Guide · Demos
How to make a demo of your song at home
Know the song first, set a tempo and key, record a clean guide with the vocal in front, add only what the song needs, and listen on a phone. A demo only has to show the song clearly: the melody, the words and the shape.
Updated 20 Oct 2026
1. Know the song
Finish the words and the structure before you record. See what a song demo is.
2. Set the tempo and key
Use the tap tempo tool and note the key. Set your recording software to match.
3. Record a clean guide
Guitar or piano with a guide vocal, to a click if you can. A phone is enough to start.
4. Keep the vocal in front
Turn the instrument down until the words are clear.
5. Add only what the song needs
For many demos that is nothing. For a pitch, maybe drums and bass.
6. Listen on a phone
Many people will hear it on a phone.
7. Save every take
You will want to compare them. See how to pick the best take.
Keep the demos organised
songdrafts stores your recordings; it does not record. In songdrafts every take of a song stacks on one card, and you can share a demo as one link that plays in the browser. See share demo links.
Common questions
Do I need expensive gear to make a demo?
No. A phone or a basic microphone is enough to show a song.
How long should a demo be?
The whole song, with a short intro.
Should I add drums to a demo?
Only if the song needs them or you are pitching it.
Should I use a click?
It helps keep time, especially if others will play along.
How many takes should I record?
As many as it takes to get one you like. Keep them all while the song is active.
Want this done for you? songdrafts is a board for your voice memos: every take stacked on one card, songs that move across stages, merging half songs, and one share link with comments pinned to the second. Works offline, and nothing you upload trains AI. What is songdrafts?