The Glen - huh? 🤨

"You, a classical composer, wrote a song for Electric Guitar, Bass, and Drums? You have betrayed us!" <—A common response to my newest song, The Glen. And I will admit that, on the surface, the piece sounds different than my "normal" ones. Musically, however, it bears many similarities. I composed the piece using the same structure as a conventional string quartet, but swapped out the instruments. Instead of a lead violin, I used an electric guitar. Instead of a 2nd violin, an acoustic guitar. Cello, bass. And for viola, I decided on the drums, because both instruments provide the rhythmic backbone of a piece. Nevertheless, there are important musical differences between a conventional string quartet and a "rock setup".

I based "The Glen" off of 7th Chords, played on the acoustic guitar, which are rarely found in classical pieces—but which I think provide a unique sound.

Also, classical music has a fatal flaw: no soulful guitar solos with some sweet bends 😉

And, of course, the bass plays a very important role in this piece. It's a composing mantra of mine that a good bassline=a good song, regardless of if that bassline is played by a cello or an electric bass. The screenshot below demonstrates what the e. bass plays at the opening of "The Glen". As you can see, it is moving around quite a bit, and almost has a melody of its own. (Next time you listen to any piece, try to listen for its bassline—you might be surprised just how important it is).

And all together...

Recording this piece, though, was a long (but enjoyable) process. Below shows just how many takes went into the guitar solo alone. In order to get that "soaring" aspect to the guitar, I added reverb and a slight echo.

Most of my songs are inspired either by places I've been to, experiences I've had—or both! This particular piece was inspired by my travels in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I mean, doesn't this scene just beg for a soaring electric guitar solo? (Then again, maybe it's just me visualizing music with scenery 😂).

Anyway, I hope you enjoy listening to "The Glen", as much as I enjoyed working on it. You can listen to the piece here, or on Spotify and Apple Music. And, remember to "spread the word" ;)