Posted on 02/11/2025 8:41:42 AM PST by Red Badger
NATIONAL GUITAR DAY
Each year on February 11, National Guitar Day strikes a chord with music lovers and musicians alike. This musical day honors one of the most iconic and versatile instruments in the world--the guitar. Whether you’re a beginner strumming your first chords or a seasoned professional shredding on stage, National Guitar Day is the perfect time to appreciate the instrument that has shaped countless music genres and inspired generations.
#NationalGuitarDay
The guitar’s roots trace back over 4,000 years. Records show stringed instruments appeared in ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. It wasn't until the 16th century the modern guitar evolved in Spain, later gaining popularity worldwide. From the classical guitar to the electric and bass guitars, its influence spans across folk, rock, jazz, blues, and pop music.
Fun Facts to String You Along
The oldest preserved guitar is believed to be from around 1581 and was built by Belchior Dias in Portugal. The most expensive guitar ever sold was a Fender Stratocaster and signed by several famous musicians. The guitar auctioned for $2.7 million to support tsunami relief efforts.
The longest guitar solo on record lasted over 100 hours!
A basic guitar has six strings made of steel and nylon that create a different sound when played. An acoustic guitar produces sound through the vibration of the strings. Experts recommend beginners start with an acoustic guitar because it allows your fingers to build strength. The electric guitar is oftentimes for the more advanced guitar player.
On average, it should only take a few weeks to learn the technique of guitar playing. Most guitar players will reach an intermediate skill level within a year of regular practice. Unsurprisingly, mastering the guitar, whether electric or acoustic, is a lifelong journey of dedication and practice.
6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL GUITAR DAY
Play your guitar. Whether you pick up an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar, take some time to play your favorite tunes or try something new.
Learn to play the guitar. If you've never played guitar, today is the perfect day to start! Sign up for a lesson, watch online tutorials, or challenge yourself with a new song.
Attend a live show. Support local artists or attend a concert featuring incredible guitarists.
Connect with fellow guitar players. Search your area for a guitar club or a group who meets occasionally.
Groups and clubs are a great way to get your motivated to keep learning.
Appreciate guitar legends. Listen to music by legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, or Andrés Segovia.
Share your music. Share your guitar talent on social media by posting a video of your playing using the hashtag #NationalGuitarDay.
National Guitar Day FAQs
Q: Do I need a guitar to celebrate?
A: Not at all! You can celebrate by listening to guitar music, attending a show, or learning about guitar history.
Q: Is this the same as National Electric Guitar Day?
A: No, National Electric Guitar Day is celebrated on November 27, honoring Jimi Hendrix’s birthday.
Join the celebration and let the music play on National Guitar Day!
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Notable Birthdays for February 11
Jarena Lee (1783-1864) - The first female preachers in the U.S.
Lydia Maria Child (1802-1880) - Outspoken activist.
William Anderson Pile (1829-1889) - Brevet Major General for the Union Army.
Josiah Willard Gibbs (1839-1903) - Physicist who created statistical mechanics and became the first person to earn a doctorate in engineering in the U.S.
Thomas Edison (1847-1931) - One of the most prolific inventors of all time.
Ellen Day Hale (1855-1940) - Famous Impressionist painter.
Arthur Davison (1881-1950) - Co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
Margaret Heldt (1918-2016) - hairdresser who is credited with creating the beehive hairstyle.
Roy De Forest (1930-2007) - Artist known for his comical creations and use of bright colors.
Tina Louise (1934-Still Living) - Actress who played Ginger on Gilligan's Island.
Gene Vincent (1935-1971) - Pioneer of Rockabilly music and singer of Be-Bop-a-Lula.
Burt Reynolds (1936-2018) - Actor known for his roles in The Longest Yard and Smokey and the Bandit.
Bobby "Boris" Pickett (1938-2007) - Singer of Monster Mash.
Sheryl Crow (1962-Still Living) - Successful singer known for her hits songs All I Wanna Do and Picture.
Jennifer Aniston (1969-Still Living) - Actress who played Rachel Green on the sitcom Friends.
Taylor Lautner (1992-Still Living) - Actor who gained worldwide fame as Jacob in the Twilight series.
Memorable Events for February 11
1793 - The first law requiring slaves be returned to their owners is passed in the U.S.
1794 - The first session of the U.S. Senate begins.
1808 - Jesse Fell experiments with using coal for heating homes.
1855 - Michigan State University is founded.
1861 - The House of Representatives unanimously passes a resolution to not interfere with slavery in any state.
1870 - Utah becomes the second territory to allow women to vote.
1973 - The first POWs in North Vietnam are released.
1999 - Scientists warn about harmful impacts of genetically modified food.
Was already playing this am and bever heard of this Day before.
I have a new found friend, a leuither who working/teaching this craft. I am $620 into a custom build and am already getting $1800 offers. We have 5 more cued up.
Building out an old guitar into a masterpiece is personally rewarding.
AXS TV, on Direct TV Satellite channel, is celebrating it today with interviews of famous guitarists.........
Check it out!.............
Top 3 guitar players?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeIxJzdPD0A
Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan............
Ooh. Stevie Ray. Yes.
Awesome. I have a friend who built a bass recently. He’s done a few things for me as well.
Very interesting.
I wish I had all my past guitars and amps...
Awesome history wise.. what about Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmore.
Always loved that.
Robert Johnson lightening Hopkins Derek Trucks
I'd have to go with:
Jimi Hendrix,
Alvin Lee,
Jeff Beck
Duane Allman said to his friend, didn’t I tell you Jeff Beck was going to be a monster?
Maybe I'm just a dumbass.
Been taking weekly lessons for almost a year, (and putting in three hours of practice/week).
I know maybe two dozen chords and can play a few Dylan tunes and a couple of Christian songs.
But I keep at it, if for no other reason than I'm just a stubborn old man.
Yep...to many to mention.
“I know maybe two dozen chords ....”
That’s two dozen more than me!.....................
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