maker (no longer in stock though...) - http://www.thegamecreators.com/?f=mm2005

But all of those cost money...but you can do it old school and go the module tracker route :
Impulse Tracker - http://www.lim.com.au/ImpulseTracker/
Scream Tracker - http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?4000000036252

Or hire somesome, so you can concentrate on code..

fill your boots

I too am going down the module music road and am using MilkyTracker ( http://www.milkytracker.net ). It is a modern day remake of the classic tracker, FT2 (fast tracker)

Ah, tracking, one of my favourite subjects...

Apart from whats been suggested already, it might be an idea to visit The Modarchive to see how others do it (I suggest searching for artists such as Necros, Purple Motion and Elwood)

A new alternative to Impulse Tracker is Schism Tracker, which uses the modplug tracker engine, but its great for anyone who cant run old dos apps with EMS any more :D

A more modern tracking application is Renoise but Its pretty tricky to use imo.

The most interesting one Ive every come accross is BuzzTracker which is a blast to use! It reminds me of reason a bit, but more simplified.

I would point out that Buzz machines can also be used in Fruityloops.

I've not used Buzz much at all, but it was fun when using them in FL. :)

Tonyg thanks, that list was great. Im using one right now.

EnergyXT is the bees knees: http://www.xt-hq.com

Scaletracker is a good tracker, too. It is also a FT2 remake, only with more channels and 32bit stereo sounds.

Im using one from Neuro's list and seems fun. Time will tell. Going to check on that Scaletracker now.