It has come to my attention that hardly anyone knows who invented the first electric guitar. Also, these types of questions do not have one simple answer. It’s like asking who invented the internet.
Common Misconceptions:
Many people think that Les Paul invented the first electric guitar. This is false. Les Paul came up with the first solid body electric guitar.
“Leo Fender invented the first one” – Nope, he didn’t
Many also believe that Paul H. Tutmarc invented the first electric. This is also false. This guy invented a Hawaiian electric guitar in the 1930s I believe.
So Who Invented The First Electric Guitar?
Adolph Rickenbacker is the inventer of the first modern amplifiable electric guitar. It was a semi-hollow body guitar with sound holes. The first complete setup was in 1931, but it had all began in Los Angeles, California in the 1920s. Read Rickenbacker’s history.
The first solid body electric guitar was invented by Les Paul in 1941. It wasn’t a pretty sight like the Les Paul’s you see today, but it was still the first in it’s class. It was basically a solid square wooden body with 6 steel strings on a neck. In the 1950′s The Gibson company got together with Les Paul to present the Gibson Les Paul we all know today.
It was later in the 1940s when Leo Fender invented his first electric guitar naming it the Broadcaster. It was not long until they renamed it as the Telecaster. Then later inventing it’s bigger brother the “Stratocaster” as an upgrade (don’t tell the tele lovers that!)
August 28th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I thought it was Les Paul, thank you for clearing that up.
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:10 am
i thought it was george beauchamp so who is it?
March 15th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Actually in the book Les Paul Legacy 1915-1963 it says on page 68, I believe? That one of the first electric guitars was made from the company Stella in 1935. I believe I may have the Stella electric guitar. I have photos to prove it if you like!
May 8th, 2009 at 11:01 am
cool man. that’s awesome. i LOVE roxy
May 10th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
god, what is up with everyone going insane with the keys on the keyboard? i mean really? must you do that? but anyways it is none of my buisness, and this page was really helpful because i am foing a report for my 1st and 2nd period class and this really helped. thanx
October 21st, 2009 at 6:25 pm
r u sure everything that your saying is true
October 26th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Beauchamp was his buisness partner.
January 12th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
COOL! i was searching about electric guitars for my science prject. thankyou whoever put this u.=D
December 8th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Hi i have been playin guitar for 4 years and i need help learning to sweet pick can someone help
January 14th, 2011 at 9:59 am
wait so it wasnt Les Paul?!?!?! I am super confused!
January 31st, 2011 at 10:28 am
les paul made the first solid guitar leo fender made the first guitar