SoundsField recordingsFrequenciesDecibelsInstrumentsGlossaryToolsLearn
  1. Home
  2. Glossary
  3. Recording
  4. Xenochrony: Definition & Explanation
Recording

Xenochrony

What is xenochrony? A clear definition from the recording section of our glossary, with 12 related terms and further reading.

Definition of Xenochrony

Xenochrony is a studio-based musical technique developed at an unknown date, but possibly as early as the early 1960s, by Frank Zappa, who used it on several albums. Xenochrony is executed by extracting a guitar solo or other musical part from its original context and placing it into a completely different song, to create an unexpected but pleasing effect. He said that this was the only way to achieve some rhythms.

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

What is Xenochrony?

Xenochrony is a studio-based musical technique developed at an unknown date, but possibly as early as the early 1960s, by Frank Zappa, who used it on several albums.

Sources & credits