The Electric Guitar: A Graphic History (Amazing Inventions)

Yes, electric guitars evolved from acoustic guitars, but this volume in the Amazing Inventions series (4 titles) shows that the story behind electric guitars is much more complex. Starting with the lute and the guitarra latina (considered the first guitar), the detailed yet easy-to-read text traces innovations made to the acoustic guitar and the introduction of an electrified version. While electric guitars became popular band instruments in the early 1900s, their volume was limited. Integrating a STEAM component, the book transitions to guitar inventors, like Les Paul, who tackled this problem by redesigning electric guitars and experimenting with amps. Its final section offers a sampling of famous electric guitar players, such as Bo Diddley, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Joan Jett, and how they continued to experiment with electric guitar sounds. The graphic-novel format gives this high-interest topic even more appeal with color depictions of inventors and musicians in action. Up-close images and diagrams also reveal a variety of guitars and how these instruments and amps work. A fascinating look at the relationship between technology and music.—starred, Booklist