1. George Beauchamp: Beauchamp is often credited as one of the co-inventors of the electric guitar. In 1931, he worked with electrical engineer Adolph Rickenbacker to develop the "Frying Pan" guitar, which is widely regarded as one of the first solid-body electric guitars. Beauchamp's contribution was primarily focused on the design of the guitar's pickup.
2. Adolph Rickenbacker: Rickenbacker is another key figure in the history of the electric guitar. He was a businessman and musician who, together with George Beauchamp, founded the Rickenbacker Guitar Company. Although he did not invent the electric guitar himself, he was instrumental in promoting and commercializing the Frying Pan guitar and other early electric guitar models.
3. Leo Fender: Leo Fender is another notable inventor who revolutionized the electric guitar. In the 1940s, he developed the Fender Telecaster, which is considered one of the most influential electric guitar designs in history. Fender also went on to create the Stratocaster, another iconic electric guitar model.
4. Les Paul: Les Paul (Lester Polsfuss) is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the solid-body electric guitar. In the 1940s, he collaborated with the Gibson Guitar Corporation to develop the Gibson Les Paul guitar, which became a staple in the world of rock and blues music.
5. Paul Barth: Paul Barth is another key figure who contributed to the advancement of electric guitar technology. He developed the humbucking pickup in the 1950s, which reduced noise and hum in electric guitars and became a widely adopted design.
It's worth noting that the invention of the electric guitar was a collaborative effort involving multiple individuals, each making their own unique contributions. While Adolph Rickenbacker and Paul Tutmarc played important roles in the development and commercialization of early electric guitars, they were not the sole inventors.