Playing strings

[blueblack23001]

Ok I'm playing strings in my band now and I'm the color of the band do I play full chords or just one note chords or the melody.

[csedwards2]

Ok I'm playing strings in my band now and I'm the color of the band do I play full chords or just one note chords or the melody.

go back and listen to some songs you've learned before (originals) or new songs, doesnt matter. But listen to them in regards to playing color, not main keys. That'll answer your all your questions

[Fenix]

When i play strings i NEVER do full chords. Its just too messy and muddy. I would play octaves on my left and single notes on my right to fill up the sound.

Plus listen to what CS says. Go and listen to tracks where strings are played and learn from those.

[betnich]

Hint 1: Play higher on the keyboard than the guitar and other keys. Strings too low get muddy fast.

Hint 2: Get out of the closed-voiced triad habit. Strings are usually one or two-note pads or counter-melodies, sometimes spaced out over an octave or more. Mostly one-hand voicings (usually right, unless you are doing a low melody line as a special 'cello' effect).

Of course if you are the main keyboard player, using a layered sound like piano+slow strings these don't apply as much.

As another poster said, listen to recordings of string lines for ideas...

[bassybruce]

I agree with what everyone said.....

One technique I have used while listening to whatever CD, try playing and I guess you'll eventually pick up your style of playing strings/colors..

gREAT pOST