“It has to do with the structure of the universe,” he argued. “People think the universe is smooth and even. It isn't. The fabric of space/time is wrinkled...” He moved towards her. She watched him with fascination. “Woven, and not every thread is the same...textured like my tweed suit.” She touched his forearm with interest. “The human mind finds too much order... order without variation... dissonant. This is instinctive. Because order of a certain type, a certain tone, could destroy your universe.” more »

He stood and placed the teacup beside his discarded cookie. "I'm flattered. I really am. But it is quite... impossible." He checked his watch. "You see. I'm about to rip a hole in the fabric of space time." He hustled her up and moved her towards the door. "It's late." more »

In our Universe E# does not exist. String theory tells us that the space between E and F is so tiny it is impossible to jam an extra note. In theory, this mythical note is dangerous, extremely sharp and deadly. If a tuning fork were ever invented that could resonate at such a note, it would cut a gaping hole in the fabric of space and time. more »

I figured, well, I can play it, so I can understand it. Right? WRONG! Ionian, Mixolydian, Dorian. I put the harmonica in my mouth and I end up playing in all these modes, but I can barely understand it and certainly couldn't explain it easily. It is a lot like Dan Grigor says. In the Pentatonic Blues you only use five notes, and they all sound good, so as long as you are in rhythm it doesn't matter what note you play. more »

It's like a Zen Riddle and playing is like a meditation, opening yourself to the world around you and moving with that world. Music Theory is like the laws of physics. But you don't have to understand biology to be a butterfly. more »

Dan Grigor said he loved these articles because they were “a wonderful look into the mind of the working musician.” I don't know about that, but it warms my wretched heart. more »