Construction:
- Ancient guitars, such as the lute and vihuela, were typically made of wood, with a rounded body and a neck with frets.
- Modern guitars are also made of wood, but they have a more standardized design with a flat back, a curved body, and a truss rod to adjust the neck's curvature.
Strings:
- Ancient guitars had fewer strings than modern guitars, typically four to six strings.
- Modern guitars typically have six strings, although variations with seven, eight, or more strings exist.
Tuning:
- Ancient guitars had various tuning systems, which varied by region and period.
- Modern guitars are typically tuned in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E).
Playing Techniques:
- Ancient guitars were played with a variety of techniques, including plucking, strumming, and fingerpicking.
- Modern guitars are played using a broader range of techniques, including various picking and strumming patterns, as well as advanced techniques like tapping, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.
Musical Roles:
- In ancient times, guitars were primarily used for accompanying vocal music, as solo instruments, or as part of small ensembles.
- In modern music, guitars are widely used in a diverse range of genres, from classical and folk to rock, pop, blues, and jazz. They can serve various roles, such as lead instrument, rhythm instrument, or both.
These differences highlight the evolution of the guitar over time, with modern guitars incorporating numerous innovations and refinements that have expanded their capabilities and broadened their musical applications.