What’s the Most Frustrating Part of Making Music And How to Overcome It

Music creation can be one of the most rewarding forms of self-expression. But let’s be honest—it can also be maddening. That moment when inspiration strikes… only to be blocked by technical issues, creative doubt, or decision fatigue? We’ve all been there.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned producer, here are the most frustrating aspects of the music creation process—and how to beat them

Start a track from scratch

Why it’s frustrating:

You open your DAW with excitement, but suddenly… nothing. No melody. No vibe. No clue where to begin.

How to Overcome It:

• Use a template – Have a go-to starting points: a chord progression, a favorite synth patch, or a beat loop
• Limit your tools – Creativity thrives on constraint. Use only 2-3 instruments and see what happens
• Steal like an artist – Listen to a song you like, mimic its structure or feel, then build from there

Start with movement, not perfection.

Getting stuck in the 8-bar loop hell

Why it’s frustrating:

You make an awesome loop… and then listen to it for 2 hours without progressing the song. Sound familiar?

How to Overcome It:

• Immediately copy your loop across the timeline – Create a rough structure: Intro, Verse, Chorus, etc.
• Mute and vary – Remove elements for the verse, add layers for the chorus. Create contrast.
• Use reference tracks – Borrow their pacing and dynamic flow to keep your song moving.

Loops are seeds, not the whole plant.

Creative self-doubt

Why it’s frustrating:

You make something, but it sounds “off”. You compare it to pro tracks and fell like a fraud. You want to quit,

How to Overcome It:

• Shift from creator to listener mode – Leave the track for a day. Come back fresh
• Finish more, judge less – Every finished song teaches you more than a perfect 16-bar loop
• Remember your growth curve – Ever your favorite artist started at zero

Don’t aim for perfection – aim for done.

Too many choices (a.k.a Plugin Paralysis)

Why it’s frustration:

You spend 40 minutes scrolling through synth presets instead of making music. So many options = decision fatigue.

How to Overcome It:

• Create a custom “go-to” folder – Your 10 favorite sounds, drum kits, and effects.
• Use templates or limited plugin chains – Don’t reinvent the wheel every time.
• Try a time limit – Force decisions by setting a timer for each phase (e.g., 20 mins to finish the beat).

Constraints create freedom

Finishing tracks

Why it’s frustration:

You start dozens of ideas but never finish them. That “almost done” stage feels like a brick wall.

How to Overcome It:

• Finish ugly – It doesn’t have to be great; it just has to be complete. You can always remix it later.
• Treat it like a job – Schedule time to wrap up your songs, just like you’d schedule a meeting.
• Use checklists – Break the finish process into small tasks: structure, mix, master, export.

You don’t learn by starting. You learn by finishing.

Mixing Fatigue / Losing Objectivity

Why It’s Frustrating:

You mix for hours… and suddenly your kick sounds weird, the synth is dull, and everything collapses.

How to Overcome It:

• Take breaks – Seriously. Get up, walk away, come back later.
• Use reference tracks – Load in a professionally mixed track and A/B compare at low volume.
• Mix at low volume – It keeps your ears fresh and helps balance frequencies.

If you’re guessing, you’re tired. Take a break.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Every music producer—no matter how successful—faces these frustrations. They are part of the creative process, not a sign of failure. What matters is building systems, habits, and mindsets to move through the blocks instead of getting stuck in them.

Learn more about synthwave production courses here