Getting Started with AI Music Generation
A beginner-friendly introduction to creating music with artificial intelligence. No prior music experience required.
What You'll Learn
- How AI music generation works (without the jargon)
- Which tool is right for you
- How to create your first AI-generated song
- Tips to get better results from your prompts
What is AI Music Generation?
AI music generation uses to create original music from text descriptions. Instead of playing instruments or using complex software, you describe what you want in plain English, and the AI creates audio that matches your description.
Think of it like this: you tell the AI "upbeat electronic dance music with a catchy melody," and it generates a complete song with drums, bass, synths, and even vocals if you want them.
The technology behind this is called a combined with audio generation. Companies like Suno and Udio have trained these models on millions of songs to understand musical patterns, genres, and structures.
Stay informed: Get weekly AI music updates in your inbox.
SubscribeHow It Works
The process is surprisingly simple:
- 1. Write a prompt – Describe the music you want. Include genre, mood, instruments, tempo, and any other details.
- 2. Click generate – The AI processes your prompt and creates an audio file (usually 1-3 minutes long).
- 3. Listen and iterate – If you don't love the result, tweak your prompt and try again.
- 4. Download or extend – Save your favorite generations or extend them into longer songs.
Most platforms generate results in under a minute. You'll typically get 2-4 variations per prompt, so you can pick the one you like best.
Choosing Your First Tool
There are several AI music generators available, each with different strengths. Here's a quick breakdown for beginners:
Suno – Best for Beginners
The easiest to use with excellent results. Great for full songs with vocals. Free tier lets you create 10 songs per day.
Read our full Suno review →Udio – Best Audio Quality
Slightly more complex but produces higher-quality audio. Good for instrumentals and unique genres.
Read our full Udio review →AIVA – Best for Orchestral
Specialized in classical and cinematic music. Offers MIDI export for further editing.
Read our full AIVA review →For a complete comparison, see our Suno vs Udio guide or browse all options in our Tools section.
Important: Before using any AI music commercially, understand the licensing terms. Each platform has different rules. See our licensing guide for details.
Creating Your First Song
Let's walk through creating a song with Suno (the process is similar on other platforms):
Sign up for a free account
Go to the Suno website and create an account. You can sign in with Google or Discord.
Click "Create"
You'll see a text box where you can enter your prompt.
Write your prompt
Try something like: "Upbeat indie pop song about summer road trips, happy vocals, acoustic guitar and drums"
Wait for generation
The AI will create two variations in about 30-60 seconds.
Listen and iterate
Play the results. Like one? Download it. Want something different? Edit your prompt and try again.
Tips for Better Results
After generating hundreds of songs, here's what we've learned:
Be specific about genre
Instead of "rock song," try "90s grunge rock with distorted guitars" or "classic rock ballad like Led Zeppelin."
Describe the mood
Words like "melancholic," "euphoric," "aggressive," or "dreamy" help the AI understand the feeling you want.
Mention instruments
Specify "piano and strings" or "heavy synths and 808 drums" to guide the arrangement.
Include tempo hints
Use words like "slow," "uptempo," "driving," or even specific BPMs if you know what you want.
For advanced prompt techniques, check out our prompt writing guide.
Next Steps
Now that you've created your first AI-generated song, here's where to go next:
- Master prompt writing – Get better results with advanced techniques
- Understand licensing – Know the rules before using AI music
- Explore more tools – Find the best platform for your needs
- Listen to examples – Get inspired by what others have created
Never Miss an Update
Get the latest AI music news, guides, and insights delivered weekly.
Subscribe FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need musical knowledge to use AI music tools?
No. The whole point is that anyone can create music by describing what they want in plain language. Musical knowledge can help you write better prompts, but it's not required.
Is AI-generated music copyrighted?
This is a complex legal question. In most cases, purely AI-generated content isn't copyrightable, but the rules vary by jurisdiction. See our copyright guide for more details.
Can I use AI music on YouTube?
Yes, in most cases. Check the terms of service for your specific AI tool and make sure you have the right subscription tier for commercial use.
How long does it take to generate a song?
Most platforms generate a complete song in 30-90 seconds. Longer generations or busy periods may take a bit longer.
Resources & Further Reading
Overview of AI applications in music
Research on AI from Stanford University
Latest AI news and analysis
AI-assisted content, reviewed by our editorial team.