Arrangement Basics

 

Composing with Job Tan 2003 Confidential 

ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—OVERVIEW

Having an arrangement concept is very important. The cover version of a song is the version everyone knows. Having a lead sheet as reference is aan n important start. Lead Sheet

The lead sheet contains vital info: title, tempo marking, composer, copyrights, melody and chords. However, a new perspective can be given to the song or simply something new could be added. This can be done by arranging a slow section in a fast song or vice-versa. After choosing the song, deciding the key and tempo depends very much on the arranging concepts as these may need to change throughout the music. A very technical guide below lists possible changes under various musical parameters, much like changing the outfit of a person: 1. Using a different Style 2. Using a different Beat 3. Using a different Meter 4. Using a different Tempo 5. Using a different Introduction 6. Using a different Ending 7. Changing chords Using a different Style Styles can be defined in broad categories of genres such as classical, jazz, pop, world etc. In each genre, we can find many styles. For example under the category of pop, we have  ballad, shuffle, rock, rock ballad and so on. Each of these styles has a distinct character, created by the choices of instruments, and patterns created. Using a different style means changing the beat, chords, tempo, and even meter of the original outfit of a song.

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Using a different Beat The beat is defined by instruments in the rhythm section. The different patterns each instrument such as the bass, drums, piano, guitar play all combine to form the beat. While retaining the speed and meter, changing the beat can create a variation in the flow of a song. For example, changing the snare on beats 2 and 4 to 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4 create a different feel of the rhythm when all instrument parts change accordingly. Snare drum patterns

Snare drum  patterns

Using a different Meter Changing the meter of a song can inject a fresh perspective to the song. A drastic change for example occurs when a 6/8 song is transformed into a 4/4 song. The melody will give the song a new ne w leash of life when it adapts rhythmically to the new meter. Using a different Tempo When the beat and meter are retained, changing the speed of a song will change the mood. This is done usually for the effect of contrast (between fast and slow). Using a different Introduction The introduction prepares the listener for the main action. Try to capture the listener’s attention. Using a different Ending A fresh idea on how to end the song can be uplifting. Avoid predictability. Changing chords Substitute simple triads with extended jazz chords if possible, create variations of  progression in a repeated phrase.

KNOWING YOUR INSTRUMENTS

Let us look at individual instruments and the playing styles characteristic of the instruments. Some of these are MIDI (only available in the electronic form) instruments. While others are ‘acoustics’ instruments and their playing characteristics should be taken note of, that it is a clarinet

 

MIDI

part

should

be

playable

2

on

and

sound

like

a

real

clarinet.

 

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ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—PIANO RANGE: Usually in the middle range near middle C. Occasional runs or arpeggios up and down in the higher range. There is also occasional doubling with Bass Guitar for unison passages. One Hand (or single staff) would do the job but when both hands (2 staffs) are used, the LH (lower) plays chords while the RH (higher) plays melodies (or countermelodies). c ountermelodies). FUNCTION: It is part of the Rhythm section. It provides the body by playing chords in the middle range. nd

The rhythm is more closely related to the Snare Drum or Percussion lines where the 2  and th

4  beats are usually emphasized. Rhythm Chords

or Broken chords can also be used, especially in slow songs. Broken Chords

or The piano is also capable of playing solo and when this happens, all kinds of styles are called into use for a fuller range of expression. e xpression. A Mix of Playing Styles ranging from around C3 to C4

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Broken Bro ken chords chords

Chord

Scale Broken Bro ken chords chords   ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—DRUM SET RANGE: In sequencing software, midi channel 10 is reserved for percussion instruments. Each instrument in a palette comprising a wide range from low (bass drum) to high (cymbals) is arranged on the keyboard, ready for interaction. But the basic rhythm must be present to  provide a sense of regularity and security. This is provided by the bass drum, snare drum and hi-hats. Basic Drum Set

One-bar drum pattern in Piano Roll/ Matrix View

One-bar pattern

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FUNCTION: It is the backbone of the Rhythm section. It controls the tempo. Being the loudest (usually) and the center of excitement, it can easily control the mood and flow of a performance. The fills that come at the end of phrases are important signals for the band’s directions. Different types of fills can call for different actions. In slow pieces, it can simply turn the control over to the keyboard and just occasionally use the ride cymbals, hi-hats and roll cymbals (use a soft yarn mallet) for decorations. While doing these and not in direct control, sometimes it is important for the drummer to remind the keyboardist to keep in time and in tempo as certain pianists tend towards

rubato.

ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)— PERCUSSION RANGE: On the midi channel 10, percussion instruments are arranged in the higher range from C3 upwards.

FUNCTION: th

They provide further excitement in the rhythm by playing rhythms based on 16   notes (semiquavers), sometimes syncopated. For each style, the percussion instruments are an integral part, they define the style with the patterns played. For example Mambo is defined by conga, cabasa, maracas, cow bell and tambourine whereas Reggae does not require conga and cow bell.

ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—BASS RANGE: Around notes F0 to F2. But effective from C1 to C2. FUNCTION: It is an integral part of the Rhythm section. It lays the foundation to the music together with the bass drum in in rhythm. Its low low pitch provide the music music with a secure foundation. It is almost always ‘married’ to the bass drum where the 2 play at the same places. However this is not always true. Sometimes it is free to create its own line. For music examples, look at ‘logicFunLes7’.

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ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—ORGAN RANGE: Usually the high-middle range (around C3, C4 and above) is used. It should be just a little higher than the piano part so as to avoid crowding around the same area to allow clarity in  both parts.

FUNCTION: It is a versatile instrument and can be part of the rhythm or melody section. The organ is similar to the strings. As accompaniment, it can merely play soft held notes—either one, two, or three notes at one time. As opposed to the Strings and Pad holding to notes in 3rds or 6ths, th

it is common for the organ to play 2 notes a perfect 4  apart. Held Notes in One Bar

C4

th

Perfect 4  apart

It is effective in sustaining lines as well as create rhythmic (percussive—use ‘Rock Organ’) lines or runs similar to strings or piano phrases involving scales. It can be used as an alternative to strings’ classical-sentimental character in a rock or pop setting. Held Notes and Fills

Held notes

Fill notes at the end of a hrase

It also makes a good solo instrument (play melodic lines). Four-Bar Solo

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ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—STRINGS RANGE: Usually only the higher range (C4 and above) is used. However, 3 independent parts of high, mid (around C3), low (around C2) would make the arrangement full, creating an impact close to the orchestral string parts.

FUNCTION: Strings’ sustaining lines are a good contrast to the ‘choppy’ rhythm. The higher strings (around C4 to C5) can create or help sustain the soaring effect usually found in the chorus of a song. High Strings in 6ths from around C5 to C4

ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—WOODWIND RANGE: Usually the outstanding high range (C4 and above) is used as the middle range (around C3)  blends well with other instruments and cannot be heard if playing the melody.

FUNCTION: Plays melody or counter melody

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ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—BRASS RANGE: Mid and high range (C3 to C5) are effective for building a fanfare. High range is particularly common for punches (or punctuations at the end of phrases).

FUNCTION: The punches in between phrases or on the first beat of a phrase bring the energy level up. A fade out glissando effect can be created following the punch. Punch and Gliss around C5

Glissando fade out

Punch

Punch, Gliss and Fill around C4

Glissando fade out Fill (run upwards)

Punch Soaring brass lines (whether French Horn, or just Brass) adds the heroic character to the music. Trumpets are effective for Fanfares. French Horn Fanfare ranging around C2 to C4

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Trumpet Fanfare ranging around C3 to C4

Please note that in MIDI arrangement, going out of the range of the real instrument is alright  provided it sounds acceptable and it fulfills the function intended.

ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—PAD RANGE: Usually mid range (around C3), with or without a bass line (around C1 to C2), played in close, held chords. FUNCTION: Mid range provides a warm and soothing gel to the music in the background (it must be  played soft and hardly noticeable). noticeab le). Since the attack is slow, it is effective when chords change only at every bar and not every beat. MIDI instruments such as warm pad, halo, space voice are appropriate. Warm Pad in 3rds ranging around C3 toC4

ARRANGEMENT BASICS (using sequencing software)—BELL RANGE: The high range (C4 and above) is used to create a tinkling sound to highlight phrases.

FUNCTION:

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It serves to highlight points in a melodic phrase, much like a triangle playing different pitch. Played sparingly (one to three notes at any one time), MIDI instruments such as Fantasia, th

th

Music Box and Glockenspiel are effective with 16   or 8   notes. When held longer such as quarter note values, it has other tone qualities. th

Music Box in 16  notes ranging around C4 toC5

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