Guitar: The Journey of a Thousand Strums.
From the time Eric Clapton strummed his first chords to the well-refined riffs of modern day guitarists, the journey of guitar has been a long and winding road. Originally strummed by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, the humble guitar is now the most recognized musical instrument in the world. Whether it’s classic rock, blues, jazz, or anything else, the guitar has been captivating listeners for centuries and will continue to do so for many more.
Perhaps it was the combination of its bright and soothing chords, plucked strings, and powerful sounds that attracted so many throughout history. It could be that the guitar is simple enough to teach a child the basics yet complex enough for the most seasoned professionals to progress on. Whatever the reason, the guitar undeniably has something special that resonates with all types of people, regardless of age, gender, or musical preference.
The beauty of the guitar is that, with practice and dedication, anyone can learn to play. Teachers have adopted an array of methods over the years – each as unique as the musician they are helping. From ear training to tablature (notations of chords and notes printed on paper), there are several routes one can take to become a guitar virtuoso. This diversity is one of the most alluring aspects of the instrument. The way it caters to individual needs and preferences is something that is rare, and certainly to be praised.
Another, less heralded quality of the guitar is its ability to connect people through their mutual love of music. Groups such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana all learned to play together and created some of the most iconic sounds of all time. If a skill such as guitar is shared between friends or family, it often leads to a greater experience and enjoyment of music. People are naturally drawn to guitar, and it’s a great way to bring people together.
In addition to unifying people, the guitar is often seen as an excellent form of self-expression. Through its intricate chords, melodies and solos, guitarists have created powerful, emotionally driven sounds to communicate what’s going on within. When done right, the musical notes become layered with meaning and can tell a story that words simply cannot. Guitars have helped people express their feelings, good or bad, for a very long time.
But where did this all begin? What were the earliest forms of the guitar and how did it progress over the years? Was it loved from the start or did it take a few hundred years to gain traction?
To begin, let’s look at the roots of the instrument. Some of the earliest forms of guitar can be linked as far back as ancient Greece and Rome, where the instrument was known as the kithara and the cithara. It is believed that the kithara and cithara were the parents of what we today know as the guitar. Over the years, it was used to accompany the story-telling and singing in lyric poetry of Ancient Greece, and even had its own place in religious ceremonies and rituals.
The physical shape of the guitar also began to take shape over time. As its development progressed, the number of strings on the guitar increased to five and six, then seven and eight. The instrument was continually refined to ensure it could produce the rich and beautiful sounds that we now recognize as the sounds of the guitar.
As the guitar began to travel around Europe and the world, it picked up different names and took on various forms. In the 16th Century it became known as the “vihuela” in Spain, and was made using the type of wood found in the country. In Italy it was known as the “chitarra” in Italy and was a little larger than its Spanish counterpart. By the 18th Century, the instrument had become a popular sight in Europe and was used for both secular and sacred music.
As technology advanced, electric guitars started to become a mainstay in performances. By the 1930s, electric guitars were popping up everywhere from jazz and blues to pop music. Instead of relying solely on the acoustic guitar, musicians of the time began to incorporate amazing sounds with electric guitars. This led to the creation of iconic riffs, solos and sounds, which remain the foundation of many genres to this day.
Nowhere is this more evident than the popular British rock band, the Rolling Stones. With Mick Jagger on vocals and Keith Richards on the electric guitar, the Rolling Stones embodied the sounds of the 1960s rock and roll. Their riffs and solos were unique, and the use of electric guitar fit perfectly with the rebellious energy of the 1960s. This ultimately set the tone for the decades to come, and the electric guitar remains a key element of modern day music.
Fast forward fifty years, and the world of guitar has further evolved. From the rise of modern rock and metal to hip-hop and country, guitar is now a mainstay in every genre of music. Even in genres where the guitar isn’t at the forefront, it’s still used in some way. Whether it be an intro or bridge, many artists recognize the musical versatility and power of the guitar.
Throughout its journey, the guitar has gone through many changes and adaptations. Its evolution can be seen in its physical shape, the sounds it can produce, and the way it has been embraced by people from all walks of life. What started as a Greek instrument over two thousand years ago has now become the world’s most recognized tool for self-expression and unification.
The thousands of strums and licks that now resonate from the guitar are proof of a long and remarkable journey. From ancient Greece to the pop music of the present day, the guitar is a symbol of the human desire for expression and connection through music.