International Guitar Month
April 1 - April 30
About International Guitar Month
International Guitar Month is observed every April worldwide. Founded by the Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) in partnership with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the month celebrates the guitar in all its forms and encourages people of all ages to pick up the instrument and play.
The Story Behind International Guitar Month
International Guitar Month traces its origins to 1987, when the Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) established an annual celebration to promote guitar playing and boost instrument sales. What began as a marketing initiative quickly evolved into something larger: a global tribute to the guitar’s enduring appeal and its central role in nearly every genre of music, from classical and flamenco to rock, blues, jazz, and country.
The guitar itself has a far older history. String instruments resembling the modern guitar have existed for over 4,000 years, with early examples appearing in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Central Asia. The instrument that most closely resembles today’s guitar emerged in 14th-century Spain, where the vihuela and the four-course guitar were popular among musicians and courtiers. By the 16th century, the five-course guitar had spread across Europe, and by the 19th century, Spanish luthier Antonio de Torres Jurado had developed the modern classical guitar with its wider body, fan bracing, and six strings.
The electric guitar transformed popular music in the 20th century. Rickenbacker produced the first commercially viable electric guitar in 1931, and by the 1950s, Leo Fender and Gibson had introduced iconic models like the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Les Paul that remain industry standards today. The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 triggered a 30% spike in guitar sales virtually overnight, and subsequent waves of rock, punk, grunge, and indie music have continued to fuel demand. International Guitar Month honours this rich and evolving legacy.
April also hosts Jazz Appreciation Month, making it a month where multiple musical traditions are celebrated simultaneously. The guitar’s versatility means it occupies a central place in both observances.
When and Where is International Guitar Month Celebrated?
International Guitar Month takes place every April, from 1 April to 30 April. In 2026, it runs from Wednesday, 1 April through Thursday, 30 April. While the month originated in the United States, it is now celebrated by music schools, guitar shops, manufacturers, and enthusiasts around the world.
Traditions and Customs
International Guitar Month has inspired a range of musical traditions and activities:
- Guitar workshops and masterclasses – Music schools and guitar shops often host free or discounted workshops during April, covering techniques from beginner strumming to advanced fingerpicking and improvisation.
- Open mic nights and jam sessions – Venues and community centres organise open mic events specifically for guitarists, giving amateur and professional players alike a chance to perform and connect.
- Guitar giveaways and promotions – Instrument manufacturers and retailers frequently run April promotions, offering discounts on guitars, accessories, and lessons to encourage new players to start their musical journey.
- Tribute concerts – Many communities organise concerts paying tribute to legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Andres Segovia, or Paco de Lucia, celebrating the diverse styles the instrument supports.
- School music programmes – Educational institutions use the month to promote guitar classes, showcase student performances, and highlight the cognitive and emotional benefits of learning a musical instrument.
Ways to Celebrate International Guitar Month
Whether you are a seasoned player or have never touched a guitar, here are some ways to participate:
- Pick up a guitar for the first time – Rent or borrow a guitar and try learning a few basic chords. Free tutorials on YouTube and apps like Fender Play make it easier than ever to get started. Even learning three chords opens up hundreds of songs.
- Support a local music shop – Visit an independent guitar store, browse their selection, and consider purchasing strings, a tuner, or a new pick. Small music retailers are vital to local music communities.
- Attend a live guitar performance – Seek out concerts, recitals, or open mic nights featuring guitarists. Experiencing live guitar music, whether classical, acoustic, or electric, is one of the best ways to appreciate the instrument’s range.
- Learn a new song or technique – If you already play, challenge yourself to learn something outside your comfort zone. A blues player might try a classical piece; a rock guitarist might explore fingerstyle acoustic arrangements.
- Share your playing online – Record a short video of yourself playing and post it on social media. Online guitar communities are welcoming and supportive, and sharing your progress can inspire others to start playing.
- Donate a guitar to a school or community programme – If you have an unused guitar, consider donating it to a school music department or a community organisation that provides instruments to young people who cannot afford their own.
Facts and Figures
- Global guitar sales reached an estimated $12.8 billion in 2025, with the United States accounting for approximately 18% of the total market.
- There are an estimated 410 million guitarists worldwide, spanning every continent and musical tradition.
- Approximately 50% of new guitar learners are women, a significant shift from the historically male-dominated player demographic.
- Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E, played during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged session, sold for $6 million at auction in 2020, making it the most expensive guitar ever sold.
- The guitar is the most popular instrument to learn in the United States, with over 16 million Americans actively playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Guitar Month?
International Guitar Month is observed throughout April worldwide. It celebrates the guitar in all its forms, promotes music education, and encourages people of all ages and skill levels to play the instrument.
When is International Guitar Month in 2026?
International Guitar Month runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Who founded International Guitar Month?
International Guitar Month was founded in 1987 by the Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) in partnership with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
Spread the Word
Share International Guitar Month with your community using #InternationalGuitarMonth and #InternationalGuitarMonth2026. Whether you post a video of your playing, share a favourite guitar song, or encourage someone to pick up the instrument for the first time, every note helps keep the guitar’s legacy alive.
Related Awareness Days
- Jazz Appreciation Month – Also observed in April, this month celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of jazz music, a genre where the guitar plays a vital role.
- National Barbershop Quartet Day – Celebrated on 11 April, this day honours the tradition of vocal harmony, another cornerstone of American musical heritage.
- World Voice Day – Observed on 16 April, this day celebrates the human voice as an instrument and raises awareness about vocal health and expression.
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