Guitar History: The Story of an American Music Icon.
For centuries, the guitar has been a popular companion to the human voice. Its sweet melodies, powerful riffs, and captivating chords provide solace, entertainment, and an unending joy to those who play and listen. But, what is the rich and vibrant story of guitar history? How did Europe and America shape the instrument that we know and love today? Read on for an in-depth journey through the powerful, captivating history of the guitar.
Guitars first evolved from the lutes of medieval Europe. Lute-like instruments were present in almost every culture since ancient times, thanks to the agility of the human hand. However, the current body shape and tuning process of the modern acoustic guitar has its origins in the Vihuela – an instrument created in 15th century Spain.
The Vihuela, which is a Spanish term for “Spanish lute”, had a curved or waisted belly, six strings, and tuning knobs where the neck joined the body. It was popular in both instrumental and vocal music, and is still popular in certain aspects of traditional Spanish and Latin American music today.
One of the major advancements in the history of the guitar came in the 18th century when the six-stringed guitar became the preferred instrument. In 1790, the first true “Guitar” was invented in France by Jean-Baptiste Voboam. This instrument had a flat back, metal strings, and rectangular tuning pegs, which increased the range, power, and sound production of the instrument.
In the 19th century, several important changes were made to the guitar, including the addition of six-on-a-side headstocks, metal strings, and frets. The standard tuning for the modern six-string guitar is based on the “London tuning” of the 19th-century, which was developed by William Ellis. Further refinements were made to the instrument in the late 19th century, which led to the emergence of the contemporary acoustic guitar.
The emergence of the electric guitar, which had its roots in the experiments of Edward Uhthoff in 1896, introduced an entirely new sonic palette to the instrument. The earliest electric guitars were produced in the 1930s and 1940s. These instruments featured a hollow wood body with a transducer (pickup) attached to the bridge that amplified the sound of the guitar.
Gibson, which is one of the most iconic guitar makers in the world today, released its first electric guitar – the ES-150 – in 1936. This iconic guitar quickly became popular among Jazz artists, and its success opened the door for the mass production of electric guitars. Other famous manufacturers such as Fender, Gretsch, and Epiphone followed shortly behind with their own electric guitars.
The advent of the solid-body electric guitar changed the landscape of popular music forever. In the 1950s, players such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Buddy Holly gave birth to the rock and roll genre. The heavy-sounding, distorted guitars of the late 1960s and early 1970s marked the beginnings of the classic hard rock era with players such as Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page leading the charge.
The 1980s saw the rise of the heavy metal scene with bands such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest scoring chart success around the world. During this time, guitars such as the Gibson Flying V, the Jackson Soloist, and the B.C Rich Warlock became iconic instruments of the genre.
As we move through the 21st century, the guitar seems to be as popular as ever. With the rise of “bedroom producers” and the increased availability of digital recording equipment, it seems as if the possibilities for experimentation and creativity with the guitar are endless. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an innovative sound-sculptor, the electric and acoustic guitar is one of the most versatile and important instruments in the world of music.
Guitar History: The Story of an American Music Icon.
From its humble beginnings as the lutes of medieval Europe, to the cranked-up sounds of the modern solid-body electric guitar, the guitar has been a constant presence in music history. Its timeless appeal and universal sound has captivated audiences throughout the ages. This article has offered a brief introduction to the vast and complicated story that is guitar history, and we hope it has provided insight into the vast and powerful history of this beloved instrument.