Multiple scaling behaviour and nonlinear traits in music scores
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Driving Under the Influence: How Music Listening Affects Driving Behaviors
Published on: March 27, 2019
Alfredo González-Espinoza1,2,3, Hernán Larralde2, Gustavo Martínez-Mekler2,3,4
1Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, UAEM, Morelos, México.
Abstract:
We present a statistical analysis of music scores from different composers using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). We find different fluctuation profiles that correspond to distinct autocorrelation structures of the musical pieces. Further, we reveal evidence for the presence of nonlinear autocorrelations by estimating the DFA of the magnitude series, a result validated by a corresponding study of appropriate surrogate data. The amount and the character of nonlinear correlations vary from one composer to another. Finally, we performed a simple experiment in order to evaluate the pleasantness of the musical surrogate pieces in comparison with the original music and find that nonlinear correlations could play an important role in the aesthetic perception of a musical piece.
Related Concept Videos
Multiple Allele Traits
Trait and State Self-Esteem
Polygenic Traits
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Causes of Nonlinearity
Nonlinear drug absorption can occur when the process is rate-limited by solubility, carrier-mediated transport systems, or saturation of the presystemic gut wall or hepatic metabolism. For instance, high doses of riboflavin...
Traits and States
X-linked Traits

