Orchestration 101: Instruments of the String Section

[@TableTopComposer]

Hi Everyone, so a quick update about this series. When I made these videos I used a Pitch-Octave notation other than SPN (Scientific Pitch Notation, which is standard). The system I worked with has C4 as middle C, and resets octaves every "A" instead of every "C". I apologize if this is confusing. My orchestration video on transposing explains the system in greater detail. Other than this, the information is accurate and should be helpful! I'll be releasing an updated series on orchestration soon with more information (and that actually uses SPN). Thank you for your understanding and support! I'm grateful to have such a great community surrounding this youtube channel!

[@amyevayn9828]

SUMMARY
String Instruments:
-largest section of the orchestra
-most honogenous, each instrument has the same tone color
-versatile, full dynamic range
-4 strings strung across a neck and bridge
-strings vibrate to produce sound
-higher pitches get more emotional
String Sections in the Orchestra:
1st violin
2nd violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
VIOLIN:
-G3, D4, A5, E5
-treble clef, use 8va symbol to write above octaves
-G3-E7 for whole section
-G3-B8 for soloists
-because it's more difficult to be in tune in higher range
-If you're writing for only two string instruments, write different parts because unison doesn't hide discrepancies
-Pizzicato G3-E6
-great for melodies
-anything higher than E5 cuts through the orchestra
-lower than E5 good for quiter moments
VIOLA:
-C3-A7
-C3, G3, D4, A5
-written in Alto Clef or Treble Clef
-lower register is rich and deep
-ideal for melody
-C3-C4 idiomatic and recognizable as Viola
-C5+ more carry power and can be heard easily
-doesn't have the advatage of being distinct, careful when putting it in the foreground
CELLO:
-C2, G2, D3, A4
-C2-G5
-written on Bass, Tenor, or Treble clef
-can play any role in the orchestra
-can be bassline or melody, harmony
-E4 and above, idiomatic and emotional
-lower than that, needs careful orchestration to stay in foreground
DOUBLE BASS:
-C1-Bb4
-transcribing instrument (notes sound 1 octave lower than written)
-written with bass cleff, tenor clef, treble clef
-E1, A2, D2, G2 (C1 extension)
-typically plays the bass line
-typically doubled with tuba and contrabasson in unison, with cello and bassoon an octave higher

[@JoJoboiWav]

thanks homie

[@yanyan-j4y]

Thanks for these brilliant courses of orchestrating. I've never found any courses that are easy to access like this, and I found that I can totally understand the rules of orchestration through learning.

[@josemiguelcorreia6111]

Thank you very much for these lessons. They are informative and rich.

[@mimi_teeehee]

I've commented the same thing in the past on one of your other lectures but this is seriously wonderful content I've learned more from you than anywhere else on the internet. I do wish that some of those videos had more examples shown directly in cubase but it still is really easy to understand nonetheless. Thank you immensely for your work sincerely!!

[@grobinson9352]

My goodness...I wish I had seen your videos when you first started. You make this simple to understand and not a 'scary' to deal with...Thank you.

[@Alexlamb442]

I loved the address at the end and what you said. Thanks for the encouragent and for sharing all of this knowledge in such a well structured way.

[@ingridtkn]

wow! this is really good!

[@adrianguzman8093]

Seriously thank you for these videos! I've been diving into music production this last year, and having no instrument experience outside piano and guitar, these video's help me understand the roles of these orchestral instruments.
Thank you!

[@dbp_pc3500]

Dude these videos are super amazing

[@declancooney4809]

Once a week posting is pretty amazing! Do what you can, and try not to burn out.

[@isaac3252]

Really awesome series

[@turtleyay3135]

There are errors in the Tuning notes' octaves (eg. C3, G3, D4, A4 not A5)

[@phamhuy7803]

highest note on cello is E6