The Influence of the Electric Guitar on The Evolution of Music In the history of civilization, music has had a profound impact on cultural development. Over the course of human history, human creativity has produced a plethora of different instruments and musical styles. But amidst the vast expanse of musical expression, the guitar has emerged as a versatile instrument that has revolutionized music. Although its definite origins are uncertain, the first six-string guitar is said to have originated during the 1700s (Heck). Structurally influenced by the lute, the first guitar was rudimentary compared to what would follow. As is the case with any development, the invention of the modern day electric guitar took time. In the 19th century, steel …show more content…
Not only did he discover new sounds that it could produce, but he also used it as a symbolic object with performance quality. His use of overdriven amplifiers with high gain and treble helped develop the technique of guitar amplifier feedback. He popularized the use of the wah-wah pedal, which produced exaggerated pitch in his solos. Often described as “otherworldly,” his electric guitar solos later influenced the transition from rock and roll to psychedelic rock. His solos became legendary and were groundbreaking during his time. In order to alter the pitch of his notes, he would maneuver the guitar’s tremolo arm to expertly create a trademark wavering sound (“Jimi”). Oftentimes, he implemented the effect of “fuzz boxes” or distortion, combined it with repetitive musical phrases reflective of blues, and drove the phrases with fast tempo power chords. His relationship with the electric guitar was intensely personal. On June 18, 1967, Hendrix performed at the Monterey International Pop Festival with his band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience (“The Jimi Hendrix”). At the end of his performance, he set his electric guitar on fire while on stage (“The Jimi Hendrix”). His flamboyant performance style oftentimes involved him playing with his elbow or even his teeth. During certain songs, such as “Wild Thing,” he imitated the distorted sound of an engine revving and held the guitar as if it was a phallic object. The thin, sleek body of the electric guitar allowed for more expressive, energetic performances. Sometimes, he would even thrust towards or lay on his guitar while performing. This highly sexualized performance became his signature and influenced later psychedelic rockers. The practice of sexualizing the electric guitar contributed to the counterculture aspect of rock and encouraged further creativity of other artists. Although I never realized the sexual aspect of