2013/09/17

The Anatomy of a Guitar

A guitar produces such intricate, distinct and rhythmic sounds because of its parts; it is a combination of mechanical and functional precision and fine artistry inherited from past generations of similar string instruments. It is not just a bunch of strings grouped together but tied separately; from its head down to its curvy waist, each part, each string, each notch, each bar represents a significant function in this seemingly common but timeless and essential string instrument.
The headstock is located at the top of the guitar. It houses one end of each of the six strings, each tied to a mechanical tuning knob. The tune of the strings is a function of its tension or tightness around the knobs, and can be adjusted by turning the knobs clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Keeping each string in place and evenly separated is the nut, located at the bottom of the headstock, just before the first fret. The nut has six grooves corresponding to each string.
The neck represents the lengthiest part of the guitar. It houses the fretboard, where each unequal segment represents one fret, and the number of frets is determined by the guitar's size. The fretboard is where the fingers are placed to create rhythmic guitar sounds. Each fret produces a different sound as denoted by its varying lengths across the neck, and each fret, combined with the distinct tone of each string produces a more complex but harmonious sound when the finger placement and strumming (or plucking) are both done precisely. The closer the fret is to the sound hole, the higher the produced key or pitch is.
Housing the conspicuous sound hole is the body of the guitar. The sound hole is usually proportional to the guitar's overall size as it serves as an amplifier or resonator. The six strings traverse the sound hole but these do not lie directly over it. If the nut keeps the "top" end of the strings in place, the bridge and the saddle secure the "bottom" or other end of the strings, but unlike the headstock, this part of the guitar base is unadjustable, it merely serves as an anchor.
Last but certainly the most essential are the strings, commonly referred to by the collective term "chords" (but sometimes, "chords" can also refer to guitar notes). The strings increase in thickness in ascending order, meaning the thinnest and highest-pitched string is located at the bottom (in relation to the ground), while the thickest and lowest-pitched string is located at the top, above all the other strings. As mentioned, to produce a rhythmic sound, the chords are pressed against the fretboard, with each note corresponding to a finger pattern as determined by which string is pressed on which fret.

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