Guitar: How A Piece Of Wood Changed Music History.
From Elvis Presley to Jimmy Page, countless famed musicians have blazed trails with their electric and acoustic guitars. But how did this classic instrument come to be? The history of the guitar can be traced back hundreds of years, with its influence felt throughout the world.
The earliest known instruments resembling a guitar appeared in Ancient Greece. These carved instruments were often three-stringed music makers played with a plectrum, or pick. Dating back to 800 BCE or earlier, the kithara has been considered the forerunner of both the guitar and the modern violin. Over time, the form and function of these instruments evolved and changed.
The first true guitar appeared in the middle ages — an instrument called the vihuela. Developed in Spain, the vihuela had a curved body and six or seven strings. It was first seen in 15th-century Europe, though its roots can be traced back to Islamic culture. Over time, the vihuela was refined and by the 18th century had developed into the modern instrument we know today.
The Renaissance saw the guitar’s popularity grow, and its design was further improved upon. Antonio de Torres Jurado became known as the father of the modern classical guitar, and he refined the acoustic guitar with a smaller body and improved stringings. By the 19th century, the guitar was being played in orchestras in both Europe and the United States.
At the same time, electric guitars were beginning to make their mark. Hawaiian guitarists were the first to experiment with amplification, a trend that jazz musician Eddie Durham popularized in the 1930s. After World War II, electric guitars gained in popularity. New hollow and solid-body models were designed, essentially taking the acoustic guitar and adding a pickup and amplifier.
The 1950s and 60s saw the instrument take off in bands across the globe. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the Kinks all popularized the electric guitar, and with the rise of guitar shaped and colored models, the instrument began to be seen as a symbol of rebellious cool.
From the 1970s onward, the guitar saw a range of developments including the development of effects pedals and the increasingly popular seven-string models. Even today, players and manufacturers are still innovating, introducing new designs and technology to keep the instrument relevant and exciting in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
Guitar music has a long and illustrious history. It has been used for centuries, both in classical orchestras and folk music, as well as in rock and pop. Unsurprisingly, its influence remains felt across the world today and even in the modern era it is still capable of inspiring new generations of musicians. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the guitar will always have something to offer.