Octopus Reacts to Guitar - Episode 5

Octolab has already explored the possibility of octopuses being able to perceive sound vibrations in the water. It is therefore the logical next step to try and explore the possibility that octopuses can produce and appreciate underwater music. We were curious to see how the octopus will react to a musical instrument as most instruments are oddly shaped, made of diverse materials, and are a completely unfamiliar sight in the ocean.

[@aqueousone]

This was nice but wouldn’t it have been more interesting to focus on that other octopus that was playing all the instruments for the background music?

[@bullhunter45]

Hahahahaha!!

[@ayla5094]

The one man band! 🐙

[@treetops6438]

My exact thoughts

[@gregrogers3882]

Very good!

[@Punnery]

"Is it edible? No... Can I use it for shelter? Nope; these strings are in the way.... I'm done." It might have been interesting (if it could have been done without causing the octopus undue anxiety) to have someone strum it once to give it the idea.

[@ginevragali2981]

I loved how it drifted over to the guitar...then slooowly one eye appears over edge! Where else can you so closely observe an octopus relaxed and not fearful, checking different situations out...uninterrupted by other creatures? (Except for little shrimp 🦐 and tiny fish 🐟!)

[@blueeyes6852]

Awwh...he wanted IN that guitar so bad! Those arms are fascinating, how they cover every inch of guitar, receiving all kinds of information. Fun music too! Thank you!

[@theholyduck5520]

It's funny how he seemed kinda unsure about the guitar until he realized there was a hole in it. Then he was ALL over it.

[@BenFrankarts]

They can fit anywhere their eye can. He was probably afraid of the dark 😉

[@BadWebDiver]

He was probably hoping for a treat inside the guitar.

[@CheshieD]

@@BenFrankarts yeah I don’t think his eyes were small enough to fit under the gap between the strings and the guitar itself.

[@hoozerob]

Ringo: "I'd like to be, under the sea,,,, " You should know the rest after all these years, folks. ;)

[@orange.juice.]

In an octopus’s garden, in the shade ☂

[@NewMessage]

Bet he'd play the heck out of a piano, too.

[@beautifulrealist4353]

Next episode: Octopus reacts to miniature working piano!

[@cathyb1273]

One day you will enter in the tank room and will find a panel saying: STOP THROWING TRASH IN MY TANK !! 😤😡🤬 I guess that without the cords the octopus will have dive inside the guitar 😋

[@trindalas]

Honestly I’m kinda surprised it didn’t go in even with the cords. It highly likely could have.

[@jic1]

1:58 'Some fool strung fishing line over this great hidey-hole!'

[@purplealice]

I like the idea of having a human play a guitar outside the tank, holding the guitar so it touches the tank, and the vibrations of the music enter the water. Would the octopus have a different attitude towards the guitar if he knew it could make noises?

[@LittleKitty22]

I would love to see that!

[@coriknight9073]

They do react to different kinds of music (there was a video on that awhile back), but it'd be interesting to make that connection between instrument and sound.

[@Ralph2]

I thought the same. The Octopus would learn a lot from that I'm sure, they are amazing creatures!

[@yes0r787]

That's exactly what I thought this was gonna be.

[@Ma_X64]

May be octopus would play together with him.

[@jons6834]

Spoiler: it is actually playing the background music.

[@wendettavaughnwanner3150]

When he cautiously "Sat" In the guitar, he reminded me of a person slowly getting in a hot tub

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

I love how his first move is to hide under it . So cute :)

[@dianeclarke3763]

I could watch all day!! I love the fact you can actually see them trying to work out what things are, just fascinating aren’t they!? 🐙🐙🐙💜

[@jthoen61]

I love octopuses. They are so cool looking and very intelligent.

[@ThePrufessa]

Yep which is why i plan to get one tattooed on my back

[@taxtard3]

And tasty :P

[@angeliner59]

I really thought he might actually crawl into the guitar!

[@CensoredByYouTube.]

_"What can this strange device be?_ _When I touch it, it gives forth a sound_ _It's got wires that vibrate and give music_ _What can this thing be that I've found?"_

[@realcygnus]

Forget about your silly whim, it doesn't fit the plan. No HOW !

[@AGDinCA]

Some kind of _Sultans of Swing_ rendition going on... and I'm here for it!

[@psycosis12]

What would be its reaction to the strings being plucked underwater?

[@edcraig1214]

I thought that also..

[@patrickjan7896]

I bet he'd be terrified

[@Patriotsoul]

Probably nothing. The stings being plucked won’t make a sound. The guitar is full of water. The sound comes from the air in the guitar being vibrated by the string.

[@dalemcnamee2427]

@@Patriotsoul And the water prevents the strings from vibrating at all or if a string does make a sound, it would be a dull "thunk" at best...

[@Emunah13819]

It would be: 👀

[@myrrh1581]

At first, I was like, “that’s a VERY BIG GUITAR!” ....then I realized, “...oh. It’s a veeery smol octopus 🐙”

[@bentbroken]

That octopus has got to be thinking “why do they keep putting this $h!t in my tank?!”

[@candiia.l.9365]

Would he have heard the sound of his tentacles brushing in the strings? Also makes me wonder how he'd react to live music, like someone actually playing a violin outside the tank.

[@dalemcnamee2427]

The water would have prevented the strings from vibrating... As for music from outside of the tank... I believe that Octolab TV did expose a couple of their octopi ( plural of octopus ) to various types of music... It would be interesting how an octopus would respond to live music being played by solo guitar, violin, flute, piano... Or by a trio, quartet, etc... Or even an octet ! 😉😄 The octopi would also be watching the musician or musicians playing...

[@CheshieD]

@@dalemcnamee2427 just gonna say, technically the most correct plural of octopus is either octopods (octopodes according to some) or octopuses. Octopodes would be Greek, which the base work “octo” is Greek therefore its fitting. Octopuses would be an English adaption using English suffixes. Octopi however is combining Greek and Latin grammar. Latin isn’t a normally spoken language and therefore can’t exactly have its own adaptations for words using other language grammar. The only reason you’ll find “octopi” in a dictionary is because people used it so much despite it being incorrect, causing it to eventually get added to some.

[@wordreet]

Unfortunately, being 700 times the density of air, the water will prevent the strings from making sound, probably. Haha, did you notice how I avoided saying "dampen" the strings! 😉

[@goodun2974]

I am surprised the octopus didn't try to match its color, chameleon-like, to the guitar.

[@richardeasther2569]

Imagine how smart they would be if they lived for 50 years

[@ThePrufessa]

I imagine it's just gonna squeeze in the hole and make a new hiding spot.

[@deanfrost9494]

Octopuses are so cool I hope everyone quits eating them.

[@jessicafrench2538]

agreed!

[@LittleKitty22]

I really can't understand why some people eat them. Can't they stick to eating food???

[@jennyaldrich7456]

I agree to I could not eat an octopus nor squid or lobster either.

[@40watt_club]

@@LittleKitty22, well they taste really good :-) But I stopped eating them some time ago after I found out how intelligent they are. Most animals are more beautiful alive than on dishes .

[@LittleKitty22]

@@40watt_club I'm glad to hear that. Stick to eating food, there is a reason why octopus are not even kosher.

[@catfishcave379]

Octolab Researcher walks into a music store. Clerk: May I help you? Octolab: I’m looking for a guitar. Clerk: For yourself or... Octolab: For my octopus. Clerk: Oh, ok. Maybe you should start with this 12 string Rickenbacker... On another note (ha!), I bet an octopus could play ALMOST as fast as Roy Clark...

[@mookyo9602]

The way that they move is like poetry in motion. Such a fascinating creature! I love this channel🐙💜💜

[@valestella6601]

Smoke on the water is his favourite song

[@angeliner59]

@Soilent Green Exactly what I was thinking!

[@valestella6601]

@Soilent Green lol

[@jeffjames4064]

Yellow submarine.😁

[@RickMason-yj7pv]

Handel's Water Music

[@markc5350]

Maybe it's Ocean Eyes by The Jeff Healey Band. Then, when he's done jamming, he lays back on a tentacle with an icy glass of ocean spray cranberry juice cocktail. lol

[@masterofsparkshwy6974]

"🎶I'd like to be..under the sea..in an octopus's garden , with you."

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

I'm surprised he didn't go all the way inside it, given how small a hole they need. There's something adorable and hilarious about watching the eyes pop up from the other side of the guitar as if he's looking for the other shoe to drop!

[@beautifulrealist4353]

He just didn't feel it was worth it. He literally decided against it. They're so smart.

[@mlareine327]

I really appreciate your videos, I enjoy seeing these cuties explore and react. Also, while I’ve always found them fascinating due to their intelligence and awareness, I used to be afraid of them. I even sometimes had nightmares about them when highly stressed. Thanks to your experiments, I am no longer afraid of them.

[@juliehovar5488]

So inspired by your willingness to share their personalities and BEING. FULL of wonderful searching for more.....full of taste and feelings, smells, vibrations, emotion, and passion with the intelligence to KNOW, and color it all. Enough of that for now.....on to exploring what humans offer this larger intelligence.... multiple hugs ...with delight!...

[@karenahmed4722]

You guys better be careful! He might start playing it with tentacles!

[@treborironwolfe978]

I bet this little guy could truly appreciate how Jimi Hendrix felt his guitar using all of his fingers and tongues.

[@NimrodFowl]

Was fully expecting him to start playing the guitar 😄

[@williammeyer214]

What a fascinating intelligence expressed in his curiosity, I am impressed by the tentative exploration followed by a retreat to process, then a stronger foray when safety seems assured.

[@cockleshellzero3893]

Thankfully he had the common decency not to inflict a sketchy attempt at Stairway on us.

[@DaffneyDalilah]

🐙⭐️🐙Rock on, octi!!! 🐙⭐️🐙⭐️🐙 I love how he first went to check out the tuning and then proceeded to the strings, like a guitar pro! Lol! I wonder if he was intrigued by the different vibrations of each string?

[@shiraga0516]

He could be more interested in a trombone.

[@lindaway5889]

He or she was really curious about the guitar. How adorable!

[@AGDinCA]

I just love how curious they are!

[@dianakonnor]

I'm loving all of your recent uploads! Keep em coming! I really enjoy this channel, it's so interesting and just makes my day when there's a new video! 💕❤

[@ccarmean1968]

A trained octopus is the solution to getting that pick that falls through the sound hole.

[@marcilk7534]

Midnight on a Friday night during the covid pandemic... watching a video of an octopus playing a guitar.

[@aidanmcferris3004]

NOOOOOOO!!! It wasn't long enough!! Do you mean to tell me that octopus NEVER went down inside of that guitar?!?! (Of course the shot you got of him peeking over the top was epic!)

[@enchiladabonito6629]

Hits “like” before the video even starts. Always know it’s going to be entertaining! Amazing creatures!

[@jesseholalde5670]

Please give now. For the price of a simple cup of coffe a day. You too can help put an end to guitar abuse.

[@Daclaem]

next time i pick my guitar , i ll check for an octopus inside !

[@sueg2658]

Sweet little fella, just wanted to climb in. Loved the music too.

[@rootbox]

Let me teach that tactile ,sentient being how to play guitar!!

[@NoFunNoHope]

This is the 1st in a pre-shot series of videos where the reveal is the octopus composed and preformed the song in this video

[@MrPendell]

Thanks for choosing a nylon strung classical- when I first saw the title I pictured an octopus trying to crawl into the sound-hole of a steel strung western guitar, and grated octopus ensuing.

[@allenhamilton6688]

I'm fascinated by these junior citizens. Love the videos

[@datwunfool2503]

I think it would be interesting to see a electronic keyboard rigged for underwater placed inside so we could see how the octopus reacts when he lands on a key making a sound

[@cruzanmongoose]

Dang the octopus played that background music, he's on his way to the stars

[@maryrosekent8223]

They are such amazing creatures!

[@existentialerasure]

He was checking that guitar out like he was thinking about buying it...

[@christopherworth1]

I was waiting for another octopus to show up with a harmonica and ask if he wants to jam.

[@bethmulligan2588]

Very cool...I live on a canal in Key Largo & had my live bait bucket tied to dock...when I pulled it up to grab some shrimp I was surprised to see the cutest octopus clinging to it. My 2 little 4 lb dogs were on dock & the octopus did not shy away from them...it kind of slithered about on dock for a minute or so b4 sliding back into water. He hung out at my bait bucket quite often...so much so actually that I got another bait bucket to use on boat so I could keep that one in water for him!

[@sandwitch4300]

Gosh! I really wanted him to try playing the strings 🤗💚

[@davidsnow2420]

He could outplay Stevie Ray and Jimi with those 8 arms...

[@lilianmcguigan9240]

I think he tried to go inside, found he didn't fit, or that there was no food inside. Went over every inch of the guitar, and lost interest.

[@IanRob2011]

So smart. I was thinking it might go inside the guitar

[@roughcutguitars]

LOVE the "Play Guitar By Feel" ad banner that popped up with this :-D

[@treborironwolfe978]

(02:08) I can... *almost...* darn this big noggin!

[@RemyRAD]

I was mesmerized watching this octopus. And watching how mesmerized the octopus was with the guitar. This critter absolutely found this guitar fascinating. It was very thorough in inspecting every little bit of that guitar. I was particularly intrigued. When the critter got up on top of the guitar. Sat overtop the F hole. Looked quite pleased with itself.. Looked around a little bit. Looked like it was remembering. When it was human and used to play guitar in a previous life. Took in the moment. And then got down. Not playing the guitar. But down off of the guitar. It checked out the inside. Didn't find any goodies in there. Got frustrated it couldn't find its pick. And decided to throw in the dead mollusk towel. That octopus had a longer attention span for that guitar.. Then my cat did with her favorite mouse toys. Then my dog did with his rubber bone toy. This is an intelligent creature. It's attention span is longer than any child today with a smart phone. I think we're in trouble. I think that octopus is smarter than your fifth-grader. I mean 12th grader. Of course I also know people with college degrees I don't think much of. And the octopus wins. They also taste good. I go out with one but no French kissing. RemyRAD

[@thepreschooltest]

I wonder what would happen if these reacts were sort of two step. First let the octopus explore. Then show him/her how humans use it, then put it back and see if they react differently. So, in this case, have someone sit by the tank and play and see if he/she then changes the exploration the next time? Or a human in the outside playing one guitar while the other is in the tank should they mimic?

[@merrywalsh2809]

Thank God he got something to stimulate his senses 🙏🏼

[@marielucier7982]

Can you imagine the responsibility of operating/coordinating eight appendages.

[@gingercox6468]

I can’t believe you put a guitar in a tank of water

[@ld8495]

He was probably digging for food.

[@sharoncheckel2847]

Love it! Great video!!❤

[@toddbazurto1423]

Octopus thinking hey what a cool house. Now if I could figure out how to get into it.

[@Microtonal_Cats]

I find this extremely satisfying to watch.

[@johannageisel5390]

"That guitar is ruined!" - octopus

[@Hartsinck1]

I think he’s found his favorite object!

[@TiffanyT-LaDolceVita]

Magical, beautiful and highly intelligent.

[@cursetheblade]

i didnt realize how small the octopus were until they dropped the guitar in there

[@miketeabag6501]

This was a great idea, definitely the one he's taken the most interest in so far

[@gorkivalenzuela6940]

And the octopus learned to play the guitar.

[@oldheaddeuce2273]

AWESOME

[@juliehovar5488]

Ok. It might be sunday at the Bay w/Gerry & Phil and the rest, or it could be w/ Phil Keggii, just listening, feeling, and loving your team's efforts to communicate ! Nearly bursting in more color and sound and touch....Your Lab and ALL concerned are doing WELL to communicate for all of us........

[@stacieball977]

These videos make me laugh every time. The way they will reach out to try something and then retreat with just these eyeballs sticking up to watch and see what happens like a little kid does! 😆 These guys are so smart! I half-expected her to bust out a tune. I wish we could read their minds...especially when she was sitting on the strings. I wonder if she could feel subtle vibrations.

[@kakukk63]

He's got the eight handed tapping technique down pretty well, I see!

[@scollier4450]

"Cool. But, I'm more of a bagpipe kind of guy."

[@Landstander-to9vh]

Lol! Looks like a bagpipe kinda guy!

[@ebattleon]

I swear if he had stared strumming the guitar I would not be surprised. It has been that kind of year.

[@leonarddement4058]

"What in the world is this huge thing? And why do they keep putting things I can't use in my tank!?"

[@scottstetzer]

Love the backing music.

[@deed5811]

He'll be shredding in no time!

[@rodneybever9583]

He's a juke box hero!

[@Rat2rrj]

Sitting on the strings like a little ruler lmao

[@cynthiarowley719]

Doesn't look like octopus found the sound, but decided its not a place to hide.

[@Walking_Death]

OCTOPUS: Sorry dudes, I can't play this. I'm left handed.

[@xenophagia]

He needs an 8 string guitar so he can djent.

[@Robbie63]

This reminded me of the two aliens on Sesame Street for some reason. 😁

[@billmorriss9876]

I'm amazed there were 4 previous episodes of this..

[@MrRonfrank]

That octopus is probably thinking "Eventually, they are going to understand what I'm saying".

[@johndelong9230]

I was waiting for it to start strumming that git box!

[@itsme-rt7nz]

Amazing how it evolved differently than any other creature on Earth. Seems like it could be from another planet.