Bizzare that this has such a low view count, this could help a ton of people. The quality and insight in this lesson - I felt like I ought to be paying for it! Thanks a ton for your work
Because too many people focus too much on "plugins" or vst "hacks" to try to better their music quickly instead of really working on fundamental creativity & artistry
Audiences can be very intriguing you find one excellent video with few views and some random video with over 1M views, it is the same thing with music too
This is a goldmine for newbies like me! I know how to compose songs, but arranging, i'm always doing the 1st one.. good thing i stumbled on this youtube video!
Thanks Benjamin. Tons more on the channel to explore - I'm wondering if you might find ''Taking care of the Bass' useful th-cam.com/video/NVn7d01MhV4/w-d-xo.html EO
Absolutely love how you came into this by showing an example of bad arrangement by comparison. Not only does that help a person understand arranging when they don’t have a firm grasp on what the concept is, but it’s also just entertaining to hear people critique things, isn’t it? So it kind of draws you in right away. Thanks for that.
Great tutorial. Lou Reed stands out in my mind as an artist who took very basic structures and constantly rearranged them. Compare his live performances at the Ritz '86 or Capitol Theatre '84 with studio recordings of the same songs, or even to other live shows. Doing so, you gain insight of how the same song can be arranged with different instruments and musicians to create a unique experience of something very familiar.
Very very true. Some of my favourites are those 60s ad 70s R&B arrangements of hit songs - eg Aretha Franklin. Classic example - Aretha's 'Young Gifted and Black' - simultaneously faithful to and radical departure from Nina Simone's version. EO
This was the most helpful video I've found for arranging my own music. I recently just started music production and have been progressively improving. I was stuck on arranging until watching this video. Thank you!
Thank you - tell your friends (!) Hope you find other things on the channel that are helpful - you may like this one: th-cam.com/video/Kev-4gKV2Cc/w-d-xo.html. EO
When he played that "badly arranged" Christmas cover song, I was like T_T THAT'S WHAT ALL MY SONGS SOUND LIKE LOL!! But thank you so much for this video, I learned a LOT
Ha ha! Yes, we've all been there! I have to say, arrangements like that CAN work if the context is right - a lot of punk songs were just like a loud version of this! Good luck with your music EO
Thank you so much! Oh yeah I never thought about that haha, I guess punk music is really simplistic but it works for that genre haha. Thanks, You really helped me a lot !@@EarOpener
I don't know who decided to put this together, but damn you guys are saints. Thank you, it's a wonderful time we live in! One of the best pieces of music education content on the net
You're making us blush. Thanks so much. All these videos actually came out of various talks that we gave to 18 year olds at schools in London. We thought this was the information they needed and asked some esteemed friends to help put it together. EO
I'm so glad it's useful. I really recommend checking out our playlist "Organising your music" th-cam.com/play/PLd78t7GIBhi-RRb-0MGo_5gkDEFCJFJkM.html. which covers more ground on arrangement. We'll also be doing more in the new year. EO
Thanks a lot guys, excellent stuff indeed ! My demos are always quite busy, lots of ideas in the same room... These demos out of boredom are never finished, and I tend to compose new things, ideas, but without working on arrangement. Tons of harddrives with unfinished badly arranged stuff (mostly instrumental). Maybe the keyword here is "Space". I find that writing songs is more easy than instrumentals because you have a classic canvas of intro/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus adlib... Instrumental stuff is much more complicated to arrange. How do you feel about that ?
Yes, you raise some very interesting points. I find that some - especially younger - musicians try to write instrumental music , but only really listen to SONGS themselves. Their work sounds like a backing track but misses the central element - the voice. They are related, but very different things to write. Typically , instrumental music needs a lot more variation and arranging to keep the piece moving forward - think of a symphony or a jazz piece, with solos from different players. Or a clubby track that is very produced with a lot of different sounds and textures. Songs always have that centre - the voice and the lyric - that you know the audience will focus on. In terms of finishing tracks, you might want to check out this video on our channel . . . . th-cam.com/video/SSGgQj882lQ/w-d-xo.html Good luck with your music! EO
Absolutely brilliant video. I learned more from this short video on arranging of yours, than I have after countless hours of reading books and watching others how to video's. Thanks
For months I have been looking for a video like this. There isn't that much of it on TH-cam. I don't know why it didn't find it earlier. It is really great. By giving al these different perspectives on arranging it really broadens my scope on the possibilities and it shows the difference that it makes. As someone that struggles with translating guitar demos to a song that can be played with a band, this really helps me out.
@@EarOpener I already bingewatched your channel. But I will probably come back because of the density of the content. Can't wait to see new videos though.
i really want to point out appreciation for Yazz and Carly for giving such a serious and concerned feedback all the time, when they could instead have laugh their asses hearing such odd arrangements. I wonder if they knew those arrangements were made bad on purpose. But I have to imagine a newbie reciving this comments and man, that would be unbelievable helpful. The same way arranging can make or break your piece, feedback can push or destroy careers. Big love for them!
Such a great point, thanks. FYI - yes they DID know that the arrangements had been made deliberately with issues. Totally agree about feedback - in fact we made a video about it - th-cam.com/video/bvVSS93WpQE/w-d-xo.html . It is, I'm sorry to say, one of our least watched videos - but one of the most important topics. I know so many young musicians whose main issue is about sharing their music (not making it!). Paul.
Thank you: this should really help me properly consider the overall sound and inherent dynamics to avoid usual drift towards 'too much going on' muddiness
@@EarOpener i will definitely be checking those out. Ive found it remarkable how so much emphasis is made on recording/mixing etc yet so little on the prime factor 'arrangement' without which hours of mixing simply cannot fix. I guess partly due to 'most' being keen enthusiatic amateurs as opposed to professionally trained. Plus, 'arrangement' simply sounds less exciting/sexy
yes - weird isn't it? My guess is that it will start to come into fashion again as a subject. All we need is Beyonce to wear an 'I heart Arrangemen' t shirt . . . EO
Thank you - so glad it was useful. Check out our other two videos on Arranging on the channel - you might also find them useful. Good luck with your music EO
Absolutely brilliant! What a great way to explain and show what arranging means. I've been stuck doing example 1 for years and choosing ranges to make space really landed with me. I went straight to work and added a simple arpeggios but around the high C area and it was clear and made room for the rest of the tracks. Thank you for your excellent explanation of a simple yet game changing arrangment of a classic.
Finally!...after spending a lot of time searching the internet, this video is answering my question. Thank you for posting a very helpful and informative video.
Delighted you found us. Spread the word. And good timing - this morning we will be filming two more episodes on arranging. Released soon. Enjoy the channel and good luck with your music EO
This is just the kind of video/channel which every one writing or producing music should watch. Thanks for sharing such wonderful content. Much Love and gratitude from big ole Texas. You guys Rock! ♥️
This is the tool I’ve been missing all my life. You changed my songwriting instantly. Thank you so much! Been watching all your videos trying to learn as much as I can. Need to keep rewatching all of it. This is just incredible!
Thanks so much EV. If you ever want to send us a short video of how you used our content to improve your own work (a before or after?) we are really interested to share people's experiences of the channel. Send anything to writemusic@clodensemble.com
Our pleasure Yolo - thanks. More Ed O'Brien across the channel. for example the video on getting in the right frame of mind th-cam.com/video/GU3ASLMM-00/w-d-xo.html All the best with your own music.
Thank you so much for the video!!! Seriously I have been looking for videos of arranging music and this is the first one that really talks about how to put different instruments tgt! Would appreciate more videos like this! Thank you so much! God bless you! It deserves more views 🤩
Thank you! Visit our channel, we have 2 more videos on the subject. th-cam.com/play/PLd78t7GIBhi8YNO9_djEBhsl8fEDUjV3N.html. Good luck with your music EO
I really love when you get into songs as an abstract concept thing. There's this band called Sloppy Jane that does this at their shows, they kind of blend all the songs together into this intense audio/visual performance that is just so raw and organic. Highly recommend checking them out, their latest album was recorded in various caves to capture the reverberation and sonic quality of the spaces. Really cool stuff.
Thanks so much. It'll do my family band the world of good and get my wife and I on the same page ... well at least a little when trying to improve what we do.
Really enjoyed the instruction. My question is, when you start each instrument in the intro at a different time, and you finally get to the vocals where every instrument is playing, then what do you do in the chorus, verse, and refrain? How do you change them around so they sound different than the intro layering but still remain cohesive? Stopping and starting? Introducing new instruments like a guitar or sax solo? Or just change the parts you already have?
Thanks Rick. That's a big question! I'd advise not overthinking it - there is no magic solution. Or , another way of saying it, there are limitless solutions. Maybe the best way to understand all this is by learning to play (or programme into a DAW) some of your favourite tracks, and see what they do. If you learn, let's say, 50-100 songs, you'll soon internalise what has worked for others, which will guide you towards what will work for you. But to try to answer your question - let's take the example of choruses : some barely change the vibe, but the tune changes ; some have different chord structures; some are louder than the verse; some bring in a new layer (eg harmony vocals) ; some don't change the instruments but change the arrangement (eg guitar changes from picking arpeggio to strumming chords) ; some change key ; some don't really have choruses (does Hey Jude have a chorus?) etc.. etc... So many possibilities. Hope that isn't too much of a non-answer . Good luck with your music EO
Thank you so much for the video, this is just what I needed right now, as I’m working on my first single and am taking the step from demo to the actual recording now! :)
Wow thank you so so much! I feel like most of the other people who said they think they should pay for this high quality content! Please keep going, you guys explain it so good🙏
Amazing video!! I am composing songs, but having trouble arranging the other instruments! Specially I tend to put too much going on on the Piano, because I am a classical pianist, so I am used to play piano solo, and it's really hard to not put the piano as the star in the arrangement! 😅
So glad it was helpful. You should watch our other two episodes on Arranging - some good advice from Tehillah Alfonso and others. Good luck with your musical journey! EO
Wow, your videos are so great. I love that you have genuinely great musicians and musical references, and aren't like every other channel pushing modern pop and DAW hacks. This video is really significant, and if you continue to make more videos, more on arranging would be fantastic. I find that arranging is one of the hardest aspects of music to find knowledge of on the internet. The web is up to its ears in nashville number system videos but shows you no way of organising. I've been making music for a longtime but feel arranging is the one thing that really holds me back in terms of gaps in my knowledge. If theres any other references or books youd recommend Id also love to hear them. Thanks for the fantastic channel.
Thanks Jack. We're thinking about our next season of videos, so this is useful to hear. I don't know of any great books on arranging. If I were you, (if you've already listened to everything in our Arrangement playlist) I'd listen to a ton of 70s funk, disco, all of Grace Jones' work with Sly and Robbie, all mid 70s Bob Marley, and plenty of big band jazz/R&B (Ellington, Mingus, Ray Charles) and any of the 'American songbook' artists - Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan , Sinatra , etc.. anything by Stravinsky, Mozart or Beethoven, Missy Elliot, any of Prince in the 'Parade' and 'Sign o the Times' albums, anything arranged by Quincy Jones ... and listen to what they do (and what they DON'T do). Try and follow the 'score' horizontally as well as vertically - pick an instrument or section (eg: 'saxes' or 'piano') and listen to the whole track following what they play, and where they leave space. Then pick TWO sections (eg. bass and guitar) and see how they interact - where they overlap, and where they leave space. Continue listening in different combinations. Once you have internalised this ear training, and once you have heard many many great arrangements from different genres, the process of arranging will come naturally. Good luck! EO
I really appreciate the detailed and generous response! The listening to 2 elements at once is a great tip...! I have a lot to take away from all this and I appreciate it. In a few different areas of music I've peeked around in but not headfirst! Another thing that Im quite interested in that doesnt get talked about a lot (if youre looking for new ideas for videos) is repeatable compositional and songwriting tricks and tools that show up a lot. That are obvious, but maybe not to beginning composers and songwriters. For example in 'starman' you theres more than you can poke a stick at with a II chord hook moment, a IV > iv chord change, a classic ii V I cadence, a 'lil susie - everly brothers' moment that matches his lyric about "rock n roll". All the borrowed VIb and VIIb chords and modulations the beatles use. The use of picardy thirds etc... I know its all quite musical jargon to people who don't follow music closely, but they're all quite tangible sounds once you can hear them and isolate them... Anyways, Im sure you guys would describe the application of these tools brilliantly and know more than I can reel off. Anyways, all the best with the channel and again, thanks for the meaningful response!
This was such an amazing video!! I'm new to making music and recently ran into trouble with making enough space in my music. I looked around the Internet for courses/advice, but this was soo helpful! Really helped bring a lot of things I've heard here and there together. Thank you!
Thanks Davonte. Look out for more videos coming up in a couple of months - another on arranging (thinking in lines) plus more . . . Good luck with your music EO
@@EarOpener thanks, so am I. I'm trying to improve my productions and arrangements and came across your website! I'm definitely going to watch all the videos, keep up the good work and merry christmas haha!
Awesome. Just awesome. Great Video. Helped a lot. That`s where YT is jusr pure gold. Its kinda the wikipedia in video format. Love this educational stuff a music. Though theres theory, it remains a mystical thing. Great job! Humanity is awesome!
Herb Alpert put out at least three different versions of "Besame Mucho", all of which are great - and it's not even his own tune! :) He also has at least two different versions of "You Smile, The Song Begins" (which is his own tune). He is one of the best arrangers of (other people's) music in the past half century or so, in my opinion; very few duds.
Thank you, it is our pleasure - hope you find other things on the channel that you find useful. Check out our 'Organising your music" videos th-cam.com/play/PLd78t7GIBhi-RRb-0MGo_5gkDEFCJFJkM.html All the best with your music EO
It is rapper/activist Lowkey. I'm embarrassed to say his caption got missed out - although he is credited at the beginning of the video. Brilliant man. hen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowkey
@@EarOpener awesome thank you. Your channel and videos are great btw-the example you came up with for the “too busy” bad arrangement actually made me laugh out loud-it reminded me of a couple of ill-fated songs i’ve done.
Wow I've been looking for something like this for some time now. I would easily pay money for an even more in depth Masterclass type of course. Keep up the good work. I am a singer and have my own studio. I write songs, but have always felt that my weak point is arranging the song in a catchy way :). Having played in bands with really good musicians for many years I tend to set the bar quite hight for my self. So I need to get better :). Again, a brilliant cource. Hope you will come up with more, or maybe you have som news or tips for me?
Thanks so much for the positive feedback. We will be doing some more videos in the Spring. We are interested in seeing if our followers are interested in us covering any particular topics - you can leave feedback here: th-cam.com/video/WRL3FNRwZho/w-d-xo.html We know we will be doing more on arranging and something on modulation. Thanks again EO
What software are you using for doing your arrangements? Is there a version for Windows 7, 10, 11? Thank you for your advice. You explanations and demonstrations are very excellent.
Thanks- glad we're helping. I'm afraid the DAW software is Apple Logic - so no Windows option. The score writing app is Finale - available for both platforms. But honestly the windows DAWS (eg Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper etc...) can do everything that Logic can do. Good luck! EO
This video is basically about how to put some stank on your music. I think it can be teached to a certain degree, but for the most part, stank is something you're born with. This applies to visual art as well.
Thanks for the comment. I respectfully disagree! I think this video is NOT about stank (which I agree, some people access more easily than others - they have better ideas more often,; although in my experience this gift can be nurtured or squandered during a career). The video is about technique and this can be learned with a bit of practice. Some people teach themselves over their musical journey (I did), others learn from collaborating with others, others learn by going to college or watching TH-cam. I would argue that almost any great sounding music embodies the ideas in this video - understanding them (even if that understanding is intuitive) will probably make your track sound better. But no matter how much you use these ideas, it doesn't guarantee a great track - you could be a technical genius but your ideas or sound is boring/derivative/safe and no-one will want to listen to it. If you have stank you stand a chance - but that is for another video . . . Good luck with your music EO
I found this video so helpful thank you! I have the same major block every time I come to write/record a song in a DAW… What will happen is I have an idea of a melody, put a drumbeat on it, add a pad or synth or piano and then I’m stuck. I can’t hear anything else to add or to travel to and it honestly feels like I hit a brick wall! I can write a really solid song with just chord bashing on piano or guitar, but I can’t then move to the next step! Any tips on this?
Hi Lizzie, Thank you! A few things come to mind. First thing - try NOT putting in a pad or a piano using the chords. Or mute them. Just vocal and drums. That way you will hear the space for other parts. A pad or busked piano fills all the space - even if you had a brilliant idea there wouldn't be room for it. Listen to Bob Marley's Natty Dread Album or Grace Jones work with Sly and Robbie - listen how much space there is. Listen to how some of the melodic licks aren't exactly amazing, they are just little ditties - but the effect of them all together really works. Secondly - try SINGING instrumental parts. Get your vocal and drums going and try to write a bassline just by singing along with your track. Singing will make you take a breath - and create phrases which (without you even trying) have space. You might write a little synth answering phrase, or something for the right hand of the piano, tucked in between your vocal, or overlapping. with it. Just don't overthink it! EO
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Bizzare that this has such a low view count, this could help a ton of people. The quality and insight in this lesson - I felt like I ought to be paying for it! Thanks a ton for your work
Thanks D.A.P. - the best things in life are free! Spread the word. EO
Because too many people focus too much on "plugins" or vst "hacks" to try to better their music quickly instead of really working on fundamental creativity & artistry
Audiences can be very intriguing you find one excellent video with few views and some random video with over 1M views, it is the same thing with music too
Very insightful indeed!
It’s just such a horrible song choice I can’t stand to hear it more that once. 😂
This is a gem of find..! Thank you so much. I'm scared to listen to 100+ tracks on my hard-drive with this knowledge as I might finally finish one!
Ha ha - thanks. I won't take up any more of your time - you have a lot of work to do, apparently EO
This is a goldmine for newbies like me! I know how to compose songs, but arranging, i'm always doing the 1st one.. good thing i stumbled on this youtube video!
Thanks Benjamin. Tons more on the channel to explore - I'm wondering if you might find ''Taking care of the Bass' useful th-cam.com/video/NVn7d01MhV4/w-d-xo.html EO
Absolutely love how you came into this by showing an example of bad arrangement by comparison. Not only does that help a person understand arranging when they don’t have a firm grasp on what the concept is, but it’s also just entertaining to hear people critique things, isn’t it? So it kind of draws you in right away. Thanks for that.
Thank you J.T. Glad you enjoyed it EO
Great tutorial. Lou Reed stands out in my mind as an artist who took very basic structures and constantly rearranged them. Compare his live performances at the Ritz '86 or Capitol Theatre '84 with studio recordings of the same songs, or even to other live shows. Doing so, you gain insight of how the same song can be arranged with different instruments and musicians to create a unique experience of something very familiar.
Very very true. Some of my favourites are those 60s ad 70s R&B arrangements of hit songs - eg Aretha Franklin. Classic example - Aretha's 'Young Gifted and Black' - simultaneously faithful to and radical departure from Nina Simone's version. EO
I am truly devastated that I only just found this channel, but I am sharing it with everyone now!. Thank you all so much, you guys are amazing."
Thanks for sharing - we're very glad it's useful for you. Good luck with your music. EO
This was the most helpful video I've found for arranging my own music. I recently just started music production and have been progressively improving. I was stuck on arranging until watching this video. Thank you!
Thank you Gerard - so glad it was helpful. Enjoy exploring the channel. EO
The best video on youtube about arrangement i've found untill now
Thank you. Glad you like it! Be sure to check out our other two videos on the same topic . . .EO
Great video I now know more about space than I did before. My wall of sound is going to get a kicking.
You won't regret it. Good luck, and thanks for your feedback. EO
this video is so underrated, so helpful
Thank you - tell your friends (!) Hope you find other things on the channel that are helpful - you may like this one: th-cam.com/video/Kev-4gKV2Cc/w-d-xo.html. EO
This is without doubt the best breakdown of arrangement theory and practice I've seen. Really great intro
Thanks so much! You're in luck - we have two more videos about arranging coming up in a couple of weeks. EO
@@EarOpener Wow, I'm excited 😊
When he played that "badly arranged" Christmas cover song, I was like T_T THAT'S WHAT ALL MY SONGS SOUND LIKE LOL!!
But thank you so much for this video, I learned a LOT
Ha ha! Yes, we've all been there! I have to say, arrangements like that CAN work if the context is right - a lot of punk songs were just like a loud version of this! Good luck with your music EO
Thank you so much! Oh yeah I never thought about that haha, I guess punk music is really simplistic but it works for that genre haha. Thanks, You really helped me a lot !@@EarOpener
This was the most helpful video on arranging I could find after scouring the internet trying to get some help. Thank you so much!!!
So happy you found it helpful! - you're welcome. Check out our other two episodes on Arranging. . . EO
Crazy how underrated this channel is. The production of the videos and the insights provided are premium.
Thank you! tell your friends . . !
Excellent content on the most underrated channel on YT!
Instantly subbed!
Thank you! Tell your friends!! EO
I don't know who decided to put this together, but damn you guys are saints. Thank you, it's a wonderful time we live in! One of the best pieces of music education content on the net
You're making us blush. Thanks so much. All these videos actually came out of various talks that we gave to 18 year olds at schools in London. We thought this was the information they needed and asked some esteemed friends to help put it together. EO
I'm following an arrangement class and honestly I've learned more in this video than the previous 4 or 5 classes...
I'm so glad it's useful. I really recommend checking out our playlist "Organising your music" th-cam.com/play/PLd78t7GIBhi-RRb-0MGo_5gkDEFCJFJkM.html. which covers more ground on arrangement. We'll also be doing more in the new year. EO
“Musicians love organised drummers” I felt that one 🤣
Ha ha . . . the bitter truth . . EO
Thanks a lot guys, excellent stuff indeed !
My demos are always quite busy, lots of ideas in the same room...
These demos out of boredom are never finished, and I tend to compose new things, ideas, but without working on arrangement. Tons of harddrives with unfinished badly arranged stuff (mostly instrumental).
Maybe the keyword here is "Space". I find that writing songs is more easy than instrumentals because you have a classic canvas of intro/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus adlib... Instrumental stuff is much more complicated to arrange.
How do you feel about that ?
Yes, you raise some very interesting points. I find that some - especially younger - musicians try to write instrumental music , but only really listen to SONGS themselves. Their work sounds like a backing track but misses the central element - the voice. They are related, but very different things to write.
Typically , instrumental music needs a lot more variation and arranging to keep the piece moving forward - think of a symphony or a jazz piece, with solos from different players. Or a clubby track that is very produced with a lot of different sounds and textures.
Songs always have that centre - the voice and the lyric - that you know the audience will focus on.
In terms of finishing tracks, you might want to check out this video on our channel . . . .
th-cam.com/video/SSGgQj882lQ/w-d-xo.html
Good luck with your music! EO
Thank you so much for doing this! This is so helpful for aspiring songwriters and musicians!
You are very welcome! Good luck with all your musical adventures. EO
Absolutely brilliant video. I learned more from this short video on arranging of yours, than I have after countless hours of reading books and watching others how to video's. Thanks
You make it a pleasure by saying that. Thank you! Check out the other two episodes on arranging . . . . maybe up your street EO
For months I have been looking for a video like this. There isn't that much of it on TH-cam. I don't know why it didn't find it earlier. It is really great. By giving al these different perspectives on arranging it really broadens my scope on the possibilities and it shows the difference that it makes. As someone that struggles with translating guitar demos to a song that can be played with a band, this really helps me out.
So glad it was useful. Plenty more on the channel to explore - you might find 'Taking Care of the Bass' useful. EO
@@EarOpener I already bingewatched your channel. But I will probably come back because of the density of the content. Can't wait to see new videos though.
ha ha, great. We're planning new episodes. Let us know if there is anything you would particularly like us to cover. EO
Thanks so much for this lesson. I really appreciate it.
Thanks Marcos - We're so glad you enjoyed this.We'll be uploading a new video every week, so stay tuned....
I visit this video time and again to include techniques what is explained in the video in my own arrangement. Thank you !
That is great to hear Anusha, thanks. Good luck with your music EO
i really want to point out appreciation for Yazz and Carly for giving such a serious and concerned feedback all the time, when they could instead have laugh their asses hearing such odd arrangements. I wonder if they knew those arrangements were made bad on purpose. But I have to imagine a newbie reciving this comments and man, that would be unbelievable helpful. The same way arranging can make or break your piece, feedback can push or destroy careers. Big love for them!
Such a great point, thanks. FYI - yes they DID know that the arrangements had been made deliberately with issues. Totally agree about feedback - in fact we made a video about it - th-cam.com/video/bvVSS93WpQE/w-d-xo.html . It is, I'm sorry to say, one of our least watched videos - but one of the most important topics. I know so many young musicians whose main issue is about sharing their music (not making it!). Paul.
Thank you: this should really help me properly consider the overall sound and inherent dynamics to avoid usual drift towards 'too much going on' muddiness
Our pleasure. You might like our other two episodes on Arranging on the channel. Good luck with your music! EO
@@EarOpener i will definitely be checking those out. Ive found it remarkable how so much emphasis is made on recording/mixing etc yet so little on the prime factor 'arrangement' without which hours of mixing simply cannot fix. I guess partly due to 'most' being keen enthusiatic amateurs as opposed to professionally trained. Plus, 'arrangement' simply sounds less exciting/sexy
yes - weird isn't it? My guess is that it will start to come into fashion again as a subject. All we need is Beyonce to wear an 'I heart Arrangemen' t shirt . . . EO
What a piece of gold I just found. Thank you for your teaching, amazing tutorial
Thank you - so glad it was useful. Check out our other two videos on Arranging on the channel - you might also find them useful. Good luck with your music EO
Absolutely brilliant! What a great way to explain and show what arranging means. I've been stuck doing example 1 for years and choosing ranges to make space really landed with me. I went straight to work and added a simple arpeggios but around the high C area and it was clear and made room for the rest of the tracks. Thank you for your excellent explanation of a simple yet game changing arrangment of a classic.
Delighted you found this useful. Hope there are more things on the channel that catch your eye/ear. Also new episodes coming soon. EO
Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much for the clear wirk plan, steps and examples. Great video! 😊
Our pleasure - you might find our other episodes on arranging useful - there are two more. EO
I think the famous TH-cam algorithm has had a bit a of a brainfart with this one. Definitely one of the best music tuition videos I've come across.
Thank you, we agree!! Tell your friends . . . EO
Finally!...after spending a lot of time searching the internet, this video is answering my question. Thank you for posting a very helpful and informative video.
Delighted you found us. Spread the word. And good timing - this morning we will be filming two more episodes on arranging. Released soon. Enjoy the channel and good luck with your music EO
You helped me to understand that my arrangement isn't that bad when it comes to organization.
Thats great - glad we could help! EO
This is just the kind of video/channel which every one writing or producing music should watch. Thanks for sharing such wonderful content. Much Love and gratitude from big ole Texas. You guys Rock! ♥️
Thanks so much. Good luck with your music. EO
This is the tool I’ve been missing all my life. You changed my songwriting instantly. Thank you so much! Been watching all your videos trying to learn as much as I can. Need to keep rewatching all of it. This is just incredible!
Thanks so much EV. If you ever want to send us a short video of how you used our content to improve your own work (a before or after?) we are really interested to share people's experiences of the channel. Send anything to writemusic@clodensemble.com
Incredibly high quality production in every way. This is easy in the top 0.1% of the best YT Videos. Much appreciated
Thanks Jonas - really appreciate your generous words. EO
Thank you - so very much...Pure gold. How I wish I'd found sooner!
You are very welcome - hope there is other useful stuff for you elsewhere on the channel. Good luck with your music
EO
this is def one of the most helpful music production vids on yt, thanks man. really great to see Ed O'brien here
Our pleasure Yolo - thanks. More Ed O'Brien across the channel. for example the video on getting in the right frame of mind th-cam.com/video/GU3ASLMM-00/w-d-xo.html All the best with your own music.
I just started watching this video 5m ago
But this take me next level
thank youuuuu!!!!,
You are very welcome. There are two more episodes on Arranging - enjoy exploring the channel. EO
Thank you! Such a clear illustration!
Glad it helped!. Check out the other two videos on arranging on our channel. EO
Thank you so much for the video!!! Seriously I have been looking for videos of arranging music and this is the first one that really talks about how to put different instruments tgt! Would appreciate more videos like this! Thank you so much! God bless you! It deserves more views 🤩
Thank you! Visit our channel, we have 2 more videos on the subject. th-cam.com/play/PLd78t7GIBhi8YNO9_djEBhsl8fEDUjV3N.html. Good luck with your music EO
Found this really helpful. Thank you
So glad you found it helpful! EO
Nice video, good tips. only question is why Didn’t Lowkey have any description of who he is in the actual video?
thanks. Yes, you're right - thanks for pointing out. That was an editing error . . . Apologies (to Lowkey, especially). EO
Beautiful work, thank you for the video, it is an eye & ear opener ;)
Many thanks. Hope you find other things on the channel that are useful. EO
@@EarOpener yes, the other videos are on my list :)
I subscribed because of this video, the best TH-cam video that a had ever seen , please make more arranging, and production videos 😍🙏.
Thank you Malik.We'll be making some more episodes later in the year.EO
great stuff. turned some of my common sense (or so i thought) into musical knowledge.
ha ha - glad it all made sense . . . EO
You juat won a new subscriber. I didn't have to finish watching the video b4 deciding to subscribe. Thanks for this video
You are very welcome, Ademol! Enjoy exploring the channel. New videos on arranging coming soon . . . EO
Excellent tutorial on arranging songs. Thanks a ton!!! 👍🏻
Our pleasure . Check out the other arranging videos on the channel . . . EO
Amazing production quality, well presented and a bunch of great lessons! Thanks!
Our pleasure! Glad you found it useful. Good luck with your music. EO
@@EarOpener Thank you, I'll be tuning in much more often!
Incredible! Commenting to help algorithm. Amazing production quality.
your contribution to the algorithm, is very much appreciated - thank you!EO
I really love when you get into songs as an abstract concept thing. There's this band called Sloppy Jane that does this at their shows, they kind of blend all the songs together into this intense audio/visual performance that is just so raw and organic. Highly recommend checking them out, their latest album was recorded in various caves to capture the reverberation and sonic quality of the spaces. Really cool stuff.
Thanks for the tip Feegs. Just watched the tiny desk - they are quite something. All the best EO
@@EarOpener Thanks for the reply :)
Thanks so much. It'll do my family band the world of good and get my wife and I on the same page ... well at least a little when trying to improve what we do.
Our pleasure - good luck!
Really enjoyed the instruction. My question is, when you start each instrument in the intro at a different time, and you finally get to the vocals where every instrument is playing, then what do you do in the chorus, verse, and refrain? How do you change them around so they sound different than the intro layering but still remain cohesive? Stopping and starting? Introducing new instruments like a guitar or sax solo? Or just change the parts you already have?
Thanks Rick. That's a big question! I'd advise not overthinking it - there is no magic solution. Or , another way of saying it, there are limitless solutions. Maybe the best way to understand all this is by learning to play (or programme into a DAW) some of your favourite tracks, and see what they do. If you learn, let's say, 50-100 songs, you'll soon internalise what has worked for others, which will guide you towards what will work for you. But to try to answer your question - let's take the example of choruses : some barely change the vibe, but the tune changes ; some have different chord structures; some are louder than the verse; some bring in a new layer (eg harmony vocals) ; some don't change the instruments but change the arrangement (eg guitar changes from picking arpeggio to strumming chords) ; some change key ; some don't really have choruses (does Hey Jude have a chorus?) etc.. etc... So many possibilities. Hope that isn't too much of a non-answer . Good luck with your music EO
Thank you so much for the video, this is just what I needed right now, as I’m working on my first single and am taking the step from demo to the actual recording now! :)
Great, thanks - hope the single works out well. EO
Wow thank you so so much! I feel like most of the other people who said they think they should pay for this high quality content! Please keep going, you guys explain it so good🙏
Thank you. Yes we're working on more videos . . in the meantime hope you find other useful things on the channel. EO
This Channel helps me alot 🔥🔥 You guys deserve more views and please make more educational videos ❤️❤️ All the support from Hong Kong🇭🇰
Fantastic! Happy to help.... and tell your friends! EO
@@EarOpener sure I will 🔥🔥❤️🫣
Thank you for sharing this knowledge
Our pleasure. Hope you find other useful things on the channel. More episodes on arrangement coming soon. EO
Realy great content, thanks so much!
Thanks LW. Hope there is other stuff on the channel that is useful to you. EO
Amazing video!! I am composing songs, but having trouble arranging the other instruments! Specially I tend to put too much going on on the Piano, because I am a classical pianist, so I am used to play piano solo, and it's really hard to not put the piano as the star in the arrangement! 😅
So glad it was helpful. You should watch our other two episodes on Arranging - some good advice from Tehillah Alfonso and others. Good luck with your musical journey! EO
Very educational and helps those that get in the “zone”
Thanks Phil. Hope you find more stuff on the channel EO
Awesome! Thank you!
Wow, your videos are so great. I love that you have genuinely great musicians and musical references, and aren't like every other channel pushing modern pop and DAW hacks.
This video is really significant, and if you continue to make more videos, more on arranging would be fantastic. I find that arranging is one of the hardest aspects of music to find knowledge of on the internet. The web is up to its ears in nashville number system videos but shows you no way of organising. I've been making music for a longtime but feel arranging is the one thing that really holds me back in terms of gaps in my knowledge.
If theres any other references or books youd recommend Id also love to hear them.
Thanks for the fantastic channel.
Thanks Jack. We're thinking about our next season of videos, so this is useful to hear. I don't know of any great books on arranging. If I were you, (if you've already listened to everything in our Arrangement playlist) I'd listen to a ton of 70s funk, disco, all of Grace Jones' work with Sly and Robbie, all mid 70s Bob Marley, and plenty of big band jazz/R&B (Ellington, Mingus, Ray Charles) and any of the 'American songbook' artists - Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan , Sinatra , etc.. anything by Stravinsky, Mozart or Beethoven, Missy Elliot, any of Prince in the 'Parade' and 'Sign o the Times' albums, anything arranged by Quincy Jones ... and listen to what they do (and what they DON'T do). Try and follow the 'score' horizontally as well as vertically - pick an instrument or section (eg: 'saxes' or 'piano') and listen to the whole track following what they play, and where they leave space. Then pick TWO sections (eg. bass and guitar) and see how they interact - where they overlap, and where they leave space. Continue listening in different combinations. Once you have internalised this ear training, and once you have heard many many great arrangements from different genres, the process of arranging will come naturally. Good luck! EO
I really appreciate the detailed and generous response! The listening to 2 elements at once is a great tip...! I have a lot to take away from all this and I appreciate it. In a few different areas of music I've peeked around in but not headfirst!
Another thing that Im quite interested in that doesnt get talked about a lot (if youre looking for new ideas for videos) is repeatable compositional and songwriting tricks and tools that show up a lot. That are obvious, but maybe not to beginning composers and songwriters.
For example in 'starman' you theres more than you can poke a stick at with a II chord hook moment, a IV > iv chord change, a classic ii V I cadence, a 'lil susie - everly brothers' moment that matches his lyric about "rock n roll".
All the borrowed VIb and VIIb chords and modulations the beatles use. The use of picardy thirds etc... I know its all quite musical jargon to people who don't follow music closely, but they're all quite tangible sounds once you can hear them and isolate them... Anyways, Im sure you guys would describe the application of these tools brilliantly and know more than I can reel off.
Anyways, all the best with the channel and again, thanks for the meaningful response!
Yes - good idea. I actually asked this question to the interviewees - about tricks or habits. The pros and cons of this. Thanks!EO
Very very helpful video. Thank you
You are very welcome. You might like our other two episodes on arranging , , ,Good luck! EO
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
It is our pleasure - enjoy the channel! EO
This was such an amazing video!! I'm new to making music and recently ran into trouble with making enough space in my music. I looked around the Internet for courses/advice, but this was soo helpful! Really helped bring a lot of things I've heard here and there together. Thank you!
Thanks Davonte. Look out for more videos coming up in a couple of months - another on arranging (thinking in lines) plus more . . . Good luck with your music EO
Love this video Thank you for posting
Our pleasure, Thanks! More episodes on arranging on the channel . . .EO
I thought this was made in December but was shocked to see that it is quite new haha. Love these vids, this was exactly what I was looking for!
We're glad you found us - Thanks MyVleker. New video on melody just released today. Merry Christmas to you.
@@EarOpener thanks, so am I. I'm trying to improve my productions and arrangements and came across your website! I'm definitely going to watch all the videos, keep up the good work and merry christmas haha!
really really excellent video, thank you so much
Thanks Luke - check out the other two videos on arrangement - maybe they will also help . .. EO
Brilliant.
And yes, full of insights!
Thank you!
Awesome. Just awesome. Great Video. Helped a lot. That`s where YT is jusr pure gold. Its kinda the wikipedia in video format. Love this educational stuff a music. Though theres theory, it remains a mystical thing.
Great job! Humanity is awesome!
So glad you like it - thank you! EO
What can I say, it's all been said! Fantastic video, a real "Mind opener"!
Thanks! ...and good to hear that a Beethoven enjoyed our work! EO
This is phenomenal! Thank you for the content.
It is our pleasure. Good luck with your music EO
Wow, this truly is a ear opener!
Thank you David. Hope you find other stuff on the channel that helps EO
@@EarOpener Yes, I've been sharing your videos with my friend. Both of us have an interest with sound and music in games.
Great great video. Very clear. Thank you! :)
Thanks Sean. Hope you find other stuff on the channel that's useful. EO
Quality CONTENT MANHHHHHHHHHHH ...THANK YOUUU U NEED MORE SUBBSS ❤
Thanks Arjun - spread the word! EO
Herb Alpert put out at least three different versions of "Besame Mucho", all of which are great - and it's not even his own tune! :) He also has at least two different versions of "You Smile, The Song Begins" (which is his own tune). He is one of the best arrangers of (other people's) music in the past half century or so, in my opinion; very few duds.
I'd like more stuff like this. It's unique content
Thank you! Check out our other episodes on Arranging on the channel EO
This is so Helpful
Great to hear - thank you. Check out our other two episodes on arranging. Good luck with your music! EO
So lucky to be here... Bro... Much much love...
Glad it's working for you! Lots more stuff on the channel - and more to come in a few months. EO
how does this channel have this ampunt of views?!!! I've learnt so much just 10mins in, my goodness
Thank you!
Amazing tutorial
Thanks. Check out the other two episodes we have on Arranging . . . EO
That's a really helpful video 💕 Thanks so much for uploading!
Thank you, it is our pleasure - hope you find other things on the channel that you find useful. Check out our 'Organising your music" videos th-cam.com/play/PLd78t7GIBhi-RRb-0MGo_5gkDEFCJFJkM.html All the best with your music EO
@@EarOpener That's lovely! Thank you, really curious to watch them all!
Top notch production and great tips, thank you!
Thanks Justin. Hope you find other episodes on channel that are useful to you. EO
I'm 3 minutes in and this video is graet!
glad you're enjoying it! Tons more on the channel EO
Love the vocal by the way
Yes - Cherise Burnett Adams - a very good singer. Well known in the UK Jazz scene, but also does her own songs. Check her out. EO
Who is the guy at 20:45? I don't think his bio/introduction was included, unlike the other guests. Great video, though! Love it
It is rapper/activist Lowkey. I'm embarrassed to say his caption got missed out - although he is credited at the beginning of the video. Brilliant man. hen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowkey
Which virtual instrument did you use for the guitar in the ‘introducing/cutting’ section? Sounds pretty good.
its nothing special - just a stock electric guitar on Logic Sampler, put through a logic amp and Soundtoys Tremolater
@@EarOpener awesome thank you.
Your channel and videos are great btw-the example you came up with for the “too busy” bad arrangement actually made me laugh out loud-it reminded me of a couple of ill-fated songs i’ve done.
ha ha . . .we've all been there at some point! Really glad you enjoyed it EO
Happy new year 2023 guys ....
Thanks Manish. All the best EO
Wow I've been looking for something like this for some time now. I would easily pay money for an even more in depth Masterclass type of course. Keep up the good work. I am a singer and have my own studio. I write songs, but have always felt that my weak point is arranging the song in a catchy way :). Having played in bands with really good musicians for many years I tend to set the bar quite hight for my self. So I need to get better :). Again, a brilliant cource. Hope you will come up with more, or maybe you have som news or tips for me?
Thanks so much for the positive feedback. We will be doing some more videos in the Spring. We are interested in seeing if our followers are interested in us covering any particular topics - you can leave feedback here: th-cam.com/video/WRL3FNRwZho/w-d-xo.html We know we will be doing more on arranging and something on modulation. Thanks again EO
Hey thanks. That's great information.
You're very welcome Carla. Enjoy the channel
What software are you using for doing your arrangements? Is there a version for Windows 7, 10, 11? Thank you for your advice. You explanations and demonstrations are very excellent.
Thanks- glad we're helping. I'm afraid the DAW software is Apple Logic - so no Windows option. The score writing app is Finale - available for both platforms. But honestly the windows DAWS (eg Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper etc...) can do everything that Logic can do. Good luck! EO
This video is basically about how to put some stank on your music. I think it can be teached to a certain degree, but for the most part, stank is something you're born with. This applies to visual art as well.
Thanks for the comment. I respectfully disagree! I think this video is NOT about stank (which I agree, some people access more easily than others - they have better ideas more often,; although in my experience this gift can be nurtured or squandered during a career). The video is about technique and this can be learned with a bit of practice. Some people teach themselves over their musical journey (I did), others learn from collaborating with others, others learn by going to college or watching TH-cam. I would argue that almost any great sounding music embodies the ideas in this video - understanding them (even if that understanding is intuitive) will probably make your track sound better. But no matter how much you use these ideas, it doesn't guarantee a great track - you could be a technical genius but your ideas or sound is boring/derivative/safe and no-one will want to listen to it. If you have stank you stand a chance - but that is for another video . . . Good luck with your music EO
@@EarOpener all good points
I found this video so helpful thank you!
I have the same major block every time I come to write/record a song in a DAW…
What will happen is I have an idea of a melody, put a drumbeat on it, add a pad or synth or piano and then I’m stuck. I can’t hear anything else to add or to travel to and it honestly feels like I hit a brick wall!
I can write a really solid song with just chord bashing on piano or guitar, but I can’t then move to the next step! Any tips on this?
Hi Lizzie, Thank you! A few things come to mind. First thing - try NOT putting in a pad or a piano using the chords. Or mute them. Just vocal and drums. That way you will hear the space for other parts. A pad or busked piano fills all the space - even if you had a brilliant idea there wouldn't be room for it. Listen to Bob Marley's Natty Dread Album or Grace Jones work with Sly and Robbie - listen how much space there is. Listen to how some of the melodic licks aren't exactly amazing, they are just little ditties - but the effect of them all together really works. Secondly - try SINGING instrumental parts. Get your vocal and drums going and try to write a bassline just by singing along with your track. Singing will make you take a breath - and create phrases which (without you even trying) have space. You might write a little synth answering phrase, or something for the right hand of the piano, tucked in between your vocal, or overlapping. with it. Just don't overthink it! EO
thank you
Our pleasure! Hope you enjoy exploring the channel. EO
Awesome videos! Thank you very much!
Thanks you! It is our pleasure. I just checked out your channel - you seem to know a lot about arranging already! Keep up the good work . . .EO
Thank you! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 I already subscribed to your channel waiting for more videos! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you so much!
You are very welcome! . Hope you find other things on the channel. EO
@@EarOpener Yes, I think I will because your content is super professional
This is so helpful!!
We're here to help! Enjoy exploring the channel. EO
10:23 I just now realized that this “key / synthy electronic piano- whatever…” sound is exactly the same with Radiohead Creep key sound
ah , right. I think it is the Arturia minimoog EO
Thanks
you are very welcome EO
Really good vid! 👍🏽
I think the guitar would work even better with one stab per bar on the 4
Thanks - hope you find more useful stuff on the channel EO
what was the plug in for keyboard, it sounded nice
Thanks Neel - which bit do you mean? Tell em the time stamp and I'll let you know. EO