Simplifying Arrangement for Smaller Setting (Part 2)

At the previous part, I've posted the tips in order to simplify the arrangement of the song 'You Deserve'. Now, for the second example, I will post the tips for simplifying the arrangement of the song 'Run' by Hillsong. Same with the first song, I will then summarise the tips by the musicians. Enjoy!

First Video: Album Arrangement.

Second Video: Simplified Arrangement.

Tips from the musicians

Guitar

• Use delay to give more variation on the sound of the electric guitar and to simplify the note you are playing.
• Do some variation on the songs, e.g. straight rhythm on the verse and some riffs on the chorus.
• Play riffs instead of rhythm if you are sure that the other musicians can support the gap that you are going to leave by playing the riffs part.
• For acoustic guitar player, play simple open chords as it will sounds nicer together with other instruments.

Keyboard

• Avoid to play the keyboard with an 'old-school' approach by using piano sound and try to be the backbone of the song while you are not necessarily to be.
• Avoid to overplay and fill in everything so other musicians don't have anymore room to play.
• Use a constant simple sound (e.g. organ) to create a layer that can be a platform for other instruments to start.
• Add some tremolo on the organ sound to give some variation.

Bass

• Instead of playing some fancy lines, just play simple lines, especially on the verse.

Drums

• Simplify the parts of drums while keeping it strong to drive the song.
• Minimise the use of toms so you don't get confused of thinking which one to hit.

I hope this tips will help you. I found it really useful although in practice it is a bit difficult to apply it as many church musicians are album arrangement focused. Don't be to afraid to get out of the comfort zone and do some experiments. Last but not least, the most important tip of the day: DON'T FORGET TO TUNE your instruments. Tune as much as you can. A well-tuned instrument is a good start for a well-played song.

Good luck! :)

IF.
Let's Make a Joyful Noise.

Simplifying Arrangement for Smaller Setting (Part 1)

As I've written before, less is more. Sometimes when you arrange a song for your church setting, you need to simplify the arrangement compared to the original arrangement because of  various reasons. Major reasons including: smaller setting (less players), smaller building, or smaller number of congregations. Unless your church has thousands of people coming every week, I believe most of smaller churches need to simplify their music to fit the condition of the local church. However, I want to say that simplifying arrangement really doesn't mean we are compromising quality. With a simpler arrangement, we can still promote a strong and powerful music.

For the first example, I would like to show the song 'You Deserve' by Hillsong. They show us how to simplify the arrangement of their song for a smaller setting. I will then summarise the tips that the musicians give us in order to simplify the arrangement of a song.

First video: Album Arrangement.

Second video: Simplified Arrangement.

Tips from the musicians

Guitar

• If you can't really play 16th note really well on the electric part, 'cheat' a bit. Use delay instead, so you can play 8th note but sounds similar like 16th note.
• Sometimes, you need to let the acoustic guitar drive the song and the electric guitar player need to sit back a bit.
• Replace fancy lines and unnecessary riffs with more simpler lines or just play chords.

Keyboard

• Keep it simple and even unnoticeable. Play pad sounds to make the arrangement sounds fuller.

Bass

• Lower your volume in a smaller setting so the bass will not overpower other instruments.

Drums

• Simplify the notes (e.g. simplify kick to a simple fourth note) so you are not too busy with the note.
• Prevent to hit the crash cymbals for timing as it will sound a bit washy. You need something that have more definition on the sounds (e.g. if you hit the crash, you need to keep the hi-hat going so it will have more definition). Instead, you can hit the bell on the ride to keep the timing noticeable by other musicians in the team.
• Remember that a drummer is the one who holds the tempo for the whole team.
• Hit the drum kits softer and tune the kits, so even you play it softer, it will sound like you play it louder.

to be continued...

It Is Done

It's been a while that I haven't posted anything on this blog. Quite busy with some stuffs, especially during the Easter weekend. In the Easter moment, I just want to share this song with you guys. Written by Sidney Mohede and Mia Fieldes, this song has really blessed me a lot. Check this out. It is done.

IT IS DONE

Words and Music by 

Sidney Mohede and Mia Fieldes 

CCLI Song No. 5902143

VERSE 1

You took the Cross and carried it to Calvary 

When all was lost You made a way 

You prayed for us and took the weight of all we'd done 

And oh You are the reason we can say

CHORUS

It is done, It is done by Your blood 

It is done, You have overcome the world 

VERSE 2

Your word is true, It shall not come back void to You 

When all is lost You are the way 

Your light will shine, Your death has brought the dead to life 

And oh You are the reason we proclaim

BRIDGE 

Every sickness, Every weakness 

Every fear, and doubt and shame 

Every burden, Every hurt is 

Overcome in Jesus name

IF.

Let's Make a Joyful Noise.