How to Write EPIC Cinematic Strings

How to write cinematic orchestral string parts starting with just 4-note chords.

Writing for violin, viola, cello, and contrabass can seem like a daunting task. In this video we'll go step by step through the scoring process and uncover how orchestration can be approached methodically.

Using a technique from a 1928 book by Arthur E. Heacox called Project Lessons In Orchestration, we'll learn how to go from a standard soprano, alto, tenor, bass arrangement and turn it into the epic Hollywood string sound we know and love!

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#orchestration #strings #cinematicstrings

0:00 Intro
0:33 Starting out
2:46 The filler
2:51 6 voices
3:39 7 voices
4:10 8 voices
4:49 9 voices option A
5:19 9 voices option B

[eosborne]

I have been absolutely loving these videos. I’ve been playing folk and jazz music for most of my life, but never felt qualified to write in a more “classical” style. You do such a great job of demystifying orchestral music so I finally have the confidence to start writing down my ideas. Thank you thank you!

[rwlab]

I really, really (seriously) enjoy the fact that you took the time to make short and sectioned videos that are focused on specific techniques. I have seen countless "Cinematic Strings" videos that drag on for an hour and is basically a livestream recording. Your videos are dense and concise on the other hand. THANK YOU RYAN!

[TylerJMacDonald]

Not once in years of music school was a concept illustrated so well like this, well done!

[lung]

Oh my god, that's a GREAT lesson. Thank you!

[fakecubed]

Back when I was playing violin in an orchestra for years, I just focused on playing my part and had no idea what everyone else was doing. I wish I had gotten just a simple 5 minute lesson on this sort of thing early on, exactly like this, and it would have given me such a better understanding of music and my role in the sound. For a brief time as a kid I thought it would be cool to be a composer but I just never got any education that would help me on that way.

[spacedjace]

i also think that its great to have the cellos play the melody is that most orchestras have the cellos on the opposite of the violins. giving it this effect of being wrapped up in the melody and really solidifies it as the melody

[louispearson]

This man just giving away the big secrets like candy

[kelamuni]

As a violinist and violist who's played in orchestras for years and is now studying voicing and harmony so as to get into arranging, this was useful. subscribing.

[simongross]

Terrific lesson, thank you. For me the step that had the most impact was adding in the grumpy double basses

[EVDMcomposer]

So today I was busy with a string section for a song I am working on and it just sounded all too ... flat and empty. So I listened to Across the Stars to find some idea or inspiration to guide me. Then your video just popped up explaining how to orchestrate better, fuller string sections using Across the Stars as an example. What a coincidence!

[kittyneko]

The mention of parallel octaves set me back 13 years when I’d receive my harmony homework with red parallel lines all over it. Our teacher really didn’t want us playing it back on the piano to check our work, but looking back on it, I think I would have figured out how to practically apply what I learned in class if I hadn’t followed that guidance.

[remiweisrock]

Maybe the best 6 min i've spent on a video for my knowledge. Man that's good !

[dknowbeatz]

Every video I play from your channel, I immediately hit the like button because I know I'm about to receive some incredibly helpful information. Thanks a ton, Ryan.

[davidbobowski]

This was a good way to describe without getting into the harmonic series!

[jamescalvey]

Another fantastic tutorial thank you for making Ryan! You are an asset to the composing community 👏👏

[Antonio_Ortiz]

Super-quick and the colored string lines really helped illustrate the point. Earned a sub.

[kondsiccMusic]

I've always struggled with writing orchestral works classified as "classical" but they never sound classical nor did they achieve the effect I want. This lesson on strings truly brought the entire level of the work up an octave. Thanks Ryan!

[CarlineFrancois]

Thank you for sharing this video. It will help in my compositions for my album. This gave me a new idea.🎶🎸🎵🎶💕

[Lufade]

Ryan, just....thank you. Your videos have had a noticeable impact on my work in a very short period of time. I just put together a 9 voice section in strings (using the beastly method B), and I'm a little blown away by how powerful it's sounding. Exactly what I needed this part to be! I've just become a Patron and I'll be looking to your content here and there quite frequently from now on. Thanks!!

[GTORT]

Literally the best channel on this platform.