However, the feedback created by traditional hollow-bodied guitars prompted some players and makers to try and develop more suitable designs. In fact, both Vivi-Tone and Rickenbacker created what were essentially solid-bodied Spanish guitars in 1934 and 1935...
Van Halen Engineer on Recording Band’s Debut LP: ‘They Were Disappointed With the Sound; It’s Not What They Had in Mind’
Engineer Donn Landee looked back on working with Van Halen on the iconic band's 1978 self-titled debut album, noting how the band's members were initially disappointed in its sound.Even though it would go on to redefine rock music for a whole generation, 1978's "Van...
Archtop acoustic (and eventually electric)
The creation of the archtop guitar is usually credited to Orville Gibson. Violin-like sound holes, or F-holes, a curved top and back, and an adjustable bridge were among the design features that gave the archtop increased volume and tone.Gibson found that, by making...
Modern Acoustic Guitar Born
Even today, almost two centuries after its invention, the flat top guitar continues to be the most popular form of acoustic guitar. It was developed by Christian Frederick Martin, a German-born American luthier who made his first guitar in the United States in the...
Rex Brown Names Pantera’s Two Key Influences: ‘That’s What It Was All About’
Bassist Rex Brown named ZZ Top and Van Halen as Pantera's two core influences, noting how it was where his band's "Stomp Boogie" roots began.Pantera has indebted heavy music in a whole list of ways, including giving the genre a much needed kick in the butt when the...
The First Modern Guitar in History
In the early 19th century, the guitar looked very close to a six-string instrument but was smaller in size. In the mid-1800s, Antonio de Torres Jurado, a Spanish musician and luthier, began creating the guitar style that would give rise to all modern guitars. Although...
Robin Trower on Why He Ditched His Gibson for the Fender Stratocaster: ‘Once I Had It, I Only Used the Strat’
Six-string icon Robin Trower recalled how his career-long relationship with the Stratocaster began, noting how he "left the Gibson at home" the moment he got Fender's iconic ax.The debate of Fender vs Gibson has been going on between guitar players since time...
Math on Guitar Construction
Mathematics plays an important and fundamental role in various types of work and daily activities. Mathematics is directly or indirectly involved in these activities. Starting from simple things to complex things. Buying and selling transactions, cooking, etc.One of...
How Black Sabbath Ended Up Playing Deep Purple’s ‘Smoke on the Water’ During Band’s Weird Period
Earlier this month, we here at Ultimate Guitar marked the 40th anniversary of Black Sabbath's "Born Again" album. The record featured Deep Purple's Ian Gillan joining the three original members after a wild night of drinking. Sure, the combination was shockingly...
Steve Vai Recalls Frank Zappa Piece That Became a ‘Recurring Nightmare’: ‘I Had to Keep All These Things Under My Fingers’
Steve Vai looked back on the origins of Frank Zappa's song "Alien Orifice" and how it became a "recurring nightmare" for the then-aspiring guitarist.Given his extensive education and talent, Steve Vai proved to be a guitarist that could tackle anything thrown at him...










