Music is often more than just melody and lyrics — it’s also about the tools you use to bring those elements to life. Choosing the right instruments can make or break a song, shaping its tone, feel, and emotional depth. Get it wrong, and the song feels flat or out of sync. Get it right, and suddenly, you’ve created something enduring. Daniel Siegel Loanso explores why picking the perfect instrument for each song matters.

The Sitar on *”Killing Me Softly”

Siegel Loanso takes “Killing Me Softly,” the song made famous by Roberta Flack in 1973 and later interpreted by The Fugees in the ’90s. While the song is primarily piano-driven, listen closely, and you’ll hear a sitar gently weaving through the arrangement. The sitar, a traditional Indian instrument, isn’t something you’d expect to hear in a soulful R&B tune. Still, it adds an exotic texture, making the song otherworldly. That extra layer of sound elevates the track, taking it from a simple ballad into something more memorable.

Sometimes, the right instrument makes a song stand out — it gives the listener a unique auditory hook that sticks in their mind. The sitar wasn’t overpowering; it was distinctive, adding a new dimension to the song without hijacking it. That’s the power of the right choice.

The Beatles and Their Instrumental Curiosity

Siegel Loanso doesn’t ignore The Beatles when talking about musical experimentation. The Fab Four practically wrote the book on playing unusual instruments to elevate their music. By the time they released “Norwegian Wood” in 1965, George Harrison had picked up the sitar, inspired by Indian classical music. The sitar on “Norwegian Wood” is subtle yet significant, giving the song its dreamy, reflective feel.

For The Beatles, incorporating non-Western instruments was more than just a gimmick; it was an extension of their ravenous musical curiosity. They learned that adding unfamiliar sounds could take a track from ordinary to groundbreaking. Instruments aren’t just tools — they’re narrative devices that communicate emotion, culture, and mood in ways standard guitars simply can’t.

Portishead: Guitars, Electronics, and Atmosphere

Siegel Loanso fast-forwards to the ’90s. Portishead was another band known for making intelligent, inventive choices when it came to instrumentation. Their signature sound blended trip-hop beats, moody electronics, and haunting guitars. Listen to a song like “Glory Box,” and you can hear how the guitar and electronics play off each other to create a brooding, cinematic atmosphere.

Portishead’s use of guitars wasn’t the typical riff-heavy approach of rock bands. Instead, it was minimalist and reverb-drenched, carefully chosen to evoke a sense of tension and melancholy. Combined with electronic beats and samples, the guitar added an organic, warm touch to the otherwise cold, mechanical feel of the electronics. The stark contrast between analog instruments and digital tools birthed a rich, layered sound that was unique to the British group.

The Power of Balance

The right instrument in the right place isn’t just about novelty or showing off technical skill — it’s about creating balance. Every instrument has its own voice and personality; when those voices complement each other, the result is a song that resonates deeply with the listener.

Conversely, choosing the wrong instrument can throw everything off. Imagine “Killing Me Softly” with a blaring electric guitar solo instead of the sitar’s gentle plucking. It would feel jarring and out of place, completely altering the song’s feel.

It’s All About the Feel

Choosing the right instruments for a song is like casting the perfect actor in a role — it’s all about fit, says Daniel Siegel Loanso. The instrument should serve the song, enhancing its emotional impact and creating the atmosphere the artist envisions. Whether it’s the sitar on “Norwegian Wood” or the blend of guitars and trip-hop in Portishead’s music, the right instrument brings a song to life in a way nothing else can.

The next time you listen to your favorite song, pay attention to the instruments. They’re not just background noise — they’re the unsung heroes that give the song its soul.