How I Create Handcrafted LoFi Music for Study, Relaxation & Focus
Learn how to create handcrafted LoFi music and chillhop beats for studying, relaxing, and focusing. Step-by-step tips, DAW advice, recording techniques, and production insights.
Introduction – Why Handcrafted LoFi and Chillhop Matter
LoFi and chillhop music are increasingly popular for students, creatives, and anyone looking to relax or focus. While AI-generated beats are widespread, handcrafted LoFi music provides warmth, subtle imperfections, and emotional depth that machines can't replicate.
As a musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, I’ve been making music long before AI-generated tracks existed. Creating LoFi and chillhop beats by hand is both fun and rewarding, allowing me to add personality and emotion to every track.
In this guide, I’ll show you in another post later the full process of creating relaxing, original LoFi music for study, sleep, or focus.
In this guide, I’ll show you in another post later the full process of creating relaxing, original LoFi music for study, sleep, or focus.
Choosing the Right DAW and Tools for LoFi Production
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
I use Cubase for all my LoFi productions, though FL Studio and Ableton Live are more common in the LoFi and chillhop community. A DAW allows you to record, layer, and manipulate sounds, giving full creative control over your tracks.
Instruments & Samples for LoFi and Chillhop
- Piano/Keys: Soft, jazzy chords perfect for relaxing study music
Guitar/Saxophone: Live recordings or sampled loops for authentic sound
Drums: LoFi drum kits with vinyl crackle and swung rhythms
Ambient Textures: Field recordings, rain sounds, vinyl noise
Tip: Combine live instruments with samples for organic, human-feel LoFi music.
Guitar/Saxophone: Live recordings or sampled loops for authentic sound
Drums: LoFi drum kits with vinyl crackle and swung rhythms
Ambient Textures: Field recordings, rain sounds, vinyl noise
The LoFi Composition Process
1. Chords & Melody
Start with a simple chord progression. LoFi thrives on minimalism – even two chords can create a relaxing atmosphere. Layer a gentle melody on top with piano or keys to give your track emotion.
2. Drums & Groove
Program or choose a drum loop. LoFi drums are often sparse with swung rhythms and soft snare hits. Adding small imperfections (off-beat hits, varying velocity) makes the groove feel alive.
3. Texture & Atmosphere
Add vinyl crackle, rain, or ambient sounds for texture
Use subtle reverb and delay to create depth
Keep tiny timing variations to maintain a human feel
Add vinyl crackle, rain, or ambient sounds for texture
Use subtle reverb and delay to create depth
Keep tiny timing variations to maintain a human feel
4. Workflow & Order
Every day is different for me. I usually start with keys, with or without drums, then build chord progressions and melodies. Find a workflow that suits your mood and style to produce consistent LoFi and chillhop tracks.
Recording and Layering Live Instruments
I record all guitar and bass parts myself, along with VST instruments using a MIDI keyboard and wind controller. I chop, edit, loop, and layer these elements into the track. This approach adds warmth and a natural, human feel that sampled sounds alone cannot provide.
Tip: Record at different velocities and dynamics for a more “played” feel. Soft quantize around 60% to keep slight imperfections.
Mixing & Final Touches for LoFi Tracks
EQ & Compression: Balance frequencies for smooth, relaxing study music
LoFi Effects: Bitcrushers, tape emulation, vinyl filters, and foley add character
EQ & Compression: Balance frequencies for smooth, relaxing study music
LoFi Effects: Bitcrushers, tape emulation, vinyl filters, and foley add character
Mastering for Streaming Platforms
Ensure your track is loud enough for Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube but retains dynamic range. Keep mastering soft for a natural LoFi sound.
Tip: See what LUFS the reference tracks has to match loudness, so you're in the same ballpark while maintaining relaxation and focus.
Tips for Aspiring LoFi and Chillhop Producers
Keep arrangements simple – fewer layers help listeners relax
Embrace imperfections – human feel matters more than perfection
Study popular LoFi and chillhop tracks for structure, melody, and instrumentation
Experiment with field recordings to create unique textures
Take your time – patience produces high-quality, relaxing music
Keep arrangements simple – fewer layers help listeners relax
Embrace imperfections – human feel matters more than perfection
Study popular LoFi and chillhop tracks for structure, melody, and instrumentation
Experiment with field recordings to create unique textures
Take your time – patience produces high-quality, relaxing music
Tools & Resources I Recommend
- LoFi drum kits from Lofi Sounds, Mondo Loops
- Free sample packs: Namaste
- Free plugins: Vinyl Izotope, Cymatics Origin
- Free Instruments: Woodland Piano - Needs Kontakt, Spitfire Audio Labs
Listen to My Handcrafted LoFi Beats
If you want to listen to my handcrafted LoFi beats, check out my playlists:
🎵 Spotify Lofi Sleep & Study Beats🎵Spotify Chillhop Study Beats
🍏Apple Music Lofi Sleep & Study Beats
🍏Apple Music Chillhop Study Beats
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