History and curiosities of the classical guitar
The history of the guitar has evolved as the instrument itself has.
Although there are pictorial recreations that attest to its existence in ancient times, the earliest surviving instruments, which bear no resemblance to the Spanish or classical guitar we know today, date back to the 16th century.
The luthier's trade was passed down from generation to generation, and the art of luthier crafting evolved into more advanced creations, adapting to both the guitar music being composed and the guitar-playing style of musicians of each era.
Over the years, the instrument has adapted to the artists, as each guitar is designed with the type of playing for which it will be used in mind. Furthermore, its size and shape have varied to achieve not only better handling but also greater musicality.
The material and number of strings used have also changed. The earliest surviving guitar has five pairs, but for much of its history there were only four. Today's guitar has a fixed number of six strings, although at times it was twice that number.
The type of wood used in its manufacture is another key factor in achieving the desired result. From the earliest surviving examples, there has usually been a clear preference for using spruce for the top and rosewood for the body. The neck and headstock are the parts that show the most variations throughout history and often differentiate one type of guitar from another.
Today, it could be said that there are as many types of guitars as there are musical possibilities offered by the most recognized and widespread stringed instrument in the world.
