A Little History of the Guitar The guitar as we know it today didn’t start out like that. Before our modern-day guitars there were ouds and lutes. You may recognize the lute as it was a very popular instrument during medieval times. However, you may not be familiar with the oud. The oud is very similar to a lute consisting of eleven strings (sometimes ten). The oud traces back in history to play a major role in Arabic music. Some even suggest that the oud was the king of instruments during the first century BC. The oud is a fretless instrument unlike our modern-day guitar. It also follows a different standard tuning which is D2, G2, A2, D3, G3, C4. This is unlike our modern-day guitars which follow the standard tuning of E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, and E4. Another major difference between the guitar and the oud is the shape. The oud is a smaller pear-shaped instrument much different from our modern-day guitars. However, the oud helped paved the way like many others.

Before our modern-day acoustic guitars, classical guitars were played. Although classical guitars and acoustic guitars look very similar there are a few major differences. The classical guitar is much smaller in shape. Another major difference between the two are the strings. The acoustic guitar is composed of steel strings causing a loud metal sound when played. However, the classical guitar strings are primarily made up of nylon material. This material creates a smooth warm tone much more consistent with the sounds of classical music. Francisco Tarrega, a classical composer, helped pave the way for how we play guitars today. His compositions created in the Romantic period make you stop and feel the emotions of the guitar. Francisco utilized the entire guitar which was not a popular technique at the time. To truly understand our current guitar sound, you must first start with Francisco Tarrega. A great song to listen to is arguably his most popular, “Memories of the Alhambra”.

In the 19th century guitars became even more popular, shaping the sound of folk music. Guitars were beginning to be produced with steel strings instead of the nylon. The sound was much different, and people found the strings could withstand a whole lot more. However, the 20th century is where the modern-day guitar sound began to form. The new advances allowed for the creation of the electric guitar. Adolph Rickenbaker and George Beauchamp created the first electric guitar. This first guitar model is nothing like we see now. It took many more years to develop and strengthen this invention. Les Paul as well as Leo Fender began to develop and shape the electric guitar to what we have today.

The guitar is a truly incredible instrument with its roots dating back centuries. The history of the guitar has shaped it into what it is today. Whether you are a guitar enthusiast or just like to pick it up for fun, everyone can enjoy and appreciate the history of this amazing instrument.