The classical guitar has ancient origins, which are not fully understood, and has taken various forms throughout its evolution.
It may have developed within Europe, or have been introduced by the Arabs, and possible ancestors include the Ancient Greek kithara and various lutes from Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Egypt. In Europe, plucked lutes appeared in the Middle Ages.
The guitar’s development can be accurately traced from the Renaissance. The lute and, in Spain, the guitar-like vihuela de mano, were popular, and the early guitar appeared in …