Creative Research “Kheun Sai Bunleng for Electric Guitar”

Abstract

The creative research “Kheun Sai Bunleng for Electric Guitar” was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) in the 2023 fiscal year. The objective of this research is to develop an educational media set designed to enhance improvisational skills for electric guitar performance. The project features ten original compositions intended for learners from the basic to intermediate levels. Each piece is instrumental, emphasizing the development of electric guitar performance techniques through five popular music styles: (1) Blues, (2) Jazz, (3) Funk, (4) Fusion Jazz, and (5) Rock—two compositions for each style. All pieces are arranged for a small ensemble consisting of electric guitar, piano (or electric piano/keyboard in some pieces), bass (electric or double bass), and drum set. The saxophone was featured exclusively in the fusion jazz compositions.

The research methodology was based on establishing conceptual and technical frameworks suitable for each musical style, serving as the foundation for guiding the composition process in accordance with artistic objectives and ensuring stylistic unity across all works. The composer created the pieces by focusing on musical characteristics consistent with the research goals, drafting original compositions, and preparing musical scores for the performers. The selection of musicians emphasized their stylistic expertise, as this directly affected the expressive and interpretative quality of each performance. After selecting appropriate musicians, the process continued with rehearsals of the original compositions, followed by studio recording sessions to produce both the master tracks and backing tracks for electric guitar practice. These recordings were compiled and produced as a CD for listening and educational purposes.

In addition, a complete score book with analytical commentary was prepared for academic dissemination. For public presentation, the composer organized a live performance to convey the compositions in a concrete artistic form, which was documented and published as a DVD to reach both professional and general audiences. A seminar was also held to present the concepts, creative processes, and outcomes of the project comprehensively. The creative research concluded with a final report summarizing the overall process, content, and artistic results.

The results of this research consist of ten original compositions, each with a supporting backing track in which the main electric guitar part is removed to facilitate use as educational material. All compositions share unity through a contemporary music concept emphasizing the expressive and technical role of the electric guitar. The total duration of the ten pieces is approximately forty-eight minutes. Each composition is instrumental, focusing on developing electric guitar performance skills across five contemporary styles. In the blues style, Akhara Blues features Mixolydian mode improvisation, and Khuu Salue Ramphan applies the Dorian mode. In the jazz style, Wan Tawa uses the Mixolydian mode, while Bang Hern combines Mixolydian and Phrygian modes. For the funk style, Krasae Samut explores the Dorian mode, and Sabad Cho combines Dorian and Ionian modes. In the fusion jazz style, Mad Ruam applies the Mixolydian mode, and Boek Fa introduces the Locrian mode. Finally, in the rock style, Kho. Lat Krabang employs the Aeolian mode, and Sai Rit Yok Kamlang features the Phrygian mode. Overall, these ten compositions form a unified creative work that demonstrates the practical use of modal improvisation in electric guitar performance. The study contributes to music education by providing effective materials for developing technical and expressive skills in contemporary electric guitar playing.

The compositional approach for the blues style is based on the standard 12-bar blues chord progression. Jazz pieces are characterized by swing rhythms and modal jazz concepts, with improvisation adding variety through alternating four-bar exchanges between electric guitar and drum set. In funk, the composer employs double-stopped notes on the electric guitar combined with muted notes to drive the rhythmic and stylistic patterns of the music. Fusion jazz distinguishes itself by featuring the electric guitar and saxophone performing in unison, using similar rhythmic patterns with different pitches. In rock, the primary concept centers on the use of power chords to support and generate the main melodic lines of the compositions.