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This is really an aid for me for things to do when I program midi strings. Basically, I have no formal musical training, so this is everything I've learnt about string programming. I thought it might be useful for others.
It is mainly aimed at trying to create a more real feel, rather than simply using the ensemble patches on my synths, since I find them to be slightly non inspiring (though I have used them in the past).
Most of this is from stuff I scribbled off the net or various help things in magazines into my various notebooks.
I'll endevour to draw or find a link to positions of the string sections in the orchestra soon.
If you can think of any other tips that may help, please Contact me.
Note Ranges (C3 = middle C):
Violin - G2 to A6
Viola - C2 to E5
Cello - C1 to C5
Contrabass - E0 to C3
A typical orchestra will have 22-30 violins (12-16 1st, 10-14 2nd), 8-12 Violas, 8-10 Cellos and 5-8 double basses.
So say 12 ast violins all playing the same note, would have slight timing, attack, release, pitch and vibrato differences. Plus slightly different reverb sounds.
The bass part can be ommitted if the song has a bass line from another instrument.
String sections normally have two violin parts. Program them separatly. (try to think as the two parts as separate)
Most string lines are single lines. Rarely do parts have chords in them.
Cellos. Rarely require more than one line. If you do use two, then keep then 5 notes apart to aid clarity.
Cellos. Don't stick to root notes. Use 3rds or 5ths depending on the bassline.
Violas. Seem to overlap top end cello and bottom end violins, but with a mellower sound.
Bass. Try playing the cello line an octave below.
MIDI Message 11 (Expression) should be used for a) swells, b) diminuendos c) emulate the movement of the bow over strings.
MIDI Message 72 (release) and 73 (attack) can be used to slightly change identical lines.
Assign your modulation wheel to either Release (1 to 2 1/2 second) or attack (0 to 1/2 second) and ride these for greater realism.
If the two chords you are moving between, have a common note, hold this passing note over the transition.
String notes are played legato (smoothly from note to note), so generally overlap slightly, or Stacato (more jumpy), or even plucked.
Vibrato can be moderatly added in varying amounts to each section. (More on violins, less on cellos). Limit the range on your modulation wheel though since too much will vibrato will make it sound like a synth.
Use ascending scales to build tension.
If your 1st violins are ascending, try a descending scale in the cello.
If two parts are identical, try raising or lowering one part by an octave
Drop out various instruments at various times. (Music is also about the space, not just the notes)
Double the main vocal, hook or lead line, or at least fragments of it in the strings.
Once you have programmed individual parts, to make the string section bigger, re-assign the viola and 2nd violins to ensemble patches.
Since you are emulating many people playing at the same time, they won't start playing at exactly the same time, so arpeggiate notes slightly.
Try doubling any recurring themes with other instruments, e.g. flute
You might need to move your strings slightly forward in time to make them sound in time.
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