The Guitar: An Icon of Rock N’ Roll.
Guitars are the epitome of cool. They’re easily recognizable by their classic shape, usually featuring strings and a variety of colors and styles that make them an essential part of any rock band. As instruments go, the guitar has been around since at least the 1600s, but it wasn’t until the last century that the instrument truly developed into the iconic symbol of rock n’ roll it is today.
From the electric guitar soaring through a Hendrix solo, to the acoustic shredding through a school talent show, the guitar, regardless of its sound or appearance, holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world. So how did this humble stringed instrument become an iconic part of rock music? Just like the legendary players, let’s take a look through the rise of the guitar.
It is believed that the first stringed instruments originated in Asia over 6,000 years ago. These instruments, which evolved into the lute, slowly moved into the Middle East and Europe and spread throughout the world. In the 1600s, craftspeople in Spain and Italy crafted an assembly of strings that soon became the classical guitar we know today.
Though the instrument was developed into its current state at this time, the sound that we’ve come to associate with the electric guitar didn’t come until much later. The creation of the electric guitar started with a man named George Beauchamp. He was a jazz enthusiast who experimented with magnetic pickups and amplifiers. This experimentation led to the development of the “Frying Pan” in 1931 and the first electric guitar, the “Banjo Man,” in 1932.
The development of the electric guitar aligned with the rise of rock music in the 1950s. Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, and Elvis Presley were some of the pioneers of rock and roll as we know it today, and the sound that defined their music was the electric guitar. The popularity of their recorded songs, combined with the amplification they utilized, led to the rise of the electric guitar and its eventual establishment as the backbone of rock n’ roll bands.
In the ensuing decades, the electric guitar has been adopted and adapted by both legendary and notorious players in various genres of music. Rock icons such as Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, and Eric Clapton have mastered the instrument and both highlighted and pioneered new techniques of playing. Notable punk rockers like Johnny Ramone and Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones offer a stark contrast to the feathery solos of the rock era, but still prove the versatility of the guitar in the punk music world.
Though its sound varies from genre to genre, the electric guitar stands out in the music world for its capacity for raw emotion and electricity. With the help of modern effects and multiple guitars, the guitar can match any mood, from angry and distorted riffs to calming and soothing melodies. As long as there’s a stage, an amplifier, and a guitar, anyone can create a sound that will capture the imagination of listeners around the world.
The guitar has become an iconic part of music. Whether it’s a jazz ensemble or a punk band, the guitar will be there at the center of the sound. From its origins hundreds of years ago, to its pioneering role in rock n’ roll, the guitar is an instrument that will remain immortal. So pick up an instrument and find your own way to play – your song certainly won’t be the last!
The Ultimate Guide to Guitar: Rock N’ Roll Starts Here.