Let’s Talk About Guitars: How the World’s Most Popular Instrument Evolved Over Time.
The guitar has long been considered one of the most popular instruments of all time. It has evolved significantly over the years in looks, technology and usage. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, the guitar is sure to be in contention for the instrument of choice. In this article, we’ll trace the guitar’s story from its origins to the modern day.
The guitar dates back to ancient times. It first emerged in the early 16th century in Spain, though similar instruments had appeared before in various cultures. The instrument itself was originally called the vihuela, although it soon evolved to include the more recognizable Spanish classical guitar. This initial design featured five double strings, tuned in fifths, along with the usual frets, tuning pegs and bridge.
The Spanish were instrumental in the development of the modern guitar. In the early 18th century, Antonio de Torres Jurado made a crucial design upgrade: he increased the size of the body and headstock of the vihuela to accommodate six double-strung courses as well as a more prominent soundhole. This design, often referred to as the ‘Torres-style’ guitar, gave musicians better access to the reach of different notes while producing a stronger and more resonant sound.
With the new design in hand, the instrument began to make its way around the world. By the mid-19th century, guitars had become the music of choice in folk and country music scenes, with their popularity continuing to grow throughout the 20th century.
In the 20th century, guitars started to adopt some of the technology that we see in modern-day instruments. Early in the century, electric guitars took the music world by storm, offering new sound possibilities that would eventually inspire the likes of Jimi Hendrix and other rock legends. Instruments like the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul quickly became popular among working rock musicians due to their unique sound and ability to cut through the mix.
Most guitars now feature pickups, which capture the string’s vibrations and amplify the sound. They offer far more tonal options than those found in acoustic guitars, allowing players to shape the sound to their playing style or the style of the genre.
In the 70s and 80s, new body styles began to appear. These ranged from smaller bodied guitars called parlors to large, jazzy archtops, often referred to as hollowbody guitars. This period also saw the introduction of the 12-string guitar, which features six course instead of the usual 4.
The revolution has continued to today, with more modern design features like the ever-popular 7 String Guitar and 8 String Guitar, both of which feature an extended range of notes that make complex chords and melodies possible.
It’s clear that the guitar has come a long way since its origins in centuries-old Spanish music. Today, the instrument is found across the world in all styles of music, from jazz fusion to metal and everything in between. Its unique sound and versatility make it a favorite for both amateur and professional musicians alike. Its evolution continues to this day and its future looks bright.