Category: Tools

Beginning with my video released on March 4 2022, I’m now using the HitFilm Free (formerly Hitfilm Express) video editor  for my YouTube videos after switching from Shotcut. HitFilm Free is the free version of HitFilm and has all the features I need for creating the type of videos that I make. I use it for lyrics videos, slideshow style videos and cutout-animation style videos although it’s capable of far more than just that.

HitFilm and HitFilm Free are under active development and have a helpful forum.

See my HitFilm Free videos since March 3 2022: Virtual Playing YouTube Channel

Visit FXHome to download HitFilm or HitFilm Free.

The first thing I do when working on a new song is to map out the structure. I mark where the verses and choruses are so I can more easily navigate through the song. The second thing I do is figure out the chord progression. Depending on the song, that can take a while. To save myself a lot of time (assuming the song writer hasn’t simply told me the chord progression) I make use of the following free tool called Chordata.

Chordata – free automatic chord detector

The display may look a little complex in places but I focus on the section at the bottom with the chords in  the colored rectangles. I simply load an .mp3 or a .wav file into the program, press play and write down the cords. I find it works best if I give it an individual track, like a piano or a guitar so that the chords this program has to detect are as clear as possible. I also tend to give it a single verse or chorus at a time. Navigation within the program is easier that way and It’s also easier to keep track of where I am in the song.

This program has it’s quirks, but does a fairly good job of chord detection and saves me a lot of time. It may make the occasional mistake but generally it’s accurate enough that I keep using it. Check it out:

Chordata tutorial page

Chordata download page

The first most important tool. The Digital Audio Workstation or DAW for short. This is like a multi-track recording studio for your computer. The one I use is called Reaper.

With this software tool, it’s possible to record vocals and live instruments, record virtual instruments using a midi controller, mix, balance the recorded tracks and produce what was once only possible from a physical recording studio.

Reaper is fully featured and free while you are evaluating it (see terms here) for 60 days, last time I checked, after which it is required that you purchase it for a relatively small price.

To quote the Reaper web site:

The evaluation version of REAPER is complete and uncrippled. There are no artificial interruptions or restrictions, and you can save and load projects normally.

We believe in giving you a fair chance to make sure that REAPER works correctly with your hardware and suits your workflow.

I highly recommend trying Reaper.