How To Write Epic String Staccatos in 5 Minutes

String Staccatos: the foundation of Epic Orchestral music.
They sound simple and understandable, but writing an unforgettable staccato pattern takes way more than just arpeggiating a chord progression. Here's my tutorial on them in five minutes.
» Trailer Music Mastery Course: goo.gl/DKDEqq
» Advanced Staccatos Strings Tutorial: • How To Write Epic & Re...
» How To Write Trailer Music Tutorials: • How To Write Trailer M...
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⏫ PRIVATE LESSONS: Coming soon...
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🎻 LIBRARIES & SOFTWARE:
(For each module, the libraries are sorted based on how much I like them).
- STRINGS: Metropolis Ark 1 & 3, Nucleus, Cinematic Studio Strings, Fluid Shorts, Cinematic Strings 2, Jaeger
- BRASS: Metropolis Ark 1 & 3, JXL Brass, Nucleus, Twelve Horn Ensemble, CineBrass CORE, Century Brass, Jaeger, Angry Brass
- CHOIR: Oceania, Metropolis Ark 1, Stormchoir 2
- WOODWINDS: CineWinds CORE, Nucleus, Metropolis Ark 1 & 3
- HYBRID PERCS & LOOPS: Damage, PercX, Decimator Drums, Cerberus
- BIG CINEMATIC PERCS: Los Angeles Modern Percussion, New Epic Toms Ensemble, New Epic Dhol Ensemble, CinePerc
- ORCHESTRAL PERCS: CinePerc, Rhapsody Orchestral Percussion, Kontakt Factory Library
- PIANO: The Giant, Woodchester Piano, Spitfire LABS Soft Piano
- HARPS & OTHERS: CineHarp, Kontakt Factory Library
- SYNTHS: Juggernaut, Serum, Harmor, Jaeger, Evolution Atlantica,
- ORCHESTRAL SFX: Metropolis Ark 3, Palette Orchestral FX
- SOLO STRINGS: Tina Guo Solo Cello, Solos of the Sea, Cinematic Studio Strings Solo
- SOLO VOCALS: Jaeger, Vocalisa
- GUITARS: Basic Live Guitars & Bass routed into Waves GTR / Guitar Rig, Metropolis Ark 1, Heavyocity Atlantica
- TRAILER SFX: Custom / Private Samples, AVA Instinct, Cinematic Trailers Designed, Epic Sound Effects Quantum, Scenes From The Multiverse Vol.1, Juggernaut, Jaeger, Evolution Atlantica, AizerX Classic Trailers Toolkit, AizerX Trailer SFX Tools
- REVERB: ValhallaRoom, ValhallaShimmer
- MIXING & MASTERING: iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced, iZotope Neutron, FabFilter Pro-Q3, FL Studio Plugins
- DAW: FL Studio 20
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💻 HARDWARE & PC SPECS:
- Desktop PC: 3.7 GHz Intel Core i7 8700k / 32GB DDR4 RAM / 2TB Samsung Evo860 M.2 SSD
- Laptop PC: Asus ROG GLW752 (2.6GHz Intel Core i7-6700HQ / 16GB DDR4 RAM / 1TB Samsung Evo860 M.2 SSD)
- Audio Interface: M-Audio M-Track Plus
- MIDI Keyboard: M-Audio Keystation 49 MkIII

[@ssd2293]

It's very rare when someone says something is "complete garbage" and immediately proceeds to give an example of what is better... Action immediately follows the words... and most among the audience agree. Most are shaken out of their comfort-zone without feeling offended. I admire that thing about you Alex... every time I see your video a part of my musical self improves a notch. Thanks a lot! and Best Wishes...

[@danielhadida3915]

"and this is complete garbage", LOL, shots are fired. Keep on the great work, Alex !

[@WrektSK]

I mean he did spit straight facts there lol. I used to play mostly metal guitar when I was getting into orchestral and electronic music, and even then when I saw those types of compositions I went, "Wow this is trash"

[@emmettmusa1808]

you all probably dont care at all but does any of you know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@samsonomar8927]

@Emmett Musa instablaster =)

[@emmettmusa1808]

@Samson Omar thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@emmettmusa1808]

@Samson Omar It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass !

[@MrEcted]

Me: That's not bad! Alex: And this is complete garbage... Me: That's complete garbage.

[@Altair4611]

"Yes chef"

[@cauefernandes5931]

I'm absolutely loving this "How to in 5 minutes"! Thanks so much Alex!!!

[@kelvinchan2286]

some self-notes: 1. accent on double bass + cello 2. accent on violin (syncopation) 3. harmonization on viola (middle part) 4. subdivision 5. melody 6. variation

[@playportalapp]

Me: oh cool i guess i got the basics i make stuff like th- Alex Moukala Tutorials: and this is complete garbage

[@flexxbeatz4330]

Who is the guy he mentioned for trailer music I can’t understand him because of his dialect/vernacular

[@ajax6380]

@@flexxbeatz4330 2 steps from hell

[@alexsinnix6608]

Anytime I here something written in D my brain screams Pirates LOL

[@holygramatha4978]

Alex Sinnix me too

[@MiloMcCarthyMusic]

Hans Zimmer writes in D all the time

[@AditKamath26]

@@MiloMcCarthyMusic Its satisfying!!

[@davidbrussard-composer7372]

"I like writing in D"

[@ralphmarbler27]

90% of Treyarch's zombies music were composed in D minor.

[@Unelith]

It actually did wonders. I had a spiccato with what I thought to be a cool melody, but it just sounded so thin. Now I understand what to do

[@BigAmp2012]

I've only watched two of Alex's videos and I've already been upgraded. Suscribed!

[@paulstodolny3091]

Incredible lesson Alex. Love this. Love your style and your "No B.S." approach.

[@JanKerstens]

Select; deselect, zoom in, zoom out, move left, move up; oh no, move down, move right; zoom out; zoom in; select again, wait, deselect;.... fantastic!!!!

[@TWDub]

Short and simple tutorials like this are highly underrated, and almost criminally overlooked on KZbin thanks to the algorithm. It was sheer luck I saw this, and I'm glad I did. Well done Alex!

[@CesarDMarin]

This is AMAZING!! Thank you so much for the most productive 5 minutes I have seen on a tutorial about composition! ... that little ta ta ta- ta taan introducing the melody and at the end is a freaking touche in production!! Well done man!!

[@jfklmk13447]

These type of videos are just amazing man ! Really quick and informative ! Keep up the great work

[@RosentwigMusic]

Someday I will actually start to make orchestral music and use all these things, haha. Until that day I'll just enjoy your creativity and knowledge :)

[@OrchestralMusicMidJourneyArt]

Maximilian Zantis what is holding you back from starting?

[@showdown2613]

@@OrchestralMusicMidJourneyArt Money

[@OrchestralMusicMidJourneyArt]

Maximilian Zantis I agree on the money part. I do all my buying during Thanksgiving-Christmas sales. This year I went a way bit overboard and used the credit card, but hey, I bought about 11 Kontakt libraries for $1,200.00. If I bought those same libraries during the year I would of spent around $5,000.00. Just keep an eye out for sales and free stuff. I too am learning as well. KZbin helps and so does Alex.

[@jaredlane29]

Cake walk has a free DAW and Spitfire has their free sample libraries as well.

[@yurianvise1672]

I admit it, I am a fraud . I steal by Downloading pirated vsts... I know everyone says this, but if I will really make money, I hope I will have the pull to buy them.. but now, I only do it for fun and i don't share it with the public(the music). I got omnisphere , metropolis ark , etc from vsttorrent.net or if the site doesn't work just type on Google vsttorrents. There you can find really anything , from ozone 9 to drum kits. For practicing is really good. I know, it is stealing ! I don't wanna find any excuse for it. But just in case, you want to grab those , type on Google vsttorrents :)

[@TheEstorini]

Alex you are a great teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. A big Hug from Brazil.

[@Garinioss]

I've founded this channel 1 hour ago and gets lots of tips and ideas to do in my projects. As you i focus in the Orchestral music (with some other pieces too), but with an ethnical/latin taste on this. Thanks Alex!, I've suscribed and will watch some of your tutorials for getting better in my mastering and arrangement.

[@olukz2529]

Thank You! Short and straight to the point knowledge that can be immediately applied 🙏

[@RLeaguer_Saint]

This was hugely helpful - I wrote something that wasn't terrible immediately after watching this! Great stuff, thanks!

[@kennyjoyce1454]

Love the 5 minute tutorials they are great for on the go or break at work. You also answered my question about using the string patches in met ark that ive always wondered about since its high and low strings thanks man :)

[@luvoka45]

Exactly the type of tutorial I was looking for. Thank you Alex!

[@sturlestrausslisaethcomposer]

Great stuff Alex uncovering some very effective secrets making it come alive! Thanks for the reminder 😃

[@MoonSpaceArts]

That's amazing Alex. Thank you for giving us your knowledge for free. You made my day buddy!

[@marcorampazzo2719]

Simple, helpful and effective! Great work!

[@Breakingtheglasswall]

Excellent video. This cleared up a lot of confusion I had.

[@dhm_btz6504]

Going to use this on my next composition!, thank you very much!!!

[@marcelobormida]

Thanks great tip Alex i learn a Lot with your videos!

[@jenniferbowmanmusic1817]

Fantastic video and fantastic music. Thanks Alex for this tutorial. I am using your techniques to help make my orchestral music stronger and really appreciate your clarity and efforts to help us understand! Best wishes--

[@petertremblay3725]

Cool stuff Alex and keep them coming!

[@positivelydark]

Fantastic tutorial! Now I need to incorporate this into my new music. Thanks!

[@LionheartBeatz]

You are actually talented. Knowledge is power. Keep it up dude, good job!

[@underratedtoviral8434]

I loved your channel...thanks man

[@yraxkoli4230]

this was just 5 minutes but it helped me more than 1 year in school

[@IamZeus1100]

just found this channel , you are absolutely brilliant. subscribed

[@Evangelionism]

@1:25 Duuude.... I really like that. Wasn't expecting it.

[@chrispantos3559]

Thank you VERY MUCH Alex!!!

[@HIMPLEHAS]

Thank you very much Alex, the best!

[@ElemonAdventures]

This was really helpful. Thank you so much! :)

[@PhilippKleinMusic]

Your videos are so helpful and informative! Your content is great, keep it up 👍😁

[@darodism]

Wow, Im honestly super Amazed, that was great. I love this.

[@michaelkelly6583]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@christopherstys1300]

I am so glad i found your channel

[@dreamsamir2769]

Love the 5 min thing .. very useful

[@TheSvs1]

ive been follow you since you started. Damn you got so much better! LOVING IT! :)

[@erikjorgensen8721]

so Epic mate!!

[@chetanbisht4968]

Finally!!!! Thank you so much!

[@NachoValestrini]

Just in time, and yep, I will get Trailer Music Mastery Course , thanks again mate

[@ccuny1]

Excellent tutorial and fast§ Thank you. Liked and subscribed. Greetings from France, Alex.

[@WhitesandComposer]

great tutorial!

[@Joesire]

Great Video! Iearned a lot!

[@dinit.9751]

That was really helpful!

[@mcewan-media]

Thanks alex!!!

[@straplocked4171]

YES! I use these headphones too. Great tutorial man!

[@VenoMusic5]

is yours 250 ohm?

[@PWEST]

loving the content atm!

[@JohnnyBoyThunder-ne8ch]

Hey Alex u rock 🔥🔥🔥

[@LuMozMusic]

Exactly what I was looking for. Amazing tutorial. I would appreciate saying what instruments you are using in the beginning and how to get them also but wow, really good stuff. Subscribed.

Yes! Thanks!

[@hunt4artspray]

Holy cow that's beautiful brother way to lay it out

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

This channel is amazing to a complete newbie like me

[@pflaster2872]

thx a lot for helping

[@Floatwithme]

Thanks Alex, love it :)

[@yansaemusic]

Would love to see more vids like this!

[@rafidnaema5077]

you are an amazing outstanding guy keep what you doing

[@julianpujol4196]

Increíble amigo!

[@sentionlight1000]

Thank you for your tutorials :з

[@CascioMusicProduction]

Love it!

[@HarisSecerovicMusic]

You deserve my sub !

[@prodmason]

can you please make more of these that might even be geared toward producers of other genres? Your music theory insight is kinda life changing for many musicians

[@h0pesfall]

Man, I love you! :D

[@9Musicmedia]

Wow. It is so nice, bro

[@jayneubauer3401]

LOVE your tutorials!! Oh, they are 16th notes (4 subdivisions of a quarter note) as opposed to 1/12. The phasing issues you talked about (and winced a few times), to be honest, I assumed they were mod wheel adjustments

[@lifewhyz]

You're probably the best resource available online for Composers. Sure, you can pay an arm and a leg for classes that may or may not help. But you've consistently helped me level up time after time after time. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GUIDANCE AND INSPIRATION!!! Your name is on my tongue any time someone asks me for help with their Orchestral work. (I can't wait til I see your name in movie credits!)

[@peterstiens]

thx a lot

[@kris4637]

I don't own a DAW, I don't intend on making orchestral music....but here I am

[@djcata7474]

C sharp, Alex...

[@blizzer6737]

Youre a boss!

[@djminocono1214]

pls try to do tutorial on horror music

[@HieuPham-pw6og]

i love you so much

[@rataishereguys]

Woah Now i know what i need to improve my orchestral staccato strings melodies Because the ones that I do before sound not so epic and realistic Thanks

[@aldianandaprasetya1929]

EPIC

[@BWMUSICRaghavPadwal]

Dimag kharab kar dene wala Score… Great work brother as usual brother. Keep it up 👍 😊🎼🎶🎵

[@mukmusicdiary]

Man, how do you make that sound so big! Even when you just do the Violin track on it's own it sounds so big! Is it just center track with reverb? Would you please be able to do isolated instrument tutorials for beginners on how to get the most out of what you have? :) Thanks for all your wonderful tutorials!!

[@SteelShirt99]

One thing I will suggest is for your longer videos. Leave time stamps in the comments for the different things you talk about in the video. That way people won’t have to listen to every single thing (if they don’t want to) and can jump atraight to the part where you are giving them the relevant info they need.

[@AlexMoukala]

I do that when I remember it, but there's so many videos where I didn't! Would need to have someone to go through all the videos and add the timestamps.

[@AlexeyFilippenkoPlummet]

I actually enjoy short videos that are sharp on topic. The longer the video the higher the chances of not finding what you need in there, digressing etc What we might need is organized playlists that cover a full topic with a number of short videos though.

[@nemecmusic]

Great tutorial Alex. Please tell me what post processing are you using to achieve this sound. I recently buy the MA1 and It sounds completely different. Thank you.

[@dhanushadithiya5131]

Thanks....

[@gawys28]

Cool

[@CraigHinrichs]

I LOVE YOU

[@davidviera3347]

Hey Aleks, can you tell me when you use spiccatos and when staccatos, they are different but can achieve similar purposes, just curious about how and when you apply them

[@athishayjain.m.k9257]

bro your using and telling violas in ark 01 how to consider it as viola ter is only low and high strings patch in metropolis ark 01 am tryin to follow 1to1 even with patches to get the same result and trying to figure in wch octave you are placing tq soo muchh brooo

[@CascioMusicProduction]

Great video! One question, for subdivision you mean using an arpeggiator? Thanks

[@wolfie8748]

0:11 may I ask you guys how did he go through other insturments , whats the setting ?

[@mudasirshora77]

excellent! which software u rceommend

[@jaymcaaa]

Very time consuming this but luv the strings how long does it take to master this ?

[@ReubenCornell]

Put down the DAW and get that Kingdom Hearts 3 started.

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

🤣

[@capnz15]

Informative, to the point, and quick. My only problem is getting the VST plugins in the first place. 549 euros for Metropolis Ark isn't a great price for me :(

[@alexandrodiova8386]

0:51 bro again you are making me die omg LMAO

[@engineerhammadjahangir]

Dear alex, have you used this strings pattern in any composition??? I would love to hear it.

[@andreelefteriades2476]

How do i make staccato strings, with a special plugin?

[@fettfreiebutter7036]

what plugin are you using for that great strings?

[@atgvolumes6772]

Do you use a midi keyboard or do you just plug everything into the piano roll manually?