Guitar…A versatile musical instrument

A popular choice of musicians dedicated to different music genres for the musical embellishments it promotes, such as slides, bends, and harmonics. 

Guitar has a profound influence on music cultures around the world, especially since the introduction of the electric guitars in the 1930s in which the musical tones are either produced by modulated string vibrations or electronic manipulation. Here, we have a few fun facts about both the instrument itself and some of the most well-known names associated with it.

Interesting Facts

 1)  The first electric guitar was created in 1931, by George Beauchamp(left) and Adolph Rikenbekerom(right). It was constructed of cedar, featured 3 strings and had a plectrum,of sorts.

 2) The ancestors of the modern guitar can be traced back to the stringed instruments played across Central Asia and India, in ancient times. Traditionally, they were constructed with combinations of various woods. The strings were made of animal gut.While the most popular are the 6 and 12-string guitar, there are also lesser-knowns such as the 7 and 8-string guitar. The 7-string guitar is known as a gypsy. 

 3)  Dimension standards of the modern stringed instrument were established by Antonio Torres Jurado, between 1817 and 1892. Those who make and repair guitars are known as ‘luthiers’.

 4) The guitar was mentioned quite a few times before getting its final name in ancient times which included guitarra, gitarre, guitare, qitara, cithara, kithara, and sihtar. The name ‘guitar’ has its origins in the Latin word Cithara. It wasn’t until the 1200s that an instrument began to use the name. Appearing in the 15th century, it usually had 6 strings, and a familiar body shape, resembling a modern acoustic.

 5)  The first wooden guitars were created by both Leo Fender(left) and Les Paul(right). They were crafted independently, by both men, in 1950. Fender produces nearly 90,000 strings daily, which equates to about 20,000 miles of string per year. If laid end to end, this would be long enough to circle the globe! 

 6)   Leo Fender, the inventor of Fender Guitars, never actually learned to play the guitar! He was first an accountant, who started his guitar business after several job failures from the Great Depression. Leo did, however, play the saxophone. 

 7)  When legendary guitarist Les Paul and his wife, vocalist Mary Ford, got in a car accident, his picking arm was injured to the point of permanent disfunction. The doctor told Les that once he set his arm, it had to stay in that exact position, and he would have to put his guitar-playing days behind him. Determined to beat the odds, Les told his doctor, “Put my forefinger in my bellybutton when you set it. That’s how I hold the guitar.” Fortunately for Les, it worked! Not only was he able to play after his recovery, but he went on to continue making hits with Mary.

 8)  In 2001, guitarist Chris Black actually married his guitar, “Brenda the Fenda.” Brenda had been Chris’ loyal instrument for over 40 years, so Chris wanted to express his commitment and gratitude.

 9) In 2005, the most expensive guitar was sold at an auction. For a whopping $2.7 million, the auctioneer got a Fender Stratocaster that was signed by musical legends Bryan Adams, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, and Brian May.

 10) Jimi Hendrix composed “Little Wing” in just 145 seconds. The sign of a true musical genius.