Award Sounds Music, Photography and Consultancy

I mentioned in the previous article about using a different instrument to get past a block, well I also use them to start the process as well. If I compose starting with a guitar, the feel of the song will be different to that if I started on bass. Mainly because if I'm writing on guitar, I'm thinking about chords, riffs, patterns and where the song can develop. Whereas on bass, I'd be writing something that grooves and that locks with the drumbeat.

How well does it work?

Although I'm a better guitarist than bassist, I prefer the songs that I've started on bass. Why? Generally because they're easier to tap your feet to. For something to capture your attention, despite being largely one note at a time, it has to be more interesting than a song that has access to other attributes (such as chords, separate melody, etc). I'll still add in other parts as well beyond the bass, but they'll be there to complement the bass and drums. That does make mixing more awkward since the bass would be have to more prominent than usual. And similar works when I start on keyboard first. Getting away from my main instrument boosts my creativity no end.

What else?

Find a complicated drum loop or better still a series of drum loops. Then write to that. Can work well if you drop the drums out of the mix at regular intervals.

Part of a series by Award Sounds offering a selection of creative ideas to kick-start or rejuvenate a composition.

Technorati Tags: instruments music audio guitar bass composition