The Soulful Strings: A Journey Through the Evolution of the Guitar
As an aspiring musician, I’ve spent countless hours strumming my guitar in the garage with buddies, and through all that time, I’ve really grown to love the instrument. It’s been around for centuries and played by countless people across the globe. In that time, it has served as a building block for a variety of genres including rock and classical music.
First Steps
The ancient versions of guitars we see today first started out as stringed instruments used in various ceremonies or events throughout civilizations long gone. After years of development, lutes and vihuelas were created in Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. These two instruments had a big influence on how the modern guitar looks today.
Volume Adjustments
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, there were several changes made to what would eventually become known as guitars. With a rounded body shape similar to what we see today and fretted necks with multiple strings like most modern instruments have now, these new features helped change how musicians played their pieces dramatically.
Classical Era
By the 19th century when we think of classical music being popularized, guitars got another face lift. The larger bodies and soundboards allowed them to produce a much louder noise which made it better for playing alongside singers or other instrumentalists. This period was dominated by great guitar players Fernando Sor and Francisco Tárrega who are still looked up to in modern day education.
Acoustic Takeover
When all was said and done for classical music’s reign at the top of charts, folk, blues, and early rock bands took over using acoustic guitars. It wasn’t easy back then to lug around big pieces so many musicians gravitated towards this smaller option that still produced great sound quality. Artists such as Woody Guthrie Bob Dylan used them to tell stories through song that will be remembered forever.
Electric Future
When electricity first came about in households across America, inventors got to work trying to use it for everything. The electric guitar was created and nearly revolutionized the music industry overnight. The new sound that could be produced by an amplifier sent shockwaves through the world of rock n’ roll, leading to legendary songs from players like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.
Present Day
In this day and age, we continue to see innovation come in waves with electric guitars specifically. There are now thousands of different effects pedals available that change how a guitar sounds when plugged into them. Even acoustic guitars have taken on advancements such as on-board electronics so they can be plugged in just like their electrified counterpart. What’s great about these instruments is that no matter what type or style you choose, you’ll always be able to find your place in modern genres such as pop and metal.
A Timeless Masterpiece
Throughout its storied history, the guitar has been around for one thing: music. Ever since its creation centuries ago it’s helped countless musicians tell stories and create masterpieces with ease. As I sit here thinking about all of the people who’ve played before me while my fingers strum against the strings underneath them, I can’t help but feel connected with all those who came before me too. These soulful strings will continue to make noise for likely centuries more, providing comfort for music lovers across the globe until then. — Daniel Aronowitz
