The sound of the electric, amplification and emotions

dsouza

dsouza

Power User
Do you think it's possible to create extreme states of emotions in people who normally don't act surprised, being brough to tears like crying etc simply by hearing the sound of the electric guitar through louder amplification, even if there are no lyrics?

I was wondering if some types of musical solos could have a profound effect on emotions if amplication is turned up loud enough.

For example on the radio I don't feel these emotions but through a cranked amp I would. Why?
 
If music were a powerful unconditioned stimulus,, we’d expect reaction from e.g. infants, and the same on first exposure across times/cultures.
AUDIO definitely has some "primitive" properties... Attention to unusual sounds, fear of loud sudden sounds, etc.

Re: the radio, that just means you need a better radio LOL.
 
dsouza said:
I was wondering if some types of musical solos could have a profound effect on emotions if amplication is turned up loud enough.
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I think the answer lies in phrasing and how the player emotes through their playing. I still remember the first time I heard ‘Always with Me, Always with You’ by Joe Satriani. There’s this one moment in the song that hit me like a wave. Gave me instant goosebumps the very first listen, and honestly, it still does every single time.



The section at 1:05. Ever single time.
 
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The third solo from November Rain gives me an emotional response everytime. Note the response will also change if the pitch changes. The treble pup on the LP vs rhythm pup.

What exactly is going on here? Is it the sad minor pentatonic scale? Is it the volume of cranked amplification? Is it the shredding? Is it the amount of treble?

Something affects my emotions whenever I hear that insane melody and it’s not the lyrics.
 
The guitar solo in, "You've got to fight for your right to party" by the Beastie Boys creates an unbelievably extreme state of emotion in me.
It gets me every time...
 
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I don't know that it has to do with volume. I know every time I listen to "First Circle" by Pat Metheny, I feel like I'm popping out of my head.
 
Also if your at a concert the unity of the entire group is almost like a TRIBE feeling emotion together.

Makes you realize why crowds at big name shows go crazy, like literally crazy, violent, sexual, everything.....

Musicians are the first people the government bans during times of war. It's because they can control the minds and hearts of the masses of people around the world without logically trying to convince them. They go right to the emotional brain.
 
Patzag said:
I know every time I listen to "First Circle" by Pat Metheny, I feel like I'm popping out of my head.
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I'm not religious but seeing this live was a spiritual moment that has felt the "closest to God."
I do think volume is a big part in it as they are so amazing with dynamics and building it up, adding to the voices and all the perfection they have going. I do need volume and sing along to fully enjoy this.
Then there's an applause that feels like it will last for 10 mins and Pat has to cut it short :sweatsmile:



Pat Metheny (Group) has tons of these and maybe some analysis can help why they touch us...

 
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You could read around in conspiracy circles how to do that with ELF waves -- or so they claim.

For example, making someone sad might be near 14 Hz (guessing between 10 and 20). It is claimed some do try to use this knowledge to manipulate you -- in conspiracy circles.
I used to read so much about it that I do think it's possible.
 
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dsouza said:
The third solo from November Rain gives me an emotional response everytime. Note the response will also change if the pitch changes. The treble pup on the LP vs rhythm pup.

What exactly is going on here? Is it the sad minor pentatonic scale? Is it the volume of cranked amplification? Is it the shredding? Is it the amount of treble?

Something affects my emotions whenever I hear that insane melody and it’s not the lyrics.
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The note choices and the bends and vibrato
 
You're all making my point by citing examples which have exactly zero effect on other listeners except possibly getting their attention.

A bell is just a bell until Pavlov gives the dogs their food. (Note that the classic experiment doesn't work on deaf dogs OR dogs that are completely not hungry.)
 
I think textures that you have not heard to death are important.

I like to set tunes aside that I might pick for my funeral so to speak, and they have important textures, like a voice timbre (breaking up), harmonics, etc. - and build up very well. I also favor melodies that go to unexpected chords in awesome ways. Some soundtrack style music immediately conjures tragic sadness... :disrelieved:

Jeff Beck cover of Two Rivers...





Or you could project sad dogs on a screen :D which is kind of how the movies do it.
And you could make the type of music that makes people remember grabbing movie scenes.

But sometimes people are just happy and not in the mood. I have months I don't cry at all and days I cry many times with a song/artist.
The background can be important. Even though Eva Cassidy is the best by herself, to know the backstory greatly added to me crying a lot with her best stuff.
 
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People who are prone to emotional reactions to music will generally react emotionally to music. People who are not prone to emotional reactions are much less likely to react emotionally to music.

I still think you’re spending way too much time overthinking this stuff.
 
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