An alternative to playing by ear

[Andy Volk]

I asked Chatgbt to make a case that the lap steel guitar is best played using the player's nose. This is what I got back:

Unprecedented Expressiveness: Playing a lap steel guitar with the nose allows for an unparalleled level of expressiveness. The nose is a highly flexible appendage that can glide smoothly along the strings, producing subtle, nuanced variations in pitch and tone. This unique touch can convey a wide range of emotions in the music.

Natural Connection: The nose is a part of the player's body that is always within reach and intimately connected to their senses. Playing with the nose can create a direct, visceral connection between the player's physical sensations and the music they are producing. This visceral connection can lead to a more profound musical experience.

Enhanced Vibrato: Vibrato is a technique used to add a shimmering quality to the sound of a stringed instrument. When played with the nose, the guitarist can employ a distinctive vibrato technique by gently wiggling the nose against the strings. This technique can create a rich and ethereal vibrato that is impossible to replicate with traditional methods.

Novel Performance Art: Playing the lap steel guitar with the nose would undoubtedly be a visually captivating and unexpected form of performance art. Audiences would be intrigued and entertained by the novelty of such a performance, making it a memorable and unique experience.

Redefining Musical Boundaries: Pushing the boundaries of musical expression and performance is a hallmark of artistic innovation. Playing a lap steel guitar with the nose challenges conventional norms and invites musicians to think outside the box, encouraging creativity and experimentation.

Personal Connection: Playing a musical instrument with the nose can create a deeply personal and intimate connection between the musician and their music. The unusual technique may inspire a sense of authenticity and vulnerability in the artist's performance, allowing for a more profound connection with the audience.

In conclusion, while playing a lap steel guitar with one's nose may not be the most practical or common approach, it can be seen as a unique and imaginative way to explore new avenues of musical expression and redefine the boundaries of what is possible in music. It may not be the best method for everyone, but for those willing to embrace the unconventional, it offers a fresh perspective on the art of playing the lap steel guitar.

[Ken Pippus]

The nose knows.

[Noah Miller]

Great, now comes the argument about stainless vs plated brass noses!



They're easy to grip, just stick two fingers up.

[Glenn Demichele]

That was brilliant.

[Dennis Saydak]

I think the nose would suffer from callus fatique in short order.