A Long History of Guitar
Determining where the guitar originated from has had historians confused for years. However, what is clear is that the earliest stringed instruments date back to 2500 ? 2000 CE, during the era of the ancient Sumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. Known as bowl harps and tanburs, these instruments were constructed from tortoise shells or calabashes, a bent stick, and strings made from gut or silk. Tomb paintings and stone carvings from these civilizations illustrate the importance of these instruments and music to their everyday culture. Har-Mose, an Egyptian singer, was actually buried with his tanbur as well ? giving us the oldest preserved vintage guitar!
The Moors modified the tanbur and brought their short-necked ?oud? to Spanish culture. Both the tanbur and oud remained fret-less while other civilizations made further changes. During the Renaissance, the Europeans added frets to the oud to create the lute.
According to historians, it was not until the early 16th century that the guitar was born. Derived from the late-medieval Spanish instrument known as a guitarra Latina, the early guitar included several features we recognize in today?s models. This included a long neck, frets, waisted body, and strings. While the early guitars were narrower, with a deeper resonator and less curved waist, these four-stringed instruments became wildly popular, allowing guitarists to turn them to play C-F-A-D notes.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, however, the guitar underwent several changes. A fifth (1600’s) and sixth (1700s) string were added. Single strings, allowing musicians to now play E-A-D-G-B-E, replaced the double courses once used. Other modifications included upgrading the frets to build-in metal or ivory pieces, re-proportioning the fingerboard, and a broadening and flattening of the body. The results of which produced the classical guitar we know today.
Through technological advancements, the modern electric guitar was also produced.
Famous Guitarists
The guitar’s popularity is only enhanced by the long list of famous guitarists we know today. Almost every type of music that is accompanied by instruments includes the playing of a guitar. From folk songs and jazz to rock ?n roll and country, the guitar has helped many players become famous.
Names like Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave), Jimmy Page (Led Zepplin), BB King, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Kieth Richards (Rolling Stones), Slash (Guns ?n Roses) and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) are well known in music circles all over the world. Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Robert Johnson are also instantly recognizable regardless of the type of music you prefer to listen to.
Start Your Guitar Journey Today!
The long history of the guitar has helped establish it as one of the most popular instruments today. It is a versatile, easy to tote instrument that has brought people together in spirit for centuries. Finding an instructor who encourages your passion, however, can be hard when you only have your immediate area with which to work. Luckily, today?s technology has made it possible for you to have access to the best online guitar classes.
Every guitarist has to start somewhere. Even Jimi Hendrix was once a beginner. Whether you want to learn from the comfort of your home, while on vacation, or when you are stuck in the office waiting for a late meeting ? the online guitar classes offered by Pronto Guitar are the best. With high-quality audio and video digital lessons from the world-renowned instructor, Vince Lauria, our virtual guitar lessons can enhance your passion and take you from beginner to expert in no time.
Contact Pronto Guitar today to learn more about the virtual guitar lessons and membership packages available on our site.