Played by:
George Marinelli on:
David Mansfield on:
Peter Harris on:
Jerry Garcia on:
John Bigham on:
Wayne Pooley on:
Will Ross on:
Pat Metheny on:
David Bendeth on:
John Leventhal on:
Matt Scannell on:
Adam Larrabee on:
Mike Mangini on:
Doug Derryberry on:
- Here Come the Noisemakers
- Big Swing Face (album)
- Greatest Radio Hits
- Halcyon Days (album)
- Levitate (album)
- Bride of the Noisemakers
- Lost and Found on the Spirit Trail
Steve Kimock on:
R.S. Hornsby on:
Eric Clapton on:
J.T. Thomas on:
Blake Mills on:
Ricky Skaggs on:
Cody Kilby on:
Paul Brewster on:
Ben Helson on:
Darrin Vincent on:
Gibb Droll on:
Jeremy Ylvisaker on:
Vernon Reid on:
Guitar: an overview
The guitar is a stringed instrument with a wide tonal range and versatile use across many musical genres, from classical and jazz to rock, blues, and folk. Known for its distinctive shape and sound, it typically has six strings, though variants can range from four to twelve strings.
Origins
With its ancient roots, with ancestors dating back over 4,000 years, early stringed instruments resembling the guitar can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. In medieval Spain, the guitar-like “guitarra latina” and “vihuela” became popular, precursors to the modern version. By the 17th century, it had a smaller, more portable shape similar to today’s instrument and typically had four to five strings.
The modern six-string design was standardised in Spain during the 19th century, thanks to luthiers like Antonio Torres, who improved the instrument’s resonance and volume. This classical design laid the foundation for today’s models, both acoustic and electric.
Development and use
In the early 20th century, the instrument evolved rapidly, particularly with the invention of the electric guitar in the 1930s. American luthier George Beauchamp developed the first electromagnetic pickup, which allowed guitarists to amplify their sound and overcome the instrument’s previous limitations in larger ensembles. This innovation led to the creation of solid-body electric versions, a major milestone credited to Leo Fender and Les Paul in the 1940s and 1950s. The solid-body design reduced feedback issues and allowed for greater sustain and tonal control, which appealed to jazz, blues, and rock musicians.
Electric guitars brought the instrument to the forefront of popular music, becoming iconic in genres like rock and roll, where players such as Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton explored its expressive range and techniques. By the 1960s and 1970s, it was a staple in mainstream music, with styles evolving to include folk, metal, funk, and beyond.
Varieties and playing techniques
The guitar comes in various forms, each with unique sounds and uses. The acoustic guitar, with its hollow body, provides natural resonance and is popular in folk, classical, and country music. Electric guitars, solid or semi-hollow, offer tonal versatility and are commonly used in rock, jazz, and pop genres. Other variations include the bass guitar for rhythm sections, twelve-string guitars for fuller sound, and resonator guitars for blues.
Advanced playing techniques include bending, sliding, harmonics, and using a slide or capo to alter tuning. Effects such as distortion, delay, and reverb further expand the electric guitar’s capabilities, allowing for unique soundscapes and a range of musical expression.
Contemporary use
Today, the guitar remains one of the most popular and versatile instruments in music. Its role in modern genres like rock, pop, blues, and hip-hop is central, with players exploring new sounds through digital effects, looping, and synthesizer technology.