The popularity of the instrument among the listening public is understandable considering the dexterity of the great performer. But the popularity of the instrument among would-be musicians is for a different reason. Few people can ever hope to reach the standard of the great musicians, but from a beginners viewpoint the instrument is easy to come to grips with and play to a sufficiently good standard to entertain self and friends.
Over its history the guitar has developed in different ways. Its soundbox has changed shape; steel strings and nylon strings are used for different effects. Even tuning varies, the six string guitar is tuned to fifths, but some guitarists tune the instrument to a chord, which makes fingering easier. Among folk singers the twelve string guitar is popular because of its suitability to strumming. But the Spanish classic guitarist Narciso Yepes, has recently given recitals on a specially constructed ten string guitar. Both these facts indicate that the days of experimenting with the guitar are not over, and perhaps a new instrument will be born out of the change.
D. Williams, U.6