The electric guitar has produced some of the world’s most well-known musical riffs, but its history goes back well before the rock and roll of the late '50s, '60s and '70s, and includes jazz legends like Charlie Christian and, of course, the great Bo Diddley.

A new exhibit at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) explores the history of the electric guitar and the technology that allowed musicians to plug in. It’s called "The Electric Guitar: Inventing An American Icon," and includes guitars and amps from some of the most well-known guitar heroes, including Pete Townshend and Keith Richards.

The Show recently met Rich Walter inside the exhibit — he’s the curator for USA, Canada and Europe sections at the MIM.

More Stories From KJZZ

• Book Looks Into Electric Guitar's Rocking History
• Guitarist Andy Summers On His Music And Photography