Nonmusical Patterns and their Musical Uses

[Work & Worry]

Chris Weisman, who plays in various acid-folk and indie rock bands, recently completed this book of non-conventional and imagined scales, and it's pretty interesting! I interviewed him about it for Work & Worry, you can read it here:

http://workandworry.com/?p=2762

[rpguitar]

That is very interesting as an entirely academic way to take the aesthetic of visual patterns on the guitar and explore their musical value. It's akin to "mixed media" in a way - the music is inspired by a forced application of notes that fall within a visual, rather than auditory, pattern.

Thanks for sharing that.

[Work & Worry]

Originally Posted by rpguitar

That is very interesting as an entirely academic way to take the aesthetic of visual patterns on the guitar and explore their musical value. It's akin to "mixed media" in a way - the music is inspired by a forced application of notes that fall within a visual, rather than auditory, pattern.

I agree, it's a very interesting idea... whether we like to admit it or not, many of us take patterns and shapes that we originally learned by rote (not necessarily for their relevant musical applications, but because it was the chord of a song, or the scale/mode that was applicable) and use those as jumping off points for our own creativity. It's probably a lot of fun when you tie some of these weird scale patterns to conventional scale patterns, I'd bet in a lot of instances it could energize some part of a solo.

I worry that some people might think that Chris uses this as some sort of general approach to music, which he doesn't. His music is very eclectic and often really great.

Anyway, a fun idea, and an absolutely beautiful book in every respect. Beautifully bound, elegantly laid out. A friend of mine says it reminds him of a strategy guide for chess!

[jackcooper]

Thanks for sharing that. I love listening to guitarists that play in unconventional ways. It's great to get some insight into his approach.

[Glennwillow]

Interesting stuff -- thanks!

- Glenn