Factors that affect guitar timbre

Abstract

This is part one of two presentations on the same project. Guitars have been used for centuries, but their versatility due to technical developments have made them very popular in most genres of music. Our research has investigated how various physical properties of the guitar affect its timbre. We have investigated the effects of (a) string excitement location, (b) string type and gauge, (c) pick versus pluck excitement, and (e) the placement of a capo on an acoustic guitar. The main goal is to investigate how each of these factors play a role in certain genres of music where guitars are one of the main instruments. Measurements were taken at the LU acoustics lab and the anechoic chamber at Northwestern. This talk will present theoretical basis for our measurements and discuss the effects of the pick versus pluck and placing a capo on the neck of the guitar. The following talk will discuss the remaining factors and how our study contributes to the capability of the player to create different moods.