Introduction:
A guitar is a stringed instrument used to make musical sounds and melodies and are used for different occasions and events and can also be used personally at home.
They are usually played by stroking or plucking the strings. Guitars can be played while sitting or standing. There are different types of guitars but they are usually very similar in appearance.
Types:
- Electric Guitar – this guitar needs amplification to make sounds and use pickups to do so.
- Ukulele - this is a Hawaiian guitar that primarily has 4 strings. It could have up to 8 strings.
- Classical guitar – also known as Spanish Guitars are guitars which trace their development to the Vihuela in Spain. It is made of gut or nylon.
- Flat-top also known as steel string guitars are guitars similar to classical but have a bigger and stronger body and framework
- Arch-top - this guitar looks more like a violin and is carved into a curvy frame.
- Bass - also known as electric bass guitar is similar to the electric guitar but is longer and usually has 4 strings but can have up to 6.
- Hybrid guitar - this is a guitar that possesses and combines both Acoustic and Electric guitar abilities.
Components:
- Head – also known as headstock is atop the neck as is in humans. It adjusts the strings which affects the sound
- Neck – this consists of a long wood with frets, fret-board, tuners, headstock, and truss rod attached to it.
- Nut – this is the white strip that is closest to the head. It controls the distance between each string.
- Pickups - convert mechanical string vibrations into electrical energy.
- Strings - guitar strings are usually 6 but could also range from 4-18 strings.
- Body - this is that huge part of the guitar that has the sound hole in the middle.
- Saddle – this is the part of the bridge that acts as support to the strings.
Conclusion:
Guitars are unique musical instruments that are a joy to listen to, which is why in almost every band there is usually a guitarist. But the downside is that acquiring and maintaining guitars is really expensive for middle class individuals. However, purchasing and owning a decent guitar is worth the trouble.