Guitar Magazine

Invention Has A Sound

In our first dive into the long and fascinating relationship between electricity and the guitar, we caught up with Benjamin Franklin to explore the impact that George Beauchamp had on the history of our instrument. This time out, I’d like to introduce you to another fellow whose name you might not be familiar with: Samuel Clemens.

Clemens was a mid-19th century Missouri native who changed careers more often than Arnold Schwarzenegger (look, how many people can put Young Hercules and Governor of California on the same resumé?). Clemens started as a Mississippi riverboat pilot, then served as a Second Lieutenant in a Confederate militia for two weeks before deserting to go west with his brother Orion.

In Virginia City, Nevada, Clemens tried and failed to make it as a silver miner and eventually. At long last, he’d found a career that would stick: writing. Clemens ended up writing at least 17 books, some of which you’d probably heard of: , , and . Sound familiar yet?

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Guitar Magazine

Guitar Magazine12 min read
STEVE VAI THE Guitar INTERVIEW
For a man who has seen his best-laid plans for two albums torn apart by forces beyond his control over the past 18 months, Steve Vai remains a remarkably positive and optimistic presence. When the pandemic first put paid to his plan to at last finish
Guitar Magazine1 min read
Reviews
LOOKING FOR MORE REVIEWS? VISIT GUITAR.COM ■
Guitar Magazine8 min read
The Thrill Of The Chase
Let’s make no bones about it: the world of vintage guitars can be an intimidating place. The stakes are high, and recognising the various tells that indicate whether an instrument is a fake or the real deal can seem like a dark art known only to griz

Related Books & Audiobooks