Orchestration 101: Doubling Instruments

In this video, we’ll discuss various approaches to doubling instruments. We'll also cover reasons for doubling, and things to keep in mind when selecting which instruments to pair together.

[TableTopComposer]

Hi Everyone, so a quick update about this series. When I made these videos I used a Pitch-Octave notation other than SPN (Scientific Pitch Notation, which is standard). The system I worked with has C4 as middle C, and resets octaves every "A" instead of every "C". I apologize if this is confusing. My orchestration video on transposing explains the system in greater detail. Other than this, the information is accurate and should be helpful! I'll be releasing an updated series on orchestration soon with more information (and that actually uses SPN). Thank you for your understanding and support! I'm grateful to have such a great community surrounding this youtube channel!

[pamfalon]

Thank you so much for this priceless content you provide for free. May the universe pay you back.

[danielrennie]

I once played in a band in high school where the composer doubled the tuba and piccolo on a solo line like 3-4 octaves apart for comedic effect 😂😂

[aivarasburn]

I wanted to learn properly how to orchestrate for a while now! Thanks so much for this invaluable information!

[HomeAtLast]

I have never studied orchestration, audio engineering, or music theory. However, a few years ago I began to notice in rock music that some songs had two different instruments playing the same melody line. For example, in The Beatles' "Birthday" the bass and guitar play the same melody line, but in different octaves, throughout the song. Or, in Marshall Tucker Band's "Heard It In A Love Song" two different types of guitars play the same melody line at certain points during the song.

I found that the reason I liked it is it seemed to add depth of structure to the song. It made the song feel more structured, and it just seemed to add depth or dimension.

[HomeAtLast]

Great video. Very clear structure to your presentation.

[_emanmodnar]

It would have made this lecture even better if you included musical examples. Teaching music without a single audible example makes the whole thing seem a bit abstract…