Can a T-Shirt Really Play Guitar Music?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a T-shirt embedded with electronic sensors that can be played like a guitar, as developed by scientists at CSIRO. Participants explore the implications of this technology, its novelty, and the cultural phenomenon of air guitar.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express excitement about the T-shirt's ability to translate arm movements into musical notes, suggesting it could revolutionize how music is played.
  • Others question the practicality and effectiveness of using such a T-shirt for serious music playing, arguing that the sensitivity of arms may not suffice for complex actions like playing a guitar.
  • Several participants share humorous takes on air guitar and its cultural significance, with some expressing disdain for the concept of air guitar as a legitimate form of music performance.
  • There are mentions of famous guitarists, like Satriani and Vai, potentially using the T-shirt, which raises questions about its appeal to professional musicians.
  • One participant suggests that while the technology is interesting, the air guitar aspect lacks depth and may not be as engaging as traditional instruments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are mixed feelings about the value and effectiveness of the T-shirt as a musical instrument, with some embracing the novelty and others criticizing the concept of air guitar.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations regarding the sensitivity of arm movements and the complexity of musical actions, suggesting that while the technology is innovative, it may not meet the demands of serious musicianship.

neutrino
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All you guitar enthusiasts, here's something for you...

Scientists at the CSIRO's Textile and Fibre Technology division in Geelong have woven electronic sensors into a T-shirt so that it can be played liked a real guitar.

Movements by the wearer's arms are mapped and beamed by radio to a computer which interprets them and turns them into musical notes.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/air-guitar-down-to-a-t-shirt/2006/11/13/1163266457568.html

Check out that video! :bugeye:
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
I heard Satriani and Vai already purchased the shirts! :biggrin:
 
radou said:
I heard Satriani and Vai already purchased the shirts! :biggrin:
So they can finally sound like Angus Young? :smile:
 
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Oh, I can see it already, air guitar is going to make a come back:cry:
 
my thoughts exactly hypatia, haha.
 
To those of us who actually play or have played guitar professionally, watching someone play "air guitar" is painful, disturbing, and sick. I can throw down some mean blues licks without moving much more than my fingers and minimal hand movements (part of the key to getting fast is learning how to make notes in alternate locations, so you don't have to make very gross left-hand movements) - those wankers act like every guitar lead is an aerobic workout.
 
turbo-1 said:
To those of us who actually play or have played guitar professionally, watching someone play "air guitar" is painful, disturbing, and sick.
Yeah -- like playing piano on a desk -- but worse. I guess there are "air saxes" -- any other instruments so bastardized? I don't think I'll ever see someone playing an "air oboe" eh? :smile: oopps... just threw the temptation out there...
 
I play piano and desk piano, and I play guitar and air guitar.
 
I play the air accordion.
 
  • #10
I once witnessed a heavy metal air guitar contest. Gross.
 
  • #11

haha
That drummer is pretty good...
 
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  • #12
its stupid, our arms are not sensitive, to make complex features such as typing on a keyboard, or playing a guitar... though gloves could be good for some actions... but i don't think that is would be effective as a guitar.

still it sounds pretty cool...
 
  • #13
Evo said:
I play the air accordion.
"Momma plays the squeeze-box, Daddy never sleeps at night."
 
  • #14
turbo-1 said:
"Momma plays the squeeze-box, Daddy never sleeps at night."
:smile: I haven't heard that one in awhile.
 
  • #15
It's cool that they can do that stuff with the sensors, but the air-guitar part isn't that cool.

I wonder if they could refine it enough to be able to play stuff like



That on it.
 
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