The Evolution of Electric Guitars: From Innovation to Industry Standard.
When people think of electric guitars, they often conjure images of their favourite classic rock and metal guitarists blazing their own modulated soundscapes. However, what many of us don’t realize is that the electric guitar is a relatively recent invention, with lengthy roots in both the music and electrical engineering industries. From its invention in 1931 by George Beauchamp to its refinement and established importance on the music scene today, electric guitars have been transformed over the years, becoming an industry staple.
The invention of the electric guitar began as one man’s attempt to amplify the sound of a lap steel guitar, an instrument commonly used by Hawaiian musicians. George Beauchamp, a musical instrument entrepreneur, wanted to give the instrument more power and a full sound, so he partnered with John Dopyera of the National String Instrument Corporation. Together, they created the electric guitar, using steel strings and magnets to create an instrument that could be heard over a live band.
Shortly after its 1931 debut, the electric guitar’s popularity was solidified by the likes of Les Paul and Link Wray. Paul in particular is well known for pioneering the concept of multi-tracking, taking the electric guitar to new sonic heights with his mastery. Additionally, the 1950s saw the beginning of the “fireball” guitar, an electrical precursor to the later innovations of sustain and massive distortion.
One of the most important developments of the electric guitar came with the invention of the solid body. Until then, electric guitars were made with hollow bodies, similar to the type used for an acoustic guitar. In 1952, Leo Fender and Les Paul released their respective electric guitar models – the Telecaster and the Les Paul. The solid body of these electric guitars allowed for greater sustain and feedback, creating a sound that was infinitely more engaging and powerful on stage.
The 1960s brought a revolutionary style of electric guitar to the music world with the introduction of the Gibson SG. This new design featured a thinner, more angular body that allowed guitarists to reach high levels of clarity and articulation. This body style became the industry standard, and is still the preferred shape of many electric guitars today.
The 70s saw the introduction of the “shred” sound, often associated with heavy rock and metal bands. Powered by the twin humbucker pickups of this era, these electric guitars gained popularity for their abrasive and powerful sound. The elongated solo featured on the classic rock songs of this era became emblematic to the era, and remains a big influence over modern guitar solos.
Electric guitars have come a long way in their near-century of existence. From modest designs in 1931 to modern renditions of the iconic Les Paul and Telecaster, these ‘axe-style instruments’ have become an essential component of our musical lives. Thanks to all of the innovations of the last century, we now have access to a range of instruments, from hollow-body electric guitars to the striking visual appeal of modern shapes. Their influence has been massive, and continues to evolve with each new generation of guitarists who pick up the instrument for their own creative expression.