Interesting facts about the guitar. Interesting facts about guitars

Some interesting facts about music string instrument which is called the Guitar.

1. The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments and can be played by 6.5% of the world's population.

2. Until the 16th century, this instrument was played with a bow. Mediators began to be used much later. Brian May(guitarist of Queen) instead used a sixpence coin, thanks to which he extracted a grinding sound from the guitar strings. Back in 1971, they stopped minting such coins, but the British Mint, on the occasion of the band's world tour in 1993, made a whole series of these coins. And Syd Barrett (one of the founders of the group Pink Floyd) sometimes used a Zippo lighter as a pick.

3. The top three guitar brands in the world are Fender, Gibson and Ibanez.

4. Leo Fender (the founder of the Fender brand) was the designer of the most popular and legendary models of the Telecaster and Stratocaster electric guitars, while he himself neither knew how to tune the instrument nor play it.

5. The most expensive Fender Stratocaster sold for $2.8 million at a charity auction. 12 world guitarists left their autograph on it. The Fender Midnight Opulence is a stock guitar with an average cost of $90,000.

6. On the tombstone of the most influential guitarist of the twentieth century, according to the magazine " Rolling stone» — Jimi Hendrix- the guitar is depicted.

7. During the recording of the Oasis album "Be Here Now" (1997), Johnny Depp played the guitar.

8. Initially, the guitars had 4 strings, which were played with tortoiseshell plates. Now a regular instrument has 6 strings, and picks are made from various materials, which ensure the purity of the sound.

9. Warr's guitar is musical instrument, which contains from 7 to 15 strings.

10. The guitar sound is created by the vibration of the strings, and the shorter the string, the thinner and tighter it is stretched, the higher the sound produced. Standard guitar covers 4 octaves. This phenomenon is called "Mersen's Law" (named after the mathematician who substantiated his mathematical model in 1626).

11. IN different times strings were made from silk, twisted animal intestines, horse hair or plant fibers (vines and roots).

12. Another interesting fact. Vladimir Vysotsky's favorite guitar is often called Russian or gypsy. In music stores seven-string guitar is a fairly rare specimen.

13. Seeing yourself playing the guitar in a dream promises new acquaintances, and even the opportunity to meet your soul mate. Hear sound in a dream guitar strings means that in the immediate environment a hypocritical person can manifest himself, who, with his flattery, will try to achieve some position in the environment.

14. Women find men with guitars more attractive than men without. This conclusion was made by French scientists. On the street, girls aged 18-22 were offered acquaintance by guys with a musical case, a sports bag and with empty hands. A significant number of representatives of the weaker sex preferred the guy with the case. Scientists substantiate this by the fact that since ancient times, women have retained the association of music with marriage games. In addition, there are suggestions that the presence musical ability in a man testifies to high level testosterone, and thus good development the right hemisphere and high fertilizing ability of the man.

Her beauty is like a luxurious girlish figure, and the sound is able to silence even the most passionate talker. It's about the guitar, which today is called the most popular musical instrument in the world.

According to statistics, only one in three of those who wish is able to learn how to play the guitar, for the rest it is not possible. They even talk about a genetic predisposition to owning this musical instrument, but in fact, anyone can learn to play the guitar. And our mission is to help you with this.

But there are many facts that confirm that the history of the guitar is complex and multifaceted, which is why it is interesting and even instructive to some extent.

Where did this beauty come from?

The history of the guitar originates long before our time. The prototype of this musical instrument appeared as early as 2 thousand years BC. That guitar was not like the modern one. Although the principle of the game was somewhat similar to the present. The guitar of ancient people also had strings, a round body and a kind of neck, on which the strings were attached.
As time went on, the development of the guitar continued. She was loved and respected by the ancient Chinese. In the 3rd century BC, they made such a tool from tortoise shells and even pumpkins, which were previously soaked in saline, and then carefully dried in the sun. It was believed that only then the guitar would sound perfect... The recordings of those guitars have not survived to this day, so the poet can only rely on the honesty of those who lived in the past and described the sound of such a musical instrument.

The guitar, which is very similar to the one we use in the 21st century, goes to The Ancient East. There, almost 2 thousand years ago, prototypes of a modern musical instrument appeared. The lute also appeared there - it is the great-great-grandmother and 100 times the great-grandmother of the modern guitar. It developed and grew, at first it had 2 strings, and by the 16th century it already had 4. It was played with the hand and the prototype of the modern pick.

In the 17th century, the so-called Spanish guitar. The instrument already had 5 strings. Only a select few could play it. The melody turned out so sonorous that the kings adored it and ordered it for any ball and even a meal!

The five-string Spanish guitar existed for almost a century, until one folk craftsman decided to add another string to the design. So, the guitar became a six-string. The Spaniards were the first to learn to play this, and then everyone else.

History of the name of the guitar

The very word "guitar" is not Russian. Before moving on, it is necessary to understand its origin.

The word came from Central Asia. Then it was transformed in Greece. In Spain they said - guitarra, in Italy - gaytar. The modern "guitar" came from England. This is the word we use today.

Acoustics and guitar

The history of the acoustic guitar completely repeats the history of the guitar, because it is. Her closest relatives and even parents are called:

• vihuela;
• cello.

There are 3 known species in the world today. acoustic guitars. These include:

• classical;
• jumbo;
• dreadnought.

A little about the classics

The classical guitar is the oldest and most familiar to us. It is used on various concerts, as well as in music schools. Children and adults learn to play on it, it is sometimes filmed in video clips and films. In general, classical is the guitar as we are accustomed to seeing and knowing it. At a modern string from nylon. It is an inexpensive and practical material that can be quickly replaced. The body is made of wood. This, of course, in a simple way, but understandable and familiar to everyone.
Almost every one of us had a tool in our hands. It is quite heavy, otherwise it would not be able to produce such sounds that catch!
The classical guitar was created by the Spaniard Antonio Torres. He came up with the idea of ​​adding a sixth string, gave the instrument its final form, and for the first time played a classical piece on it himself.

Oh, seven-string guitar...

This is absolutely true, the modern seven-string guitar is called Russian. Sometimes also gypsy. Vysotsky loved it so much, Jimi Hendrix played it ... The seven-string guitar is so ours and so dear.
Andrei Sikhra invented the seven-string guitar. He was a virtuoso of this musical instrument and dreamed of teaching everyone and every inhabitant of our country to play it. This was not possible, but thanks to him we use the seven-string guitar.
It is believed that it is the seven-string guitar that has the most ideal sound, it is suitable for any music from classical to modern in rock processing. That is why today the electric guitar is also made with seven strings.

A seven-string and classical guitar is a whole storehouse different facts. Here are some of the more interesting ones:

• a seven-stringed instrument has the thinnest strings, which is why the sound is so high.
• Previously, strings were made from the intestines of animals, it was believed that such strings were the most resonant and strong.
• Those who make guitars are called luthiers.
• The most expensive instrument in the world costs almost $3 million.
• The smallest seven-string guitar is only 10 microns in length. It was collected under a powerful microscope.
• In England, you can marry the guitar or marry it.
• The guitar has 4 octaves.
• The largest guitar is 13 meters long.
• Gypsies know how to guess on the guitar.
• Only 6 percent of the world's people can play such an instrument.
• The guitar used to be played only with a bow, touching the strings with your hands was considered bad form.
• There is a guitar in the world that has as many as 15 strings. It is not often played, but it has more than enough fans!
• Those who dream of a guitar are promised new acquaintances.
• It is easier for girls to learn to play the seven-string instrument than for boys.
• A beautiful female figure is compared with a guitar.

But the following fact is not the history of the creation of the guitar, but it can be called curious for general development. For those who are single and looking for their other half, scientists advise picking up a guitar. For what? To attract members of the opposite sex. Our brain reacts to a guy or a lady with a guitar in a strange way. Such a person seems to us attractive, active and very ... kind. A person with a guitar in their hands is five times more likely to be met than someone who does not have a guitar. Plus, you don't have to play the instrument!

A guitar maker is called a lute.

The seven-string guitar is called "Russian guitar" or "gypsy guitar".

The first prototypes of the guitar are known from the second millennium BC.

The range of a typical guitar is about four octaves.

The first electric guitar was created by Georges Beauchamp and Adolf Rickenbecker in 1931. She had a metal body.

The first wooden electric guitar body was created independently by Leo Fender and Les Paul in the 1950s.

The first bass guitar was also developed by Leo Fender in the 50s of the last century.

Jimi Hendrix has been named the most influential guitarist of the 20th century by Rolling Stone magazine.

The well-known guitar brand Ibanez was named after the Spanish guitar luthier Salvator Ivanez. However, over time, the name was modified after successful start On the market North America.

Guitarist Brian May (Queen) prefers to play not with a pick but with a sixpence coin. The coin was no longer minted in the 70th year of the last century, however, especially for the world tour in 1993, the British Mint issued a series of sixpences for Brian.

According to legend, the intro to a song by Metallica called "Nothing Else Matters" was invented by Hatfield while talking to his girlfriend on the phone. One hand was free, therefore, in the introduction, the enumeration of open four strings appears.

In Finland, there is an annual competition for masters of playing the fictitious guitar. "Musicians" simply "play" on supposedly invisible instruments.

Julio Iglesias was a promising football player, however, he got into a terrible car accident. Three years of paralysis (except for the hands) led Julio to the guitar. It was thanks to her that Iglesias became a famous musician.

The most expensive guitar in the world is the 19th Fender Stratocaster. famous guitarists and sold at a charity auction for $2.8 million.

The most expensive production model to date is the Fender Midnight Opulence, which costs $90,000.

The smallest guitar is considered to be an instrument that was created by the craftsmen of Cornell University. The length of the tool is only 10 microns.

The smallest functioning electric guitar is considered to be Percision, which is 67.5 cm long.

The largest functioning electric guitar in the world is the guitar, which is 13 meters 26 centimeters long. The tool was made by employees of the Houston Academy of Sciences and Technology in 2001. The weight of the guitar is 1023 kilograms.

The most popular and most copied model among electric guitars was and remains the Fender Stratocaster.

By the way, the Stratocaster is depicted on the grave of Jimi Hendrix.

Briton Chris Black married his guitar in 1995. And again Fender Stratocaster.

It's not the first time I've been thinking about how to start mastering the guitar. However, set aside time for this, until the hand is raised. On the other hand, I unearthed, especially for my readers, 25 interesting facts about guitars.

So, here they are.

1. sound source in the guitar are vibrations stretched strings. How thinner string The shorter it is and the tighter it is, the higher the sound.
2. Mathematical model This relationship is called "Mersen's Law" (after the mathematician who discovered it in 1626).
3. In the Middle Ages in Europe, silk strings and strings made from twisted animal intestines were used. Both options came from the East. In addition, strings made of horsehair, hemp and linen fibers were in use. metal strings already existed, but were not yet widespread, as they were imported from India and Arabia.
4. In primitive cultures strings were made from plant fibers (vines and roots).
5. Document describing the production of gut strings dated to the 14th century. According to the description given, sheep intestines were soaked in water or alkali to remove the remains of meat for half a day. After that, they were soaked in a strong alkaline solution or in red wine. After that, they were removed, twisted in 2, 3 or 4 strands and hung to dry in a taut state.
6. Stringed instruments, resembling a guitar, appeared as early as 4000 BC. It is believed that their progenitor was a bow used in war and hunting. Most turning point was the invention of the resonating body.
7. In the Middle Ages The guitar only had 4 strings. It was played with a tortoiseshell plate.
8. Spanish guitar appeared in the 15th century by adding an additional, fifth, string to the four that already existed at that time. All strings except the first were double. This improvement was the impetus for the spread of the guitar in Europe.
9. sixth string was added to the guitar in the middle of the 18th century. At the same time, double strings were replaced by single ones. This made the instrument easier to use and at the same time added to its capabilities, and thus increased the number of guitar fans.
10. Seven string guitar, which Vladimir Vysotsky loved so much, is called the "Russian guitar". In addition, it is also called the "gypsy guitar". Please note that most guitar manufacturers supply six-string guitars, and 7-string sets are quite rare in music stores.
11. Masters who make guitars are called lute. Apparently the name comes from the lute, which is considered the predecessor of the guitar.
12. The first electric guitar produced by Georges Beauchamps and Adolphe Rickenbecker in 1931. Its body was made of metal and resembled a tin can.
13. The first electric guitar with a wooden body was made independently by Leo Fender and musician Les Paul in the 1950s.
14. First electric bass guitar developed by Leo Fender in the 1950s.
15. According to Rolling Stone magazine, Jimi Hendrix(Jimi Hendrix) became the most influential guitarist of the 20th century.
16. Ibanez (Ibanez)- a well-known global guitar brand, was originally named after the Spanish lute, Salvator Ivanez. However, after the start of sales in the North American market, for greater harmony, the name was slightly changed.
17. Brian May, guitar player famous group Queen prefers to play with a sixpence piece instead of a pick. The coin was no longer minted in the 70th year of the 20th century, but, especially for the world tour in 1993, the British Mint issued a series of sixpences for Brian.
18. According to the "legend" intro to "Nothing Else Matters", of Metallica, was invented by Hatfield while talking to his girlfriend on the phone. Since only one hand was free, it is in the introduction that the plucking of the open four strings appears.
19. In Finland every year air guitar competition. People come on stage and pretend to play an invisible guitar.
20. Julio Iglesias was a promising football player, but got into a car accident. Three years of paralysis (hands worked at the same time), and brought Julio to the guitar. Thanks to her, Iglesias became a famous musician.
21. The most expensive guitar in the world became a Fender Stratocaster, signed by 19 famous guitarists and sold at a charity auction for $2.8 million.
22. The smallest guitar manufactured at Cornell University and is only 10 microns long. As you can see, you can't play it.
    Percision is considered the smallest working electric guitar. Its length is only 67.5 cm.
23. The world's largest electric guitar has a length of 13 meters 26 centimeters. Made by the Houston Academy of Science and Technology in 2001. Its weight is just over a ton.
24. On the grave of Jimi Hendrix depicts a Fender Stratocaster guitar.
25. British Chris Black in 1995 he married his own Fender Stratocaster guitar.

Links for those who want to buy a guitar

And here are the links for those who, like me, are thinking about learning to play the guitar. Musicians say that it is better to start acquaintance with the guitar with a good and reliable instrument. Like, if the guitar is cool, then you will rehearse with great pleasure, more often, which means you will achieve greater skill.

In my opinion, it is quite a logical statement. So, I will give links to the place where the guitars are sold, incl. on credit, and most importantly, with delivery in Russia.

Acoustic guitars: http://zonazvuka.ru/catalog/gitary/akusticheskie-gitary

Another advantage of this online store of musical instruments is its consultants, but this is my opinion.

Vidos in the topic

Here's how to quickly learn how to play the guitar. It fits me))

Women find men with guitars more attractive than men without. This conclusion was made by French scientists. On the street, girls aged 18-22 were offered acquaintance by guys with a musical case, a sports bag and with empty hands. A significant number of representatives of the weaker sex preferred the guy with the case. Scientists substantiate this by the fact that since ancient times, women have retained the association of music with marriage games. In addition, there are suggestions that the presence of musical ability in a man indicates a high level of testosterone, and thus a good development of the right hemisphere.

2. Until the 16th century, this instrument was played with a bow. Mediators began to be used much later. Brian May (guitarist of the band Queen) instead used a sixpence coin, thanks to which he extracted a grinding sound from the guitar strings. Back in 1971, they stopped minting such coins, but the British Mint, on the occasion of the band's world tour in 1993, made a whole series of these coins. And Syd Barrett (one of the creators of band Pink Floyd sometimes used a Zippo lighter as a pick.

3. The top three guitar brands in the world are Fender, Gibson and Ibanez.

4. Leo Fender (the founder of the Fender brand) was the designer of the most popular and legendary Telecaster and Stratocaster models of electric guitars, while he himself did not know how to tune the instrument or play it.

5. The most expensive Fender Stratocaster sold for $2.8 million at a charity auction. 12 world guitarists left their autograph on it. The Fender Midnight Opulence is a stock guitar with an average cost of $90,000.

6. On the tombstone of the most influential guitarist of the twentieth century, according to Rolling Stone magazine - Jimi Hendrix - it is the Fender Stratocaster guitar that is depicted.

7. During the recording of the Oasis album "Be Here Now" (1997), Johnny Depp played the guitar.

8. Initially, guitars had 4 strings, which were played with tortoiseshell plates. Now a regular instrument has 6 strings, and picks are made from various materials that provide clarity of sound.

9. Warr's guitar is a musical instrument with 7 to 15 strings.

10. The guitar sound is created by the vibration of the strings, and the shorter the string, the thinner and tighter it is stretched, the higher the sound produced. A standard guitar spans 4 octaves. This phenomenon is called "Mersen's Law" (named after the mathematician who substantiated his mathematical model in 1626).

11. At different times, strings were made from silk, twisted animal intestines, horse hair or plant fibers (vines and roots).

12. Another interesting fact. Vladimir Vysotsky's favorite guitar is often called Russian or gypsy. In music stores, such a seven-string guitar is quite rare.

13. Seeing yourself playing the guitar in a dream promises new acquaintances, and even the opportunity to meet your soul mate. Hearing the sound of guitar strings in a dream means that a hypocritical person may prove himself in the immediate environment, who, with his flattery, will try to achieve some position in the environment.