Excellent point re "music without words". What works for me is Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, some Beethoven, etc. Seems that the key is what the music stimulates: if it makes you feel like partying, etc, then work productivity is going to suffer. Since I am also a musician (piano), have learn to stay away from music that I am currently playing / studying, as this definitely does distract my attention. Re the 'multitask' comments - the brain is multitasking continually. Example: I can ride my bike, listen to music, sing along, watch the traffic, notice the scenery (hey, pretty girl!) etc. etc. Things go wrong when one input takes over the CPU for exclusive use. Some music definitely does this. PS: since you enjoy guitar mausic, what do you think of Villa Lobos compositions? Regards Howard