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Welcome to '''MusicBrainz!''' This beginners' guide should get you started on both correcting tags in your digital music and contributing data back to MusicBrainz. If this is your first visit to this page, it might be good to read it all before diving into more advanced topics. If you want to dive right in anyway, the [[How To]]s are a quite good place to do so.
=Beginner's Guide=


MusicBrainz (often abbreviated to MB) consists of three parts:
<ul><li style="list-style-type:none">[[Image:Attention.png]] '''Status:''' ''This document is still in it's very early stages. It is definitely not ready to be seen by real newcomers. But it is only a question of a little time and work. The idea is to have in one page the essential info a user has to know in order to start doing things correctly in MusicBrainz. Anybody may amend and/or enhance it, but remember, it should be kept small, easy to understand even to people who don't read english fluently. Also this [[Needs Intertwingling|NeedsIntertwingling]].''
* The web interface and its backend, the [[MusicBrainz Database|database]].
</ul>
* The documentation (you're reading part of it!).
* The [[Products|applications and services]].


If you're like most users, you will probably start to tag your files with information that was already in the database (perhaps with [[MusicBrainz_Picard|Picard]]). But remember that MusicBrainz is user-edited, so if you find that something is missing, you can add it, and if it is wrong, you can fix it! These changes are not always applied instantly, because they pass through our voting system. Our introductions [[Introduction to Editing|to editing]] and [[Introduction to Voting|to voting]] will help you understand how that works.
Welcome to Musicbrainz! We hope to give you the knowledge you need to start enhancing MB as well as your own files. This document contains many links which we hope will explain [[MusicBrainz]] in more detail and expand on the concept. If this is your first visit here, try to read this in it's entirety before following the purple colored links. [[MusicBrainz]] is a world in itself and you might get lost ;-) Once you begin to understand what is going on, you can start exploring the documentation. [[How To|HowTo]] can be a good procedure-oriented starting point.

[[MusicBrainz]] (MB in short) is currently made up of three parts: the database, the documentation and software to interact with your files. Of course, you will use the database, this is the whole point of [[MusicBrainz]]! You will consult it, and you will edit it (add or update data). But since editing the database relies on a voting system, you will need the documentation too, in order to understand how to query and update the database. Ultimately, you may want to improve the database to accurately identify and tag your files.


==Documentation==
==Documentation==


The [[MusicBrainz_Documentation|documentation]] includes guides and [[:Category:How_To|how-tos]], but also the definitions for [[MusicBrainz Terminology|MusicBrainz terminology]] and the [[Style|guidelines]] editors are expected to follow when editing. You don't need to memorise or even read all of the guidelines from the beginning, although there are a few important ones that deal with [[Style/Titles|titles]], [[Style/Artist|artists]] and [[Style/Release|releases]].
The documentation is [[WikiDocs]]. These are the "how to" of the database and will be referred to often within the notes left during the voting process. Usually in the term of Style, or [[Style Guide|StyleGuide]].


==Database==
==Web interface==


Step 1: In order to update the database, you must register, and then log in. After doing this you are registered and can cross that step from your list.
Before making any changes to the data, you will need to [[mb:register|register]] and then [[mb:login|log in]]. You will need to provide a verified email address so that other editors can contact you. Our [[meb:privacy|privacy policy]] makes it very clear that we don't share your data or spam you.


If you want to get used to the interface before you start editing real data, you can do so at [https://test.musicbrainz.org/ our test page]. Changes made there '''won't be applied''' to the real data, so nobody will mind you adding some junk while you get used to the editing system on MusicBrainz. Note that this page is also where new features are tested by our developers, so it might be slightly different from the standard interface... and a bit broken at times!
Step 2: Subscribe to the artists or groups in which you have a particular interest. This allows you to be notified immediately of changes made to these pages.


===Definitions===
===Definitions===


When a user modifies the data in any way, that's [[Introduction to Editing|editing]]. This is different from the wiki-like editing you might be used to from sites like Wikipedia, because most edits must go through a [[Introduction to Voting|voting]] process before being applied.
In [[MusicBrainz]] when a user modifies data in any way (see [http://musicbrainz.org/mod_intro.html http://musicbrainz.org/mod_intro.html] and [[How Editing Works|HowEditingWorks]]), this change is called editing, though you may see reference to "moderation", or mods (see [[Moderation Guide|ModerationGuide]], [[Moderation FAQ|ModerationFAQ]], [[Moderation Note|ModerationNote]]) as we reshape our documentation. Most edits must go through a voting process before being applied. (see [[How To Vote|HowToVote]]) Some minor edits (such as changing the case of letters) are applied immediately, no vote being required.

The term [[Release|release]] refers to a specific issuing of an album, single, compilation, etc., and includes a specific set of [[recording]]s in a particular order. A release often has several different editions such as a digital iTunes edition, an edition with bonus tracks or a market-specific edition with only [[Style/Release#Cover_art|minor differences]] such as the legal text or price code; these should be entered as separate releases.

A [[Disc ID|disc ID]] is a kind of signature for a CD. It contains the precise timing information for the CD and allows it to be recognised automatically. When you use [[MusicBrainz_Picard|MusicBrainz Picard]], you can automatically retrieve the disc ID of your CD to include it in the MusicBrainz database. We have specific documentation on [[How_to_Add_Disc_IDs|how to add disc IDs]].

One of the fundamental aims of MusicBrainz is to offer correct and well structured information. To enforce this, we have [[Style|style guidelines]] which allow us to ensure the data input by all users is accurate.

===Adding a release===

Adding a release is probably one of the first things you will want to do. Please note that MusicBrainz aspires to have data that is structured in a meaningful manner and as accurate as possible, so please follow the [[Style|style guidelines]]!

If you have a CD, you can first see if MusicBrainz has a [[Disc ID|disc ID]] for it and, if not, add a new disc ID (either to an existing release or while adding the release itself). For that, consult [[How_to_Add_Disc_IDs|the how-to for adding disc IDs]]. If you have other kind of release (like a vinyl, or a digital release), or you just can't add a disc ID for some reason, you will need to search for the release by hand. Usually the best way is to search for the title of the release. If you can't find the release you have, or the only matches in MusicBrainz are reasonably different from yours (different barcode, for example), then that means you must add the CD as a new release to the database.

See our guide on [[How to Add a Release|how to add a release]].


When submitting your new release, it helps immensely if you can provide a link to a page containing more information about the release. Please read [[How to Write Edit Notes|these tips for adding edit notes]] and try to follow them. A good edit note is not only useful in the moment of adding a release, but can also prove its use years later when some other user tries to find more information about it. Another way of providing more information about a release, which is especially useful if it's obscure and you cannot find any links, is to upload scans or other artwork from it, as explained in [[How to Add Cover Art]].
The term [[Release]] regroups albums, singles, vinyls, cassettes. A release is made of one or several [[Track]]. If a same cd (same tracklisting) is issued twice, once as a stand-alone, once in a set, it should be entered into the database twice (see [[Release]] and [[Box Set|BoxSet]]).


While we welcome bootlegs, we discourage adding home-made compilations or mixtapes. These kinds of releases are not widely available and any information about them is typically only useful to the individual who created them. Releases such as these are usually removed from our database. Information about pirate releases is allowed if they are not equivalent to an official release: a direct digital rip of an official CD should not be added, but a pirate release including demos or remixes in addition to the content of the official CD release can be. If you do add pirate releases, please do not add any download / purchase links to them; we want to document them, but not actively promote piracy.
One of the fundamental aims of [[MusicBrainz]] is to offer exact information. To enforce this, we set up Guidelines. These Guidelines allow us to ensure the data input by all users is accurate. These Guidelines vary depending on the kind of album: [[Style Guideline|StyleGuideline]], [[Capitalization Standard|CapitalizationStandard]], [[Classical Style Guide|ClassicalStyleGuide]], [[Soundtrack Style|SoundtrackStyle]], [[How To Make Relationships|HowToMakeRelationships]]


===Adding an album===
===Pending/open edits===


When editing MusicBrainz, be careful about edits that are open. If there is a pending edit (usually highlighted in yellow) you should check if it is already doing what you wanted to do. If so, you don't need to do anything - except voting Yes so it will be applied sooner! If it is different and you don't agree with it, you probably should say so in an [[Edit Note|edit note]]. Make sure you follow the [[Code_of_Conduct|Code of Conduct]] while doing so!
Please note, [[MusicBrainz]] strives for accuracy. Factory disc id's are welcomed, if the disc you want to submit is not the factory disc, that's okay, just please don't submit your disc id to the track listing.


If you realise you've made a mistake while editing, and your edit is still open, '''don't enter a remove edit to undo it!''' You should [[How to Cancel an Edit|cancel your previous edit]] and make your changes again. The exception to this is if you make a mistake when adding a release. In this case, it is usually more efficient to leave your edit as is and create a follow up edit correcting your mistake.
This is probably one of the first things you will want to do. Either you have a cd, or you don't (vinyl, cassette...)
* If you have a cd, first run Picard. Picard analyzes your cd and connects to the [[MusicBrainz]] web site. If the cd exists, please take care to note the tracks. If they are the same you have finished. If they are not the same, you may have a different release. This is a chance for you to enhance MB by adding your more unique disc, please do this rather than try to manipulate the track list that does not fully match your release.


==Guides==
If [[MusicBrainz]] doesn't know your cd, it automatically tries to recover it from freedb. If it finds it, it recovers the freedb data. A word of warning. You must now carefully examine the freedb import since it often needs enhancements to fit into [[MusicBrainz]]'s [[Style Guidelines|StyleGuidelines]]. This is as well why we will often ask for some verification other than free db. If [[MusicBrainz]] really can't offer any useful suggestion for your cd, then you will have to input the tracks manually.
* If you don't have a cd, then first do a search, usually using the title of the album. If what you find is reasonably different from what [[MusicBrainz]] may already have, then you have a new release, you should enter it manually.
* It helps immensely if you can provide a link to Amazon or another service with the release to help us populate the fields of the release, double check track accuracy and times. While welcoming bootlegs, we try and discourage a home made various mix. Our aim is toward widely reaching and readily useable accurate information. Thus your local factory made Various Artist may not be accepted for it's very slim range of user need.


We have some basic guides for adding [[How to Add an Artist|artists]], [[How to Add Relationships|relationships]] and [[How to Add a Release|releases]].
===Order of operations when editing an object with a pending edit===


And of course, you can read [[How_To|our how-tos]] on different matters.
Take care when altering the database in reference to previous edits. If there is a pending edit (usually highlighted in yellow), one edit will cancel another out. You will want to delete your edits if you notice your own mistake, rather than edit over a previous edit.


==Software==
===Advanced editing===


You can [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/downloads download MusicBrainz Picard], our tagger, to tag your digital files and submit [[Disc ID|disc IDs]] to MusicBrainz. If you have questions, check the [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/docs Picard documentation] and [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/docs/guide this illustrated how-to]. You can install all kind of [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/plugins plugins] for it too!
One of the most fundamental database tools of [[MusicBrainz]] is [[Advanced Relationship|AdvancedRelationship]]s. Under this name, we regroup "links" from one object to another. We use ARs to say who composed an album or a track, who performed in an album or a track, who was a member of group so-and-so, which track is an original version of this track... ARs are slower and more complex to enter than albums and tracks, but it is these entries which what allow [[MusicBrainz]] to be a full-fledged database rather than a simple collection of albums and tracks!


==Discussion==
album-level ARs should be added only when they impact on all the tracks on the album.


Of course, remember that if you can't find an answer to some doubt in the documentation, you can (should!) [[Communication|ask about it]].
Thank you for taking the time to read and learn more about what makes [[MusicBrainz]] thrive. Your next visit should be to [[Code Of Conduct|CodeOfConduct]] or the [[How To|HowTo]].


{{HowtoBox}}
[[Category:To Be Reviewed]] [[Category:Documentation]]
[[Category:Documentation]] [[Category:WikiDocs Page]]

Latest revision as of 13:06, 31 May 2022

Welcome to MusicBrainz! This beginners' guide should get you started on both correcting tags in your digital music and contributing data back to MusicBrainz. If this is your first visit to this page, it might be good to read it all before diving into more advanced topics. If you want to dive right in anyway, the How Tos are a quite good place to do so.

MusicBrainz (often abbreviated to MB) consists of three parts:

If you're like most users, you will probably start to tag your files with information that was already in the database (perhaps with Picard). But remember that MusicBrainz is user-edited, so if you find that something is missing, you can add it, and if it is wrong, you can fix it! These changes are not always applied instantly, because they pass through our voting system. Our introductions to editing and to voting will help you understand how that works.

Documentation

The documentation includes guides and how-tos, but also the definitions for MusicBrainz terminology and the guidelines editors are expected to follow when editing. You don't need to memorise or even read all of the guidelines from the beginning, although there are a few important ones that deal with titles, artists and releases.

Web interface

Before making any changes to the data, you will need to register and then log in. You will need to provide a verified email address so that other editors can contact you. Our privacy policy makes it very clear that we don't share your data or spam you.

If you want to get used to the interface before you start editing real data, you can do so at our test page. Changes made there won't be applied to the real data, so nobody will mind you adding some junk while you get used to the editing system on MusicBrainz. Note that this page is also where new features are tested by our developers, so it might be slightly different from the standard interface... and a bit broken at times!

Definitions

When a user modifies the data in any way, that's editing. This is different from the wiki-like editing you might be used to from sites like Wikipedia, because most edits must go through a voting process before being applied.

The term release refers to a specific issuing of an album, single, compilation, etc., and includes a specific set of recordings in a particular order. A release often has several different editions such as a digital iTunes edition, an edition with bonus tracks or a market-specific edition with only minor differences such as the legal text or price code; these should be entered as separate releases.

A disc ID is a kind of signature for a CD. It contains the precise timing information for the CD and allows it to be recognised automatically. When you use MusicBrainz Picard, you can automatically retrieve the disc ID of your CD to include it in the MusicBrainz database. We have specific documentation on how to add disc IDs.

One of the fundamental aims of MusicBrainz is to offer correct and well structured information. To enforce this, we have style guidelines which allow us to ensure the data input by all users is accurate.

Adding a release

Adding a release is probably one of the first things you will want to do. Please note that MusicBrainz aspires to have data that is structured in a meaningful manner and as accurate as possible, so please follow the style guidelines!

If you have a CD, you can first see if MusicBrainz has a disc ID for it and, if not, add a new disc ID (either to an existing release or while adding the release itself). For that, consult the how-to for adding disc IDs. If you have other kind of release (like a vinyl, or a digital release), or you just can't add a disc ID for some reason, you will need to search for the release by hand. Usually the best way is to search for the title of the release. If you can't find the release you have, or the only matches in MusicBrainz are reasonably different from yours (different barcode, for example), then that means you must add the CD as a new release to the database.

See our guide on how to add a release.

When submitting your new release, it helps immensely if you can provide a link to a page containing more information about the release. Please read these tips for adding edit notes and try to follow them. A good edit note is not only useful in the moment of adding a release, but can also prove its use years later when some other user tries to find more information about it. Another way of providing more information about a release, which is especially useful if it's obscure and you cannot find any links, is to upload scans or other artwork from it, as explained in How to Add Cover Art.

While we welcome bootlegs, we discourage adding home-made compilations or mixtapes. These kinds of releases are not widely available and any information about them is typically only useful to the individual who created them. Releases such as these are usually removed from our database. Information about pirate releases is allowed if they are not equivalent to an official release: a direct digital rip of an official CD should not be added, but a pirate release including demos or remixes in addition to the content of the official CD release can be. If you do add pirate releases, please do not add any download / purchase links to them; we want to document them, but not actively promote piracy.

Pending/open edits

When editing MusicBrainz, be careful about edits that are open. If there is a pending edit (usually highlighted in yellow) you should check if it is already doing what you wanted to do. If so, you don't need to do anything - except voting Yes so it will be applied sooner! If it is different and you don't agree with it, you probably should say so in an edit note. Make sure you follow the Code of Conduct while doing so!

If you realise you've made a mistake while editing, and your edit is still open, don't enter a remove edit to undo it! You should cancel your previous edit and make your changes again. The exception to this is if you make a mistake when adding a release. In this case, it is usually more efficient to leave your edit as is and create a follow up edit correcting your mistake.

Guides

We have some basic guides for adding artists, relationships and releases.

And of course, you can read our how-tos on different matters.

Software

You can download MusicBrainz Picard, our tagger, to tag your digital files and submit disc IDs to MusicBrainz. If you have questions, check the Picard documentation and this illustrated how-to. You can install all kind of plugins for it too!

Discussion

Of course, remember that if you can't find an answer to some doubt in the documentation, you can (should!) ask about it.

How-To Pages
Introductory Guides Beginners' Guide · Creating an Account · Editing · Voting · Writing Edit Notes
Basic How-Tos Adding an Artist · Adding Relationships · Using the Relationship Editor · Using Artist Credits · Adding a Release · Works · Events · Places · Series · Instruments · Areas
Specific How-Tos Merging Releases · Merging Recordings · Removing Entities · Adding Cover Art · Identifying Labels · Splitting Artists · Adding Standalone Recordings · Adding Disc IDs · Cancelling Edits · Searching for Edits · Reporting a User · Reporting an Issue · Working with AcoustIDs · Tagging Files with Picard
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