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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 an 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 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 listeners
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 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).

FUNCTION:
It is part of the Rhythm section. It provides the body by playing chords in the middle range.
The rhythm is more closely related to the Snare Drum or Percussion lines where the 2
nd
and
4
th
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.
A Mix of Playing Styles ranging from around C3 to C4
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Broken chords
Scale
Broken chords
Chord

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 bands 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:
They provide further excitement in the rhythm by playing rhythms based on 16
th
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 rhythm. Its low pitch provide the 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 noteseither one, two,
or three notes at one time. As opposed to the Strings and Pad holding to notes in 3rds or 6ths,
it is common for the organ to play 2 notes a perfect 4
th
apart.
Held Notes in One Bar

C4
Perfect 4
th
apart
It is effective in sustaining lines as well as create rhythmic (percussiveuse 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


Fill notes at the end of a phrase
Held notes
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
Punch
Fill (run upwards)
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). 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,
Music Box and Glockenspiel are effective with 16
th
or 8
th
notes. When held longer such as
quarter note values, it has other tone qualities.
Music Box in 16
th
notes ranging around C4 toC5

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