Understanding Biomechanical Constraints for Modelling Expressive Performance: A Guitar case study

Abstract

Computer-generated musical performances are often criticised for being unable to match the expressivity found in performances by humans. In this paper, we discuss the role of errors when modelling expressive music performance, which concerns the physical manipulation of the instrument by the performer. In addition, a study on the motor and biomechanical processes of the guitar performance is presented. Some findings on the speed, precision, and force of a guitarist´s left-hand are presented overarching questions regarded to the way a human body performs actions when playing the guitar, and the possibility to err in such context.