Acoustic Guitar
HISTORY
Instruments similar to the modern guitar date back to ancient times, but the instrument we know today probably appeared around the 1300s in Spain and had 3 pairs of strings plus a 4th top string. It later became popular in Europe middle of the 1700s where it attained its current six string format. Today, the 12-string guitar is the most common variation, with 2 courses of each string as in its older ancestors.
The acoustic guitar's sound is produced by striking the strings and making them vibrate. The sound of strings is transferred to the soundboard and the guitar's body amplifies the sound. The thickness and length of the strings determine the sound, with the lower strings generally being thicker. When pressing the finger of the left hand down on the string, it shortens the string producing a higher pitch. Finger combinations on each string produce either melody or chords depending on the use of the right hand. The right hand can either pick each string individually or strum multiple strings at a time.
AGE TO START
Good guitar instruction waits until children have good strength and can isolate their fingers well, and are able to focus on two different jobs simultaneously with their two hands. This is typically around 9 years of age, but each child should be evaluated individually. It is best to begin on an acoustic guitar, because it helps to develop these skills better than the electric guitar.
GUITAR FACULTY
John Gurske
Listen to a sample of an acoustic guitar.
Instruments similar to the modern guitar date back to ancient times, but the instrument we know today probably appeared around the 1300s in Spain and had 3 pairs of strings plus a 4th top string. It later became popular in Europe middle of the 1700s where it attained its current six string format. Today, the 12-string guitar is the most common variation, with 2 courses of each string as in its older ancestors.
The acoustic guitar's sound is produced by striking the strings and making them vibrate. The sound of strings is transferred to the soundboard and the guitar's body amplifies the sound. The thickness and length of the strings determine the sound, with the lower strings generally being thicker. When pressing the finger of the left hand down on the string, it shortens the string producing a higher pitch. Finger combinations on each string produce either melody or chords depending on the use of the right hand. The right hand can either pick each string individually or strum multiple strings at a time.
AGE TO START
Good guitar instruction waits until children have good strength and can isolate their fingers well, and are able to focus on two different jobs simultaneously with their two hands. This is typically around 9 years of age, but each child should be evaluated individually. It is best to begin on an acoustic guitar, because it helps to develop these skills better than the electric guitar.
GUITAR FACULTY
John Gurske
Listen to a sample of an acoustic guitar.
