Learn About The Wonderful History Of The Guitar

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Written by Wendy Racklave

Friday, 28 August 2009 19:56

by WendyRacklave

Slash's "Sweet Child of Mine", Brian May of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" and Carlos Augusto Santana Alves' "Maria Maria" Do you recognize all of these? These are songs popularized by some of the greatest guitarists of all time. People sang their music, danced with their rhythms, and enjoyed every performance they did with their guitars. But have you ever wondered how these guitars came into existence?

Before people have high regard for guitars, it used to suffer underestimation because it did not satisfy the taste of most musicians when it comes to classical music. That's the reason why Fernando Sor, in the early 19th century, did all that he can to bring guitars to a higher level of appreciation, and he became successful with this battle.

Now, guitars have gained popularity as a choice of musical instrument. Basically, it's a six-stringed instrument, but you can also find those with four, seven, eight, ten, eleven, twelve, and thirteen strings.

The oldest graphical icon that perhaps represents the primary guitar features was an old carving of a Hittite bard. The Europeans have popularized this instrument in the medieval times, but it actually came from Indo-Europeans who existed 4000 years ago. Central Asians and Indian people have made guitars part of their cultural heritage, and this fact cannot be disregarded. Nevertheless, it was the European people who actually developed guitars into their finest.

The most important influence that has put guitars on the modern pedestal can probably be attributed to Spain. Romans actually brought the Roman cithara to Spain in the year 40 AD. This instrument was named after an Old Persian term sihtar which means string. Guitar soon evolved upon the arrival of oud, a four-stringed instrument brought by Moors, and upon the arrival of lut, a six-stringed Scandinavian instrument. During 1200 AD, the four-stringed guitar had two types. One of these is called the Moorish guitar, and the other one is called Latin guitar. Of the two, the latter resembled the modern guitar that you have today.

These guitars were utilized by persons of the lower and middle class, while aristocrats used vihuela or viola de mano. These were Spain's very own contribution to the development of guitars in the 16th century.

Guitars have three major types namely: electric guitars, classical guitars, and acoustic guitars. Yet, so many guitar variations have come out up to this date. Electric guitars have greatly contributed to pop music's development in the US, since it amplifies and adds effects to improve the music. Acoustic guitars on the other hand, have created soft music with its pure tones. Lastly, classical guitars relive the moments of baroque and romantic periods.

In addition to these, many guitar brands have already come out. Some of these are Yamaha, Taylor, and Jackson, among others.

About the Author:

Wendy Racklave writes articles for Playhouse MM which has information on how to purchase a left handed guitar, how to purchase a guitar tuner and lots more besides.

Last Updated on Friday, 28 August 2009 19:58