Guitar vs. New Trends

Everyone loves a great axe! And when it comes down to those bold explosive solos, like those legends of rock n roll or tavern troubadours strumming their soulful and stirring ballads, these instruments have set the standard and formed the cornerstone of sonic vibrance that we all  appreciate and hear in the popular music of today and of the past.

These six string instruments have captivated many hearts and souls, and the luthiers of these creations are ever more exploring new grounds for innovations that will, in some respects, continue in buttressing the guitar as a lead instrument for musicians well into the future.

Am I overstating the fact? Or, is there another instrument about to take the lead position and supersede the guitar? Is there maybe another genre of music emerging that will introduce another instrument, maybe one we’ve never seen or heard of before, or even thought to have ever been imagined to have ever existed?

The Great and Ever Enduring Appeal for the Guitar

The imbued ‘magical’ qualities that some artists have equated with the guitar are legendary. Due to its versatility for expression, it has been established as a favorite instrument across many genres in the music world. The spectrum of emotions expressed through the guitar, from the intricate melodic passages of jazz, the howling’s of blues, the elation of rhythm in pop, to the raw and energetic power thundering through rock and metal warrants that the guitar will continue with reverence.

The boundaries are continually being pushed and expanded as new materials and technologies come onboard. With the advent of 3D printing, carbon fiber and other new composite materials, the field is wide open for exploring new terrain. Advancements in guitar technology have introduced such things as multi-scale necks or fan-frets, improvements in pickups and the likes, that are really pushing the boundaries to what can be manipulated on the guitar. Also, digital integration has had quite an effect with UI software and effects that take sound and connect-ability to new heights. Qualities that stretch sonic and tonal ranges, opening the imaginations for artists. The achievements are both astounding and awe inspiring. Quite the cocktail for a NAMM show.

Stiff Competition and Challenges

Competition is always good for evolution in defining musical instruments. However, when it comes to evolving trends in music and the genres that come about, some things tend to fall behind while others will take the limelight. Case in point, the synthesizer and digital production. These two combined make a pretty spicy burrito and have dominated the music industry for quite some time now. The sonic soundscapes are beyond the imagination given the wide palette of sound patches with the added ability to edit, manipulate, and loop these patches into whatever witches brew the artists or producers can muster up.

Think of the electronic music scene. Since the digital age, genres like hip-hop, EDM, pop and rave have all benefited from the innovative and flexible nature of digital sounds and instruments. These tools are also quite affordable and thus ubiquitous, making it easier for musicians, of all levels, to grab hold of and create sophisticated musical arrangements. No training or traditional learning skills are needed. I guess you can say the field is ripe for the autodidact.

The Hybrid Approach

Is hybridism the next step in the future of the music industry? Maybe! Musicians are already blending traditional instruments with the electronic world. Sometime ago a nuclear explosion went off creating ‘genre fusion’ and ‘electro-acoustic music’. This is where the kitchen sink of burritos comes into play. It’s a combination of sorts where metal, rock, jazz, and hip-hop are wrapped within a guitar tortilla. I could be wrong, but this is how I am thinking at the moment. Think of Tim Henson of Polyphia, and his incredible machinations on guitar. Can you pass the salsa, please?

In Conclusion

As an ‘influential’ instrument, the guitar will most likely continue to be significant in its role towards future music creations. The driving forces that are ever present will be the various genres and evolutionary instruments that are assured to be more comprehensive and diverse, as time rolls on. The blending of the traditional and digital music in the electronic age will definitely be one to experience, as we see new innovations and modes of creativity reveal what’s in store for the future. However, the role of the guitar may evolve, and may still hold the position as a lead instrument, but it will adapt, and it will continue to be a powerful weapon of musical persuasion and expression. It will always be a powerful tool for those who wield it. Unless of course the Pied Piper finds a new fandangle instrument to swoon the masses. Sorry to ask again, but can you please pass the salsa!

Huge congratulations to J.Á.H.!

J.Á.H. secured the #2 spot with his latest track ‘DREAMS I HAVE’ on the UK Talk Radio Charts! Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring. Keep shining and reaching new heights!

#JAH, #TalkRadioSuccess, #OnTheRise,

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