| | | Top Story - September 8, 2016 | | | | |
| | LAUGHING STOCKS | | This updated list goes to 11: Hollywood's Funniest Guitar Moments! | While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact date that the guitar made its celluloid debut, it's likely that the instrument was first captured in a motion picture sometime in the mid 1890s, when Edison Laboratories began filming music hall performances with its newly invented Kinetograph.
It's equally likely that, even in its earliest movie appearances, the guitar was used as a comedic prop. There's always been something about the guitar that, in the right hands—or even better, the wrong ones—can add extreme levity to any situation. Even in the absence of sound, a guitar can represent absurdity, pomposity, pathos, silliness, and a host of other emotions, attitudes, and attributes that play well with comic scenarios. And, of course, a guitar makes a brilliant slapstick device, especially when smashed with theatrical flourish against the nearest wall, floor, or cranium.
The guitar-as-comedic-device is a grand tradition that continues on to this day in both film and television, with the guitar's four-string bass cousin occasionally getting into the act as well. Over the years, the guitar has appeared with such comedic giants as Groucho Marx, John Belushi, and Cheech & Chong, and been a vehicle of rock and roll fantasy for everyone from Herman Munster to Tenacious D.
Picking the funniest guitar-related scenes from more than a century of clips was no mean feat, but we've managed to come up with a list that should tickle your funny bone even as it inspires you to pick up the nearest guitar. But just remember: if you decide to smash it on something (or someone) for a laugh, Guitar Aficionado cannot be held responsible for any damages. | | Read More» | |
| | | | | | | This Week on GuitarAficionado.com | | | | |
|  Prince's Guitars - Like his music and incredible, too –short life, Prince's guitars were wild, weird, and wonderful.
Paul Gilbert – The virtuoso's insatiable lust for all things guitar is surpassed only by his passion for sharing his gift with other players.
Celebrating Creedence Clearwater Revival – In 1969, CCR released three classic albums that helped make them one of the biggest bands of all time.
New Orleans – A visit to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an opportunity to soak up the city's legendary music and tantalizing food – not to mention its uncommon fascination with all kinds of voodoo. | | Buy This Issue» | | Subscribe Now» | |
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