Most common way to use pads, strings and arps

[GLDN]

Hello musicians,

after years of watching YouTube tutorials about beatmaking first and foremost hip-hop/trap videos I am still not conviced if I understood which part in songs/mixes pads, strings and arps most of the time play. Yes of course we talk about creativy and things can be done in 1000 different ways but I am talking about the way those sounds are used most of time and maybe used in other genres just like film scores.

pads:
As I understood pads are often used in the background of other sounds like pianos, bells and guitars or in other words to layer those instruments. The chords of the piano (etc.) sounds are often layered with pad sounds to make everything sound more ambient. You can layer the whole chords or just particular notes like for example the top notes of the chords or a variation.

In the mix you use a high-cut to put the pad sound in the back of the mix. Where do I have to make the high-cut?

strings:
As I understood the not so promined strings can be used just like the pads. Others like expressive violin strings could also be used as a lead instrument.

arps:
Arps are also often used just like the pads but to bring movement into the music when they are used to layer chords but could also be used to play the lead melody.

What do you think is the most common way to use hose sounds?

Thank you!

 

[R00K1E]

I am a noobie, so take my words with criticism in mind. For me the picture of production builds around your "feeling". What's right and sounds good, translating what you want. What's wrong and sounds "out of place", ruining your piece. I always keep in mind that everything has a tone to it, meaning, purpose. Strings and pads can make lots of things, depends in what style you are in. If we are talking about hip-hop, then I assume that those instruments have second role module, meaning they will be used as "background" mostly. What matters in that kind of style is rhythm and catchy melody. As for arps... I think its not common to use them, but I may be wrong. Nevertheless, its nice to have them for motion mostly or to make emphasis. Overall, like you said, there is no 1 way, there are 1000 if not million. The only way I see, for me personally, how to know where to use those instruments is to experiment. Explore your taste and you will have the answer. And btw, just a reminder, but, perhaps, you know that: Common way is not the right way. At the end of the day its for you to decide, right? hehe Good luck!

 

[rhythmgj]

The three things you mentioned are all devices for supplying or supporting the harmony. Perhaps it will sound too simple to you, but it really is-- "However the composer chooses." Don't put too much stock in YT videos.


GJ

 

[R00K1E]

The three things you mentioned are all devices for supplying or supporting the harmony. Perhaps it will sound too simple to you, but it really is-- "However the composer chooses." Don't put too much stock in YT videos.


GJ

Totally agree!