The Thunderous Sound of History: A Comprehensive Guide to Guitar History.
The guitar is one of the most ubiquitous and beloved instruments in the world today. It’s used to create everything from country twang to thrashing metal, and the history of the guitar is just as varied as the music it can create. From the ancient lutes of the Middle East to the modern electric axes heard today, this incredible instrument has seen numerous changes over the millennia, and each change has added something unique to the mix.
The word “guitar” has its root in the Latin word “cithara”, which refers to any stringed instrument. The predecessor to the modern guitar is thought to be the five-string oud, which spread throughout the Middle East and Africa during the 1100s. This instrument, in turn, spawned many other instruments, including the vihuela and baroque guitar of the 1500s.
The first true guitar was the four course guitar developed in Spain during the 1600s. It had four pairs of strings tuned in fifths, and its sound was incredibly popular with composers of the era. This guitar evolved into the Spanish guitar and Classical guitar, which featured a slightly larger body and a raised fingerboard. This style of guitar is used to this day.
In the early 1800s, the first steel strings were created for the guitar. These strings allowed for a much brighter sound and revolutionised the instrument, making it popular for the first time in the United States. A slew of new styles emerged in the wake of this transformation, including Tex-Mex, Hawaiian, jazz, and blues.
In the 1890s, the first electric guitars began to appear. These amplified guitars changed the way people experienced music and allowed guitarists to play louder and more powerful solos. This period gave rise to the styles of ragtime, swing, and rockabilly.
The 1950s saw the arrival of the electric solid body guitar. This allowed guitarists to really crunch the sound and play with incredible power. Guitarists during this era popularised the blues, rock, and punk, and their influence continues to influence the way music is made today.
The modern electric guitar has become incredibly versatile. It’s used to create everything from smooth jazz, to resounding classical pieces, to pulse-pounding heavy metal. Each of these genres, and so many more, owe their sound and creation to the humble beginnings of the guitar.
The guitar has been around for centuries and has endured as a means of self-expression and entertainment. Its history is rich and varied, and the future of the instrument is sure to be just as interesting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the thunderous sound of history and the guitar’s powerful legacy.