How To Write A Classic Wild West Theme

How do you write a classic Wild West movie theme in under thirty minutes? Join Guy “Quick-draw” Michelmore as he accepts the challenge. You’ll see the VSL orchestral samples bring the piece to life, and in particular, find out how the new VSL Synchron Brass library manages in a real-world scoring situation. So, if you are interested in learning more about how to score movies, producing realistic sampled orchestrations and sketching film music in the style of the masters like Elmer Bernstein and Bruce Broughton, this is the place for you.
Want to know more? Then download our free Orchestral Programming Guide
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[@elliespohr]

Guy, you seem like the kind of dad many of us wish we had. You truly have a wonderful personality if your videos are anything close to true to life.

[@chrismoule7242]

I try to be this grandad to my grandsons. It works some of the time - some of the time, not so much...

[@chasingcolours6789]

@@chrismoule7242 All of us play multiple roles. Should they all be somehow good all of the time? How would that effect a man's experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions? You being there is the thing most grandchildren will remember, perhaps most. If you were there being yourself, then so much the better?

[@gabrielpena4292]

@@chasingcolours6789 calm down y u writing all this in a yt comment section

[@chasingcolours6789]

@@gabrielpena4292 Why are you asking? 🙂

[@monosbeats7398]

Child: Daddy??? Can you help me with my homew... Guy: OFF TO THE SHED! Child: sigh 😔

[@qwiklok]

it is amazing how an upbeat, happy piece of music can lift us out of the doldrums. A world falling apart with disasters on every country, and city, and,along comes Guy galloping into the west not a care in the world , and we are all joining in the ride. What troubles? All we see is sunshine, open country, and happy animals, in 30 minutes. It almost ended too soon. But boy what a ride! The power of music. . . .

[@carsonzuck]

We’re so lucky to have been born in the same moment in time as Guy. What an actual legend.

[@dinitha11]

Looking at the sound of the American Western goes on to show how revolutionary Ennio Morricone was with his score for A Fistful of Dollars. Completely changed the game. And to me, when I picture the West, I hear Morricone.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

100% right

[@cyrilcalmes4208]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation Personnally, I think about Aaron Copland (a matter of taste I think)

[@castedynasty1426]

Morricone is a total badass

[@anonagain]

If you like the Morricone sound, check out Fluffy Audio's 'Spaghetti Western' sample library. 28 instruments specific to the genre.

[@dinitha11]

@@anonagain I’ve seen the demo videos of it. They did an incredible job. The trumpet sounds and the soprano vocals are absolutely incredible. I just finished filming a Spaghetti Western inspired short film called “For a Coffin Full of Gold”. I’m also doing the music for the film. Unfortunately the fluffy audio pack is a little too expensive for me right now. So I’m trying to mimic that sound from what I have at my disposal. Great library though.

[@paytonpetkus]

If I’m not like Guy in 20 years I don’t want it.

[@MiloPaulus]

I'm grabbing something to eat & drink, because judging by the intro, these 30 minutes are going to be great fun! I was hoping you'd do a Western-themed video some day!

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Enjoy

[@alexandersparf]

I really enjoy the iPhone text message signal being on beat at 4:03.

[@JoernR]

What I really like about that Guy: He doesn't cut out his playing errors. So refreshing different to all that clinically streamlined basecap wearer videos. That's the real world. ;)

[@kevroberts8147]

The lengths you go to for our entertainment are beyond brilliant, and then we get an equally brilliant tutorial, nothing not to love about your channel Guy,

[@leesparey]

You have a wonderful gift Guy, entertaining people, cheering us up, and educating us at the same time

[@DoodleBugLisa]

Is this man a genius, or a musical techie? I have no idea, but along with just about everyone else who commented, he’s fabulous!

[@mdzuracka]

What a fantastic timing! Today's been such an a**hole of a day, but within the first minute or so of this video, I've got a smile on my face again. Thank you so much, Guy!! 🤠☀️

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

You're welcome!

[@dustintheblacklight]

Guy, MOST WANTED. Absolutely AMAZING! To complete nice catchy song in 30 mins, oh man. Your intro is great too! You are my western hero and your horseback riding is excellent.

[@tomhick5372]

Saw this and said to myself, "Well, this is gonna be interesting!" I'm sure I won't be disappointed!

[@restorationconcrete]

Beautiful! It’s amazing to watch how quickly an idea can turn into a real piece of music. I could hear that for sure in a movie or tv show!

[@cyrilcalmes4208]

LOL ! at 6:18, the chord is a sample from good old Windows Blue Screen !

[@ZoeSummers1701A]

A father that let’s his daughter put nail polish on for fun and giggles is a real, true and secure man. Love this channel.

[@david_pilkington_music]

Another excellent presentation from Mr. Michelmore. I'm 'of a certain age' and Guy's videos really help me learn how to create music using computers and sound libraries. I'm not surprised that he has over 243K subscribers. Top bloke.

[@marc_2398]

Guy, what a wonderful human being you are! Always a smile on my face when watching your video’s and what a tremendous piece you’ve written (again)!

[@andrewdeck7945]

Laughed at those intro scenes!

[@jonjermey]

Reminds me of that lovely line from the Goon Show... 1. Harry Secombe makes a spitting noise 2. Peter Sellers in a Western drawl: "You spittin' in my..." [Long pause. Then 'Ting!'] "...spittoon, stranger?"

[@lancealaub]

Somehow we all knew the stick horse was coming. Somehow it was still funny as heck when we finally saw it. 🤣

[@maryknudson9265]

Thanks Guy! I love this video. Would you ever consider doing a similar one with a Jazz or Noir kind of soundtrack? I'd love it!

[@ericleiter6179]

This video was a lot of fun...I think you could have given the upper winds the 16th note ostinato either in the intro then switch to strings under the theme or vice-versa...but still...very impressive!!!

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

The over-the-top stereotypical cowboy mannerisms were hilarious! Riding a stick horse and giving a polite, two-finger salute from the brim of your hat, the yee-haws, the spitting tobacco into a brass spittoon and listening for the "tink".....PRICELESS!! And along with the comedy gold, we were treated to a lesson about composing a western theme. Thanks, Guy!

[@fredmorgan996]

Man! This is so entertaining!!! Guy, there's no boring parts as far as I'm concerned.

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

Hahaha your intros never fail to liven up the day Guy.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

I do my best!

[@timoruohomaki]

Just realized all the news jingles from the past three decades were actually Wild West tunes!

[@AKMautla]

Best intro in the world

[@Bagofnowt]

I just did a western style piece for my final semester of composition at uni! It was great fun to write

[@huskvnj]

Really enjoyed that! Hilarious start, inspiring & entertaining, What a Guy! :D

[@awrgho]

Love your videos Guy, you had mentioned once you worked on the jungle book series and did some indian raag based tunes. Would love a video on indian stuff :). Ignore me if no one else is interested.

[@beverlyvanwingerdenmusic4334]

This was great Guy! I loved it, and now I actually feel like I can write something western themed...thank you!! And you are SO MUCH FUN to watch!!

[@Rockhopper1]

'Tale of the spiccatto kid " a Larry P Heasant production , I love it Guy.

[@Aviator27J]

The trumpet part is reminiscent of Apollo 13 but it still sounds good!

[@pianomanny1397]

Thank so much for doing this! I’ve wanted to breakdown a western theme and this was perfect! Growing up here in the US westerns we’re always a part of my movie viewing. Also LOVE the VSL library! Such rich articulations. Yee hah!

[@chris4839]

Guy is literally like my favorite person ever

[@cuhurun]

Guy turning it out smooth and easy, as ever. Excellent video !

[@robr471]

Best intro ever!!! Great friggin tune too! Amazing demonstration.

[@patch002]

Amazing, funny, constructive, what more!!

[@wyshwood]

Such joy. How the Western sound was won.

[@mattstaples]

And not a tassled chap in sight! Having grown up on western re-runs on BBC2 I'm looking forward to this!

[@TyRobertsmedia]

Love the 20 min aspect and that you edited the tidiouse bits. Thanks!

[@douga8296]

That was really a hoot -- thanks so much. When you brought the choir in, I just cracked up.

[@Tincit]

I can't explain how much I enjoyed this. Thanks!!

[@MrJoel9679]

Instant appreciation. Must like.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Thanks!

[@LindaMissad]

Great fun, and the sampled library sounds great. Thanks for the review and the breakdown of Western style music, Guy!

[@TheLuluberlu78]

so good, an happy moment , thank's a lot Guy !

[@tragiclantern]

I have been praying to the music gods (so, Gsus, I guess) for someone to do a breakdown on how to write Westerns music (as opposed to Western music, if you get my drift!). T H A N K - Y O U ! ! ! ! !

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

You're welcome

[@squishrabbit]

Gsus... 😂

[@sayantan3509]

You make it look easy. Love your videos ❤️

[@SwankemasterSupreme]

really helped. i don't live in america (yet) and this really helped me capture the aesthetic of the wild west.

[@DJHolte]

Had to chuckle near the end when you brought in the bell, remembering David Bruce's video from last week, "Why Composers Love Bells".

[@scotchandfly9292]

Thank you sooo much for this. Have always wondered what the theory behind traditional Western music is as it’s just so distinctive!!!

[@PolaOpposite]

So beautiful and created so fast. You are a talented man 👍

[@alexmuli]

LOOOL that was super funny.Never loose that playful fun part of you.

[@nealfiggy]

This is the most fun I've had in a while! Thank you!

[@MichaelBaugh]

This was brilliant! Wonderful theme! Amazing work! And the hat is a MUST keep

[@Gedagnors]

Thank you for huge amount of serotonin and great tutorials! =)

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

You're welcome!

[@autotunesucks3546]

@Guy Michelmore you with the hat and this music reminds me of toy story or somthing I like it though good work keep it up

[@bellxfm1]

Saturday mornings watching the latest episode from Guy are a magical thing over here in Aldwick Bay. It was classic western, but my visualisations throughout were oil. JR Michelmore pulling up at South Pork in his Cadiddlydac with a Texas sized super stetson. Informative, educational, hilarious and perfectly splendid. 'Yee hah' indeed! Thank you Guy....

[@rexknop7917]

I really enjoyed that Guy! Thank you so much!

[@blendertaxi7943]

I love your channel you so symphatic, great tutorials, BEST MEN!!!

[@LarsErikFjsne]

Didnt know about the step input functionality! Thanks!

[@nightfrightshow]

Greetings from Kingston Ontario Canada (eh) well done and many a chuckle along the way Guy Bravo!

[@ANNIHILISTIC]

This is so good I'm having difficulty not ripping it off, the choices make so much sense! :D

[@booradley32]

Listening to this I can picture Wyatt Earp riding horseback through the mountains of Tombstone, Arizona. You gave Bruce Broughton a run for his money with this one.

[@grahamwitcher105]

Sounds superb Guy....and an interesting musical direction and style to explore. Thanks.

[@MreenalMams]

Just what I needed.. I'm due to submit a track for a spaghetti western compilation.. and I think I'll be nicking the 1 b7 5 chord progression.. Thanks..

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Absolutely essential!

[@redstoneranger1404]

Your riding skills are amazing!

[@Grassyfieldsflowers]

Ooo...I think I better go and write some music for a western now! Thanks Guy!

[@brucepaz7933]

Awesome Guy I.ve been learning Reaper with BBC so. makes a big different with real instruments. Thanks for posting Bruce Northjetty Studio Productions.

[@smithc9698]

I simply love this guy!

[@djdrwatson]

Great work, Guy! It did though take quite a few retries and attempts to keep 'The Good' and edit out 'The Band & The Ugly'.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

OMG! I laughed out loud to that intro! Love this channel.

[@jon_do]

This kind of content is why I'm subscribed!

[@nightnoodler812]

Would love to see, or hear..at a later date, turning this into a Sci-Fi Western Theme.. cool vid, you always put a smile on my face. thanks Guy🎺 🎺 🎺🎺

[@fulanxi6434]

lol The intro.....Fabulous video Guy.

[@gpstudio]

That intro was epic, forget the rest of the video that made my day, thanks! :)

[@Reef.Jones.official]

Hi Guy, nice to see you in the west. Very interesting and funny intro with the horse moving😁 Long Time that I wait this video. Hope to a new one like that with wood winds and strings!!! Thanks for sharing. Peace from France

[@blandee]

Love your channel Guy it’s a breath of fresh air ! 🙌❤️

[@AL_Query]

Nach Englisch (US) Hi, I live in Germany and I love your videos. Having you as a music teacher would be fantastic. You are such a likeable person. Great job

[@georgegarside5131]

Many thanks for this as always very informative and a lot of fun I am still using the old Opus 1 and 2 libs from VSL I agree they need a lot of reverb... and they still work in EXS in Logic !

[@Mp3Charlie]

never clicked a video so fast

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

quick draw

[@MrJoel9679]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation quick wits.

[@jaymond80]

Fascinating. Love it!

[@josedeza4681]

thank you for these fun and instructive videos. I check your channel every day. greetings from Spain

[@tommyrea5530]

Simply Amazing, Super thanks for showing the work flow.. You really knocked it for a Six you did really good with this - it was a great video class! Thanks!!

[@itslukehill]

Fantastic! Love watching you work!

[@TheJustinside]

This was awesome too! love it!

[@kwokalisaur]

3:29 Are you a mind reader?? Thanks Guy, I love your work!

[@abelgeorge4953]

How has your day been guy?... Love your enthusiasm

[@alontrigger]

Guy is The Man!!!

[@liambrownpianoproductions3445]

I Love these types of videos, How about some big band in the future?

[@MrRicksym]

Thanks for the videos Guy I've been watching your channel for the past 4 months and I love your personality ! Thanks for taking the time to share your years of experience and knowledge with us, there's thousands that appreciate it. PS can I have my horse back ?!

[@rasmusnovak8600]

You should do a video on Mevieval music!

[@ivo4357]

It gives your confidence a boost when you see a pro also hits wrong notes and creates something thru trial and error. I must admit I get frustrated when I don't achieve a decent result from the get go, but I see I'm not alone, so maybe it's not my (lack of) ability after all.

[@smiggy1968]

That's awesome! Well done

[@imjj5049]

Hey Guy, I'm an amateur musician and I've been watching your videos to see what the scoring process is like and really enjoy seeing the process. I was wondering if you could do a video similar to this as well as your other scoring videos but with a sad/melancholic theme. I've had to say goodbye to my dog recently and currently watching videos on composing sad music. I own FL Studio but never really went hardcore into it but this is something I'm going to do. Watching your parallel keys video because I'm thinking of going from major then modulating to minor and then back to major.

[@plasticcreations7836]

If anyone saw you filming that into they probably thought WTF? Unless they knew who you were in which case they probably thought 'its just Guy being Guy'.

[@dalekdrummer]

25:48 sounded really good.

[@lindabrittain4392]

Very informative Guy. Love the hat !