A Brief History Of The Guitar

HOW DID THE GUITAR COME TO BE?

Have you wondered about how the guitar was born? How it has evolved into todays most popular instrument? To trace the history of the guitar you actually can go far back in time. It does not appear that there is a definitive date when the guitar was first created and the exact origin of the instrument is not clear. I guess that might have to do with a historians perspective. Lets take a look at both the classical, acoustic and electric guitar.

CLASSICAL AND ACOUSTIC GUITARS

It is important to note that some historians do not believe the instrument depicted in the Egyptian and Greek era is actually an ancestor of the guitar. The word guitar comes from a Greek word kithara but a kithara is not similar physically, or in sound, to the guitar. The similarity in the sound of the word kithara and guitar may be the root of the confusion. Many guitar researchers believe the guitar is a descendent of the lute, which originated in Spain in the 16th century. The lute only had four strings and was not strummed; it was plucked and sounded like a guitar (unlike the harp-like instrument of the Kithara). If interested in more details about those who contributed to the innovations of the guitar, go here - http://www.yeoldeguitar.com/history.html. And for another view regarding the evolution of the guitar: http://www.fazeteen.com/summer2001/guitar.htm.

A wonderful site that takes you through the evolution of the guitar starting in the 1500s through today is ClassicalGuitarMidi.com. ClassicalGuitarMidi also provides a great selection of photos of ancient guitars. It is really interesting to see the amount of ornate details pictured in this collection.

The classical guitar originally was created with gut strings and now nylon strings are one of its differentiating physical characteristics. The fingerboard of the classical guitar is wider than other guitars. The acoustic guitar is usually larger than a classical guitar and has steel strings. The sound of the acoustic guitar is characterized partly by a weak sustain, meaning notes will fade after being struck. One of the strong characteristics of the acoustic guitar is its diversity. Acoustic guitars can be found in many musical environments from country, blues, folk, rock and roll, ragtime etc.

WHAT ABOUT THE ELECTRIC GUITAR?

The electric guitar originated in the 20th century. Electrifying the guitar provided better tonal qualities and hence the main musical instrument of the rock era. It is important to note that one of the driving forces was simply for the guitar to be louder. Unlike many other evolutionary actions, the electric guitar did not replace the classical or acoustic guitar. Interestingly it was country and blues players who first utilized the electric guitar.

Mass production of the electric guitar started with Fender around 1948 to 1950. Gibson would follow with the introduction of the Les Paul guitar in 1952.

THE EARLY ELECTRIC GUITAR ARTISTS

A number of guitarists can be associated with the beginning and milestones of electric guitar history. Charlie Christian, who became a member of the Benny Goodman Sextet and made a name for himself, first discovered the electric guitar in 1934. More about Charlie Christian can be found here - http://www.angelfire.com/music2/myguitar/page8.html.

And what would guitar history be without mentioning the contribution of the energizing Chuck Berry. It appears that his musical career began in 1952 while playing in a trio. His style and showmanship led to his contribution to the recording of Maybelline in 1955. The Berry history continues including his influence on many rock legends - check out more here http://www.angelfire.com/music2/myguitar/page13.html.

For many, when they think of electric guitar music they immediately think of rock and roll and (if of a certain generation) the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was obsessed with his guitar and the results of his music illustrate his passion. Hendrix played with many stars and continued playing until the creation of the Jimmy Hendrix Experience, sometime around 1966. He is said to have greatly influenced both blues and rock and roll music. An in-depth look at the life and times of Hendrix is found here - http://www.angelfire.com/music2/myguitar/page16.html.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While visiting the links above you will walk away with a solid understanding of the origins of the guitar. Reading through the history of the instrument will provide a new appreciation for this incredible instrument. The evolution and the many artists that have influenced the guitar that we know today is inspiring and astounding. Now go get that guitar and make it sing!