Physics of the Acoustic
Guitar
www.musiciansfriend.com
Nick Sloat
Physics 212
April 16, 2003
Stringed instruments are most likely the oldest type of musical instruments.
The acoustic guitar has been around since the 1500's, and is the most common
stringed instrument used today. The guitar is one of the most versatile
instruments in existence, being used in virtually every style of music. It
can produce a wide range of sounds depending upon the style of the guitar
and the type of strings used on it. The two main styles of acoustic guitars
are the nylon-stringed and the steel-stringed. Nylon-stringed guitars are
used mainly for styles such as classical music and flamenco. Steel-stringed
guitars are most commonly associated with country and folk music.
Physics plays
a role in just about every aspect of our lives, and the acoustic guitar
is no exception. This site will look at the physics that make it possible
for us to enjoy the music created by the acoustic guitar.