Techniques for Modeling Expression in Plucked-Guitar Tones

Source-filter models are a well-established technique for the analysis and synthesis of many acoustic signals, including musical instruments. When applied to the task of modeling plucked-string instruments, these models provide a clear analog to the physical phenomena incurred with exciting the string; that is, an impulsive-like force from the performer excites the resonant behavior of the string. In the case of the guitar, many techniques are available for estimating and calibrating the resonant filter properties of the string, but little research has been invested in the analysis of the driving source signals, which are responsible for reproducing unique timbres associated with the performer’s articulation. In this work, we present techniques for the analysis and synthesis of plucked guitar signals with emphasis on capturing the expressive attributes of performance. This includes novel approaches for modeling the resonant string behavior and excitation signals of a source-filter model for plucked-guitar tones.