This practice-based artistic research explores the integration of several chord voicing concepts drawn from Hristo Vitchev’s publications into my personal harmonic vocabulary as a guitarist and composer. Approaching this process from the perspective of a predominantly rock guitarist, the research investigates how engaging with these unfamiliar voicings influences my compositional instincts, harmonic language, and evolving musical identity.
The project is divided across two parts utilising both deliberate and exploratory practice methods. The first part focuses on the technical practice of the material, with the creation of etudes and exercises designed to investigate the potential of these concepts and assimilate the material through manual engagement and reflection. The second part moves to explore the creative application of the material through composition, where the assimilation of Vitchev’s voicings aided in the production of new works without predefined stylistic boundaries, resulting in compositions that organically lean towards a fusion aesthetic.
The findings are presented through annotated scores, audio/video recordings, and critical analysis, highlighting how practicing foreign harmonic concepts can ultimately serve as a catalyst for creativity.
