The history of the guitar

Passage preview

The earliest stringed instruments currently known to archaeologists are bowl harps. For millennia, people made bowl harps using, for example, tortoise shells as resonators, with a bent stick for a neck and one or more gut or silk strings. The world's museums contain many such harps from the ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, and Egyptian civilisations. Around 2500-2000 BC more advanced harps, such as the beautifully carved 11-stringedinstrument found in the tomb of Queen Shub-Ad in ancient Mesopotamia, now modern day Iraq, started to appear.

Vocabulary from this passage

8 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.

aesthetic adjective

Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty; a set of principles guiding an artistic movement

The building's design reflects a minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes function over ornamentation.

distinguish verb

To recognize or treat someone or something as different; to perceive a difference

It is often difficult to distinguish between the two closely related viral strains.

evolve verb

To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form

Political systems evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the population.

millennia noun

A period of a thousand years, often used in plural to denote a very long period

Human civilization has utilized stone tools for millennia before the advent of metalworking.

norm noun

Something that is usual, typical, or standard; a required standard or pattern

Remote work has become the norm for many technology companies post-pandemic.

radically adverb

In a thorough or fundamental way; completely or extensively

The internet has radically altered how information is disseminated globally.

relic noun

an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest

The museum displays ancient relics recovered from the sunken vessel.

revolutionary adjective

Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change

The development of antibiotics was a revolutionary step in modern medicine.

Answers with explanations

1. 1. FALSE

   The statement claims the instrument in Queen Shub-Ad's tomb is the **oldest known** harp. The text states that **bowl harps** are the **earliest** stringed instruments known. The instrument in the tomb is described as a **more advanced** harp that appeared much later (2500-2000 BC), contradicting the claim that it is the oldest. Answer: FALSE.

2. 2. TRUE

   The statement claims the **Afghan panchtar** is similar to an **ancient Mesopotamian** instrument. The text confirms that instruments found in **ancient Mesopotamian** ruins have survived in **almost unchanged form**, explicitly citing the **Afghan panchtar** as an example. Answer: TRUE.

3. 3. NOT GIVEN

   The statement claims Har-Mose was an **excellent** player. The text identifies him as an **Egyptian singer** and describes his **tanbur**, but gives **no information** about his skill level or proficiency as a player. Answer: NOT GIVEN.

4. 3-4: FALSE

   3: The statement claims Har-Mose was an **excellent** player. The text identifies him as an **Egyptian singer** and describes his **tanbur**, but gives **no information** about his skill level or proficiency as a player. Answer: NOT GIVEN.

   4: The statement claims the Cairo Archaeological Museum contains **many** historic instruments. The text mentions that Har-Mose's tanbur can be seen there, but does **not mention** the presence or quantity of **other** instruments. Answer: NOT GIVEN.

5. 4. NOT GIVEN

   The statement claims the Cairo Archaeological Museum contains **many** historic instruments. The text mentions that Har-Mose's tanbur can be seen there, but does **not mention** the presence or quantity of **other** instruments. Answer: NOT GIVEN.

6. 5. TRUE

   The statement claims the **Alaca Huyuk** carving is **consistent with Dr Kasha's definition**. The text explicitly links the carving to Kasha's definition by stating it is a **representation of such an instrument** and describing its features (long neck, curved sides) which match the definition provided. Answer: TRUE.

7. 6. FALSE

   The statement claims instruments in medieval literature had the **same number of strings**. The text states there were **variations** with **from three to five strings**, directly contradicting the idea that the number was the same. Answer: FALSE.

8. 7. chartar

   The table asks for the earlier instrument from which the **Chitarra** developed. The text states that the **Chitarra** came into existence when the **Persian chartar** arrived in Spain and changed form. The answer is **chartar** (or chart).

9. 8. body

   The question requires a noun representing a part of the guitar modified by **Antonio Torres**. The text states that Torres **increased the size of the** **body**. This fits the context of modifications leading to the modern shape. Answer: body.

10. 9. volume

    The question asks what was improved alongside **tone**. The text states the design **increased the volume** and **improved the tone**. The word **volume** completes the pair of improvements. Answer: volume.

11. 10. America

    The question asks where the **X-braced top** guitar was first made. The text explains that **German immigrants to America** began making them. The location specified is **America**. Answer: America.

12. 11. steel

    The question asks for the material of the **strings** available around **1900**. The text mentions **Steel strings** became available in the **early 1900s**. Answer: steel.

13. 12. pickups

    The question asks what was **added** to guitars in the **1920s**. The text states the **electric guitar** was born when **pickups** were fitted (added). Answer: pickups.

14. 13. Gibson

    The question asks who brought out a **well-known version**. The text states that **Gibson** introduced its **famous ES150 model**. Answer: Gibson.

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