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» Do the fundamental things well
» Number 12: The Arrangement
1. Putting each instrument in its place:
» Keyboards
» Rhythm guitars
» Bass
» Drums
[Melody instruments]
» 2. Arranging the structure of the song
Melody instruments – the personality
Personality is the thing you immediately notice when you meet someone for the first time. It’s the same with melody instruments - they’re the things you immediately see about a song - they affect the way a song “looks”. When you add a trumpet, or a lead guitar part you give a song character and personality.
1. Pick the right time to play the right instrument
Each melody instrument is different, and it depends on the song, and the point in the song as to whether it’s helpful to use it. Trumpets have a triumphant character, violins and flutes have a more gentle character, and scorching electric guitars… I’ll let you work it out. Think about these characteristics, and whatever you do, don’t just play every verse in every song from start to finish!
2. Don’t limit yourself to the melody
Try playing harmonies, extended notes, stabs (rhythmic patterns often at the start or end of a line)…experiment!