Shapes of guitars and their features

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. The device is used in various styles of music, such as blues, country, rock music and many others. It is used as a solo instrument, as well as an accompanying device. The shape of the guitar has changed constantly as the music industry has evolved.

History of the guitar

The first records of this instrument are mentioned in the Bible. It is described in the book as a string instrument with a neck and a strong body. Unusual guitar shapes have been found in ancient Egypt and India. The Romans and ancient Greeks called the thing cithara, sitar, zither.

Initially, string guitars appeared in China in ancient times. The name comes from the word "chartar", which means "four-string". During the Renaissance, the instrument was widely known throughout almost all of Europe. During the development of musical instruments, the device already had five strings instead of four. Changes have also taken place in the neck and in the body. Initially, the device had about eight frets, but soontheir number increased to 10, and then to 12. In the middle of the 16th century, the guitar gained maximum popularity in Spain, France and Western Europe.

The subsequent development of the musical instrument was influenced by the outstanding guitarist Francisco Tarrega, who became the founder of the guitar school. In the early 19th century, the device gained popularity in Italy thanks to the virtuoso composer Mauro Giuliani.

Varieties of guitars

The evolution of these musical instruments has reached its maximum level. Now there is a whole line of all kinds of guitars. Let's consider them in more detail.

These devices are divided into classical, acoustic, electric guitars and electro-acoustic. The classical guitar is a type of acoustic guitar. Most often it appears in ensembles, it is played by rock musicians and ethnic performers. It sounds quite nice and soft, it is often used for teaching music in specialized schools.

Acoustic guitar differs from the classical model with strings. You can play it both with your fingers and with a special accessory - a mediator. This model gives a clearer sound due to the metal strings and the shape of the guitar body. However, it is worth noting that such strings initially injure the fingertips. It will take some time to get used to the instrument.

Electric guitar - a kind of electromagnetic guitars, the forms of which differ significantly from classical and acoustic. The model appeared in the 30s with the publication of the firstelectric pickup invented by George Bischamp. The musical instrument stands out among others with a thin but durable body and the absence of empty space on the soundboard of the instrument. The main advantage of this model is the variability of the sound timbre. Soft strings are placed on the guitar, the sound is reproduced on the speakers using a special amplifier. The shape of the neck of the guitar is similar to the acoustic type, but on the back you can see the bolts that attach it to the base of the body.

Electro-acoustic has the same pickups as the electric guitar. This model is similar to an acoustic guitar. Sounds loud on its own or creates an additional effect when connected to certain equipment.

Bass guitar

In the 20th century, various bass musical devices appeared. Previously, the most common low-amplitude instrument was the double bass. With the development of the music industry, a more simplified version with a low range appeared - the bass guitar. The model practically replaced the double bass in terms of convenience and sound parameters. The forms of bass guitars changed over the course of several years until the instrument found a single pattern. The presentation of the performance has changed, the guitar has become much more convenient due to the horizontal position and reduced size. Since then, the device has become one of the most popular in modern music.

The device is fundamentally different from the tools described above. The main purpose is to sound exclusively at low frequencies (an octave below normal). Strings in the bass guitarsignificantly less. If in standard models their number ranges from six to twelve, then here there are only 4. They reproduce about three octaves from Mi to Sol.

Bass guitar technique

Each musician chooses the most convenient option for playing the bass guitar. There are several basic methods such as pizzicato, picking and slide.

Pizzicato is currently considered the most convenient method of extracting sound. This trick consists of plucking the strings with the index and middle fingers.

Playing with a plectrum is an equally popular sound production technique, like pizzicato. During the game, a small device with a flexible triangular shape is used. This method is often used by rock musicians. The sound is brighter and the volume is louder.

The slide technique has become a favorite of many bass players. It creates a certain effect of "sliding" along the strings. After playing with the right hand, the left hand moves down the strings.

Shapes of acoustic guitars

Actually there are several of them. The main factors on which quality sound depends are the body and shape of the guitars. At the moment there are several forms. There are classical form, folk, jumbo, dreadnought and grand auditorium.

The classic model features a small body size. The shape of the device is quite convenient for both professionals and beginners. The instrument usually has nylon strings. The guitar is stronger and heavier, and the shape of the guitar neck is wider andcomfortable.

Folk guitar is characterized by a smaller and smoother profile than the classical version. The instrument sounds very soft and calm.

Jumbo is especially different from the two previous models. Among all acoustic guitars, the instrument has a larger shape and the most round bends. This musical device is quite powerful. Bass and treble sound good on it.

Dreadnought, or "Western", is a pop instrument. The body stands out for its large size. The outline of the guitar is a bit rough, with a sharp element.

The auditorium guitar is characterized by a prominently curved shape, specifically similar to the number eight. Good as an accompaniment device.

Electric guitar shapes

Unlike their acoustic relatives, electric guitars are quite versatile. The shapes of the guitars, the photos of which you see above, have a solid body and unusual outlines. We list the main forms:

• Stratocaster. The base of the body of the instrument is round, and the upper half has two pronounced curves, similar to horns. The shape of the neck of the guitar is very narrow. It has 21-22 frets.
• Telecaster is characterized by a rather rough contour. The neck is made of maple wood.
• SG. The musical instrument cannot be confused with any guitar due to the sharp "horns" at the top of the soundboard. Towards the bottom, the shape of the device is rounded.
• Warlock. This device has a slightly asymmetrical body and is crowned with four sharp limbs ondeck.
• Superstrat. A guitar with a comfortable round body, the top of the deck has two horned ends.
• The Les Paul guitar has a classic shape, a small horn on one side and a smooth deep curve. The number of frets on the fretboard is 22. The device is made of mahogany and is popular with experienced musicians.
• Explorer. The body of the electric guitar resembles a four-pointed star, but despite the unusual shape, the instrument is quite comfortable with a light long neck.

Tool tree

Another important feature that affects the sound of the guitar is the raw material from which the device is made. All stringed musical instruments can be divided into two groups: All Solid and Solid Top. The first are instruments that are made of solid wood, while in Solid Top guitars only the upper soundboard is made of solid wood.

Musical devices made of solid wood are expensive, they have an aesthetic appearance. Thanks to him, the instrument sounds very beautiful and rich. So that the guitar does not deteriorate and does not require repair, you need to create the right conditions for storing it. Temperature and humidity fluctuations should be avoided. In the right conditions, the tool will last long enough and will not require major repairs.

How to choose a guitar?

In order to choose the right tool, you need to approach this issue with responsibility. It is important to pay attention to the following points:

1. Shapes of guitars. Wide body made ofquality wood adds richness to the sound.
2. Material of manufacture.
3. Preferred genre of music.
4. Guitar appearance.
5. Budget.

After carefully considering each item, you can safely go to the store.

Guitar for beginners

Those who have never picked up a guitar often wonder what would be the best. Beginners should pay attention to the shape of the classical guitar. It has a wide neck and nylon strings that are gentle on the fingers. Such an instrument is perfect for performing songs of classical genres. Nylon strings are easier to press against the frets. Over time, they can be easily changed to others, such as metal ones, and get a great clean sound.

In conclusion

Today, the appearance of guitars impresses with its diversity. Each form of guitar has its own characteristics of sound. We hope this article will help you find the right tool and be happy with your choice.