The first guitar that most people think of when you prompt them, even people who have never picked up a guitar in their lives, is the Fender Stratocaster. The Stratocaster is synonymous with the electric guitar and will be so for generations to come. It is the most popular guitar to ever be created, the most well known and by far the most recognizable.

The Stratocaster design is so famous and its design so timeless that it has been exhibited among great art of the 20th century. Many of the best guitarists to have ever lived, started playing on the Stratocaster and continued doing so throughout their careers.

The list includes names ranging from Buddy Holly to Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix. So what makes the Stratocaster so popular and what made it such a big innovation at the time of its release?

The Strat made its first appearance in 1954. The solid body design allowed for mass production, sturdy design and affordability. It was not the first solid body electric guitar and was not even the first produced and sold by Fender. The Telecaster and Esquire models preceded it.

While the Telecaster was popular and showed their was a market in the music world for well made and affordable electric guitars, the Stratocaster exponentially expanded and transformed the market permanently.

When the Stratocaster debuted it featured 3 single coil pick ups (up from the 2 that the Telecaster featured). Other design features included the trimmed down and curvy guitar body. The middle of the guitar body featured bigger indents, which made it easier to carry and easier to play.

This made the instrument and learning to play the instrument less daunting for many people. The guitar pick guard was also the first of its kind. It was one solid piece which allowed for easy assembly and concealment of the important pieces to the electric guitar itself.

It was clear at the time of its release that the Stratocaster was a top notch electric guitar. Where other instruments failed, the Stratocaster succeeded. It tweaked many elements of previous designs and concepts from other manufacturers to create its unique style, sound and feel. The Strat is more than just a musical instrument, its an accessory, it’s a statement and it’s a lifestyle.

The fact that it was able to be mass produced and was affordable was the icing on the cake in the marketing of this instrument. It had everything you desired, a mere look at it could transform you into a different person, and now, for once, you could afford it. The Stratocaster is still produced to this day and is still the most played electric guitar in the world.