The guitar, a beloved instrument that resonates through genres and generations, has a rich history that dates back centuries. From its early forms in ancient civilizations to the modern six-string marvels we know today, the guitar’s evolution is a fascinating journey. But when exactly was the guitar invented? To answer this, we must delve into the annals of history, tracing the instrument’s origins and development over time.
Ancient Roots and Early String Instruments
The concept of stringed instruments is ancient, with evidence of such devices dating back thousands of years. One of the earliest known stringed instruments is the tanbur, which appeared in ancient Mesopotamia around the third millennium BC. The tanbur, with its long neck and resonating body, shares several characteristics with modern guitars. Similarly, ancient Egypt had the lute-like instrument called the nefer, and ancient Greece boasted the kithara, which further influenced the evolution of stringed instruments.
The word guitar coincidentally comes from this ancient Greek word (kiathara), which, in mythology, attributes Hermes with creating the first kithara from a tortoise shell. Ancient musicians would typically play the strings of this instrument with a plectrum (aka. pick). The kitharist (not sure if that’s what they called themselves, but let’s roll with it) would use his or her left-hand fingers to stop or dampen unwanted strings and possibly produce harmony. Holding a kithara was similar to holding a guitar, and musicians used the early equivalent of a guitar strap, using an over-the-shoulder band.
The Oud, Medieval Lute and Their Influence
As we move into the medieval period, the lute and oud become significant predecessors of the guitar. The oud has a history dating all the way back to Adam and Eve. The oud is attributed to Lamech, the grandfather of Noah and the 6th grandson of Adam & Eve. It is said that Lamech was inspired to design the shape of this instrument after hanging the body of his dead son from a tree. Pretty grim, I know, but that’s the truth! Notably, the Moors would introduce the oud in 711 AD when they invaded Southern Spain.
The lute, popular in Europe from around the 6th century AD, featured a rounded body, a short neck, and multiple strings. It played a crucial role in the musical traditions of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, influencing the development of various stringed instruments across Europe. The lute’s design and playing techniques laid the groundwork for later stringed instruments, including the vihuela in Spain. These instruments further refined the concept of a fretted fingerboard, which is a defining feature of modern guitars.
The Emergence of the Vihuela and Baroque Guitar
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the vihuela emerged in Spain as a prominent instrument. The vihuela resembled the lute but had a flat back and a shape more akin to today’s guitars. It typically had six or seven double courses of strings and was popular in both secular and religious music.
Parallel to the vihuela, the baroque guitar appeared in the 16th century. This instrument usually had five double courses of strings and was widely used in Europe during the Baroque period. The baroque guitar contributed significantly to the development of guitar music and playing techniques, setting the stage for further advancements.
The Classical Guitar Takes Shape
The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked a crucial period in the evolution of the guitar. During this time, the guitar began to take on a form more recognizable to modern players. The classical guitar, with six single strings and a larger, more resonant body, started to gain popularity. Notable luthiers like Antonio Torres Jurado in Spain played a pivotal role in standardizing the design and construction of the classical guitar.
Torres Jurado’s innovations, such as the fan bracing pattern inside the guitar body, significantly enhanced the instrument’s sound quality and projection. His work in the mid-19th century is often credited with giving the classical guitar its modern form, solidifying its place in the world of music.
The Birth of the Modern Acoustic and Electric Guitars
The 20th century brought about the most significant transformations in the guitar’s history. The advent of steel strings in the early 1900s gave rise to the modern acoustic guitar, known for its bright, powerful sound. Innovations by companies like Martin and Gibson led to the development of iconic acoustic guitar models that remain popular to this day.
The electric guitar, a revolutionary invention, emerged in the 1930s. George Beachamp and Adolph Rickenbacker are attributed with the first patent for the electric guitar in 1931. Later, pioneers like Les Paul and Leo Fender introduced electric guitar models that transformed the music industry. The ability to amplify the guitar’s sound opened new possibilities for musical expression, leading to the birth of genres like rock and roll, blues, and jazz.
Conclusion
The guitar’s invention is not the result of a single moment but rather a centuries-long evolution of design and innovation. From ancient stringed instruments to the modern acoustic and electric guitars, the instrument has undergone significant transformations, each contributing to its rich and diverse history. Today, the guitar continues to inspire musicians worldwide, its journey through time a testament to the enduring appeal of this versatile and beloved instrument.