The guitar was first invented around Italy and Spain during the Renaissance, and it was a lot smaller than its modern day conterparts. As the guitar started getting more and more popular, it started to evolve. Classical guitar as we know it first appeared in Spain during the 19th century. Steel-string guitar was also developed around that time. The invention of the electric guitar together with the development of the recording industry shaped the music and culture today. Today the guitar is the most popular instrument with over 50 million players.