help for beginner with basic questions...

alexw · Post by **alexw** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:44 am

Hi,

was just wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction of a good book or website that gives very clear step-by-step instructions for Ableton (a sort of dummies guide

)

I have just installed the Live Lite programme to see if it's something for me. I've had some experience with computer programmes in the past (thanks to a dummies guide - that really clearly explains everything to someone like me without a computer/music technology background)

I'm originally a classical acoustic musician and have been playing with a loop station and other guitar pedals and am really interested in seeing what I can do with Ableton. (I've also got a synthesizer with midi sounds)

So far I've installed the program, been reading the manual in the "help" section. I've managed to plug my viola in and record something - which I can see but not hear when I press playback (and can't figure out why!). So you see I'm at quite a basic level.

If anyone has any advice, that would be great, thanks!

thefool · Post by **thefool** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:49 am

Morning!

Live has built in lessons you could try.

And the videos here: http://www.ableton.com/pages/movies/movies?type=live

other than that, just play around

Of course now someone will come in and throw a nice guide in my face but this is how i learned live

oh yeah see you talk about recording - the built in lessons should cover that i think

gjm · Post by **gjm** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:11 am

I can relate to where you are coming from. By all means do the built in lessons. But if you are not to savy with the DAW thing, just exercise some patience and don't be afraid to ask questions here. Now, I sure as heck won't be answering your questions because I still have a big 'L' stuck on my forehead, but there are a whole bunch of really cool and helpful people here that will give you a hand when they can. There are lots of things that simply are not in the manual, so don't get down when someone says 'RTFM.' The best thing I did was block a couple of days off, big chunks of time and did the built in lessons and played around in the program. There is no book or website for dummies for Live with all the REAL basics. You just got to go for it. And then everytime you hit a snag, ask a question. Have a good time. Cheers.G.

thefool · Post by **thefool** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:24 am

yeah have your time with the lessons, play around. When you feel ready, read the manual from one end to another

alexw · Post by **alexw** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:22 am

thank you for your replies so far!

I will definitely check out the movie tutorial. I've been looking around on youtube - there are a few things, but not exactly what I need.

But I know what you mean about patience - I need to summon it up and go slow!

johnah · Post by **johnah** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:44 am

I found a book called Ableton Live 4 useful when starting out. It has been updated since then (to 6). Search on Amazon for Ableton Live. As for your immediate problem, Can you here sounds for the built in lessons? There are midi & audio clips. If you can, at least you know your sound output is working ok. Try recording something new in the lesson setup, may give some clues. I found you almost need two approaches in the early stages. Follow a lesson closely and try and work out whats going on but also just completely 'go mad' and see what happens. Think of ableton as your new musical instrument. Theres no right or wrong way to play it! Good luck, don't get disheartened cause there will be some frustrating times with anything involving computers!!

Lo-Fi Massahkah · Post by **Lo-Fi Massahkah** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:00 am

This forum is a great resource as long as you do your homework first (manual, lessons). Make sure to ask concrete questions.

alexw · Post by **alexw** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:37 pm

well I solved the problem of hearing playback (clicking on a button next to the one to arm the track to record - something to do with monitoring...?)

I'm working with the Lite version I think (the movies I think are about the full version)- will see if I like it and then maybe upgrade.

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement!

thefool · Post by **thefool** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:44 pm

oh not version 7 either? You will like