A Very Short History of the Acoustic Guitar

The Acoustic Guitar’s Ancient Roots
The story of the acoustic guitar goes back further than most people think — way beyond Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash. The earliest ancestors of the guitar date back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. These early instruments had strings and hollow bodies, much like the modern acoustic, but were more like lutes than guitars.

The Spanish Breakthrough
The instrument we recognize today started to take shape in Spain in the 1700s and 1800s. But the big leap came from a man named Antonio Torres Jurado in the mid-19th century. Torres revolutionized the acoustic guitar by increasing the body size, refining the hourglass shape, and inventing fan bracing — a technique that allowed the top of the guitar to vibrate more freely, creating a richer and louder sound.

His innovations became the blueprint for all modern acoustic guitars — from budget-friendly beginner models to high-end collectibles.

Why It Still Matters
The acoustic guitar remains one of the most versatile instruments in the world. It’s the first choice for countless beginners — and a forever companion for singer-songwriters and pros alike. And yes — that same Torres-style build is still the gold standard.

Thinking of Buying an Acoustic?
You don’t need a time machine (or a huge budget) to get a great one. At Morris Guitar Company, we stock used and refurbished acoustics that sound fantastic and won’t break the bank.