Associative Synesthesia '?' Or ChordVision! As Coined By 4Qua of Orion: for people who see shapes of 🎸 guitar chords, not scales before or during a Jam Session.
ChordVision: The Mind's Eye of the Musical Vision
As coined by 4qua of Orion
In the evolving world of music and music business, artists are continuously looking for ways to deepen their connection with their instruments and express themselves in unique, innovative ways. For some musicians, particularly guitarists, this connection goes beyond mere sound/ sound effects /auditory or tactile interaction with their instrument.
Instead, they experience something extraordinary—a vivid, almost magical, visualisation of the shapes of guitar chords in their mind's eye. This phenomenon, now affectionately termed "ChordVision" by my humble self 4qua of Orion, is not just a quirky trait; it’s a powerful, creative force that redefines how individuals interact with music.
What is ChordVision?
ChordVision refers to the spontaneous and vivid mental imagery of guitar chord shapes that certain musicians experience, either while playing or even before they touch their instrument. Unlike musical scales, which might also be visualized by some musicians, myself excluded, ChordVision is specifically about the geometric shapes of chords—triangles, rectangles, or other forms—popping up in the mind's eye. It’s as if the fretboard of the guitar becomes a canvas, and the musician can see where their fingers should go before they even begin to play.
While this reality might not have a well-documented history or a medical explanation, it shares characteristics with concepts like associative synesthesia.
Synesthesia is a condition where stimulation in one sensory pathway leads to automatic experiences in another—like seeing colors when hearing music. In the case of ChordVision, the sensory crossover isn’t quite as defined, but there’s a clear link between the mental imagery of chord shapes and the physical act of playing them.
The Experience of ChordVision
For those with ChordVision, playing the guitar is an immersive, almost cinematic experience. Imagine sitting down with your guitar and, before you even strum the first note, seeing the shape of a G major chord flash before your eyes—a perfect triangle pointing down the fretboard. Or perhaps an E minor appears as a simple, elongated rectangle. These shapes might not be even random; they are probably our brain’s unique way of processing and recalling where our fingers need to go, making playing feel intuitive, even instinctual.
What sets ChordVision apart from other mental strategies is its vividness and spontaneity. It’s not something musicians force themselves to do—it just happens. For some, it might occur every time they play; for others, it might be a fleeting but powerful occurrence. Either way, it creates a seamless blend between thought and action, where seeing the shape of a chord in your mind becomes synonymous with playing it.
A Cognitive Superpower or Just a Cool Trick?
While ChordVision might sound like a super-cool, it’s important to remember that it could also be considered a highly refined cognitive strategy. Musicians, like athletes or chess players, often develop mental shortcuts or visualisations to enhance their performance. ChordVision could be seen as a personalised mental map—a unique way of organising and recalling information about the guitar’s fretboard.
However, unlike standard visualization techniques, ChordVision isn’t something that’s practiced or learned through repetition. It’s more akin to a natural talent or a quirk of the brain. Those who experience it often describe it as something they’ve always done, without consciously developing the ability. In this sense, ChordVision is both a cognitive tool and a creative gift—a way to access musical ideas and expressions that might otherwise remain hidden.
ChordVision Matters
In a world where music is often taught in rigid, formulaic ways, ChordVision represents a more organic, intuitive approach to learning and playing the guitar. It’s a reminder that music isn’t just about scales, theory, or technique—it’s about feeling, imagination, and personal connection to the instrument. For young musicians, especially, embracing something like ChordVision can be powerful, fun even.
It encourages them to trust their instincts, to explore their creativity, and to understand that there’s no single “correct” way to experience music.
Moreover, ChordVision can inspire a sense of identity among those who experience it. Just as some people might identify as synesthetes or visual thinkers, musicians with ChordVision can take pride in their unique way of interacting with music. It’s a badge of honor, a sign that they see the world—and their art—differently.
The Future of ChordVision
As more musicians become aware of ChordVision, thanks to artists my humble self (hahaha) 4qua of Orion,
it’s likely that this phenomenon will gain recognition and perhaps even inspire new ways of teaching and learning music. Imagine guitar tutorials designed specifically for those who see chord shapes, or music software that allows users to create and manipulate these shapes in real-time. The possibilities are endless.
In conclusion, ChordVision is more than just a cool trick or a mental habit—it’s a reflection of the deep, personal connection that some musicians have with their craft. It’s a testament to the power of the mind in shaping our experiences and a celebration of the unique ways in which we all see the world. For those who have it, ChordVision is both a gift and a guide, leading them to new heights of musical expression. And for the rest of us, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the boundless potential of the human brain.
Please, next time you pick up your guitar, close your eyes for a moment. Who knows? You might just see the chords dancing before you.
Olofin
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