They say English is the universal language. Others say math and numbers. But for most, the best answer is music. Music resonates through every language, culture, and generations. It can be a source of livelihood or a simple means to make life a little better. There is no surprise that music tattoos have become predominantly popular among younger tattoo enthusiasts. From musical symbols to song lyrics, designs vary.
Body art and music both have the same goal: to help people express themselves. It helps people who make music for a living express how proud they are of their work. It’s also a good way for music connoisseurs to express their love for the art.
Brief History of Music
Music’s history is hard to trace back. There is no records as to when it was first discovered and how they made music. It is likely though that music began with the boom of human civilization.
Art began around 60,000 to 30,00 years ago with paintings on caves and jewelry making. We can assume that music also began around that time. Some scientists also believe that music is important to prehistoric civilization’s survival. Through music, they are able to express their emotion and communicate with their tribes and groups.
Even the first musical instrument is said to have dated back to 60,000 to 43,000 years ago. It was called the Divje Babe flute and was discovered in a cave in Slovenia back in 1995.
Modern music has evolved from various musical genres. Each one giving birth to a new form, brought to life by artists and professionals in the business. Until now, music is still a great part of the society.
Suffice to say, music has been a huge part of human civilization. It began when humanity did and has been one of the oldest forms of communication.
What Getting Music Tattoos Mean
Most tattoo enthusiasts get tattoos for two reasons. The first is its aesthetic value and the second is its meaning. Many feel it is important to choose a significant tattoo design which they use to express themselves.
Getting music tattoos often mean a person’s love for the art. They could be musicians and musical experts. They could be singers and music makers. However, most that get music tattoos get these certain designs to show their love for music. In fact, some choose specific designs that show their love for certain bands and artists.
So whether you are a musician or a music lover or you just want a cool and beautiful tattoo, music tattoos are great options.
Popular Music Tattoos for Everyone
Music has been around for so long that there are a whole lot of designs you can get. Here are some of the most popular and suggested tattoo designs for you:
- Microphone – Microphones are devices used to amplify one’s voice. It can be used in other industries but most of the time, it is used by singers. This is a perfect design choice for singers who love singing. Apart from that, it can also be a symbol of empowerment and self-expression.
- Piano – This design can be a full piano or keyboard but the usual design just include the keys. These are black and white keys that can be combined with other musical symbols such as the clef or musical note. It is perfect for piano players and those who love classical music.
- Guitar – Apart from the piano, the guitar is another instrument widely used by musicians. Wearers can choose between the classic acoustic guitars or electric ones. You can also include several other elements like flowers and ribbons. This design can be acquired to pay homage to a musician or artist. It can also be worn as a symbol of one’s passion for melody.
- Drum – The drums is another classic musical instrument with the long history of music. This design is great for music lovers. But it also has a different meaning for Native American tribes. For them, drums represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth.
- Gramophone – This device was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. It was the first music and record player before technology advanced and electronic devices were invented. This would be a great design for those who love old-school music. Gramophones represent history of music and machines as well.
Musical Symbols and What they Mean
If you love music or a musician, you will likely know these musical symbols. These are also great symbols and designs for tattoos so here are some of the most popular ones and what they mean:
- Treble Clef – Perhaps one of the most popular music tattoos. This symbol represents the universal language of music. You can have it as a tattoo as the symbol for your love of music and making music.
- Musical notes – There are several musical notes and each one has a different value. They are used to know which note should be sang or played. It is also one of the most popular designs for music lovers.
- Heart-shaped bass and treble clef – This wonderful design is created with two musical symbols: treble clef and bass clef. If you flip the treble clef upside down and put it beside the bass clef, it would form a heart. This is a perfect design for those who love minimalist styles. It can also symbolize the wearer’s love for music.
Music Players and Recorders as Tattoo Designs
Apart from musical symbols, music players and recorders are also great tattoo designs for music lovers. The gramophone was the first record player that played records. It is also a popular symbol for music tattoos.
Apart from the gramophone, other music players and recorders are also getting more popular as tattoo design.
Before MP3 and MP4 players and iPods, Walkmans and boom boxes were the most popular music players. For those who love the retro era and 80’s and 90’s, these would be amazing designs for you. Another amazing old school design is the Jukebox. This was often seen on bars and pubs and would play any available record for a penny.
These kinds of designs are usually for older generations. But old souls can also get one if they want.
However, the younger generation usually get the new electronic devices such as iPods and MP3 and MP4 players. These designs also include head and earphones that form into a heart. These designs can either be made with complicated designs and backgrounds or in a minimalist style.
Showing Love for Bands and Artists
Apart from showing your love to music in general, you can also show your support to bands and artists. While this might be more hardcore than most fans, this has been one of the common ways to show support to artists who made a difference.
You can have the name or the logo of these artists and bands tatted on you. Some even take autographs they got from their favorite artists and make it a permanent ink.
For those who want to take it a step further, you can get the portrait of your idols. Perhaps the most tatted icon is the King of Rock, Elvis Presley. Many tend to get a portrait of the King on their body as a way of dedication.
Compact Cassettes and Records
Apart from the radio and television, people use compact cassettes and records to listen to music wherever they are.
Compact cassettes were these rectangular plastic cases with thin films within. These are often sold blank so people can create their own mix tapes. They can choose any song they want and then record it so when they listen to it, all their favorite songs will play. These are a whole lot like playlists but just one playlist on cassette.
Albums from back then were also sold on compact cassettes. They were made available and became extremely popular from 60’s to 90’s. Getting a tattoo of compact cassettes would be the perfect choice for those who love the music back then.
But before cassettes, there were records. These are circular black discs that were much bigger than the normal CDs and DVDs we have now. You can listen to these through the gramophone. While there are still surviving albums from back then, a few are considered as rare musical artifacts.
As a tattoo design, you can get your favorite album tatted on you. Or you can include this with a gramophone.
Get Creative – Suggestions for a Creative Tattoo
Music has long been part of human civilization so there is no surprise you can get creative with music tattoos. Here are some amazing suggestions that could inspire your next ink:
- Lyrical – You can get the lyrics of your favorite song as your tattoo design. It can be as a simple quote tattoo or you can add a few elements. Adding some musical notes will let others know that it is a song lyrics. However, if you want a more unique approach, you can also include the notes of the song. Of course, you should be careful with the notes and make sure it is the true notes. There are many who know how to read notes so you might regret your tattoo if it ends up another song’s notes.
- Sound waves – Apart from notes, you can also try to get a tattoo of the sound waves of a specific song. There are usually apps and software online that can turn a song into sound waves. This is a great tattoo since you can also play the tone with a an app that reads the waves.
- Lifeline and musical note – For those who make music as a living, you can make a tattoo which can showcase your dedication and passion. A lifeline with a musical note in the center could mean you are enjoying life as a musician.
- Birds made out of music notes – Nature could be the very inspiration of the first people who have created music. Designs that mix music with nature are rather common. You can choose a hummingbird made out of musical notes.
- Watercolor art – Watercolor styles are getting more and more popular these days. There is no wonder why given that watercolor art are very pretty. You can turn a simple design into something more amazing with watercolor style.
More Music Tattoo Designs
Here are more designs you can choose. You can either make an exact replica of these designs ore use these as inspiration for your ow personalized ones.
- Headphones and a heart – Those who like simple designs will definitely love this next one. It’s basically a heart with headphones on. You can add other elements like a heartbeat or a musical note. It’s a great way to signify your love for music.
- Musical wristband – Some choose tribal and geometric patterns to make a tattoo wristband. You can make yours more unique and show your passion with a musical wristband. Choose musical notes that go around your wrist. You can even extend it up to your elbows.
- Instruments – If you are a lover of playing musical instruments, you can get a full sleeve of these instruments. Get a mix of pianos, guitars, drums, and add a few more elements if you want.
- Musical note in a bow – If you are tired of the typical musical note. Have it in a bow. This would be a great design for women and would look totally cute slash sexy in the thighs.
- Minimalist designs – Sometimes, less is more. Getting a minimalist version of your preferred design such as the guitar would look totally crisp and awesome.
Aftercare
Once you have the tattoo that you have prepared for and always wanted, it is now important to keep it well taken care of.
The first few weeks after getting a tattoo is the important phase. This is when scarring and ruining your tattoo is more likely. During this time, you tattoo will really get itchy and flaky. But you have to endure and refrain from picking at it and scratching it or even scrubbing cloth to avoid scarring.
Get it cleaned as well. Always use mild products that are alcohol and fragrant free.
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