Ratta Tattoo
RSS Twitter Facebook
  • Home
  • Tattoo Articles
  • Tattoo Artists
  • Tattoo Videos
  • Tattoo Designs
  • Tattoo Pictures

Guitar Tattoos make Musical Body Art

A guitar is a musical instrument that uses tuned strings to produce different notes of sound. For centuries man has tied strings to pieces of wood and plucked the strings to create music, but it was only around the 12th century AD that the modern guitar started to take shape. The instrument that we know today as the acoustic guitar has influenced popular music for over half a millenia, and is celebrated by musicians from around the world. For the most determined music lovers, tattoos of a guitar can symbolize their relationship with this instrument, with music, or with a guitarist.

A guitar tattoo design with wings, symbolizing the sense of freedom found in music

A guitar tattoo design with wings, symbolizing the sense of freedom found in music. Wings are also associated with angels and can be used in a tattoo design as a symbol of a loved one who has passed away. Although a winged guitar tattoo can simply be an awesome tattoo design, it can also be in memory of a guitarist who has passed away. [source]

 

Strings on Skin in Guitar Tattoos

The acoustic guitar is a portable instrument, one that is light enough to be carried in a case by hand or strapped to the musician’s back. Guitarists often take their guitars with them wherever they go, ready to play a song for their friends or simply find a quiet spot to practice their skill. Musicians who treat their guitars as constant companions often feel an affection for the instrument and will protect their guitar from bumps, scratches, water and heat. Guitars are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity and it is not unknown for musicians to wrap their instrument in blankets to protect the strings and wood.

A high quality music tattoo of a guitar surrounded by musical staves

A high quality music tattoo of a guitar surrounded by musical staves. Empty staves are a symbol of potential. The lines are simply waiting for a composer to come along and fill them with music notes.
The tattoo artist has stayed true to the natural wood tones of this guitar, giving the tattoo design a warm, welcoming color scheme. [source]

 

Because of the affection that many guitarists have for their instruments, the loss of a guitar can be felt keenly. A tattoo of a guitar can be in memory of an instrument that has been stolen or broken beyond repair. Many people have fond memories of one of their parents or grandparents playing guitar, so a tattoo of their relative’s guitar can be a way of honoring the person’s musical skills or a way to remember the person. Tattoos of guitars are often chosen for sentimental reasons, and it is very seldom that someone who is not a guitarist will choose a guitar tattoo.

This music tattoo uses the curls of a treble clef to decorate the acoustic guitar tattoo design

This music tattoo uses the curls of a treble clef to decorate the acoustic guitar tattoo design. While the treble clef is a sign of music in general, the guitar is a symbol that this person feels affection for that specific musical instrument. Placing the guitar tattoo near the heart means the instrument is especially important in his life. [source]

 

The three main sections of a guitar are referred to as the head, neck and body. These names, combined with the elegant curves of the guitar’s body, have inspired many artists to create designs in which a guitar is combined with the human body. A simple way to express this idea in tattoo art is to have the sound holes, most popularly the f-holes tattooed onto the back beside the waist. Another way to make a guitar out of the human body would be to tattoo guitar strings running down the spine, from the head to the base of the body, in the same manner as strings on a guitar are placed.

This artistic music tattoo transforms this girls body into a musical instrument by suing the f holes from a guitar

This artistic music tattoo transforms this girl’s body into a musical instrument by using the f-holes (sound holes) from a guitar. [source]

 

Music Tattoos that combine the Guitar and the Guitarist

Electric guitars differ from acoustic guitars in that the electric guitar isn’t hollow and needs an amplifier to play sounds. Electric guitars can also produce a wider range of sounds than the acoustic guitar because of the range of effects pedals that can be used on the electric guitar. Although the electric guitar has a wilder sound than the acoustic, traditional guitars are still favored by musicians for small social gatherings and romantic moments. The type of guitar that is used in a music tattoo design depends on the type of guitar that the person wearing the tattoo plays.

This guy has the tattooed strings of an electric guitar beneath his skin in place of tendons

This guy has the tattooed strings of an electric guitar beneath his skin in place of tendons. This kind of tattoo is called a removed flesh tattoo and is used to symbolize that someone has such a connection to something, in this case a guitar, that it is literally a part of them. [source]

 

Guitar music is often beautiful and romantic. Thousands of love songs have been written for the guitar, and in many movies the hero is shown playing a romantic piece for his lady love. This association with love and romance has earned the guitar the symbolic meaning of passion, desire and even lust. The sound of a guitar is sexier than the sound produced by other instruments like the flute and the piano. Spanish guitar music is especially sensual and has been used in many movies as the soundtrack for emotional, sensual scenes.

A romantic tattoo design of a classical guitar surrounded by roses

A romantic tattoo design of a classical guitar surrounded by roses. Both the guitar and the roses are tattoo symbols for romance, love and passion. [source]

 

A guitar tattoo can be worn as a sign that the tattoo owner is a musician. If the guitar tattoo is placed on a visible part of a person’s body, it can become a permanent business card; advertising that the person plays guitar and is keen to jam with other musicians. Not everyone who wears a guitar tattoo plays the guitar – sometimes it is simply a symbol of the person’s love for music, or for a loved one who plays the guitar.

A flaming skull guitar tattoo with wings is a great design for people who enjoy rock guitar music

A flaming skull guitar tattoo with wings is a great design for people who enjoy rock guitar music. The tattoo artist has cleverly made the skull part of the guitar design. [source]

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
October 10, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse

Next

Life’s a Gallop with Horse Tattoos

Life’s a Gallop with Horse Tattoos

Humans and horses have lived together since about 4000BC, when man began to domesticate the horse. This animal has carried warriors into war, dragged ploughs for farmers, won fortunes for lucky gamblers and provided companionship for horse enthusiasts. For people who love horses, a tattoo of a horse is a great way to honor these […]

October 15, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse

Prev

A black and white tattoo of an octopus adorns this girls chest and shoulders

Tentacles and Tattoos: Octopus Tattoo Designs

The octopus is a sea creature with four pairs of arms that are called tentacles. Because it has a total of eight arms, the sea dwelling creature was called the “octopus” because “oct” is Latin for “eight”. The octopus has no skeleton or shell, which means that it can squeeze through small spaces. It uses […]

October 1, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • October 10, 2012
  • by Catherine Nessworthy
  • Tattoo Articles
  • art, body, body art, design, guitar, images, ink, instrument, meaning of, music, pictures, strings, symbol, tattoo

You may also like

  • Love Tattoos Ink Romance into Skin
    July 5, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Robot Tattoos: Artificially Intelligent Body Art
    February 3, 2014 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Yin Yang Tattoos Balance Life through Body Art
    July 11, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Tattoos of Owls give Wisdom to Body Art
    September 3, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Star Tattoos Shine a Light on Body Art
    July 4, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Rose Tattoos are Bloomin’ Body Art
    July 26, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Mario Tattoos combine Video Games and Body Art
    August 21, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Mayan Tattoos combine Tribal Spirituality with Body Art
    July 28, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Falling in Love with Heart Tattoos
    June 23, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Musa’s Abstract Tattoos Transform Body Art into Fine Art
    January 31, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • The Love and Loyalty of Swallow Tattoos
    September 25, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Yakuza Tattoos: Japanese Gang Members wear the Culture of Crime
    February 7, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Iron Man Tattoos are Skin Deep Superheroes
    September 13, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Life’s a Gallop with Horse Tattoos
    October 15, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Hand Tattoos are Art in the Palm of Your Hand
    July 19, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Friends Forever with Winnie the Pooh Tattoos
    February 21, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Realistic Eye Tattoos Watch over the World
    February 25, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Camouflage your Skin with Chameleon Tattoos
    November 28, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Tattoos of the God Ganesh Create a Skin Religion
    November 8, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Wing Tattoos across the Shoulders and Back
    June 26, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Gorgeous Goldfish Tattoos
    September 14, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Put a Spring in Your Step with Rabbit Tattoos
    January 7, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Abstract Tattoos Distort Reality on Skin
    June 29, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Sugar Skull Tattoos
    August 1, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Cross Tattoos Balance Life through Design
    June 30, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Stunning Sunflower Tattoos symbolize Happiness
    April 4, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Art Deco Tattoos give Body Art a Beautiful, Antique Flavor
    July 12, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Beautiful Bird Tattoos give Wings to Skin
    June 21, 2012 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse
  • Inspiration and Ideas for Cat Tattoos
    April 18, 2013 Catherine Nessworthy Mayhem & Muse

Tags

    abstract america animal art artist artistic asian bird body body art cartoon character color creature cute death design dotwork europe feminine flight floral flower geometric girl guys illustration images ink inspiration life man mandala meaning of men painting pictures spiritual symbol tattoo totem video watercolor wings woman
© Copyright 2012 - 2019 Ratta Tattoo.