GarageBand on Macbook with instruments
GarageBand is Apple's free music production and engineering software used by experts and novices alike.
David Caudery/MacFormat magazine via Getty Images
  • GarageBand is Apple’s free music creation software that comes preloaded on Macs, iPhones, and iPads. 
  • GarageBand operates like a fully equipped music studio, giving you a library of lessons and sounds that include percussion, rhythm, and vocals.
  • Combined with the Touch Bar features on a MacBook Pro, learning, creating, recording, and editing music can be a seamless process.
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In his attempt to “democratize music-making,” Steve Jobs unveiled GarageBand at Macworld in 2004. Seventeen years since its creation, GarageBand has become a widely used audio software. 

Apple’s music creation studio has a sound library composed of instrument presets, synths, loops, and more. Novice musicians to veteran engineers have flocked to the digital studio for its accessible and up-to-date way of creating music. 

Here’s everything you need to know about GarageBand. 

What is GarageBand? 

Pre-installed on more than a billion Macs, iPhones, and iPads, GarageBand is a staple of many an Apple user’s experience. Yet, not everyone is aware of its full range of capabilities. 

For musicians, this app can remove the need for expensive audio gear or booking costly studio time. The streamlined design and editing software makes it easy to navigate through the application’s multiple functions. It also introduces instruments and sounds that ensure users don’t feel overwhelmed by their lack of familiarity.

This software starts everyone off in a default state, giving users the ability to craft and expand their own GarageBand experience.

GarageBand app on iPad
GarageBand offers a full dashboard of instruments that you can use to create your next song.
MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images

The application is free for iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS, making it an affordable digital resource for creating and sharing music. Apple iCloud integration allows you to add tracks across devices, whether you're at home or on the go.

Built with an ability to play and record live instruments, GarageBand gives musicians the chance to plug in their equipment like a guitar or microphone, record their play, and add it to their sound library. 

GarageBand features and tools

One of the biggest advantages of GarageBand is its welcoming layout, regardless of your expertise level. For beginners, an excellent place to start is the Quick Help button in the top left corner. This enables yellow text boxes, which explain the function of anything your cursor is over. 

Touch instruments are the most well-known feature of the app. Piano, guitar, and drums are just a few digital instruments you can play that sound and respond like the real thing. This ensures a more realistic and visceral sound while constructing a track. 

What is GarageBand 2
You can select which instruments you want on your track.
Abbey White/Business Insider

In 2010, the Groove Track feature was added as Apple's version of a spell-checker for rhythm. It programs all the other tracks you have selected to adjust and synchronize their timing to the chosen groove track.

GarageBand has a popular teachable feature in its built-in lessons for the guitar and piano. There are 40 different genre-based lessons to follow along with using the Touch instruments. Users are given feedback in real-time to sharpen their skills and track their progress. 

What is GarageBand 2
Beginners and amateur musicians can hone their skills using GarageBand's lessons suite.
Abbey White/Business Insider

Just a few among many, these tools and features have made GarageBand one of the most widely-used digital audio workspaces. Apple's music creation studio may not be for everyone, but anyone can use it.

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