Few instruments have shaped music the way the guitar has. From backyard strumming to sold-out arenas, guitars are at the heart of nearly every genre. However, not all guitars are created equal. Each style has its own voice, look, and role in music history.
Let’s break down the major types, their unique traits, and why they continue to inspire musicians everywhere.
Acoustic Guitars
What makes them unique: Acoustics produce sound naturally through their hollow wooden bodies, with no need for amps. They’re versatile and portable. As a result, they’re a favorite for beginners, singer-songwriters, and folk musicians.
Famous brands: Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Takamine.
Genres: Folk, country, pop, singer-songwriter, unplugged performances.
Fun fact: The steel-string acoustic guitar, as we know it today, became popular in the early 1900s. Since then, it has remained a classic.
Electric Guitars
What makes them unique: Unlike acoustics, electric guitars rely on pickups and amplifiers to create sound. This means endless tonal possibilities, effects, and volume levels that can shake stadiums.
Famous brands: Fender (Stratocaster, Telecaster), Gibson (Les Paul, SG), PRS, Ibanez.
Genres: Rock, blues, jazz, punk, metal.
Fun fact: The invention of the Fender Stratocaster in 1954 forever changed rock ’n’ roll. For example, legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Buddy Holly made it their signature sound.
Bass Guitars
What makes them unique: Bass guitars lay down the low-end foundation that drives rhythm and groove. They usually have four strings, although 5- and 6-string models exist. Because of this, bass lines hold songs together and bring the groove to life.
Famous brands: Fender Precision Bass, Gibson Thunderbird, Ibanez, Music Man.
Genres: Funk, jazz, reggae, rock, hip-hop — basically everything that needs rhythm.
Fun fact: The first mass-produced electric bass was the Fender Precision in 1951. As a result, modern bands were never the same again.
Other Notable Styles
- Classical Guitars: Nylon strings and a softer sound, great for classical, Latin, and flamenco music.
- 12-String Guitars: Double the strings creates a fuller, chiming sound, often used in folk-rock.
- Hollow Body Electrics: Known for their warm, jazzy tones (think B.B. King’s iconic “Lucille”).
Guitars & Music History
The guitar’s roots go back thousands of years. Early stringed instruments like the lute and oud inspired the modern designs we know today. By the 16th century, the guitar began to take shape in Spain. Consequently, it evolved into the classical and flamenco guitars still beloved today.
Fast forward to the early 1900s, and steel-string acoustics became a staple of American folk and country music. Companies such as Martin and Gibson set the standard with designs that are still in production today.
In the 1930s and 40s, jazz musicians needed louder instruments. Therefore, the first electric guitars were invented. The Rickenbacker “Frying Pan” is often credited as the first commercially successful model. This innovation paved the way for icons like the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster in the 1950s. These guitars defined rock ’n’ roll and became the weapon of choice for legends like Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton.
By the 1960s and 70s, the guitar wasn’t just an instrument — it was a symbol of rebellion, freedom, and cultural change. From the psychedelic solos of Hendrix to the heavy riffs of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, the electric guitar reshaped popular music forever.
The 1980s brought shredders and virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen. His innovative playing pushed the guitar into new territory. Meanwhile, bassists like Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Geddy Lee (Rush) proved that the bass guitar could take center stage.
Today, guitars remain central to nearly every genre, from country and pop to punk, metal, and indie. Whether it’s an unplugged acoustic session or a stadium-filling rock anthem, the guitar continues to evolve while staying true to its timeless roots.
Why It Matters at WWJP
At Worldwide Jewelry & Pawn, we see all kinds of guitars come through our doors — acoustic, electric, bass, and beyond. In addition, we carry both modern models and vintage treasures. Whether you’re a first-time player or an experienced musician hunting for your next instrument, we’ve got options to fit your style, your genre, and your budget.
So, whether you dream of strumming around a campfire or headlining the next big stage, your guitar story starts here.