14 DAY TRIAL // Google is regularly running custom logos on the homepage, or doodles, to celebrate or mark important events and people. Recently, these doodles have become increasingly complex and the latest doesn't disappoint. Google is honoring the memory of Les Paul, the famous creator of one of the earliest electric guitars.
Les Paul was an accomplished musician as well as an inventor and is also known for developing some the most widely utilized recording techniques to this day.
To celebrate the birthday of the musician, Google is running an interactive doodle which enables users to play the strings of a virtual electric guitar that makes up the Google logo. If you live in the US, you can also record your audio doodle.
"The electric guitar brings back memories for me of exchanging riffs with friends and wearing out cassette tapes as I meticulously learned songs. Today, we’re attempting to recreate that experience with a doodle celebrating the birthday of musician and inventor Les Paul," Alexander Chen, a designer from the Google Creative Lab, wrote.
"As well as his guitar work, Les Paul experimented in his garage with innovative recording techniques like multitracking and tape delay," he added.
As you move your mouse over the strings, you'll be able to hear the notes created by each of them. You can also play a few chords if you move fast enough.
It's not the most intuitive 'instrument' ever created or the most ergonomic, but you can create a short tune with a little practice. In fact, Google is hoping you will and, as long as you live in the US, is enabling you to record your creation.
"In keeping with this spirit of tinkering, those of you in the U.S. can click the black 'compose' button to record your own 30-second track. Just strum the strings or trigger notes with the letters or numbers on your keyboards," Chen added.
Google used a number of standard web technologies, JavaScript, HTML5 Canvas and CSS, for the virtual instrument, but relied on Flash for the audio part.