Guitar
Guitar is the sound of rock but it’s ability to adapt is endless! Find out more about the guitar family!
Combining the most significant elements of the classical and popular tradition our common aim is to produce a good guitarist who is also a well-rounded musician. Singing and song-writing are strongly encouraged and established students can diversify to include the myriad guitar styles in their repertoire including jazz, folk, classical, rock and pop.
Pick your axe…
Classical Guitar
Classical guitar is sometimes known as the spanish guitar due to its Spanish roots along with the fact that many Spanish composers favoured it as an instrument! Although often played solo, it isn’t unusual for classical pieces to require multiple guitars to complete the sound. The classical guitar makes a great starting instrument due to the nylon strings being easier under fingers for young musicians, while building up the skills to play any of the guitars below.
Did you know? During the classical guitars evolution the number of strings on a guitar have changed but most guitars have 6 strings now.
Acoustic Guitar
A favourite instrument of country and folk musicians, the acoustic guitar fits in just as well on the big stage or studio as it does sat around a campfire or on the beach. This instrument is a favourite for songwriters due to it’s impressive ability to write accompaniment and melody all at the same time!
Did you know? The oldest acoustic guitar is over 3500 years old and found in egypt.
Electric Guitar
A favourite of the likes of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen; the electric guitar practically created its own genre! Beyond Rock the electric guitar is now a staple in almost every genre, sometimes appearing in odd or unusual ways the electric guitar has proven itself to be a malleable instrument!
Did you know? In May 2022 Kurt Cobain’s 1969 Fender Mustang sold for a whopping $4.5million!!
Bass Guitar
As the electric guitar got louder the Double Bass had to keep up, which resulted in the Electric Bass! Since competing with the guitar the electric bass has taken a much wider role in music and it is now hard to find a type of music which doesn’t include the electric bass in one form or another!
Did you know? There is a type of bass called Slap Bass which is widely used in funk music and was actually invented by Drake’s uncle, Larry Graham.
Ukulele
The Ukulele originates from Hawaii, however its roots actually lay in Portugal. The Ukulele has 4 strings which are tuned similarly to the bottom strings of a guitar apart from the top string is higher than all of the others! Another great member of the guitar family to start with due to its size, shape and pitch fitting children well!
Did you know? It is actually pronounced “OO-koo-LAY-lay” which is Hawaiian for jumping flea!
