The guitar’s design is one of the most iconic and evocative in the world of musical instruments. Over the past 150 years, its evolution has been as much about functionality as it has been about form. From the elegant curves of the classical guitar to the sleek, sharp lines of modern electrics, the shape of a guitar speaks directly to the senses. For many, it is love at first sight—a visual attraction that compels them to pick it up, feel its contours, and cradle it like an extension of their own being. The first guitar I bought was a Tanglewood Acoustic guitar with a cutaway. I was 18 and so excited about it, and loved the racing curves of the cutaway, a little pocket of space where i could play solos (badly) at the 12th fret.
This initial interaction was deeply kinaesthetic. I didn't realise it until much later, but the physical relationship with a guitar was so important. some guitars just felt right, and others didn't.
Long before the first note is played, a beginner’s relationship with the guitar begins through touch. The act of holding it—feeling the gentle weight, the smooth neck, and the polished surface—creates a bond that goes beyond music. It’s as if the instrument is inviting the player into a musical partnership. This tactile connection fosters an intrinsic desire to nurture the guitar, to care for it, and ultimately, to learn to master it. For many beginners, this physical relationship is a profound moment in their journey, one that lays the foundation for everything to come.
Daily Inspiration
The symbiosis between musician and instrument continues to grow as the guitar transitions from being a visual and tactile object to a source of sound. But even then, the kinaesthetic experience remains central. The vibration of the strings under the fingers, the way the body resonates against the player’s chest, and the delicate precision of chord shapes—all these elements remind us that music-making is as much about feeling as it is about hearing. The beginner’s journey is thus a layered exploration: visual attraction leads to physical connection, which in turn blossoms into auditory creation.
Wrapping Up
As a guitar teacher, nurturing this symbiotic relationship is a privilege. By helping students understand the significance of these early tactile and visual moments, I aim to deepen their appreciation for the guitar as not just a tool for music but as a companion in creativity. The guitar’s shape isn’t merely aesthetic—it’s a gateway to inspiration, one that has called to musicians for generations and will continue to do so for centuries to come. I tell my students, especially the ones that may be a little time-poor, to pick the guitar up and hold it, every day. They laugh at this idea initally but i see them pondering the idea nonetheless.
“A guitar is like an old friend that is there with me.“