An Introduction To The Guitar

Guitars are one of the most popular musical instruments played around the world

. Many schools of music have their basis on different kinds of guitars. It is also encouraged by parents for their children because it is said to develop both sides of the brain equally, making use of both hands.

The history of the guitar started around the 12th century. The instrument came from Europe that had several inter-related forms to the design that we know of today. It then migrated to America. It is also believed that Asia played a big role in the history of the guitar. The evidence of this is found in traditional Asian instruments like the sitar and the oboe.

The body of the guitar consists of a neck to which strings are attached. Usually the number of strings is six, but they maybe more, depending upon the type of guitar. Guitars are generally made of wood and the strings are steel or nylon. However, in recent times, wood has made way for materials that are polycarbonate in nature.

There are many kinds of guitars and each has its distinctive sound. The two major classes of guitars are acoustic and electric. They are differentiated on the following basis:

1. The body of an acoustic guitar is hollower in nature. The sound of this guitar depends wholly on the vibration of the strings. The body then picks up these vibrations and intensifies them. The body plays the role of a resonating chamber here. the acoustic guitar can be further classified into three types:

a. The Classical guitar: this kind usually has nylon strings and is played by hand and not a pick. It is called so because it is suited to classical music. its neck is flat and wide that aids in classical movements.

b. Steel-string acoustic guitar: this is similar to the classical guitar except that its body is larger in comparison. The neck is more tapered and there is more stenth to the structure. The body is made from animal gut, and therefore can take the tension of steel strings. It was really in the 20th century that this guitar began being used more often, given the new styles of music.

c. The Archtop Guitar: this guitar has steel strings as well. However, the top and back are curved and not flat, unlike the other guitars of this family. It shaped more like a violin or a mandolin. This guitar was abundantly used in country and jazz music. Archtop today is not only an acoustic guitar but when played with magnetic picks, serves as an electric instrument too.

2. The other major family of guitars is the electric kind. These guitars emerged in the 1930's. This was the era when a lot of different kinds of music were rising. Amongst these were jazz, reggae, rock, mariachi, soul, blues and also the early forms of pop. The sound the electric guitar bases itself on the usage of an amplifier. This amplifier then maneuvers the resulting tone.

In today's music scene where rock is immensely popular, electric guitars are widespread. And yet, country singers prefer the softer tones an acoustic. Usually, students begin learning the acoustic, before moving to the more complex kinds.

An Introduction To The Guitar

By: Olly Fallon

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