In a way, the guitar is like a matrix of six keyboards, in the sense that each string is a linear, ascending arrangement of half-steps—essentially similar to a piano or single-manual organ.
Imagine then a six-manual pipe organ, and an organist who has to play but one note on each of the six manuals. Compound this complexity with the possibility that all these manuals can be tuned, thus effectively shifting each manual either up or down in pitch in relation to the others. Whew!
It would be physically impossible to play a six-manual organ in such a manner, of course. The key mechanisms are entirely too big to accommodate this. In the real world, the most you see is generally a two-manual organ, but up to five notes can be played on each manual, which saves it as a useful sound-making interface.
However, with the guitar, and the extremely small physical space required for each “key-point” (string against fret), and thus the possibility of placing the “manuals” (the fretboard) in extremely close proximity, we in fact have an instrumental matrix similar to our imaginary six-manual organ.
We could carry this abstraction even further. The fact that we have no keys (but rather intimate connection with the actual sound-making medium—the strings—with our fingers) means we can manipulate the timbre of the instrument via the same interface whereby we create and execute the notes themselves. We can bend the strings, for instance, thus shifting the pitch into the area of microtones, and add vibrato. We can mute, dampen, snap, hammer, pull-off, pop, tap, scrape, caress, and otherwise alter the envelope of the notes we make. We can shift the picking hand along the strings, and thus alter the harmonic overtones of the notes as we play them.
All this, without even getting into the area of electronic controls such as effects boxes and processors, amps, etc. Is there ANY other instrument that enjoys such an incredible array of options and possibilities for sound creation? With so many design possibilities for shape and construction? And this instrumental marvel need be nothing more than a box with strings stretched across it, resting comfortably in your lap!
When you stop to think about it, the guitar truly is the most amazingly versatile and expansive musical instrument on the face of the earth. The relatively small size of the guitar belies its enormous capabilities as a music-making device. We should not be at all surprised to discover that the prospect of “mastering” such a miracle is no easy task.
Is it any wonder that Beethoven himself referred to the guitar as a miniature orchestra?
Copyright 2001 Jeff Foster. All Rights Reserved.