Harmonic Horizons: An exploration of Hristo Vitchev’ s Harmonic Geometry concepts through practice and composition. by Gurcharanjit Singh Matharu

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.

This exposition presents supplementary materials that chronicle the artistic process behind my Masters Project, Harmonic Horizons: An exploration of Hristo Vitchev’s Harmonic Geometry concepts through practice & composition. These pages are currently in progress and not yet complete, however more materials will be added over time.

This Master’s project investigates three harmonic concepts, Modal X-ing, Chord Scales, and Diatonic Generation, as articulated in Hristo Vitchev’s publications, Between the Voicings (2008) and Modal X-ing (2020). The study is divided into two distinct parts: the first entails a systematic engagement with these concepts through technical practice, assimilation, and application, culminating in the composition of several études. The second part shifts focus toward the creation of original compositions, which are informed by, integrated with, and, in certain instances, directly influenced by the harmonic principles examined in the initial phase.

There are two primary objectives for my masters project, to broaden my personal knowledge and understanding of chord voicings on the guitar, whilst further developing my personal chordal palette when composing and improvising on the guitar.

These objectives inspire the formulation of the following research inquiries:

1. What can an exploration of chord voicings aligned with several of Hristo Vitchev's harmonic

concepts provide me, as a predominantly rock guitarist who is seeking to enhance my musical

expression and versatility?

2. As a composer and improvisor, how can I integrate Hristo Vitchev's chordal concepts as

creative tools within my own songwriting and/ or assimilate them into my personal musical voice?

This exposition documents multiple practice sessions from both parts of the project, with the majority captured on video. Given the extensive length of many sessions, particularly in Part Two, I have edited them into shorter clips that highlight key aspects, showcase original ideas, and trace their development.

The full thesis can be read here: <insert pdf file>

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Gurcharanjit Singh Matharu - Harmonic Horizons: An exploration of Hristo Vitchev’ s Harmonic Geometry concepts through practice and composition. - 2025