The Best Ways to Voice Strings? (and what IS string voicing?)

MY NEW BOOK - www.spitfireaudio.com/the-pro...
In this one we have a proper look at options for laying out the voices in the string section to a simple four chord part, and then ways of arranging a short melody. Here are a few books that I have enjoyed studying to learn more about arranging!
Berlioz - Treatise on Instrumentation
Widor - The Modern Orchestra
Cope - Techniques of the Contemporary Composer
Kennan/Grantham - The Technique of Orchestration
#oneorchestra

[@basharun]

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[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Hi - this was done by KZbin without my knowledge - I’ll look into how I can remove them next week!

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​@@PaulThomsonMusic If anyone does not want to sit through ads on a video the fix is simple. Just Google search and download the Fire Fox browser. Then in Fire Fox click the three lines in the upper right side of the window and click add ons. Once in the add ons page search in that pages search box U Block Origin and install it. Use Fire Fox as your default browser and that's it. You will never again see any ad pop-ups in any KZbin video you see ever.

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No ads, youtube red for $15 month gives you ad free for 5 people. spouse, kids, parent, sibling, best friend. Each can Not see or blend each others history, search, playlists.

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[@redguitar6062]

This is exactly what the internet was invented for. The entire free package of sounds, tools and information you guys have put together quite literally brings a tear to my eye. Just beautiful in it's generosity of spirit and pure solidarity with the need to create musical art. My heartfelt thanks to you and Christian and all the guys at Spitfire Audio.

[@MarcusHedenberg]

The thing I really enjoyed about this video is that you demonstrate not just what works, but what doesn’t work and why not.

[@206pictures7]

I'm just starting to learn composing for an orchestra and have no musical education, this was insanely helpful, thanks a million

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Fantastic! Good luck with your studies!

[@kaylasings8122]

Story of my life . I feel that

[@ToastandJam52]

Yes Paul, I found this extremely interesting. I have just got Albion One and I am still getting to grips with it. Just like so many others you talked about, I have no musical eduction (yes, I can read music). As I a rapidly approaching 70 (not sure how that happened) I am extremely grateful that I can embark on a journey of learning something that I have wanted to do for far too long. Obviously, it is going to be an uphill battle but one I am looking forward to. Thanks and keep the instructional videos coming!!!!!

[@Wayne_Robinson]

I'm in the same position (albeit a decade or so younger, but equally unsure how that happened). Music helps keep the mind sharp! Between the availability of virtual orchestral instruments and great educational resources like this video, I've learned so much in the last few years. The only unfortunate thing about having music as a non-paying passion is that it's hard to justify buying the entire Spitfire Audio catalog!

[@brendanwalsh108]

@@Wayne_Robinson Well Wayne, it's probably cheaper than a Caribbean cruise but will last longer. And, looking on the bright side, one could compose one's own funeral music. You're welcome.

[@Wayne_Robinson]

@@brendanwalsh108 Thanks for the suggestion. But I prefer to torture my friends and family in person to be sure they are hearing it at a reasonable volume. Once I'm dead, they could just turn off my "Funeral for Me" concept album at any time.

[@brendanwalsh108]

@@Wayne_Robinson "Funeral For Me" is a great idea. Spitfire are bound to be in touch.

[@MBLonYT]

Let me also join in with this ambitious, but mature in years, time team. Having retired from too many years of commercial business, I now have the time and freedom to delve into a challenge I've waited patiently to devote myself to. More power to your elbow @ToastedJam52! Mnay thanks Paul for this eyeopener. Keep them coming, please?

[@DepressedCapitalist]

Paul, this video has been both delightful and educational. I started a piece from scratch following each and every harmonization you made. Can't begin to tell you how much fun I had while learning. But above all, your last words about diving in and not worrying about formal training are even more inspiring and educational. I attended Berklee and studied film music composition, but I have to agree with you. There is no need for formal training. Just being passionate, willing to explore and being creative. My most admired composers do not have formal training. Thank you for taking the time to share this video and your words of wisdom. Cheers from Argentina.

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

The timing of this video couldn’t be better. I’ve been rearranging the strings & winds of a new piece over and over for a week. I needed a fresh perspective! Thank you for this.

[@felixmarques]

“It's becoming a more indistinct, unsatisfying sound” he says-meanwhile I'm like THIS IS GORGEOUS, GIVE ME MORE SOUND SOUP.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Haha!! Love it - music is so subjective!

[@JeffJefferyUK]

@@PaulThomsonMusic It is subjective of course, but then 'Imposter Syndrome' kicks in and one can wonder "Wait! What? That sounds indistinct? It doesn't to me! What's wrong with me? What have I missed?!"

[@westcliffmusic]

I preferred the "muddy" too. What is wrong with us?

[@Tony-Stockport]

Watching this three years after it was published and it's a gem. The things learned here will definitely stay with me.

[@redmercurylondon]

I would have paid for this as a masterclass. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

[@ransbarger]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. It is the best tutorial on this subject I have found. Please more!

[@totalmusicfreedom]

Thanks Paul. Exactly the sort of insights I've been craving. This is the sort of content that takes your writing to the next level. In my ignorance I've always thought that writing voices in unison or octaves would be seen as 'lazy' and uninteresting so I have probably suffered from over-thinking it and trying to be overly clever with my arrangements (and making them sound murky). But your demo at the very end blew that away for me.

[@Enice43]

I really appreciate the love and passion in articulations in this demo.

[@stalktheowls]

Always appreciate the depth of knowledge and advice shared on your videos, Paul.

[@Wayne_Robinson]

Thanks for taking the time to create the different arrangements and showing the effect achieved by each of them. I learned a lot and it inspired me to experiment more myself.

[@benwilliamstv]

Thanks Paul, great video! I've been crying out for this type of video, that bit at the end summed it up for me, this is so valuable for those of us trying to get the hang of this! And the way you went through the options made it so much clearer. Can't wait for the next one, would love to hear more on what impact different voicings can have.

[@leomusic7576]

One think I like to do when I write for strings is to use an approach of countermelody. I like to give the 4 parts of the string family a voice. My favorite instrument to do so would be the celli. I love to give the celli their own voice that would support the violins! But at different times. So when the violins sustain the note the cello would play their part and viceversa. I’m a self taught. But I find it quite useful and feels amazing really! I study everyday of my life the orchestra. So I can do this professionally one day. Filmscore and tv work are my favorite! Thank you very much for your approach, effort and hard work in this video. I love Spitfire Audio I learn so much from all your and teammates videos! 🙌🏼

[@ridgero]

This was such a helpful video, thank you so much Paul!

[@verticalvibemusic]

Fabulous start Paul. Please keep going on this .... And thank you for your time and sharing your experienced perspectives 🙏🏻

[@jwp2460]

Fantastic video! I've love what you mentioned about not being afraid to "learn" how to write for the orchestra. I've been a musician for most of my life and love studying music for my own composing and guitar playing, but writing for the orchestra is a newer adventure for me. I've loved learning how to write better string parts, adding a whole new universe of colors into my arrangements. Thanks so much for the tips in this video!

[@lonelyseaproductions2337]

Thanks for making this video! I'd love to see more instructional stuff like this. You break it down so eloquently.

[@KristopherMichael7463]

Thank You for the lesson Mr. Thompson. I always enjoy and find very helpful and useful. I'll be looking forward for the next one as always

[@drewgriffith1037]

Fantastic information. Thanks for sharing!

[@JayKay0245]

This is just great information Paul, more like this please!

[@WillWilson]

Pure Gold, thanks for sharing!

[@wolfie8748]

Always good to hear your voice and learn from you , thanks!

[@emanueldivillarosa5701]

Very helpful, thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge!

[@allanhavemose]

Thank you - very interesting video. I appreciate you taking the time to share your insights.

[@remoevans]

This is really great stuff for novices like me. I'm slowly building up an understanding of orchestral matters and the various outlets from Spitfire are playing an increasingly major part in my education. Thank you so much.

[@BillRyderJones_thegear]

Brilliant, I love your videos Paul. Really insightful

[@mirzaaljic]

Thank you so much for this video Paul. I learned a lot about proper string voicing today.

[@Carsons12]

Wish I could give you multiple "likes". Especially for the stuff you said during the end. I also love your Basic Instinct analysis video. Looking forward to more of that type of videos.

[@bobheatliesongs]

Very informative Paul, and much appreciated! 👍👍👍

[@2112ZOZ]

This was fantastic. Many thank, Paul. Cheers!

[@AlistairMelville]

Wonderful and very insightful video Paul. This is exactly what I needed to get to grips with my first piece of music using the BBC SO Library. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your experience and understanding of orchestration. I am in the same boat as you. Self-taught but just taking it all in step by step. Many, many thanks.

[@matteogazzolo1]

Extremely clear and well explained, it's useful to follow your thoughts flow, this helps a lot to understand voicings.

[@JohnArcher11]

Thank you so much for this Paul. I have been creating some travel videos using music from other sources even though I am a musician (Piano, clarinet, guitar, etc.) I've recently retired and decided to spend the rest of my years creating video and music. This is actually the first video I've listened to on orchestration. It was well done because I was able to follow your every move and your reasoning. You have really inspired me. I have always played by ear and written a few pieces of music. Because of what you have done here I am ready to really delve into it. :)

[@jrsmoots]

This is super helpful for those of use coming at strings/piano from other instruments (in my case, guitar). Thanks for posting!

[@Mansardian]

Very, very interesting to watch you explaining voicing analytically. I used to do it intuitively, but sometimes it didn't work out. Now I learned why. For me, one of the most important things you said, however, was the encouragement to try things out and that orchestras welcome new music!! Thank you!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Glad you found it useful!

[@lmc48]

Same here Johannes.I had some musical Theory,but Paul's explanations just reminded me about what I should and should not do.The Lecture opened up my eyes.

[@scotthjohnson1558]

Super helpful and exciting, Paul. Love the idea of incorporating the orchestra into all kinds of modern music.

[@BoogieBear]

Absolutely excellent, really inspirational, thank you Paul🙏

[@GuyVignati]

Really interesting and helpful series of videos, waiting for the brass episode!!

[@jornkux9033]

Great Video Paul, as was the Basic Instinct Vid. Thank you for going through the lengths of producing this stuff for the community. The manner in which Christian and you are passionately sharing with the community of musicians and the whole way you are going about and communicating your business is a true inspiration and makes me feel quite good having spent thousands of Euro on your libraries. I am looking forward to seeing many more of those Videos. A great happy day to everyone reading!

[@lmc48]

Good day to you too J Kux.thanks

[@pauly2929]

Such a useful video... thank you so much for this x

[@psychotrout]

Sounds pretty cool, thank you for the lesson!

[@nedfo72]

Thanks for the tips! I've been using the BBCSO nonstop the last few days. Loving the strings especially!

[@lilikura]

This is an amazing video. Thank you so much. I myself am self taught and have been looking into learning to orchestrate my music. This video is a great stepping stone into the world of orchestration. Thank you, once again.

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Great Video Paul. Thank you for making this. Very useful

[@dreddiknight]

I revisit this video from time to time because it is so useful in terms of educating me about how strings work together. I make instrumental hip hop with orchestral elements and information like this is invaluable. Thank you Paul! 🙏🏿

[@user-embers]

the way this guy explains things is amazing.

[@bobennike]

Just fantastic. One of the best clear voicing for those of us not classically trained.

[@_inspiritandintruth]

This is great. Thank you so much for breaking this down.

[@royedwards8157]

Absolutely great thank you Paul

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Awesome. Thanks. That BBCSO sounds stunningly good.

[@christiaantinga]

Most mind opening and inspiring. Thank you

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

This was extremely helpful and thank you for sharing. I have ordered several of the books referenced. I would certainly be interested in more videos regarding string arrangements as from what I have read they are the most important and foundational instruments in orchestral music.

[@MichaelLauerDr]

That‘s great content. You‘re a great instructor, thanks a lot.

[@MikeRolls]

Excellent video Paul, really helpful and runs at a great pace. I hope there's plenty more to come. Who knew Johnny Bairstow knew so much about composition.. :)

[@SunilMungur]

Such great information. Thank you!

[@mikusguitarius]

Absolute gold. Thanks!

[@samshrimpton407]

God those strings sound amazing. Never wanted a library as much as the BBCSO! Useful video Paul, thank you! I would love a series exploring string voicings more in depth and specific compositions would be great!

[@jon_do]

Excellent content and teaching approach. Thanks and keep it up, kind sir!! :)

[@jasonfella265]

Wow, great video!! Very informative, detailed, and yet simple.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Jason!

[@benjaminalaridmusic8184]

Hey Paul! Had this video sitting in my Watch Later folder for way to long. Great info and easy to follow presentation. Thanks for all you do

[@tripthelightfantastic6519]

Great video. Thanks for this.

[@AlbertKimMusic]

this is extremely eye opening

[@GrantStinnett]

Beautiful sounds! That BBCSO library is awesome! I actually kinda like the sound you got with the cello playing the 5ths. Very conflicted and dark.

[@stevedendera]

Christ on a bike those strings sound stunning. Thank you paul, that was really helpful

[@dennishionis2413]

Hey Paul, thank you so much for this video and the sort of content you post in general! I have a solid background in music but all these sort of vids are fantastic help!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Dennis!

[@Andrew_Renko]

that was amazing. thank you very much for this video

[@vaiman7777]

Great stuff Paul. Would love to have a similar thing on woods, as I'm always confused how/when to use those. BBCSO sounds great btw, I love it

[@kevincourcey813]

Excellent video. Coming from organ and guitar, I had no idea how to voice string orchestra parts. Very helpful. thanks.

[@resonanceau433]

I just got my copy of BBCSO Discover and this demonstration is very helpful. Thank you for sharing some insights into string arrangement.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glenesis]

That RE-20 sounds Amazing at that distance. Great work!

[@SidJ8300]

Really helpful, Paul. Thank you for sharing .. 😊😊

[@hablemosdefoto]

Just Amazing, Thank you for share I just bought my BBC Symphony Orchestra core. love every sample.

[@paulchapman112]

Excellent explanation! thanks

[@vzm4663]

Right off the bat, excellent video! I'd like to make my string sections in my work sound better, so this is great for it. Thank you =)

[@andymd01]

Really informative! thanks

[@vacuumelite2065]

Have purchased BBC Maida Vale Pro. I am an old punk guitar player. Thank you so much for this video gift. Furthermore : you have given me permission to break the ingrained idea; that I am not worthy to even try. Spitfire is very special. I love you all. ♥️♥️♥️

[@NickHintonMusic]

Thank you Paul, very encouraging.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Nick!

[@lahattec]

Thanks for the insight.

[@Musicman2012Now]

Thank you for this, Paul.

[@masonthomassax]

This video is very informative. Thank you!

[@5ammy13]

I think one important aspect in voicing is that the when the thirds are played at a lower frequency, this causes a lot of harmonics that clash with the actual root of the chord. Thus it's always better to keep the lower notes playing the root or fifths. Try avoiding the thirds for Celli and Bass. Not a hard rule, but I guess something will help?

[@abdulalshibly3930]

That's a pretty good advice although there's a voicing which is called the first inversion chord where you will put the third in the bass and the root and the fifth in the upper register just to get a new sound

[@ethangarcia854]

Is this Logic Pro x

[@5ammy13]

@@abdulalshibly3930 yeah. Third inversions tend to work well in the higher registers since the harmonics isn't a lot and the wrong frequencies aren't glaringly obvious. I think below C3, I would try to avoid the thirds. I'd stick to the root notes below C2 and maybe introduce the fifth between C2 and C3.

[@5ammy13]

@@ethangarcia854 looks like logic pro to me 😁

[@sanchez_demo]

@@ethangarcia854 yeah

[@lmc48]

Good Lecture Paul.Thanks a lot.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Lameck!

[@yadinmichaeli12]

Amazing Tutorial Thank you so much :)

[@chrismeyers7487]

This is pure GOLD! Thank you for this! If you can- Winds, please!!!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Winds coming!

[@chrismeyers7487]

Ahhh!!! Can’t wait! Thank you so much, Paul!

[@jamesjr9438]

Thank you, Paul for taking to time to do this video. I enjoyed it very much. I was wondering what your thoughts are about voicing strings in different chord inversions?

[@kariendewaal3359]

I love your systematic approach. Trying them 1 by 1

[@Harrysound]

This video is absolutely perfect! It’s answering the question I never knew how to ask properly to get an answer, how do string players interact on a basic level. As a guitarist of 28 years (wow) I didn’t even know what a 3rd or 5th was

[@Unelith]

Haha, that's very relatable. I started as an electric guitar player with love for power metal and knew nothing about music theory for years. I hardly knew what a scale was. It's a very satisfying feeling to now slowly start to understand how all of that stuff actually works.

[@mecca777]

I really needed this, thanks!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@GeorgeStreicherMusic]

I love these videos.

[@VleiRatFilms]

Likewise .. approaching 76 and still learning every day as I try to write for my own sake and not "to order" .. It's tremendously liberating to watch you teach us to "make better and better mistakes" and so free ourselves from the shackles of our limitations. Good stuff. Thanks.

[@Nomo_Popo]

Pretty helpful; thank you.

[@Nicoladen1]

I can't shake off the feeling that going up a half step with those second violins and or the cello, in the second half of the last bar, would've made this so epic

[@antp6279]

Hi Paul - thanks for doing these demonstrations. They are super useful and there is nothing else quite like them on KZbin. I've just bought BBCSO Core and I'd really love to see a video that goes into effectively using dynamics and expression together and in particular how to get the most natural dynamic shapes out of various types of instruments and sustains. Cheers!

[@antp6279]

Seems like you had the idea a couple of years before me... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKeyoY2OidCdg8U - still, it would be really awesome to hear you explore how to create realistic dynamics for different sections and articulations. Thanks again.

[@osagie2]

Very nice ! Thanx Paul !

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

You’re welcome!

[@colinbradford2671]

As a Funk guitarist, this was an outer worldly experience for me but having ordered the Spitfire BBC Discovery package its a great start, thank you.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Brilliant! That’s great to hear - enjoy Discover!

[@lmc48]

You will enjoy using the Discover Package Colin.The sonics sound so real even before you dive into using the Pro version. The Spitfire crew are on Audio point.

[@imnicksadler]

This was perfect timing that i found this before starting my Westworld composition. Thanks so much for this video, super helpful!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Nick glad it was useful!

[@imnicksadler]

Paul Thomson would you ever be keen to giving a listen to a composition/mix and give it a critique?