The Four Elements
The four elements of musical arrangement or what every band needs are:
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Air
Air is the melody - the breath of the voice - and what is called “air” in classical pieces and even “aer” in Irish. This is the tune… this can also be supplied by the riff before it gets too repetitive. It is also the melody of any solo. In most bands this is mainly covered by the lead vocalist.
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Earth
Earth is the lowest melody - the bassline - sometimes called the “ground” in classical music. Technically the bassline always exists as SOME melody/sound will be the lowest, but there is more strength if that low is very low, and more interesting if there is a dedicated player - the bassist.
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Water
Water is the element in which everything swims in- it’s the emotion that envelopes you - harmony.
This can be implied by the melody and or the bassline - but having a dedicated harmony instrument(s) can provide that emotional medium in which everyone else swims. This is usually the rhythm guitar or keyboard instrument in a rock band, but could also be a choir of backing vocals, or a horn section - or loads of melody instruments playing together to create the harmony.
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Fire
Fire is the element of passion! What could be more passionate than the boom! Thwak! Kssshh!! Of the drums?! The transients of percussion are like the snapping and crackling of a camp fire. There’s something utterly primal about drums just like fire! An arrangement without drums does seem to be seriously missing some life. Just drums and voice can give you all you need.
So when you are putting a band together or making arrangements- think in terms of these elements and roles instead of specific instruments. Like I mentioned before - you can have:
- a group of drummers and singers and you have everything you need.
- You could have a trio ( or a quartet if no one is singing) of keyboard players and the keys can switch roles - and you’ll have what you need.
- A solo pianist can also cover all four elements if they are skilled enough.
- Of course you can have your traditional guitar, voice, bass, drums
but rememeber, you aren’t limited to that as long as you have:
Air,
Earth,
Water,
and
Fire.