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Arrangement Quote by Tom Scholz

“The problem is that once I start on a song and get a rough idea of where I might go with an arrangement, I try dozens, sometimes hundreds, of different things on a song. The bass, the backing guitars, the lead guitars, the keyboards. It's a long process. It's like 100 steps forward and 99 steps…” quote by Tom Scholz
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“The problem is that once I start on a song and get a rough idea of where I might go with an arrangement, I try dozens, sometimes hundreds, of different things on a song. The bass, the backing guitars, the lead guitars, the keyboards. It's a long process. It's like 100 steps forward and 99 steps back.”

Tom Scholz

About This Quote

Source Interview: Tom Scholz on songwriting process, 2010

Songwriting involves extensive experimentation, with many revisions before finalizing an arrangement.

In simple terms: Songwriting is a long, iterative process.

Key Takeaway

Embrace iterative refinement.

Themes

creativity process music revision

Mood

determined thoughtful

Type

practical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • studio work
  • band rehearsals
  • songwriting workshops

Key Concepts

iteration arrangement collaboration

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide when a song is finished?
  • What criteria guide your revisions?
A Different Perspective

Too many options can cause indecision.

2.3 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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