The brief history of the guitar spans over 4,000 years, evolving from ancient stringed instruments to the iconic instrument we know today; at guitarplayers.net, we celebrate this rich heritage and offer resources for guitarists of all levels to explore and master their craft. This evolution includes influences from instruments like the lute and the Persian chartar, leading to the modern six-string guitar, influencing countless musicians and musical genres. Delve into our website for lessons, reviews, and a vibrant community.
1. What Are The Earliest Ancestors Of The Guitar?
The earliest ancestors of the guitar are bowl harps and tanburs, dating back to prehistoric times. People crafted bowl harps using tortoise shells or calabashes as resonators, attaching a bent stick for a neck and one or more gut or silk strings, and museums worldwide showcase these ancient “harps” from Sumerian, Babylonian, and Egyptian civilizations. Around 2500-2000 BCE, more advanced harps appeared, like the opulent 11-stringed instrument found in Queen Shub-Ad’s tomb. Tanburs, characterized by a long neck and small, egg- or pear-shaped body, likely evolved from bowl harps as necks straightened to allow pressing strings for more notes.
According to research from the University of Pennsylvania in June 2022, archaeological evidence from Egypt indicates that harps and tanburs were played in ensembles with flutes and percussion instruments 3500-4000 years ago. These instruments spread throughout ancient Persian and Mesopotamian cultures, with folk instruments like the Turkish saz, Balkan tamburitsa, Iranian setar, Afghan panchtar, and Greek bouzouki preserving their forms. These instruments showcase the enduring legacy of early stringed instruments.
2. What Is The Oldest Preserved Guitar-Like Instrument?
The oldest preserved guitar-like instrument is a 3500-year-old tanbur that belonged to Har-Mose, an Egyptian singer. Buried with his tanbur near his employer Sen-Mut’s tomb—architect to Queen Hatshepsut, crowned in 1503 BCE—Har-Mose’s instrument offers a glimpse into ancient musical practices. Sen-Mut’s beautiful mortuary temple still stands on the banks of the Nile, bearing testament to the era’s rich history.
Har-Mose’s instrument featured three strings and a plectrum suspended from the neck by a cord; the soundbox, crafted from polished cedarwood, had a rawhide soundboard and is now housed at the Archaeological Museum in Cairo. This instrument, which is nearly 3,500 years old, provides invaluable insight into the development of stringed instruments, showcasing the craftsmanship and musical practices of ancient Egypt. This relic underscores the long and storied history of the guitar family.
3. How Do You Define a Guitar?
A guitar is defined as having “a long, fretted neck, flat wooden soundboard, ribs, and a flat back, most often with incurved sides.” According to Dr. Michael Kasha’s research, this definition helps distinguish guitars from other members of the tanbur family. The oldest known representation of an instrument with these features is a stone carving at Alaca Huyuk in Turkey, depicting a 3300-year-old Hittite “guitar”.
The Hittite instrument featured a long, fretted neck, a flat top, and noticeably incurved sides, demonstrating that the essential features of the guitar existed over three millennia ago. This discovery highlights the guitar’s ancient roots and its evolution from earlier stringed instruments. The design elements present in this ancient carving underscore the enduring appeal and functionality of the guitar’s basic structure.
4. What Was The Role Of The Lute In The History Of The Guitar?
The lute, brought to Spain by the Moors as the oud, followed a separate line of development from the guitar, yet shares common ancestors. The tanbur evolved in Arabian countries, retaining a fretless design and different proportions, becoming the oud. Europeans added frets to the oud, renaming it “lute,” derived from the Arabic “Al’ud,” meaning “the wood,” via the Spanish “laud”.
A lute is defined as a “short-necked instrument with many strings, a large pear-shaped body with a highly vaulted back, and an elaborate, sharply angled peghead.” Despite sharing ancestry, the guitar—with its long, fretted neck, flat soundboard, and incurved sides—is distinct from the lute. While the lute influenced musical styles, its structural differences highlight the guitar’s unique evolutionary path.
5. How Did The Guitar Get Its Name?
The guitar’s name originates from the ancient Sanskrit word “tar,” meaning “string.” This term is central to the languages of Central Asia and northern India. Many stringed folk instruments in Central Asia, used for thousands of years, feature names ending in “tar,” with prefixes indicating the number of strings, and archaeological finds confirm this long-standing tradition.
Examples include:
| Number of Strings | Sanskrit Origin | Modern Persian | Instrument Name | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two | dvi | do | dotar | Turkestan |
| Three | tri | se | setar | Persia |
| Four | chatur | char | chartar | Persia |
| Five | pancha | panj | panchtar | Afghanistan |
Tanburs and harps spread through the ancient world via travelers, merchants, and seamen. The four-stringed Persian chartar, with its narrow waist, arrived in Spain, evolving in form and construction, and adopting pairs of unison-tuned strings. This instrument became known as the quitarra or chitarra, laying the foundation for the modern guitar’s name and structure.
6. How Did The Guitar Evolve From Four To Six Strings?
The guitar’s ancestors, originating from Egypt and Mesopotamia, often had four strings, with the name “guitar” derived from the Old Persian “chartar,” meaning “four strings.” Illustrated manuscripts and stone carvings from Roman times through the Middle Ages depict instruments with three to five strings. By the Renaissance, the four-course guitar (four unison-tuned pairs of strings) became dominant, especially in Europe.
The earliest known music for the four-course “chitarra” was written in 16th century Spain; around the same time, the five-course guitarra battente appeared in Italy, gradually replacing the four-course instrument. The standard tuning settled at A, D, G, B, E, matching the top five strings of the modern guitar. Over time, the number of frets increased from eight to twelve, enhancing the instrument’s range.
7. When Was The Sixth Course Of Strings Added To The Guitar?
The sixth course of strings was added to the Italian “guitarra battente” in the 17th century. Guitar makers across Europe followed suit, and the six-course arrangement gradually transitioned to six single strings, a change spearheaded by Italian artisans. Thus, the six-string guitar evolved from the twelve-string, contrary to common assumptions, providing a richer and more versatile sound.
Existing five-course instruments were often modified to accommodate the new stringing pattern, involving adjustments to the nut and bridge, and plugging unused tuning peg holes. This transition marked a significant step in the guitar’s development, leading to the modern instrument’s configuration.
8. When Did The Modern Guitar Begin To Take Shape?
The modern guitar began to take shape at the beginning of the 19th century, though bodies were still relatively small and narrow-waisted, marking a transitional phase in the instrument’s evolution. The early 1800s saw significant refinements in guitar design, setting the stage for future innovations.
9. Who Is Antonio Torres And What Is His Contribution To The Guitar?
Antonio Torres Jurado, a Spanish maker, revolutionized the “classical” guitar around 1850 by increasing the body size, altering its proportions, and introducing the fan top bracing pattern; this design significantly improved the instrument’s volume, tone, and projection. Torres’s innovations quickly became the accepted standard, remaining essentially unchanged and unchallenged to this day.
Torres’s design radically improved the guitar’s acoustic properties, setting a new benchmark for classical guitar construction. His fan bracing pattern allowed for greater resonance and tonal clarity, influencing generations of luthiers and guitarists. Torres is rightfully regarded as the father of the modern classical guitar.
10. What Is The History Of Steel-String And Electric Guitars?
Around the same time that Antonio Torres was innovating classical guitar design in Spain, German immigrants to the USA, including Christian Fredrich Martin, began making guitars with X-braced tops. Steel strings became widely available around 1900, promising louder guitars, but the increased tension required a stronger bracing system. The beefed-up X-brace proved ideal and became the industry standard for flat-top steel-string guitars.
At the end of the 19th century, Orville Gibson built archtop guitars with oval sound holes, blending the steel-string guitar with cello-like construction. This design allowed the top to vibrate more freely, increasing volume. In the early 1920s, Lloyd Loar refined the archtop “jazz” guitar into its familiar form with f-holes, floating bridge, and cello-type tailpiece.
The electric guitar emerged in the late 1920s with the addition of pickups to Hawaiian and “jazz” guitars, gaining traction in 1936 when Gibson introduced the ES150 model, popularized by Charlie Christian. Amplification led to the creation of solid-body guitars in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with figures like Les Paul, Leo Fender, Paul Bigsby, and O.W. Appleton contributing to their development. Despite ongoing debates about who created the first solid-body guitar, its impact on music is undeniable.
At guitarplayers.net, we celebrate every chapter of the guitar’s history, providing resources for guitarists of all genres. Whether you’re into classical, steel-string, or electric guitars, we offer lessons, reviews, and a community to support your musical journey.
Exploring The Guitar’s Ancient Roots: From Harps To Hittites
The guitar’s evolutionary journey is a captivating saga that spans millennia, with each chapter contributing to the instrument’s rich heritage. From the rudimentary bowl harps of ancient civilizations to the sophisticated instruments of the modern era, the story of the guitar is a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of music.
Tracing The Earliest Stringed Instruments
The earliest stringed instruments, precursors to the guitar, were the bowl harps and tanburs, and these instruments date back to prehistoric times. Bowl harps, crafted from tortoise shells and calabashes, served as resonators, complemented by a bent stick for a neck and strings made of gut or silk. These instruments have been unearthed in ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, and Egyptian sites, showcasing their widespread use. Around 2500-2000 BCE, more elaborate harps began to appear, exemplified by the ornate 11-stringed instrument adorned with gold, discovered in Queen Shub-Ad’s tomb.
The Emergence Of The Tanbur
The tanbur, defined as a long-necked instrument with a small, egg- or pear-shaped body, likely evolved from the bowl harp; as necks straightened, players could press strings to produce a wider range of notes. Murals and carvings in Egyptian tombs depict harps and tanburs played alongside flutes and percussion instruments over 3500 years ago. Similar relics have been found in ancient Persian and Mesopotamian cultures. Many of these instruments have persisted in nearly unchanged forms, such as the Turkish saz, Balkan tamburitsa, Iranian setar, Afghan panchtar, and Greek bouzouki, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
The Oldest Guitar-Like Instrument: Har-Mose’s Tanbur
The oldest preserved guitar-like instrument is the 3500-year-old tanbur of Har-Mose, an Egyptian singer. Buried with his instrument near the tomb of Sen-Mut, Queen Hatshepsut’s architect, Har-Mose’s tanbur features three strings and a plectrum suspended from the neck by a cord. The soundbox, made of polished cedarwood with a rawhide soundboard, is now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Cairo. This artifact provides invaluable insights into the musical practices and instrument craftsmanship of ancient Egypt.
Defining The Guitar: Key Characteristics
To distinguish guitars from other stringed instruments, Dr. Michael Kasha defines a guitar as having “a long, fretted neck, flat wooden soundboard, ribs, and a flat back, most often with incurved sides”. The oldest known depiction of an instrument with these features is a stone carving at Alaca Huyuk in Turkey, showcasing a 3300-year-old Hittite “guitar”. This instrument features a long, fretted neck, a flat top, and distinctively incurved sides, aligning with the essential characteristics of a guitar.
The Lute’s Parallel Path: A Separate Evolution
While often linked to the guitar, the lute followed a distinct evolutionary path. Brought to Spain by the Moors as the oud, the lute evolved with unique characteristics. The tanbur, in Arabian countries, retained its fretless design and distinct proportions, becoming the oud. Europeans added frets, renaming it “lute,” derived from the Arabic “Al’ud,” meaning “the wood,” via the Spanish “laud”.
Distinguishing The Lute From The Guitar
The lute is defined as a “short-necked instrument with many strings, a large pear-shaped body with a highly vaulted back, and an elaborate, sharply angled peghead”. The guitar, with its long, fretted neck, flat soundboard, and incurved sides, differs significantly from the lute; while both share common ancestry, their structural and design differences highlight their separate evolutions.
Tracing The Name: From Sanskrit To Spain
The name “guitar” traces back to the ancient Sanskrit word “tar,” meaning “string”. This term is fundamental in Central Asian and northern Indian languages. Many stringed folk instruments in Central Asia feature names ending in “tar,” with prefixes indicating the number of strings. Archaeological finds confirm the long-standing use of these instruments.
The Journey Of “Tar” Across Continents
Examples include the dotar (two-stringed instrument), setar (three-stringed instrument), chartar (four-stringed instrument), and panchtar (five-stringed instrument). Tanburs and harps spread through the ancient world via travelers, merchants, and seamen. The four-stringed Persian chartar, with its narrow waist, arrived in Spain, evolving in form and construction, and adopting pairs of unison-tuned strings. This instrument became known as the quitarra or chitarra, setting the stage for the modern guitar’s development.
The Evolution Of String Count: From Four To Six
The guitar’s ancestors, originating from Egypt and Mesopotamia, typically had four strings, and the name “guitar” derives from the Old Persian “chartar,” meaning “four strings”. Illustrated manuscripts and stone carvings from Roman times through the Middle Ages depict instruments with three to five strings. By the Renaissance, the four-course guitar (four unison-tuned pairs of strings) became dominant in Europe.
Innovations During The Renaissance
The earliest known music for the four-course “chitarra” was written in 16th century Spain. Around the same time, the five-course guitarra battente emerged in Italy, gradually replacing the four-course instrument. The standard tuning settled at A, D, G, B, E, matching the top five strings of the modern guitar; with time, the number of frets increased from eight to twelve, expanding the instrument’s range.
The Arrival Of The Sixth String
The sixth course of strings was added to the Italian “guitarra battente” in the 17th century, prompting guitar makers across Europe to follow suit. The six-course arrangement gradually transitioned to six single strings, a change pioneered by Italian artisans. Thus, the six-string guitar evolved from the twelve-string, offering a richer, more versatile sound.
Existing five-course instruments were often modified to accommodate the new stringing pattern, which involved adjusting the nut and bridge, and plugging unused tuning peg holes. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the guitar’s development, shaping the modern instrument.
The 19th Century: The Modern Guitar Takes Shape
At the beginning of the 19th century, the modern guitar began to take shape, though bodies were still relatively small and narrow-waisted. This period marked a crucial transition in guitar design, laying the groundwork for future advancements.
Antonio Torres: The Father Of The Modern Classical Guitar
Antonio Torres Jurado, a Spanish maker, revolutionized the “classical” guitar around 1850 by increasing the body size, altering its proportions, and introducing the fan top bracing pattern. This design significantly improved the instrument’s volume, tone, and projection. Torres’s innovations quickly became the accepted standard, remaining essentially unchanged and unchallenged to this day.
Torres’s design improved the guitar’s acoustic properties, setting a new benchmark for classical guitar construction. His fan bracing pattern allowed for greater resonance and tonal clarity, influencing generations of luthiers and guitarists.
Steel-String And Electric Guitars: Innovations In Sound
Around the same time that Antonio Torres was innovating classical guitar design in Spain, German immigrants to the USA, including Christian Fredrich Martin, began making guitars with X-braced tops. Steel strings became widely available around 1900, promising louder guitars, but the increased tension required a stronger bracing system. The beefed-up X-brace proved ideal and became the industry standard for flat-top steel-string guitars.
The Birth Of The Archtop Guitar
At the end of the 19th century, Orville Gibson built archtop guitars with oval sound holes, blending the steel-string guitar with cello-like construction. This design allowed the top to vibrate more freely, increasing volume. In the early 1920s, Lloyd Loar refined the archtop “jazz” guitar into its familiar form with f-holes, floating bridge, and cello-type tailpiece.
The Electric Revolution
The electric guitar emerged in the late 1920s with the addition of pickups to Hawaiian and “jazz” guitars, gaining traction in 1936 when Gibson introduced the ES150 model, popularized by Charlie Christian. Amplification led to the creation of solid-body guitars in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with figures like Les Paul, Leo Fender, Paul Bigsby, and O.W. Appleton contributing to their development. Despite ongoing debates about who created the first solid-body guitar, its impact on music is undeniable.
At guitarplayers.net, we are passionate about sharing the rich history of the guitar and providing resources for guitarists of all levels. Whether you’re drawn to classical, steel-string, or electric guitars, we offer lessons, reviews, and a supportive community to enhance your musical journey.
Famous Guitarists Throughout History
Throughout its long and varied history, the guitar has been embraced by countless talented musicians who have pushed its boundaries and shaped its sound. From classical virtuosos to rock legends, these guitarists have left an indelible mark on music history.
Classical Guitar Pioneers
Andrés Segovia: Widely regarded as the father of the modern classical guitar movement, Segovia’s virtuosity and dedication elevated the guitar to concert hall status. His extensive repertoire and innovative techniques inspired generations of classical guitarists.
Julian Bream: Known for his exceptional technique and expressive interpretations, Bream expanded the classical guitar repertoire and brought renewed interest to early music. His performances and recordings remain highly influential.
Blues Guitar Legends
Robert Johnson: A pivotal figure in blues history, Johnson’s innovative guitar playing and haunting vocals influenced countless musicians. His recordings, though limited, are considered cornerstones of the blues genre.
B.B. King: With his signature vibrato and soulful phrasing, King became one of the most recognizable and beloved blues guitarists of all time. His influence extends far beyond the blues, impacting rock and popular music.
Rock Guitar Icons
Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix revolutionized guitar playing with his innovative use of feedback, distortion, and whammy bar techniques. His electrifying performances and groundbreaking compositions redefined the possibilities of the electric guitar.
Eric Clapton: Clapton’s versatility and mastery of various guitar styles, from blues to rock, have earned him widespread acclaim. His work with the Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist has solidified his status as a guitar icon.
Jimmy Page: As the guitarist for Led Zeppelin, Page created some of the most iconic riffs and guitar solos in rock history. His innovative studio techniques and eclectic influences helped shape the sound of hard rock.
Jazz Guitar Innovators
Django Reinhardt: Despite a severe hand injury, Reinhardt developed a unique and influential guitar style that blended Romani musical traditions with jazz. His virtuosity and improvisational skills made him a jazz legend.
Wes Montgomery: Montgomery’s innovative use of octaves and his warm, melodic tone revolutionized jazz guitar playing. His influence can be heard in the playing of countless jazz guitarists.
The Guitar In Modern Music: Genres And Styles
The guitar’s versatility has made it a staple instrument across countless musical genres, each with its unique style and techniques. From the intricate fingerpicking of folk music to the high-gain shredding of metal, the guitar continues to evolve and inspire musicians around the world.
Classical Guitar
Classical guitar emphasizes fingerstyle technique, with each finger plucking individual strings to create intricate melodies and harmonies. The nylon strings produce a warm, mellow tone, ideal for solo performances and chamber music.
Acoustic Folk And Fingerstyle
Acoustic folk music often features fingerpicking techniques, with guitarists creating complex arrangements using their fingers and thumb to play melody, harmony, and bass lines simultaneously. Artists like Joni Mitchell and Leo Kottke have pushed the boundaries of this style.
Blues
Blues guitar is characterized by its soulful phrasing, expressive bends, and use of the pentatonic scale. Techniques like slide guitar and fingerpicking are common, with guitarists often improvising solos that convey deep emotion.
Rock And Metal
Rock and metal guitar playing encompasses a wide range of techniques, from power chords and riffs to blistering solos and shredding. High-gain amplifiers, distortion pedals, and effects processors are used to create a powerful, aggressive sound.
Jazz
Jazz guitar emphasizes improvisation, complex harmonies, and a smooth, fluid tone. Jazz guitarists often use chord-melody techniques, playing both chords and melody simultaneously, and improvising solos over complex chord changes.
Country
Country guitar playing often features fingerpicking, flatpicking, and the use of open tunings. Techniques like chicken picking and pedal steel guitar emulations are common, with guitarists creating twangy, melodic lines.
Pop
Pop guitar playing is diverse, ranging from simple strumming patterns to intricate arpeggios and catchy riffs. Clean tones, chorus effects, and delay are often used to create a polished, radio-friendly sound.
Guitar Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your guitar properly is essential for preserving its sound, playability, and longevity. Regular care and maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure that your instrument remains in top condition.
Cleaning
Regularly wipe down your guitar with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and grime. Use a guitar polish specifically designed for your instrument’s finish to protect and enhance its appearance.
String Changes
Replace your guitar strings regularly to maintain optimal tone and playability. The frequency of string changes depends on how often you play, but generally, changing strings every one to three months is recommended.
Humidity Control
Maintain proper humidity levels to prevent your guitar from drying out or becoming too moist. Use a humidifier in dry climates and a dehumidifier in humid climates to keep the humidity level around 45-55%.
Setup
Have your guitar professionally set up by a qualified technician to ensure optimal playability. A proper setup includes adjusting the action, intonation, and neck relief to suit your playing style.
Storage
Store your guitar in a case when not in use to protect it from dust, scratches, and temperature changes. Avoid storing your guitar in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the finish and wood.
Learning Resources For Guitarists
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, numerous resources are available to help you improve your guitar skills. From online lessons to in-person instruction, there’s a learning option to suit every style and budget.
Online Guitar Lessons
Websites and apps like guitarplayers.net offer comprehensive guitar lessons for all skill levels. These resources often include video tutorials, tablature, chord charts, and backing tracks to help you learn at your own pace.
Private Guitar Instruction
Taking private guitar lessons from a qualified instructor can provide personalized feedback and guidance. A good teacher can help you develop proper technique, improve your musicality, and achieve your goals.
Books And Instructional Materials
Numerous books and instructional materials are available for guitarists, covering topics such as technique, theory, repertoire, and improvisation. These resources can supplement your learning and provide a structured approach to improving your skills.
Guitar Workshops And Camps
Attending guitar workshops and camps can provide an immersive learning experience, with opportunities to learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with other musicians, and perform in a supportive environment.
Online Communities And Forums
Joining online guitar communities and forums can connect you with other guitarists, allowing you to share tips, ask questions, and receive feedback on your playing. These communities can provide a valuable source of support and inspiration.
Essential Guitar Accessories
In addition to your guitar, several accessories can enhance your playing experience and help you achieve your desired sound. From picks and straps to tuners and amplifiers, these accessories are essential tools for guitarists of all levels.
Picks
Guitar picks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each affecting the tone and feel of your playing. Experiment with different picks to find the ones that suit your style and preferences.
Straps
A comfortable guitar strap is essential for playing standing up. Choose a strap that is adjustable, durable, and distributes the weight of your guitar evenly across your shoulder.
Tuners
A reliable guitar tuner is essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Electronic tuners, clip-on tuners, and tuning apps are all convenient options for ensuring accurate tuning.
Capos
A capo is a device that clamps onto the guitar’s neck, shortening the length of the strings and raising the pitch of the instrument. Capos are useful for transposing songs and creating different voicings.
Amplifiers
An amplifier is essential for electric guitar players, allowing you to amplify your instrument’s signal and shape its tone. Choose an amplifier that suits your playing style and the type of music you play.
Cables
High-quality guitar cables are essential for transmitting your instrument’s signal without loss or interference. Invest in durable cables with robust connectors to ensure reliable performance.
Top Guitar Brands
Several guitar brands have earned a reputation for quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. These brands offer a wide range of guitars to suit players of all styles and budgets.
Fender
Fender is one of the most iconic and influential guitar brands in history. Known for its Stratocaster and Telecaster models, Fender guitars are popular among rock, blues, and country players.
Gibson
Gibson is another legendary guitar brand, known for its Les Paul and SG models. Gibson guitars are favored by rock, blues, and jazz players for their warm tone and sustain.
**Martin
Martin is a renowned acoustic guitar brand, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and rich, resonant tone. Martin guitars are popular among folk, bluegrass, and country players.
Taylor
Taylor is a leading acoustic guitar brand, known for its innovative designs and exceptional playability. Taylor guitars are favored by fingerstyle players for their balanced tone and comfortable necks.
Ibanez
Ibanez is a popular guitar brand among rock and metal players, known for its high-performance instruments and innovative features. Ibanez guitars are often equipped with fast necks, high-output pickups, and locking tremolo systems.
Guitar Events And Festivals In The USA
The USA hosts numerous guitar events and festivals throughout the year, offering opportunities to see world-class guitarists perform, attend workshops, and connect with other music lovers.
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival
This festival, founded by Eric Clapton, brings together some of the world’s greatest guitarists for a weekend of performances and collaborations. The festival raises money for the Crossroads Centre, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.
Winter NAMM Show
The Winter NAMM Show is the world’s largest trade show for the music products industry. Held annually in Anaheim, California, the show features exhibits from hundreds of guitar manufacturers, accessory makers, and music retailers.
Montreal International Jazz Festival
While not exclusively a guitar festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival features a wide range of jazz guitarists from around the world. The festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, attracting thousands of music fans each year.
Newport Folk Festival
The Newport Folk Festival is a historic music festival that features a diverse lineup of folk, acoustic, and roots musicians. The festival is known for its intimate atmosphere and its focus on showcasing emerging talent.
At guitarplayers.net, we provide the resources and community you need to excel, no matter your skill level. Explore lessons, find sheet music, read gear reviews, and join our forum for guitarists in the USA. Visit our site today and elevate your guitar playing. Our address is 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States. Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261.
FAQ: A Brief History Of The Guitar
1. What are the earliest known ancestors of the guitar?
The earliest known ancestors of the guitar are bowl harps and tanburs, dating back to prehistoric times. These instruments were used in ancient civilizations such as Sumer, Babylon, and Egypt.
2. How old is the oldest preserved guitar-like instrument?
The oldest preserved guitar-like instrument is approximately 3500 years old, and it is a tanbur that belonged to an Egyptian singer named Har-Mose. It is now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Cairo.
3. How does Dr. Michael Kasha define a guitar?
Dr. Michael Kasha defines a guitar as having “a long, fretted neck, flat wooden soundboard, ribs, and a flat back, most often with incurved sides.”
4. What role did the lute play in the history of the guitar?
The lute followed a separate evolutionary path from the guitar, although both share common ancestors. The lute, which originated from the oud brought to Spain by the Moors, differs structurally from the guitar.
5. What is the origin of the name “guitar”?
The name “guitar” comes from the ancient Sanskrit word “tar,” meaning “string.” This term is prevalent in Central Asian and northern Indian languages.
6. How did the guitar evolve from having four strings to six strings?
The guitar evolved from instruments with four courses (pairs) of strings to five courses, and eventually to six single strings. This transition occurred gradually, with Italian artisans playing a key role in adding the sixth string in the 17th century.
7. When was the sixth course of strings added to the guitar?
The sixth course of strings was added to the guitarra battente in Italy during the 17th century, leading to the modern six-string guitar configuration.
8. Who was Antonio Torres, and what was his contribution to the guitar?
Antonio Torres Jurado was a Spanish maker who revolutionized the classical guitar around 1850 by increasing its body size, altering its proportions, and introducing the fan top bracing pattern, significantly improving its volume and tone.
9. What is the history of steel-string and electric guitars?
Steel-string guitars emerged in the USA with German immigrants like Christian Fredrich Martin, who developed X-braced tops. Electric guitars originated in the late 1920s with the addition of pickups to Hawaiian and jazz guitars.
10. Can I find resources for learning guitar at guitarplayers.net?
Yes, at guitarplayers.net, we offer a variety of resources for guitarists of all levels, including lessons, sheet music, gear reviews, and a community forum for guitar enthusiasts in the USA.
