How to Make Mashups: Step-by-Step Guide

A mashup combines vocals from one song with instrumental from another. Here's how to create professional-sounding mashups.

What Makes a Good Mashup?

Essential elements:

• Similar tempo (or adjustable)
• Compatible keys
• Complementary moods
• Strong vocal melody
• Interesting instrumental

Famous examples:

• "Thrift Shop" + "YMCA"
• "Call Me Maybe" + "Levels"
• "Shape of You" + "Cheap Thrills"

Tools You Need

Free Options

Essential:

• Audacity (audio editing)
• StemSplit (vocal/instrumental separation)

Optional:

• BPM detector (online or in DAW)
• Key detector

Paid Options (Better Quality)

• Ableton Live ($99-$749)
• FL Studio ($99-$499)
• Logic Pro ($199)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Choose Your Songs

Pick songs with:

• Similar BPM (within 10 BPM)
• Compatible or same key
• Strong vocal melody on song A
• Strong instrumental on song B

Example combo:

• Vocals: "Someone Like You" (Adele, 67 BPM, A major)
• Instrumental: "Rolling in the Deep" (Adele, 105 BPM, C minor)

Step 2: Isolate Vocals and Instrumentals

Use StemSplit to separate:

For Song A (source of vocals):

1. Upload to StemSplit
2. Select "Vocals Only"
3. Download acapella

For Song B (source of instrumental):

1. Upload to StemSplit
2. Select "Instrumental Only"
3. Download backing track

Try free 30-second preview →

Step 3: Match Tempo

Both tracks must be same BPM:

In Audacity:

1. Effect → Change Tempo
2. Adjust percentage
3. Preview and apply

In DAW:

• Enable "Warp" or "Flex Time"
• Set both tracks to same BPM

Step 4: Match Keys

Vocals and instrumental should be in compatible keys:

Check keys:

• Use online key detector
• Or trust your ear

Adjust if needed:

• Effect → Change Pitch (Audacity)
• Transpose function (DAW)

Key compatibility chart:

• C major ↔ A minor
• G major ↔ E minor
• D major ↔ B minor
• Etc.

Step 5: Align and Mix

Arrangement:

1. Import both tracks into DAW/Audacity
2. Line up downbeats
3. Adjust vocal placement
4. Try different starting points

Mixing tips:

• Vocals slightly louder than instrumental
• Add reverb to blend vocals
• EQ to prevent frequency clashes
• Compress for consistent levels

Step 6: Add Transitions

Make it interesting:

• Drop instrumentals during vocal highlights
• Switch between two instrumentals
• Add effects on transitions
• Build energy throughout

Step 7: Export

Settings:

• WAV (uncompressed) for further editing
• MP3 320kbps for sharing
• Normalize to -1 dB

Pro Tips

Finding Compatible Songs

Use These Tools:

• Mixed in Key (key detection)
• WhoSampled.com (find similar songs)
• Spotify playlists (same vibe songs)

Tempo Tricks

If BPMs are different:

• Speed up slower track
• Slow down faster track
• Change both to middle BPM

Formula:

New BPM = Original BPM × (Desired BPM ÷ Original BPM)

Key Matching Hacks

Don't know music theory?

• Try pitching vocals up/down 1-2 semitones
• If it sounds good, it IS good
• Trust your ears

Creative Ideas

Try these combinations:

• Rap vocals + pop instrumental
• Old song vocals + modern beat
• Slow ballad + upbeat dance track
• Two songs from same artist

Common Problems

Problem: Vocals sound disconnected

• Add reverb/delay
• EQ to match instrumental
• Adjust tempo more precisely

Problem: Keys clash

• Transpose one track
• Try different combinations
• Sometimes songs just don't work

Problem: Timing feels off

• Adjust vocal placement
• Try starting at different points
• Check if bars align (4/4 time)

Legal Note

For private use: Fine For public/commercial use: Need permission

Most mashups are for:

• Personal enjoyment
• DJ sets
• Non-commercial sharing
• Practice/portfolio

Mashup Tutorial Examples

Easy Mashup (Beginner)

Song A: "Stay With Me" (Sam Smith) Song B: "I'm Not the Only One" (Sam Smith)

• Same artist = similar production
• Close BPMs
• Same key

Advanced Mashup

Song A: "Hotline Bling" (Drake) vocals Song B: "Crazy" (Gnarls Barkley) instrumental

• Different genres
• Creative contrast
• Unexpected combination

Tools Comparison

FAQ

Do I need expensive software?

No. Use free Audacity + StemSplit to create professional mashups. DAWs make it easier but aren't required.

How long does it take?

First mashup: 2-4 hours. With practice: 30-60 minutes.

Can I share my mashup on YouTube?

Technically a copyright gray area. Many creators do, but videos can be taken down. Transformative use may apply.

Next Steps

To create your first mashup:

1. Separate vocals and instrumentals with StemSplit →
2. Import into Audacity
3. Match tempo and key
4. Mix and export

Free 30-second preview—see if your song combo works before committing.

Start Creating Mashups →