Guitar: An Introduction to the Majestic Instrument.
Music has been a part of human existence for as long as history records. And there is few instruments that have inspired more than the iconic guitar. Many people, of all ages and backgrounds, are drawn to the majestic sound and breathtaking technique of this amazing instrument. The guitar has been at the forefront of virtually every popular music genre since its emergence in the 60’s. From rock and roll to country, the guitar is a fundamental piece of equipment whether playing in a band, or on your own.
Within this article, we will explore the different types of guitars available to buy, the history of the instrument, some simple techniques for getting you started, the proper maintenance for the instrument, and some of the iconic guitarists who have and continue to influence us.
Types of Guitar
When starting out, it is important to note that one size does not fit all. Quick research and a trip to a music store will determine the best solution for you. The professional staff should be able to answer any questions you may have and provide help in finding the perfect instrument.
When looking at guitars, there are several styles to consider – acoustic, electric, classical, and bass.
Acoustic guitars are the most traditional and most recognizable. This type of guitar is the preferred choice for beginners and those who prefer the classic sound. They come in different sizes and shapes and are constructed with either a solid wood body or a laminate wood, hybrid blend of wood and laminate wood, or a steel string resonator back design.
Electric guitars come with all different shapes, colors and sizes. As frequently favored among blues, rock, jazz, and metal musicians, electric guitars come with different pickups and effects – making them the preferred choice for the experienced pro.
Though similar in construction to acoustic guitars, classical guitars come with nylon strings. This type of guitar is ideal for players interested in pursuing the complex and melodic classical guitar repertoire. It is also a preferred instrument among flamenco and Latin music enthusiasts.
Lastly, bass guitars offer a low-end sound and have become a favorite among disc jockeys, dance clubs, and compilation producers. This type of guitar typically has four strings and combines the sound of a bass and guitar, thus helping to create a rich, full sound.
History of the Guitar
The history of the guitar dates back to ancient times. Over the past thousands of years, the instrument has evolved and grown out of 4 distinct designs. Acoustic Guitars have been traced back to the early 19th century, where their popularity led to the emergence of a myriad of designs and an ever-growing fan following.
The first electric guitar was developed in 1931 and popularized in the 1940s by legendary guitarist, Les Paul. This instrument was an instant success and quickly spread throughout the music scene. As the years went on, designs continued to evolve and the electric guitar embraced its share of innovations in a relatively short period of time.
During the late 50s and early 60s, the guitar began to be used in ways its predecessors never imagined. Ready access to the electric guitar revolutionized the music industry, giving rise to a distinct sound on the radio. From the birth of rock n’ roll to the rise of pop punk and metal, the guitar has been an integral part of virtually every popular music genre.
Learn to Play the Guitar
So, you’re ready to learn? Great! Like any skill, learning guitar takes time, effort, and a lot of practice. One great way to get started is to take some lessons. Whether you take lessons in person or find some great online resources, guitar tutors are an invaluable asset.
Focus on mastering the basics first. You’ll need to become familiar with the parts of the guitar, how to tune the guitar and how to hold the guitar. Then, explore some basic chords, practice finger picking and learn how to play a few simple songs.
From there, you can decide what style of playing you want to pursue and customize your practice routine. There is nothing to say you can’t mix it up – learning jazz fundamentals and playing a few folk songs – anything goes!
If you should ever feel stuck and require assistance, there are numerous guitar tutorials available online and several guitar forums to help get you back on track.
Guitar Maintenance
The key here is to keep it clean and organized. Of course, a proper cleaning with a cleaning and polishing kit should be done periodically.
Be sure to store your guitar in a cool and dry place – never leave it in direct sunlight or next to a heating radiator. If you have an acoustic guitar, humidity is key. purchase a humidity controlled storage case or, if you have a fiberglass case, have it lined with a damp cloth or a strip of leather.
Moreover, all guitars will require re-stringing at some point – it is recommended to replace the strings every 2-3 months, depending on use. Additionally, it is important to adjust the truss rod every 6 months. The truss rod helps keep the strings aligned with the neck for optimal performance, so it is important to keeping it tightened and in check.
Famous Guitarists
For many, playing guitar is more than an activity, it’s a passion, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you prefer acoustic or electric, rock, jazz, folk or blues, there is always something inspiring about playing out some of the riffs and solos of some of the legendary musicians.
Throughout generations, musicians have come and gone, each leaving an imprint in their respective genres. Here are some of the most iconic guitarists, each with his or her own unique playing style:
Jimi Hendrix: Known as the ‘king of the electric guitar’, Jimi Hendrix remains an idol and the most influential electric guitarist to date. His music and style were groundbreaking, mixing rock and roll with psychedelic blues.
Eric Clapton: As one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Eric has a formidable legacy that remains strong to this day. His sound, balanced between classic and bluesy soulfullness, has defined the sound of modern guitar playing.
Jimmy Page: In the realm of rock and heavy metal, you can’t help but mention Led Zepplin’s and the mighty Jimmy Page. Considered one of the most creative and influential guitarists of all time, his riffs have become a permanent part of rock music history.
B.B. King: King has been an unstoppable force in the blues arena since the early 50’s. He has laid the tab blues legend and an inspiration to many of the great jazz and blues guitar players of today.
Conclusion
From the dawn of civilization to modern day, the guitar has remained one of humanity’s most powerful tools for creating music. With its ability to capture the emotion and inspirations of both the player and the audience, the guitar has held a special place within society for centuries.
No matter where you are in life and what genre of guitar playing you prefer, be it classic acoustic, electric, classical or bass, there is a guitar for every type of person. We hope this article has provided useful insight into the instrument that has enraptured generations of musicians and reigns as king of the music world.
Happy playing!
The Majesty of Guitar: An Introduction to the Respective Instrument.