Encoded Trivia #32

About This Answer

The standard acoustic and electric guitar has six strings, tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E from lowest to highest pitch. According to the Smithsonian Institution, the six-string guitar evolved in Spain during the 18th century from earlier stringed instruments. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses historical guitars showing the development of the modern six-string design. Guitar historians note that the standardization of six strings created the foundation for modern popular music. This configuration provides the perfect balance between range and playability, influencing virtually every genre of popular music from classical to rock.