Guitar Music, History, Players

9780789459633

0789459639

The definitive history of the world's most celebrated and popular musical instrument, from its origins 3,000 years ago to the music and players of the new millennium. Origins and Evolution: The guitar's immense popularity is extraordinary - this highly versatile instrument is played by over 50 million people throughout the world. In this encyclopedic history, leading authority Richard Chapman traces the story of the world's favorite musical instrument, examining its origins, the music it has inspired, and the many artists who have shaped its evolution. Combining superb images and an insightful narrative with a fresh evaluation of written and recorded music, Guitar presents an indispensable survey of a cultural phenomenon. Players and Instruments: Featuring over 300 of the world's most outstanding players and groups, Guitar examines in depth over 60 crucial and pivotal artists in the development of guitar music. With several detailed analyses of compositions, playing styles, and preferred instruments, Richard Chapman profiles figures as influential and varied as Merle Travis, Sabicas, Wes Montgomery, and Jeff Beck. Key guitars used for composing, performing and recording are illustrated and assessed - from African folk instruments and traditional Spanish guitars to modern acoustic and electric instruments. Music and Influences: From its historic antecedents in early cultures to the myriad and diverse guitar styles of today, Guitar looks at the instrument's staggering spread around the globe. Tracing the development of the instrument from earliest times to the dominance and iconic status of the electric guitar in popular music, this informative and absorbing book is an unrivaled celebration of the guitar, its players, and their music.