Gothic Horror Instrumental (Gothic Horror for short) is a fairly new musical genre. Born out of horror movie sound tracks and halloween sound effects CDs in the late 1990s, mainly by the group "Midnight Syndicate". The name comes from Gothic Horror fiction novels, which heavily focused on Vampires, Werewolves, Ghosts. But has a romantic flair to it all. This music is Instrumental (meaning there are no lyrics) If you've ever wanted to make classical music that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, this is the guide for you.

[edit] Steps

Decide what Gothic Horror topic will be your inspiration, Vampires, Ghosts, and other supernatural beings are most common.
Start playing something on piano or guitar in a minor key. If you use a piano always be sure to have the sustain pedal depressed. Or if you are playing a guitar make sure to let the strings ring. This is a vital technique as it creates the haunting ghostly atmosphere. Minor arpeggios can work wonders in this blossoming genre.
Remember to keep the music melodic, use of too many chords in gothic horror can destroy a song.
Layout the entire song in a music writing program (guitar pro 5 is a great one) Write the music for all the instruments you will use on either keys or guitar. Then put it into the program.
Once you have your haunting song written and saved into music writing software with midi playback functions and you are sure that you like it, it's time to make sound effects.
Do not make lame sound effects to go with your song. If you are writing about ghosts use some heavy breathing sounds. If you are trying to personify the headless horseman in your song, use distant horse galloping, etc. Lame manical laughing should not be used.
Record your song at home with your piano, guitar, midi keyboard and whatever real instruments you can. Many classical instruments can be recorded with audacity by programs like guitar pro 5 and sound quite real.

[edit] Tips

Listen to Midnight Syndicate and Nox Arcana. The two most popular Gothic Horror bands. Try to discover the real instruments apart from the computer/synth generated ones.
Choirs can be created via guitar pro 5, midi keyboard or your own vocals.
Always try to capture the mood of the story that goes with the song via the instruments. Your not aiming to be super catchy.

[edit] Warnings

There are very, very few record labels (if any) that sign this newer kind of music.
Do not use silly sound fx
You do not absolutely NEED a program like guitar pro 5. But it certaintly helps. It's a cheap way to get a virtual orchestra that does sound quite convincing.

[edit] Things You'll Need

Audacity is a must, if you can use an actual recording studio then go you
Piano, Midi Keyboard, Guitar, Guitar pro 5 (or similar program).
A microphone that will hook up to a USB port on your PC to record both the real life instruments and the guitar pro/computer ones.
Finale Notepad is a good program for some virtual classical instruments