We Are Strings

We are like strings stretched over a fretboard.  We vibrate according to what we're made of, our length, our thickness, and how tightly we're wound.  The sound we make is a combination of these attributes, along with that upon which we're strung.  Our sound rings out against the sonic qualities of our environment, which adds context and ambience to our tone and timbre.  

We resonate perfectly with others of the same length and tuning, and create rich harmonies with people who resonate at complementary intervals.  These are consonant intervals, some called perfect others imperfect, but all agreeable.  

We interfere, adding some degree of dissonance, when vibrating against those of conflicting length or tuning.  But some dissonance is nice every once and awhile, and the overtones created by imperfect tuning, especially that slight, makes the sound much more interesting, rich, and enjoyable.

Many people are content simply being a string ringing out the same note with no articulation.  They get along with the complementary strings and clash with the conflicting ones.  They seek harmony without ever feeling a need to change or improve their note.   The music they make is very limited and full of sour notes when played along with differing strings.

If you really want to add dimension, be a musician with your string.   Learn where, when, and how to place emphasis to get the kind of harmony or dissonance you're after.  Learn to play well with others, how to listen, anticipate, and improvise.  Tune in to the sound others are putting down.  Play along, make room for their ideas, add your own, maybe unique ones, or those which clarify or add flourish to theirs.  Learn to be quick and flexible, where to hammer and where to bend.  When to play softly and when to be loud.  When to jam and when to compose.  Expose yourself to all kinds of ways in which strings are played; all musical modes and ideas.  Find the strings who really know how to play the music you're after, those whose style and skill you admire.  Imitate and learn from them. 

Most of all, try to make music with your string - all kinds of music.  Music is the soul of sound, and the way you play your string is yours.  This is why we say, "That Brotha's got Soul!" They are playing there string artfully, as an expression of themselves which has groove and feel. 

We all begin somewhere, and only improve with attentive practice. Always strive to make your music better, more enjoyable, more fun, more artful.  Music is the reason why you are a string among other strings.  Learn to play along as you vibrate your song.  Let us all make beautiful music together!

Polyanna Out!