History of the Guitar

The history of the guitar dates back over 5,000 years. The modern day guitar is an instrument derived from several other instruments from Iran, Central Asia and Spain. Some people believe the name “guitar” comes from the Sanskrit word sangeet meaning music and the Persian word tar meaning chord or string.

The Spanish had an instrument called the vihuela that resembles the guitar closely. However, the vihuela had fewer strings than our modern guitar. Over the years, additional strings were added to change the sound of guitars. The additional strings gave an instrument once seen as not being capable of playing classical music more range. Fernando Sor altered the history of the guitar when he composed many pieces that gave people a new appreciation of the sound of the guitar.

The history of the guitar in America is varied. The guitar is often associated with Blues music. Robert Johnson had a very short career in Blues due to his death, but today, his innovative use of the guitar is still felt. He is especially admired by musicians for his intros and turnarounds.

The guitar is often closely associated with American folk music as well. The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary strummed folk music on their acoustic guitars. Many female solo artists, like Joni Mitchell, began playing the guitar as an acoustical accompaniment to their sweet songs. But at almost the same time, the electric guitar was invented. It was at this part of the history of the guitar that rock and roll music was born. Les Paul was a well respected guitarist and was instrumental in the advancement of the electric guitar. On the country music scene, Chet Atkins, whose brother once worked with Les Paul, was making his name famous as a guitarist. The history of the guitar was once again changed when Jimi Hendrix played his famous set at Woodstock where he played an instrumental version of The Star-Spangled Banner.