Learn to use strings in your compositions and arrangements! From romantic chord pads to powerful grooves to gut-wrenching passionate melodies strings do it all.This book presents time-tested techniques and contemporary developments in writing and arranging for strings. You'll learn strategies for authentic writing in many different styles and find ideas to take your personal sound forward. Discover voicings that work best for each project and explore the intricacies of bowing. Hear articulation approaches from pads to chopping in the online audio examples. See how other composers have used strings to heighten the impact of their music in the written examples. Make yourwork stand out with the drama and depth that well informed string writing can bring.You will learn:? The tunings range and timbres for the violin viola cello and bass including standard instruments and common variations including acoustic electric and synthesized string instruments and sections.? Bowing techniques and possibilities.? Characteristic articulations and sounds such as vibrato pizzicato sul tasto trills tremolos and harmonics.? Timbral and rhythm effects such as chop technique ponticello/feedback portamento and falls.? String-section arranging techniques such as melody/countermelody fills pads and comping.? Stylistic nuances of genres such as American roots Celtic jazz rock klezmer eastern European Gypsy jazz and swing.? Mic recording and live sound techniques for capturing the best string sounds for both acoustic and electric instruments.