Slash’s “Sweet Child of Mine”, Brian May of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” and Carlos Augusto Santana Alves’ “Maria Maria” Do you recognize all of these? These are songs popularized by some of the greatest guitarists of all time. People sang their music, danced with their rhythms, and enjoyed every performance they did with their guitars. But have you ever wondered how these guitars came into existence?

Guitars used to be ordinary instruments, those that could not meet the standards of classical music. In fact in the early 19th century, Fernando Sor has started the battle in raising the level of guitars in the music industry to the highest as possible. Soon enough, Sor seemed to have gained success in his quest.

Now, guitars have gained popularity as a choice of musical instrument. Basically, it’s a six-stringed instrument, but you can also find those with four, seven, eight, ten, eleven, twelve, and thirteen strings.
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The oldest graphical icon that perhaps represents the primary guitar features was an old carving of a Hittite bard. The Europeans have popularized this instrument in the medieval times, but it actually came from Indo-Europeans who existed 4000 years ago. Central Asians and Indian people have made guitars part of their cultural heritage, and this fact cannot be disregarded. Nevertheless, it was the European people who actually developed guitars into their finest.

Spaniards have the most influence in making the modern guitars. In reality, Romans were the first to bring in a stringed instrument called cithara in the year 40 AD. After these, Moors and Scandinavians carried with them their ouds and luts respectively. In the year 1200 AD, the four-stringed instrument oud had two types, namely Morrish guitar and Latin guitar. Latin guitars became the basis for making the modern guitar that is famous nowadays.

The lower and middle classes of society used these guitars for leisure. Then, Spain had come up with vihuela or viola de mano which became popular among Aristocrats in the 16th century.

Though the three major types of guitars are electric, classical and acoustic, many guitar variations have already come up today. Electric guitars were especially made for the growth of popular music in the United States. These guitars give a unique sound to any song, since they can be amplified and be given effects. Acoustic guitars make a soulful song with its pure tones, while classical guitars continue to embody the distinct sounds that the baroque and romantic eras once had.

In addition, the industry now has a variety of guitar brands, including Yamaha, Taylor, and Jackson, to name a few.

Wendy Racklave writes articles for Playhouse MM which has information on how to purchase a left handed guitar, buying a tuner for your guitar and lots more besides.