The example of technology I chose is the guitar. The guitar is an example of a lute, which is known to be “one of the world’s most common instrument types.” It is actually in the same family as banjos, violins, and mandolins (which is the string instruments, also known as chordophones). String instruments are typically used in orchestra performances, although guitars aren’t usually associated with them. Guitars are designed with attached strings that run “parallel to the resonating body. Strings are then stretched along the neck.” The guitar is used as a way to maintain rhythm, and often in pieces of music, the guitar complements the drums (which is typically the main source of rhythm). In music, it is common for guitars to fill in the gap between the beats played by the drums (if that makes sense). This makes it an example of a polyphony, since the guitar and the drums (along with other instruments used) are independent but still sharing the spotlight to bring the same song together. The guitar can also be important in helping the listener distinguish the tone of the song (the overall vibe the song gives you emotionally). Depending if minor chords or major chords are used, the song can have a happy and uplifting tone to it, or a sad and depressing one. I have attempted to learn how to play both the acoustic and electric guitar in the past, but usually without success. But its still a skill I hope to pick up nonetheless. (Pick up…electric guitar…see what I did there?)
The piece of music I’ve decided to use is “Bulls in the Bronx” by Pierce the Veil. In this song, both the electric guitar and the acoustic guitar are used. The acoustic guitar is used in the middle of the song, while the electric guitar is used during the rest of it. The electric guitar is being used during the faster and louder parts of the song, giving the song an energetic type of sound, while the acoustic guitar is used during the slower part of the song. As a result, the song sounds more calm. In this way, the guitars also help with establishing the tempo of the song (which clearly doesn’t stay constant).
I agree with you on the part where you said that the drums are the source of rhythm and guitars are there to complement them. I also agree that how you play the guitar determines the tone of the song. For example, if you look at Ed Sheeran’s “Happier” and “One”, he plays the guitar softly which is why I listen to these songs when I’m feeling down. Now if you look at “Shape of You”, the guitar is played much faster which gives the song a much more energetic feeling.