Multiphonics as a compositional element in writing for amplified guitar (1)

On the guitar, the technique of multiphonics consists of lightly touching the string at certain locations during or after its excitation (or both). It gives rise to (almost) harmonic complex tones whose spectrum facilitates the perception of multiple pitches. Scarcely researched up to now, few com- posers have used multiphonics in pieces for classical guitar, and those who have done so have not explored the amplification of the sounds. In order to supply composers with relevant information on classical guitar multiphonics, this technique is currently being researched by the authors. This paper addresses this topic, which has been long absent in scientific literature, for the purpose of presenting a formalized approach intended to give rise to reproducible sounds. These sounds are also believed to introduce novelty when amplified, making the technique particularly suitable in pieces for/with amplified guitar.