Composing and Arranging for the Guitar.

[Anthony Wakefield]

Can I ask if there are any worthwhile `how to` books on these subjects?
All I`ve done in the past is to write out the melody (or fills) with chord symbols over the top.

I know that I`m probably gonna be told the best way to learn is to buy a guitar and `get on with it`, but suffering from arthritis in two fingers on each hand and spreading, I won`t be the best candidate for the Carnegie Hall in ten years time will I!!

I know - it`s all a bit too late - I`ll just have to read up what you all advise.

Thanks,
Best,
A

[JohnW400]

I don't know of any books but there are some pointers:

1) Guitar music is written an octave higher than it sounds

2) Range. but if you use Sibelius then you know this.

3) Careful with close voiced chords. too many stacked 2nds and 3rds are difficult. (ex C D E G A)

4) For chords you can write out the voicing on beat one and then uses /// to show rythym. This works best when you have a specific chord with lots of alterations.

PM me your e-mail and I'll send you an example based on Cantaloupe Island

[Anthony Wakefield]

John,
Thanks for this, some of which I know already. Your advice on 2nds and 3rds is indeed very valuable which I didn`t know - thanks.
I`ll PM my e-mail.
Much appreciated.
A

[Anthony Wakefield]

Just to check John.
My email contains an underscore _ between my two names, no gaps.
I`m not sure if the 2nd PM got to you.
A

[fep]

Hi Anthony,

In addition to what John said, I'd suggest collaborating with a guitarist, let them test it out and give you back comments. If you post 8 bar phrases on this site, I bet you'd get comments on the 'playability' of what you're writing.

I see you posted this in the classical forum so I'll assume you want to write classical pieces. A classical guitar has much less sustain than an electric guitar and because of this it's easier to use open strings in your compositions. Consider your key and which notes are open strings in that key.

Check out Sor and Tarrega compositions, I've always thought their compositions lay out on the guitar so well. If you join this classical forum:

Delcamp.us - Classical Guitar Forum • Index page

You'll have access to a lot of classical sheet music for free.

[Anthony Wakefield]

fep,
This looks a real stunner - thanks. I`ve saved it to favourites, where I`ll browse next week, I promise. Catch up with some sun this w/e
Best
A