Arranging Process & Tips for Guitarists

[@LindsayStraw]

Here are the PDF handouts to accompany this video: www.patreon.com/LindsayStraw/shop/arranging-process-tips-pdf-handout-293355

[@scottfishkind5335]

Very well done as always Lindsay! I’ve mentioned before that I’m also a Berklee graduate, degree in music composition. These days I’m primarily a singer-songwriter, with my primary instrument being Acoustic Guitar (though piano was my principal instrument at Berklee). I think everything you said was so wonderful and that you covered all the key elements without miring it in unnecessary complexities! I also fully agree that imitation is such a great way to learn. There is a great story about Mozart having the opportunity to study Bach’s scores in Leipzig. A creative person is not going to have to worry about sounding like an imitator. They will naturally make it their own. This can happen intuitively or by intentionally creating variations on what you’re imitating to the point where it becomes your own . Thanks again for great content Lindsay! I’m also always proud when other Berklee alumni generously share their knowledge as you do, as not everyone will have the opportunity to study as we did in such a great school! I believe part of our mission is to spread that knowledge (I taught privately for 34 years).

[@LindsayStraw]

Thank you so much for that lovely comment, Scott! It definitely felt like threading a needle to get a balance on providing useful, actionable info without getting too into the weeds. And that's a lovely way to think about it - we were lucky to have access to so much amazing knowledge and structure, so let's share what we can!

[@marco_cee_]

This was really informative and helpful. You explain things so well. Thanks so much for putting this together, Lindsay 😃

[@MrSupersidewinder]

I love your vocals❤😊

[@MrSupersidewinder]

I've mixed with 2 of your songs, they're up on my channel... I hope you'll have a l👀key...🥳🎶🎵👍

[@georgechristiansen6785]

Great presentation! You definitely have the gift for teaching.

[@LindsayStraw]

Thank you so much!

[@texhaines9957]

I try to stay in keys that best fit my voice. Or if I am playing with someone, I try to make it easy for them (violin, flute, acordian, piano). My profession was chemical and energy engineering. Singing and playing guitar was a side. But I've played for 50+ years, and have few songs I wrote. Thanks for helping get organized some of what I do.

[@brianmcgrane3046]

Love your beautiful videos, thanks for sharing.

[@RuaridhDs]

Hi Lindsay, Really helpful vid, thanks. Craigie Hill is such a great song. Now , Karine Palwarts version draws from what for me is the definitive version: it’s got to be Dick Gaughan’s on the 1981 album Handful of Earth

[@LindsayStraw]

Ah yes! That might have actually been my introduction to that song...SO, so good. He really captures the emotion in such a nuanced way. Thanks for the reminder!

[@RuaridhDs]

@@LindsayStraw ❤

[@Slinkymusic]

yup ... agree😁 all true

[@LindsayStraw]

@@Slinkymusic Not as much in Celtic music but I do like sneaking them in from time to time!

[@Slinkymusic]

@@LindsayStraw well, I like your songs and have copied one already. So much about copying

[@maxravenous8277]

It's true, it makes no sense to play outside the best keys for an instrument if you don't have to, and European composers wrote for the best keys typically. The idea of playing/arranging in 12 keys is really only practical on keyboard. And it's not even possible to get a good sound in many keys on old-system woodwinds. Then as soon as you start arranging for singing, the best range and practical high notes/low notes will fall into a small selection of keys. If your reliable chest high note as a female is A4, it'll end up a chord tone attached to certain keys. Your old friend A minor won't be going anywhere.

[@LindsayStraw]

@@maxravenous8277 Precisely! Lean into what is optimal.