- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- Music
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every February 11
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎸
National Guitar Day strums into action every February 11, honoring the instrument that has shaped countless genres and cultural movements. From acoustic folk to electric rock, the guitar’s versatility and emotional depth resonate with musicians and fans worldwide. Grab your axe, learn a new riff, or simply appreciate the sonic artistry this day inspires.
Want to sponsor National Guitar Day? Learn how
Expected National Guitar Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows National Guitar Day sparks significant deals from major retailers and brands. Expect Guitar Center and Sweetwater to offer discounts on instruments, amplifiers, and accessories. Brands like Fender and Gibson often feature special edition releases or bundle deals. Online platforms such as Reverb and Musician’s Friend will likely have site-wide sales on strings, pedals, and sheet music. Even smaller boutique pedal makers and local music shops join in with promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 11 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Guitar Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalGuitarDay. Share a short cover of your favorite song or a quick gear review.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalGuitarDay. Post photos or videos of your guitars, practice sessions, or playing tips.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create a tutorial for a famous riff or a deep dive into guitar history.
National Guitar Day Hero
Leo Fender
National Guitar Day timeline
Scholars generally agree that 'guitars' were mentioned in literature as far back as the 13th century.
By the end of the Middle Ages, people living in Europe were playing guitar-like instruments such as the 'vihuela de mano' and the 'guitarra morisca.'
The five-string Baroque guitar made way for the modern six-string classical guitar, perfected by the Spaniard Antonio de Torres Jurado.
Gibson's more durable mandolin-style guitar with breakthrough designs played louder than competitors' guitars, revolutionizing music-making
The electric guitar was invented and became the go-to instrument for jazz and blues players.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Guitar Day
Local music stores can offer discounts on guitar accessories, host free beginner workshops, or organize open mic nights to showcase local talent. Bars and venues might feature guitar-centric bands or special acoustic sets. Music schools can provide introductory guitar lessons or offer promotions on enrollment, encouraging new players to pick up the instrument.
National Guitar Day FAQs
When is National Guitar Day?
In 2027, National Guitar Day is observed on Friday, February 11. This end-of-week timing encourages weekend jam sessions, gear shopping, and musical exploration.
How many people play guitar in the U.S.?
The U.S. boasts a vibrant guitar community, with estimates consistently placing the number of players in the tens of millions. Its accessibility and versatility contribute to its enduring appeal.
What are the most popular guitar brands?
Leading guitar brands like Fender, Gibson, and Martin continue to be top choices for musicians worldwide. Newer brands and custom builders also contribute to a diverse and competitive market, offering options for every style and budget.
What's the difference between acoustic and electric guitars?
The primary distinction lies in sound production: acoustic guitars use natural resonance, while electric guitars use electronic amplification and effects. This fundamental difference dictates their distinct sounds, playing styles, and musical applications across genres.
National Guitar Day Activities
Take some lessons
If you've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, there's no better time than now — and no better day than National Guitar Day. Quality six strings can be surprisingly inexpensive, so look for local sales and promotions.
Share what you know
Graduated from lessons to actual, real playing? Then dedicate some time to teaching a novice the basics. It's a good way to introduce someone to the magic of creating guitar music.
Support your local artists
Right now, at this moment, the next great generation's guitar talent is out there somewhere, most likely practicing their chops. Find out where local musicians gather to play in your town, and go see a show! You never know who you might see on their way to the top.
Five Rockin' Facts About Guitars
What's in a name?
The name "guitar" has its origins in the Ancient Greek word "kithára," which was used to denote a kind of harp.
Jimi was experienced
Jimi Hendrix played his guitar upside down because he was left-handed.
Les Paul had a rock-and-roll request
In 1948, guitar great Les Paul was in a terrible car accident, shattering his right arm and elbow. He begged surgeons to set his broken arm at an angle that would allow him to continue playing his favorite instrument.
Space Ace gets a shock
Legendary guitarist Ace Frehley was electrocuted during a KISS concert in December 1976. He lived to tell the tale — and to write the song "Shock Me," which became his guitar god anthem.
Is it still in tune?
According to some sources, the world's oldest surviving guitar is more than 400 years old. It was built in the late 16th century by a Portuguese man named Belchior Dias.
Why We Love National Guitar Day
Music soothes the savage beast
That's as true today as it was when British playwright William Congreve wrote those lines in the late 17th century. (Congreve actually wrote, "Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast," which has a slightly different connotation to modern ears.) In any case, guitar music is especially evocative and wonderful — and, yes, soothing.
Love of guitar music is pretty much universal
Every culture has its own style of guitar music. So while it may not be precisely accurate to say anything is "universal" (who knows what other members of the universe enjoy, eh?), guitar music certainly has its fans that span the globe. It's great to have a day set aside to celebrate the guitar and to remind ourselves of something that we may take for granted.
Guitar music can inspire and encourage
It's just six strings (typically) and a box of wood (also typically), but the variety of sounds and styles that can emanate from a guitar are virtually limitless. That kind of artistic inspiration — and the fact that it's created by our fellow humans from all over the world — can possibly inspire others to dream bigger and to live better (or at least to learn all the guitar parts to "Reelin' In the Years").
National Guitar Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 11 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 11 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 11 | Sunday |
| 2030 | February 11 | Monday |
| 2031 | February 11 | Tuesday |
Social Media Tips for National Guitar Day
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