How to Write Instrumental Music: A Beginner's Guide
As a music enthusiast, creating instrumental music is one of the most satisfying forms of artistic expression. Whether you’re a seasoned composer or a beginner, writing instrumental music can seem like a daunting task. But with the right approach, the process can be both rewarding and fun. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps of how to write instrumental music, including tips, techniques, and inspiration to help you create music that truly resonates.
1. Understanding the Basics of Instrumental Music
Instrumental music is, by definition, music without lyrics. It focuses entirely on the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that the instruments create. From classical compositions to modern film scores and even electronic beats, instrumental music plays a huge role in many genres. Understanding the basics of instrumental music is crucial for crafting pieces that are engaging and captivating.
Before diving into writing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of instrumental music. Are you leaning towards a classical orchestra arrangement, a smooth jazz piece, or perhaps an electronic beat? The style you choose will affect the instruments you select and how you approach the writing process.
2. Selecting Your Instruments
Choosing the right instruments for your composition is essential. The instruments you pick will shape the tone and mood of your piece. Start by thinking about what kind of sound you want to evoke. For example:
- Strings (Violin, Cello, etc.) – These instruments create rich, emotive sounds, ideal for cinematic or classical pieces.
- Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, etc.) – Brass instruments bring bold, powerful sounds and are great for fanfare-style music.
- Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, etc.) – Woodwinds offer lighter, ethereal tones that work well for smooth or whimsical pieces.
- Percussion (Drums, Cymbals, etc.) – Percussion adds rhythm and intensity, perfect for energetic tracks or keeping time.
- Electronic (Synthesizers, Samplers, etc.) – Electronic instruments allow for a wide variety of experimental sounds, ideal for modern or ambient music.
If you're just starting, it’s okay to experiment with digital music production software (DAWs) that offers a range of instrument sounds and tools for creating your compositions.
3. Structuring Your Composition
Once you've selected your instruments, the next step is to decide on the structure of your piece. Just like any other form of music, instrumental music follows a specific form, whether it’s a simple verse-chorus pattern or a more complex arrangement. Here are a few common structures you might use:
- Verse-Chorus Form – A common structure for many popular genres, where you alternate between the verse and chorus sections, adding layers of instrumentation for variation.
- Theme and Variations – Often used in classical music, this structure involves a main theme followed by different variations, each adding complexity and development.
- ABA Form – A simple and effective structure where you have two sections (A and B) with a return to the first section (A) at the end.
- Through-composed – A more free-form structure where there is no repeated material, allowing the music to flow continuously without returning to earlier themes.
The structure you choose will impact how the music develops, and it’s important to plan your composition to maintain listener interest throughout.
4. Crafting Melodies and Harmonies
The melody is the heart of any instrumental piece. It’s the part of the music that your audience will hum or remember after hearing it. A strong, memorable melody can make or break a composition. Here's how you can craft a great melody:
- Start with a simple idea: Begin by writing a short, simple melody. It could be just a few notes or a simple chord progression.
- Build on your theme: Once you have your melody, develop it by repeating it with slight variations in rhythm or harmony.
- Experiment with harmonies: Adding harmonies can elevate the melody and give your piece depth. Use chords that complement the melody, but feel free to experiment with dissonance for added emotional impact.
Remember, the goal is to create something that resonates with the listener. A good melody doesn’t have to be complex—it just needs to connect emotionally.
5. Adding Rhythm and Dynamics
Rhythm is a crucial element of instrumental music, as it gives the piece energy and forward momentum. Depending on the mood you want to create, rhythm can be fast, slow, syncopated, or steady. Try varying the rhythm to create contrast throughout the piece. For example, you can start with a slow, steady rhythm and then introduce faster sections for excitement.
Dynamics are also key in building the emotional intensity of your music. By changing the volume throughout your piece, you can make certain sections more dramatic or calm. Use crescendos to build intensity and decrescendos to create a softer, more intimate feel.
6. Adding Layers and Effects
One of the great things about writing instrumental music is the ability to experiment with different layers of sound. Layers allow you to create rich, full arrangements. You can start by layering similar instruments, such as multiple strings or synths, or introduce contrasting textures for variety. Adding effects like reverb, delay, or distortion can also make your piece more dynamic and interesting.
7. Finalizing Your Composition
After you’ve composed your piece, it’s time to refine it. Listen through your music multiple times, and make adjustments where necessary. Pay attention to transitions between sections, making sure they flow smoothly. If you’re working digitally, you can also use software to polish the mix, adjusting the volume levels and effects for the best sound.
Writing instrumental music takes practice and patience. Don’t be discouraged if your first few compositions aren’t perfect—keep experimenting and refining your style. Whether you’re composing for film, a video game, or simply as a creative outlet, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and express yourself through music.
