International Guitar Month is observed in April and is the perfect time to strike its chords and produce some exquisite melodies. The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments. If you didn’t know how to play guitar until now then this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn! InterInternational Guitar Month is all about celebrating the delight of the sweet sounds of punk, rock, or whatever other genres of music the guitar features in that you would love to create or even listen to. Let’s grab our guitars and salute the musicians who shaped guitar music and inspired future guitar stars.
History of International Guitar Month
The Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) founded International Guitar Day in 1987 to promote guitar sales around the world.A plucked four-string instrument was named a guitar in the 14th century in Spain. It resembled a vihuela, a guitar-shaped instrument played in Spain. As far as the name is concerned, ‘guitar’ comes from ‘guitarra,’ a Spanish word. It is also assumed that ‘guitar’ is associated with the Latin word ‘cithara’ and the ancient Sanskrit word ‘tar,’ which means ‘string.’ Also, ‘guitarra latina’ was a curved-body instrument that comprised four strings and was used as a musical instrument in the medieval period in Europe. The contemporary guitar originated in Spain, however, the oldest surviving guitar-like instrument is from ancient Egypt.As centuries passed, the guitar went through many changes and transformed into something similar to the modern guitar. Yes, the first guitar was a lot different from what it looks like today. Guitars in the 16th century consisted of C-F-A-D tuning and were called baroque guitars. Later, a lower string E was added to it.In the 19th century, Antonio de Torres Jurado started building guitars that were similar to new acoustic guitars. It is assumed that most of the modern-day guitars are derivatives of Antonio’s designs. Thus, he was called the Stradivari of guitars (because another Antonio — Antonio Stradivari — was a world-famous violin maker.)George Beauchamp along with Adolph Rickenbacker made the first-ever electric guitar in the United States in the 20th century. Following this invention, a lot of other types of guitars are made in many variations.
International Guitar Month timeline
The Hittite civilization starts using guitars for entertainment purposes.
The lute is used across Europe and India.
The invention of the first acoustic guitar.
Guitars became famous musical instruments worldwide.
The first electric bass guitar is invented.
International Guitar Month FAQs
What are some of the types of guitars?
Well, there are so many types but the most popular ones include acoustic guitars, electric guitars, semi-acoustic guitars, bass guitars, electro-acoustic guitars.
What is the difference between a ukulele and a guitar?
Ukuleles are instruments similar to a guitar but they are way easier to play. The main difference between both of them is guitars have six strings while the ukulele comprises four strings only. Guitars offer a wider variety of range and tones as compared to a ukulele.
Which guitars are best for beginners?
Martin LX-1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top. Yamaha F335 Acoustic Guitar. Alvarez Regent 26 Classical Acoustic Guitar. Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Guitar. Martin Dreadnought Junior Acoustic Guitar.
How to Observe International Guitar Month
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Buy a guitar
International Guitar Month is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on your dream guitar. But why this month? Because almost all the guitar-making companies offer amazing discounts. Many famous stores mark down their prices this month and this is an ideal time to buy your favorite guitar. All beginners who are interested in buying a guitar at a reasonable price must mark their calendars so as not to forget to avail these marvelous offers.
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Attend a music festival
Our all-time favorite and one of the biggest music festivals takes place in April — Coachella. What's better than dancing and enjoying guitar music at the most famous music festival? Coachella is usually held in April and the celebration goes on for two weeks. Also, many other rock and roll guitar festivals are also celebrated in April.
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Write a song
How about writing a song, playing it on a guitar, and hosting your own small concert? If you don't know how to play guitar, there are thousands of tutorials available on the internet. It is all about your creativity.
5 Facts About Guitar
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Biggest guitar
The world's biggest functioning guitar is 43 feet long.
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Most expensive guitar
The most expensive guitar ever sold was for $2.8 million.
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Shortest Guitar
The shortest guitar is only 10 microns.
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Guitar forest
Pedro Martin Ureta, a farmer in Argentina made a forest in the shape of a guitar.
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Longest guitar marathon
David Browne from Ireland played the guitar for 114 hours, 6 minutes, and 30 seconds in a guitar marathon.
Why International Guitar Month is Celebrated
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It relieves anxiety
Listening to music can soothe your soul but playing an instrument has far better effects on your mind. By playing guitar, you can actually get over trauma. When you play guitar, you tend to concentrate solely on the instrument, which shifts your focus from worries of life towards the harmonized melody of the instrument. In this way, you can feel less anxious.
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Boosts your creativity
Playing guitar can help you improve your creativity. Guitarists who don’t stick to a single genre or a single type of guitar tend to have more creative thinking. They are open-minded and can tackle many kinds of instruments at a time. Also, producing new melodies is all about creativity, the more creative you get with your guitar, the more harmonized melody it’ll produce.
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Tribute to guitarists
International Guitar Month honors the most famous guitarists of all time. This month is celebrated to pay tribute to those musicians who paved the way for modern guitarists. Many events are organized to pay homage to all the amazing guitarists of the past and to recognize new artists.
International Guitar Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
