No matter our sound – whether we have a hard rock, a soft rock, a gospel or a liturgical type of sound – we have to start with some basic principles when we’re thinking about arranging a large band. You can make your band sound great!
Using these 5 ingredients, you’ll have an epic formula for to make your band sound great.
1. Establish your sound.
2. Layer from the ground up.
3. Communicate roles.
4. Start from rhythm.
5. Build with taste.
The Epic Formula to Make Your Band Sound Great
INGREDIENT 1 – ESTABLISH YOUR SOUND
Establish your sound.
What sound are you after? What are you looking to be able to create? You have to start with basic principles when it comes to making this sound work.
Some congregations want the ability to create different types of sounds to serve their diverse community. These sounds can be expressed with different instruments, different singers, or different kinds of bands.
These are all elements that need to be in place for you to achieve varieties of sound.
Understanding what instrumentation and abilities you have available to you is the first step in making your band sound great.
INGREDIENT 2 – LAYER FROM THE GROUND UP
Layer from the ground up.
All arrangements start with ‘the groove’ – the bass drum and the bass guitar. These instruments interact, lock together a rhythmic foundation, and bring the groove to life.
Everything else can be layered on top. If this is “off,” then the whole band will be off. Take the time to make sure the groove is solid with the bass and drums.
Once the ground level is strong, you can work on inside rhythms.
These sounds fill gaps with more frequent repetitions, and are brought to life by instruments like the hi-hat and acoustic guitar. Next, add in other instrumentation, like a keyboard.
Watch out for similar patterns of rhythm among the instruments – everyone must stick to their roles to create breathing room in the music.
All instrumentation, whether you’re in a musical trio or an orchestra of 50, must add up to one –this is the Fraction Principle.
For example, If you’ve got 7 instruments, each player can only have 1/7 of the sound. If your musicians take on more than their designated amount, the music becomes irritating and overbearing.
