Before I play guitar, I tune up using an awesome iPhone app called CLEARTUNE. My guitar never sounded better, and I have more fun playing.
All musicians know that tuning is a must.
Same goes for your camera, monitor and printer. It they are "out of tune," or "out of calibration," you will not get the best results - and consistent results.
In the field I use the ColorChecker Passport to calibrate my camera to the existing lighting conditions. This device comes with a CD that you pop in your computer and within minutes you are on your way to accurate color.
At home, I use the ColorMunki Photo to calibrate my monitors, printers and even my digital projector. Here, too, this device comes with a CD that help speeds you on your way to accurate color.
Here's a cool video on made on HDR and using the ColorMunki. The photograph above was taken in the same location. (That's not me playing guitar in the video.)
Here is a quick video of me jamming with some friends at CreativeLive.
You can also use CLEARTUNE to tune a bass guitar (above).
Explore the light (and sound),
Rick
P.S. A reader just asked about a more affordable color calibration device.
Check out the ColorMunki Smile.