guitar

A guitar is a fretted string instrument that typically has six strings and a long neck. It is played by plucking or strumming the strings with the fingers, a pick, or both, while pressing the strings against the frets to change pitch. Guitars are built in several families, including acoustic, classical, and electric, and may have hollow or solid bodies, a soundhole or magnetic pickups, and various scale lengths.

Construction and sound production: The guitar’s neck, fretboard, and headstock form the core, with a body that serves as a resonator in acoustic models. In acoustic guitars, vibrating strings transmit energy to the hollow or semi-hollow body, producing sound. In electric guitars, magnetic pickups convert string vibration into an electrical signal that is amplified. Classical guitars use nylon strings for a mellower tone, while steel-string guitars are brighter and louder. Electric guitars rely on amplifiers and effects to shape tone.

History: Modern guitar design evolved from earlier plucked instruments such as the Renaissance cittern, vihuela, and guitar-like instruments. The steel-string guitar became common in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the electric guitar emerging in the early to mid-20th century and becoming central to many popular music genres.

Use and technique: Guitars are employed across genres including classical, flamenco, folk, jazz, rock, and blues. Common techniques include fretting, picking, strumming, bending notes, tapping, and various articulations. Standard tuning for six-string guitars is E2–E4, with many alternate tunings used for different styles.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance includes changing strings, keeping the neck and fingerboard clean, tuning stability checks, and proper humidity to prevent neck warping. Capos, slides, and picks are common accessories.