Introduction to String Arranging for Producers/Composers in Logic (VIDEO INSIDE)

Cam'rox

New member
I stumbled upon this video the other day and thought it might be helpful to all u producers. It's very interesting, informative, and can be really helpful for those of u who are like me an like to use strings in your tracks. The video lesson was made by a professional violinist and arranger named Pete Whitfield. He makes the concept of string arranging very clear and just about anyone who knows how to create music can follow it, even if ur strictly midi-based so don't be intimidated. Though it is pretty useful to have a solid understanding of music theory, specifically harmony and scales/chord theory/chord structure/chord names/chord voicings/voice leading and things of that nature. But in then end, your ear is the ultimate judge so if u don't already know those things, then use ur ear! And best of all, he's using Logic in the video!

I actually know a lil somethin about string arranging myself, and I can say that this is truly a gem of knowledge on the subject. so without further ado, here it is:



**btw, I recommend using a good, realistic sounding string library like Miroslav Philharmonik or something from the EastWest Series if u really wanna put these concepts to work.

You can find more lessons from this guy here: http://realstrings.wordpress.com/how-to/

Enjoy!
 
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That string part had so much emotion, just beautiful. It's so refreshing to see a different sophisticated world besides all these simple ass hiphop beats that get boring and uninspiring over time.

I wish I'd had a chance to learn from those arrangers and composers, but finding those people is not easy.

Thanks a ton for posting.
 
That string part had so much emotion, just beautiful. It's so refreshing to see a different sophisticated world besides all these simple ass hiphop beats that get boring and uninspiring over time.

I wish I'd had a chance to learn from those arrangers and composers, but finding those people is not easy.

Thanks a ton for posting.

No problem. I personally like to use these concepts & techniques and incorporate them into whatever other genres of music I work on including hip hop.
 
i already did this naturally, but understanding why i did it and the theory of it cements it in my head now what to do when i work w/ strings...excellent thread... very helpful and useful... and yet only 120 views... are they're REALLY future producers on this site??!!
 
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Thanks for that info. Yo thing is, Are programs like EWSO and Miroslav "universal" with their sound??

I heard EWSO is only good for hollywood movie scoring.

Miroslav is for simple compositions not really good on the MASS string sections.

Vienna is only good for classical pieces. . . (BUT I only heard/read these things.)

What if I wanted to do a 70's Motown sounding track? What program would I use? lol.
 
Thanks for that info. Yo thing is, Are programs like EWSO and Miroslav "universal" with their sound??

I heard EWSO is only good for hollywood movie scoring.

Miroslav is for simple compositions not really good on the MASS string sections.

Vienna is only good for classical pieces. . . (BUT I only heard/read these things.)

What if I wanted to do a 70's Motown sounding track? What program would I use? lol.

Just use similar effects chains used on 70s Motown tracks with a similar string section that was used (Violin, Viola, Cello) and you should be able to mimic it with any decent Orchestra plugin including EWQL and Miroslav.
 
What if I wanted to do a 70's Motown sounding track? What program would I use? lol.

http://www.nomadfactory.com/products/retro/motown/index.html

+

http://www.audiodamage.com/effects/product.php?pid=AD019

+

http://www.fabfilter.com/products/timeless.php

+

http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/Vinyl/

=

Solid combination for that sound emulation...when used in this order in the chain, and in the right amounts of course. Lots of plug-ins right there for your strings bus, so don't go overboard. Also, don't forget to re-sample it to introduce some artifacts into it and then load the loop(s) back into your favorite sampler plug-in or whatever you use.
 
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i already did this naturally, but understanding why i did it and the theory of it cements it in my head now what to do when i work w/ strings...excellent thread... very helpful and useful... and yet only 120 views... are they're REALLY future producers on this site??!!


i was going to say the same thing
 
That string part had so much emotion, just beautiful. It's so refreshing to see a different sophisticated world besides all these simple ass hiphop beats that get boring and uninspiring over time.

I wish I'd had a chance to learn from those arrangers and composers, but finding those people is not easy.

Thanks a ton for posting.

:cry:

it's just a simple usage of "circle of fifths", II-V-I chord progression is heavily used in hip hop especially when they used to sample jazz records a lot. why do mutha****as always look down on hip hop?
here you go,same **** just with minor 7th chords,straight from the billboard charts...
 
http://www.nomadfactory.com/products/retro/motown/index.html

+

http://www.audiodamage.com/effects/product.php?pid=AD019

+

http://www.fabfilter.com/products/timeless.php

+

http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/Vinyl/

=

Solid combination for that sound emulation...when used in this order in the chain, and in the right amounts of course. Lots of plug-ins right there for your strings bus, so don't go overboard. Also, don't forget to re-sample it to introduce some artifacts into it and then load the loop(s) back into your favorite sampler plug-in or whatever you use.

I really want to smack u right now. . .:cheers:
 
:cry:

it's just a simple usage of "circle of fifths", II-V-I chord progression is heavily used in hip hop especially when they used to sample jazz records a lot. why do mutha****as always look down on hip hop?
here you go,same **** just with minor 7th chords,straight from the billboard charts...

I don't look down on hiphop, I criticize it, there's a difference. And the song you posted was not the type of hiphop music I was referring to, but you know that already. I used the word "sophisticated" in my initial post, although I like Tha Bizness' music, that song was not sophisticated by all means.
 
i don't think there is anything sophisticated about that youtube clip,but it's a cool clip nevertheless.

"It's so refreshing to see a different sophisticated world besides all these simple ass hiphop beats that get boring and uninspiring over time."

you are not criticizing,you are hating,because what you said is absolutely not true. if you liked this clip on youtube,how can u not like current state of hiphop/rnb/pop when there are many producers who are doing the same thing youtube guy did all over their beats?
 
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