Install recording software. A budding producer likely will invest in a professional and versatile program like Pro Tools, Logic or Cubase. But a beginner benefits from a simple, touch-and-go program, such as MixCraft, GarageBand or Audacity.
Set up your recording space. Connect a USB mixer and interface to your computer, and connect your instruments and microphones to the interface. Connect a pair of monitor speakers and a pair of monitor headphones to your computer. Set up whatever equipment you have, such as a guitar and a guitar USB cable, a MIDI keyboard or use your voice and a tambourine.
Start recording. Open your software, create a new project for your music file by clicking "File" and "New." The "Record" button typically looks like a big red dot. If you set up external equipment, such as an interface, you may need to open your "Options" and "Preferences" and set up your "Inputs." When you finish recording, press "Stop."
Add new layers of music. Multi-tracking involves recording musical pieces one layer at a time, such as guitar, then bass and then drums. Look for the "New Track" command on your project window or menu bar, and select it to create a new layer. When it appears on your screen, click "Record" to add a new layer of music. Record as many tracks as you need until your mix is complete.
Mix your music. Each recording program has a mixing menu, sometimes appearing as an animated mixer or a small rectangular window with the word "Effects." By adding effects, you can create reverb for your vocals, add distortion to your guitar or make your keyboards sound techno-oriented. Select the track to which you want to apply the desired effect, and then select the effect from the menu. Experiment with many effects.
Export the file. Now that you have all of the parts of your song file recorded and mixed, create the file. Click "File" on your menu bar, and locate the "Export," "Save as MP3" or "Bounce" option. A navigation window appears where you can enter the song title, choose an audio format and save. If you do not see the "Export" option under your "File" menu, check the other menu bar menus, since a few programs, such as GarageBand, place the option under a different menu.