How to make synthwave music for beginners?
Founder & CEO, Futureproof Music School
To make synthwave music as a beginner, start by using vintage-style synths like TAL-U-NO-LX (a Juno-60 emulation), Arturia V Collection, or Xfer Serum to create those iconic 1980s sounds. Build your foundation with a four-on-the-floor drum pattern using TR-808 kicks and snappy LinnDrum snares, then layer in a pulsating 16th-note bassline and lush atmospheric pads. Focus on minor key chord progressions for that dramatic, nostalgic feel, and don't forget to add gated reverb and analog-style chorus effects to achieve that authentic retro-futuristic vibe. The key is balancing modern production techniques with classic synth tones that capture the genre's nostalgic essence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What synthesizers work best for creating authentic synthwave bass sounds?
Hardware synths like the Roland Juno-106 or Korg Polysix are classics, but modern plugins like TAL-U-NO-LX, Diva, or Arturia's V Collection perfectly recreate those warm analog bass tones. Start with a sawtooth or square wave, add some unison for width, and run it through slight chorus for that vintage character.
Should I sidechain my synths to the kick in synthwave production?
Yes, subtle sidechaining is essential for that pumping, rhythmic feel that defines synthwave. Keep it gentle with a fast attack (5-10ms) and medium release (100-200ms) so your synth pads and bass breathe with the kick without being too obvious.
What reverb settings give synthwave tracks that nostalgic 80s space?
Use gated reverb on snares and toms (decay around 0.5-1 second with a hard gate) and large hall reverbs (2-4 seconds) on synth pads with pre-delay set to 20-40ms. The key is mixing the reverb loud enough to create atmosphere but not so wet that you lose clarity in your mix.
John von Seggern
Founder & CEO, Futureproof Music School
John von Seggern is the founder and CEO of Futureproof Music School. He holds an MA in digital ethnomusicology (the anthropology of music on the internet) from UC Riverside, and a BA in Music, magna cum laude, from Carleton College. A techno producer and DJ since the late 1990s, he released as John von on his own net.label Xeriscape Records while working at Native Instruments, where he co-authored the MASSIVE synth manual. He contributed sound design to Pixar's WALL-E (2008), was a member of Jon Hassell's late-career Studio Group on Hassell's final two albums, ran Icon Collective's online program with Max Pote for eight years before Icon closed in May 2025, and authored three books on music technology including Laptop Music Power!. He architected Kadence, the AI music coach at the core of Futureproof.
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