The Amen Break And The Golden Ratio

One Mathematics teacher and author believes so. Link (via)

[audio:http://www.joejahnigen.com/songs/groove/Amen%20break.mp3]
Listen: Amen Break

Having looked at the geometry of the Golden Ratio a great deal, and its expressions in worldwide art, I have a decent sense of its place along a line. The Amen Break had that feel. For a quick check I used homemade Golden Ratio calipers to examine the peaks. Indeed, peaks pop up at Golden Ratio intervals, as do smaller peaks within them, reminsicent of the fractal structures in nature.

For more exact visual analysis I examined the wave image in my computer, in which I have a palatte of geometric forms and proportions for quickly identifying an object’s ratios. Sure enough, Golden Ratio relationships were indicated among the different peaks. Am I seeing things? You decide. But the appearance of the Golden Ratio may help explain its popularity.

related:
Nate Harrison’s Audio Installation: Can I Get An Amen?