The most widely played musical instrument in the world, the guitar is also the basis of American popular music. From the birth of a daring new musical style--the blues--to jazz, rock 'n' roll, and "techno rock," from Muddy Waters to Elvis to Eddie Van Halen, it has transcended the boundaries of mere instrument to become a true work of art and a cultural icon, its revolutionary transformations paralleling those of American society. Hundreds of close-up color photographs and expert text trace the development of the many types of guitar along with its musical and social legacy, since the early 1800s when C. F Martin first experimented with a radical new design--steel strings--through Gibson's hand-carved flat-tops, Fender's electric Stratocaster model, and today's high-tech marvels, including the 42-string Pikasso II. A fascinating excursion into guitar history, this is also an invaluable reference for the musician, collector, and music fan.