Research shows: Guitar Improvisation Lights Up the Brain’s Creativity Center
Researchers have discovered that rock guitarists’ brains light up in a special way when they improvise music. A study published in BMC Research Notes found that while guitarists create music on the spot, there is increased activity in Brodmann area 45, a part of the brain involved in creativity.
This brain region is located in the frontal cortex and is linked to speech and language. It becomes more active when guitar players improvise, which is a form of spontaneous creativity.
Unlike playing standard music, improvising requires thinking of new ideas and expressing them through music in real-time.
fNIRS
The study used a brain imaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure changes in the brain.
This method is less restrictive than other brain scanning techniques, which is why it’s good for studying brain activity during activities like playing an instrument.
Brain activity
The findings suggest that this brain activity happens in all guitarists while they improvise, no matter their feelings, age, or experience.
This could mean that the brain area involved in creativity is important for planning movements, similar to how we plan words when we speak.
Creative tasks
The research helps us understand more about how the brain works during creative tasks. However, it’s worth noting that other creative activities might use different parts of the brain.
