Extended technique

Extended technique is a term that is unorthodox or "wrong" techniques describes how to play musical instruments or sing. These include in particular alternative playing techniques such as multiphonics ( multiphonics ), microtones, circular or continuous breathing, the generation of harmonics or noise by special playing techniques Flageolettgriffe, the amendment of an instrument ( prepared piano, prepared guitar) and playing a wind instrument without a mouthpiece (or with the mouthpiece of a completely different instrument ).

A corresponding extension of the musical language was strongly driven by composers like Henry Cowell, George Crumb, John Cage and Harry Partch. The "extended" techniques are used particularly in experimental music, noise and improvised music, electro-acoustic music, sometimes and also in the sound art and alternative music as noise rock ( for example, by groups such as Sonic Youth or, as a pioneer in this field, by Jimi Hendrix ) and electronic music such as IDM.

Originally unorthodox techniques can establish themselves over time as a recognized technique, such as the use of a bottleneck or some tremolo techniques in guitar playing or a plunger damper for trumpet in the game.