WEEK4 HISTORY

This week, I write about history of the guitar. Now, various kinds of the guitar are played. Let`s know how the guitar was created and how the guitar developed.

・The guitar`s ancestor is bow.

It is said that stringed instruments including the guitar comes derive from bow. It is thought that in order to make this bow resound, predecessor attaches nut to bow and stretches many strings to make strings resound each other. According to materials of ancient wall paintings and sculptures, it is said that before BC.3700, the instrument resembling the guitar have been born. These two types of instruments can be seen in instrumental history of Southeast Asia, Africa and India. The guitar is instrument which uses both of types of way of resounding. Concerning life style and religion, these instruments have developed and in about BC.3000, the instrument which resembles the guitar in shape was born. In Greek civilization, the instrument, which has two important characteristic was created. First characteristic, the body of the instrument is composed by boards. Second characteristic, the instrument has bridge which is glued. These two characteristics have made a big influence on developing of stringed instrument. It is said that after this event, during one thousand years, there is no new discovery in the guitars developing.

・Introduction of the Lute and to Europe and Birth of the Guitar

In 711, by Moor`s occupation of the Iberia peninsula, the lute which is ancestor of the guitar spread to Europe via Spain. In 15century, the lute become to be played in dance music and fantasia and, the lute become the most popular instrument in 15~16century. In Spain, in contrast to other European countries, the lute did not played as important instrument and, lute develop to the Vihuela. Though the lute`s shape is as pear which is cut in half, this vihuela is flat and is as today`s guitar. To be accurate, “vihuela” is the name which is express overall various form of stringed instrument. A kind of guitar and vihuela developed to the guitar which match Spanish dance.

・To baroque guitar from renaissance guitar

In 16~18century, most of the guitar ware double strings and the number of strings become five from four. Four strings guitar is named renaissance guitar and, five strings guitar is named baroque guitar. In 1700s, six strings and round sound hole guitar was invented. It is because the reeling string was invented. After this event, the guitar developed to six strings type.

・Completion of Classical guitar and Development

After invention of six strings guitar, medium and small size guitar was invented. The classical guitar was completed by Antonio de Torres Jurado in 19centry. Torres`s guitar had volume and ability of expression that can be heard in concert hall. He challenged make the guitar`s sound big. Francisco Eixea Tarrega loved this Antonio`s guitar and it make the guitar popular around the world.

・First Electric guitar

First electric instrument was invented by Loyd Loar , Electric double base. In 1931, the first electric guitar flying pan was made by Rickenbacker that is musical instrument company, but that was not popular. In 1930s, Gibson super 400 and L series which have PICK UP become popular.

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