I faced a similar problem a while ago. While still checking out various DAWs I'm using LMMS. Imho, when compared to other similar programs it is definitely not worse, especially for a not very experienced user like myself. The more I used the better it seems to me and I find it even simpler, more user friendly that other DAWs. It is also feature rich, well, at least for my humble demands.

You can use build-in presets, OLPC sounds, external sound-fonts, VST plugins. Well, definitely a good program to start with.

Good luck!

BTW: (you can check out the tracks I create using LMMS :) to get an idea what you can do having little experience in LMMS or music in general. )

I'm veery (very) slowly getting into LMMS, most of this is thanks to yd posting the mmpz files, which I can learn from.

I'd love to see a completely foss tracker in the style of beepbox.co though (which is freely licensed but based on flash).

@qubodup

:) My project files are not the most suitable for learning LMMS, I do not use even 10% of this software's functionality.  So beware from whom you are learning. You should check out LMMS tutorial section and definitely visit LMMS Sharing Platform (http://lmms.sourceforge.net/lsp/index.php) for more "professional" tracks.

Are you using an external keyboard with lmms?

@yd: just a keyboard and a mouse. I got a wacom tablet but I doubt it makes sense to use that.

@Scrittl: feel free to share tutorial links if you find some that you found especially helpful! :)

Highly recommend getting at least a simple midi keyboard. That will make using LMMS much more fun.

As an example, AKAI LPK25 does an excellent job.

The easiest program I know is Aria Maestosa (http://ariamaestosa.sourceforge.net/).

Download http://www.64studio.com distro. They have all you need, and more ;)