The Evolution of Electric Guitars: From the ’50s to Today.
From the early days of classic rock and roll in the ’50s to modern metal with its heavy riffs, electric guitars have always been the cornerstone of popular music. Electric guitars are the bridge between the past and the future of the music industry, and they’re the most recognizable instruments in the world. As the industry has evolved, so too has the electric guitar and the role that it plays in popular music. Here we take a look at the evolution of electric guitars and how they’ve contributed to the sound of modern music.
In the 1950s, the electric guitar began to revolutionize popular music. Electric guitars were featured during the birth of rock and roll in the mid-1950s and were heavily featured in the music of legends such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. These guitars had a huge influence on the way people perceived music and, as a result, became hugely popular. The Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster are two iconic electric guitars from this era which are still used by modern guitarists.
In the 1960s and 70s, the electric guitar was firmly established as a major part of popular music. During this time, many guitarists explored new sounds and were pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the electric guitar. This included the emerging British Blues scene with bands like The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin and Cream using their electric guitars to create innovative sounds. Other popular guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana pioneered new techniques and further advanced the art of the electric guitar.
The 1980s was a time when the electric guitar was firmly in its own. Heavy metal was at its peak and electric guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads andTony Iommi were making a huge impact on the music industry. During this decade, the electric guitar was used to create some of the most memorable rock solos in history and introduced a whole new style of playing known as ‘shredding’. From thrash metal to melodic hard rock, the electric guitar was being used to create an array of innovative sounds.
By the end of the 20th century, the electric guitar was firmly established as one of the most important instruments in popular music. It was used in a variety of genres including indie, punk, metal and alternative rock. Many guitarists, including Kurt Cobain, John Frusciante and Brad Nowell, combined the sounds of different eras to create a unique sound of their own.
Today, the electric guitar is as influential as ever in the music industry. There are a huge variety of new guitarists, from brilliant jazz players to virtuosic metal shredders, that are pushing the boundaries of what can be done with the electric guitar. In the modern era, guitarists also have access to a variety of digital effects and amplifiers which further expand the potential of the instrument.
Electric guitars have been constantly changing and evolving over the past 60 years. From the classic 1950s rock and roll sound to today’s most progressive sounds, electric guitars have been essential for making popular music what it is today. Although the instrument may look the same, it’s amazing how far it has come and how important it is to the modern sound of popular music.
Discover the Wonderful World of Electric Guitars: From the ’50s to Today.