HISTORY OF THE GUITAR

Its origin is not clear because many similar instruments were played in the past.

There are two main hypotheses about its origin:

1- Greek-Roman culture.

2- The Muslim invasion in Spain.

(According to this , the guitar comes from the Greek-Roman culture However, many experts say that the Spanish guitar comes from the Arabic, which was introduced by Islam culture.)

Middle ages

“The Moorish” and “The Latin”.

The Moorish: oral and similar to the Arabian lute.

he Latin

The Latin: joining rings, a long neck and with a peg box similar to a violin’s.

16^thCentury

In this century, the Spanish musicians started to compose with this instrument,

17^th Century

Vicente Espinel introduced the fifth string to the instrument.

(Click here for more info)

18^th And 19^th Century

These centuries were really important for the instrument:

- Jacob Otto added a sixth string, the most significant change ever made.

- Francisco Tarrega introduced a new modern way to play the instrument.

20^th Century

Jose Ramírez and Narciso Yepes introduced four more strings. The second, played it for the first time in Berlin in 1964.