Let the Strumming Begin – A Look at the History of the Guitar
When someone says the word “guitar”, many of us immediately think of amazing guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Slash, Jimmy Page, and Eddie Van Halen. However, few of us pause to consider the amazing journey of the instrument leading up to the explosive popularity of the electric guitar in the 20th century. Let’s take a look at the evolution of the guitar and its exciting history. Ready to strum along with us? Let’s go!
From the Lute to the Vihuela – Ancient Precursors of the Guitar
Guitar-like instruments have been used for centuries, in some cases predating the modern guitar by thousands of years. Ancient instruments such as the Greek kithara, the Roman cithara, the Indian vina, and the Persian setar are all examples of stringed instruments that bear some resemblance to the modern guitar. However, the immediate ancestor of the guitar was a lute-like instrument that appeared in Spain during the Middle Ages. This instrument, known as the vihuela, had a rounded body, six strings, and a fretted fingerboard. It would become the foundation for the instruments we now know and love as the guitar.
Development of the Modern Classical Guitar
The modern classical guitar was developed in the early 19th century, when a Spanish luthier named Antonio Torres developed a guitar with a wider body, longer neck, and six strings arranged in courses of pairs. His design was based on the existing vihuela, but increased the versatility and playability of the instrument. This design proved to be so successful that it is still the foundation of the majority of classical guitars used today.
Origin of the Jazz Guitar
The development of the Jazz guitar took place during the 1920s, as a result of technological advances that allowed for the use of brass and steel strings on the same instrument. This innovation allowed players to play both strummed chords and single-note melodies, giving them more control over their sound. The most significant contribution to the Jazz guitar came from the great George Van Eps. His signature 7-string “harp guitar” design is still used today, and has become synonymous with the sound of Jazz guitar.
The Birth of the Electric Guitar
The electric guitar was born in the 1930s, with the invention of the pickup. The first pickups were designed for the Spanish classical guitar, and allowed for a greater dynamic range and increased volume, due to the fact that the string vibrations were amplified electronically. In the 1940s, the early electric guitars began to appear in popular music, with jazz guitarists such as Charlie Christian pioneering the way.
The Solid-Body Electric Guitar Takes the Stage
It wasn’t until the 1950s, however, that the electric guitar truly began to leave its mark on popular music. The introduction of the solid-body electric guitar opened up a whole new world of possibilities, as it allowed the instrument to be used in a variety of musical genres, ranging from the Delta blues of Muddy Waters and the rock ‘n’ roll of Chuck Berry, to the psychedelic sounds of Jimi Hendrix and the hard rock of Led Zeppelin.
Music is Imagine and Beyond – Contemporary Innovations in Guitar Technology
Since the dawn of the electric guitar, manufacturers have been hard at work attempting to create ever-more-sophisticated instruments. In the modern era, guitars are available with all sorts of different features, such as built-in effects, sophisticated pre-amps, wireless connections, and so much more. The possibilities are virtually endless and musicians around the world are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with the guitar.
The Legacy of the Guitar
From its humble beginnings as a plucked lute-like instrument, to its modern-day incarnation as a versatile and powerful instrument capable of producing a wide range of sounds, the guitar has come a long way in its 2000+ year journey. As we look to the future, the humble guitar will undoubtedly continue to be a central figure in musical innovation for generations to come.
So, let’s raise a glass (or strum a few chords) to the legacy of the guitar and all the wonderful music it has brought us over the years!