Guitar History: Strumming Through The Ages.
The guitar may be the most iconic and beloved instrument of all time. Its history is long and complex, beginning in the distant past as a simple four-stringed instrument, and then evolving into the magnificent, technically sophisticated pieces we know today. We’ll explore all the key moments of guitar history that have taken the instrument to its dizzying heights of popularity, from ancient Greece to the present day.
Guitar-like instruments are believed to have been in existence since at least the fifth century BC. Strings made from animal gut and rudimentary forms of bridges, frets, and fingerboards were used in ancient Greek instruments such as the Phorminx and Kithara. Similarly, the Romans and Egyptians are thought to have crafted winds, strings, and percussion instruments that incorporated many of the elements we recognise as belonging to the modern guitar.
In the Middle Ages, four-stringed instruments like the Gittern and the Lute were used extensively in Europe. These primitive instruments featured frets, ribs, soundholes, and a double-strung neck but were not capable of producing the type of sound we associate with contemporary guitars.
The Renaissance saw the birth of the five-string guitar, originally known as the vihuela. This instrument had a wider neck and resonant soundbox, as well as improved fretting systems and bridges. Composers such as Lucas Ruiz de Ribayaz and Gaspar Sanz wrote popular guitar music during this period, making the instrument an integral part of European society.
Following the Renaissance, the baroque guitar — which featured six single strings and extensive ornamentation — was the mainstay of classical guitar music for over 200 years. Composers such as Ganassi, Corbetta, and Giuliani wrote some of the most beautiful music for this instrument.
The modern guitar began taking shape in the 19th century as a result of evolution within luthiery. The most significant changes from before included a 14-fret neck and an extended fretboard with a slanting bridge, allowing for expanded range of notes. The steel-string guitar was the first variant of this new design, and it enjoyed immense popularity among folk musicians in the United States and elsewhere.
The nylon-string guitar made its debut in the 1930s and superseded the steel-string guitar as the instrument of choice for classical musicians. Its sound was softer and more rounded than its predecessor, which made it easier to perform the intricate melodies of Spanish and Mexican guitar music.
The electric guitar came of age in the 1950s and revolutionised the music world. Popular guitarists such as Chuck Berry and George Benson used their amplifiers to generate powerful, distorted sounds unheard of in the acoustic realm. This development paved the way for genres like rock ‘n’ roll, heavy metal, and punk.
The “superstrat” era of the 1980s saw advancements in the design of electric guitars, such as modified body shapes and higher fret counts. The trend was heavily influenced by metal and the sounds of influential artists such as Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads.
Guitar technology continues to evolve today, with new designs and technologies being developed all the time. Digital instruments, such as the Line 6 Variax, use sophisticated modelling technology to replicate sounds from a range of acoustic and electric guitars.
From its earliest beginnings, the guitar has been one of the most beloved and important instruments for music performance. Whether it’s the twang of a country song, the explosive energy of metal riffs, or the dulcet tones of classical works, the guitar has touched millions of people through its long and varied history.