Meaning: Lee Ritenour, a renowned musician and guitarist, made this quote in reference to his approach to composing music. In this quote, he describes his use of a baritone guitar with a unique tuning as the foundation of a composition, while the classical guitar plays the main rhythm part on top of it. This approach demonstrates Ritenour's innovative and experimental mindset when it comes to creating music.

Ritenour's use of a baritone guitar with a very unusual tuning highlights his willingness to push the boundaries of conventional guitar playing. The baritone guitar is a type of guitar with a longer scale length and typically tuned to a lower pitch than a standard guitar. By using a non-traditional tuning on the baritone guitar, Ritenour opens up new possibilities for creating unique and distinctive sounds. This approach allows him to explore different tonalities and textures that may not be achievable with a standard tuning.

The baritone guitar serves as the body of the composition, implying that it forms the core and foundation of the musical piece. Its distinct tuning likely shapes the harmonic and melodic structure of the composition, providing a rich and resonant backdrop for the music. Ritenour's choice to feature the baritone guitar in this way demonstrates his willingness to experiment with unconventional instruments and techniques, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore new sonic territories.

In contrast, Ritenour mentions that the classical guitar is on top of the baritone guitar with the main rhythm part. This suggests that the classical guitar plays a complementary role, adding melodic and rhythmic elements to the composition. The classical guitar's role as the main rhythm part underscores its significance in driving the rhythm and groove of the piece. By layering the classical guitar on top of the baritone guitar, Ritenour creates a multi-dimensional and dynamic sound, blending the tonal qualities of both instruments to craft a captivating musical experience.

This quote provides insight into Ritenour's compositional process and the thoughtfulness he brings to crafting his music. By carefully considering the role of each instrument and their unique characteristics, Ritenour demonstrates his ability to integrate diverse elements into a cohesive and compelling musical work. His willingness to embrace unconventional tunings and instruments showcases his innovative spirit and dedication to expanding the possibilities of guitar music.

Overall, Lee Ritenour's quote reflects his adventurous and inventive approach to music composition. By utilizing a baritone guitar with an unusual tuning as the foundation of a composition and layering a classical guitar on top of it with the main rhythm part, Ritenour showcases his willingness to explore new sonic territories and his ability to create rich and multi-dimensional musical experiences. This quote offers a glimpse into Ritenour's creative process and the artistic vision that drives his music, highlighting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar playing and composition.