The guitar has an extensive repertoire of solo and ensemble pieces that includes music for the lute and the vihuela, an early form of guitar in Spain. Thomas Jefferson's daughter was known to have played guitar and guitar music has been found among his documents at Monticello. Italian composers in the 19th century such as Giuliani and Carcassi were responsible for both solo and ensemble music and guitar instruction methods. Many song accompaniments were also published at this time.

While Andres Segovia is given credit for reviving the guitar and its repertoire on the concert stage, his greatest accomplishment was to open the doors to the wealth of music that already existed. He also inspired his contemporaries to compose for the instrument.