February 11 is known as National Guitar Day, a day to honor that iconic and versatile instrument known as the guitar.
The guitar is a widely appreciated instrument, valued by beginners learning their first chords and professionals performing on stage. Its pleasant sound is enjoyed by many fans of guitar music.
The History of the Guitar
Dating back over 4,000 years to Mesopotamia and Egypt, the guitar evolved into its modern form in Spain and later gained worldwide popularity. Whether it's a classical, electric, or bass guitar, its influence spans a wide range of musical genres, including folk, rock, jazz, blues, and pop.
The Basic Guitar
Experts recommend beginners start with an acoustic guitar, which produces sound via string vibration and helps build finger strength, while electric guitars are often preferred by more advanced players
My Love of the Guitar
I entered college in the the Fall of 1959, which was a time of the popularity of Folk Music performed by such iconic groups as The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, and dozens more. All of these groups had at least one member playing the guitar. Having attended a Kingston Trio concert at my college in the Fall of 1959, I became an instant fan of both Folk Music and the guitar. My roommates and I played the recordings of these groups, particularly of the Kingston Trio, over and over, singing along until we knew all the words to each song!
By the next semester, I had met the guitar-playing, folk-music-loving guy that I ended up marrying. While in college, he played the guitar and sang folk songs, along with two fraternity brothers, all over campus. Over the years, he continued to play the guitar and sing, occasionally with friends, but mostly to me. Naturally, I loved it. :)
As the years went by, hubby’s musical talent showed up in our youngest son, who played 3 instruments before settling on the guitar as his main musical outlet. Son had his own band for a bit, before life and family obligations took up the time. Now, one of his sons, who is proficient on the violin, is currently teaching himself how to play the guitar. From hubby, to son to grandson, the guitar has played a part in our family’s lives. It truly is an instrument we all have enjoyed, either playing or listening.
Summary
So, on February 11th, get out your guitar and play, or simply listen to some good guitar music as a way to celebrate this musical holiday.
*This review of National Guitar Day has been written by Wednesday Elf
+Images in this article are from Pixabay and personal photos of Wednesday Elf
Guitars and related products.....
The guitar is not an instrument I ever picked up to play, but we do have a couple of guitarist in our family. It is definitely an easier instrument to "carry your own" wherever you go. Band members certainly make playing a guitar look easy, but I know at least one person who would quickly tell you that it is not as easy as it looks. I think it is just easier to practice on it because it can be carried from room to room, or place to place, almost effortlessly. I don't believe you have ever told me that your husband played or that he was in a band. That is very cool!!!
ReplyDeleteI, too, grew up loving folk and folk rock, and I took up the guitar (self-taught) in high school so I could accompany myself when I performed at coffee houses in the late 60s. I continued to perform publicly throughout my college years and was even hired by the college to perform at some events. I love that both you and your husband loved playing guitar!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing thing to be a part of such a musical family. There’s so much more added life when there is music in house from singing and playing instruments. I had no idea of course that Feb 11 is national guitar day! Oh and my son plays guitar and was in a band. Is it wrong, I’ve always wanted to be in a girl band! Next life if we get one, I’m putting in dibs!
ReplyDelete