Major
Physics
Anticipated Graduation Year
2023
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Guitars are extremely versatile instruments due to the myriad of ways in which the player can alter the timbre. This study explores how the timbre of the acoustic guitar is affected by alterations in the string type and gauge, the excitement location, pick versus pluck excitements, and the placement of the capo. A theoretical understanding of the previously mentioned changes can justify and direct a guitarist’s artistic decisions in Flamenco, Irish Traditional, and country/folk music. Understanding the connection between the technical and artistic aspects of the guitar can guide a musician in creating the effects appropriate for each genre.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Gordon Ramsey, PhD, Physics Department, Professor Emeritus
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
How Musicians Can Utilize the Guitar's Acoustic Properties
Guitars are extremely versatile instruments due to the myriad of ways in which the player can alter the timbre. This study explores how the timbre of the acoustic guitar is affected by alterations in the string type and gauge, the excitement location, pick versus pluck excitements, and the placement of the capo. A theoretical understanding of the previously mentioned changes can justify and direct a guitarist’s artistic decisions in Flamenco, Irish Traditional, and country/folk music. Understanding the connection between the technical and artistic aspects of the guitar can guide a musician in creating the effects appropriate for each genre.