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Find Your Electric Guitar
Like the microphone, the electric guitar has had a major impact on the world of music and on the culture of many countries around the world. In very basic terms, these two items brought the listening audience and the performer much closer together.
The key to this change: amplification. (A brief explanation on the “magic” of electromagnetic signals can be found in our article – “8 Things You Should Know About Your Electric Guitar”)
Both the microphone and the electric guitar send the signal to an amplifier which strengthens the signal and sends the resulting sound through a speaker. The result is a much louder sound, whether it is the voice through a microphone or the vibration of the strings on the guitar.
Sit Close So You Can Hear
Less than 200 years have passed since individuals first started to enhance the vibrations of the guitar using electricity.
Musical instruments made of natural materials provided the music for human beings through several centuries. The problem for listeners was that they had to quite close to the musician to truly enjoy the sound coming from such instruments as the lute, and a bit later, the violin and guitar.
The subject of whether softer, acoustic music is better than louder, electric music will be left for another discussion.
Putting the science of electromagnetic signals into the mix solved this, for the most part. Early attempts to amplify the sound of a guitar involved putting a simple microphone device close to the sound hole, for example. Later, some creative folks began to put the “microphone” on or in the guitar. (See Adolph Rickenbacker, George Beauchamp, Les Paul).
This method of amplifying the sound of a guitar involves putting the “microphone” inside an acoustic guitar. Technology evolved into several very efficient pickups (as the device is commonly known).
Removable pickups that can be easily placed in the sound hole have been available for many years. A connecting wire can then be plugged into the amplifier to increase the acoustic sound.
Some acoustic/electric guitars have pickups built in (actually inside the body). A connecting cord can be inserted into the “jack” often located on the end of the guitar body. Many of the recent models of acoustic/electric guitars have volume and tone controls for this pickup, as well as built-in tuners.
The next step in electric guitar design involves a semi-hollow body guitar, often with sound holes (or “f” holes) similar to those found on violins and cellos. However, this guitar style usually employs pickups built into the guitar with wiring connected to the input jack.
Many guitarists still use this guitar design, primarily because the tone is quite different from an electric guitar with a body of solid wood. (The popular Gibson 335 is one example of the semi-hollow body, as is the Chet Atkins style guitar made by Gretsch).
Solid-Body Electric
The solid-body electric guitar is probably the most recognizable, and popular, style in recent years. Almost everyone who follows modern music or plays guitar thinks of the Fender Stratocaster, the Gibson Les Paul or another popular style when the words “electric guitar” are mentioned.
Of course, there are now dozens of solid-body guitar brands and designs. While legends such as Eric Clapton stay with the Fender Stratocaster (for the most part) others play the Paul Reed Smith or PRS. For example, rock-and-roll legend Carlos Santana played a Gibson SG early on but now can be heard producing his great sound with a PRS model.
What do all of these guitars have in common?
Aside from the well-designed pickups and clean electronics that send the signal to the amplifier, modern electric guitars have been refined so that even the less-expensive brands and models are rather easy to play. In addition, many affordable solid-body electrics produce a very nice sound when coupled with a good amplifier.
What Makes Your Electric Guitar Good?
There isn’t a simple answer to the question. A playable guitar is one that gives you the sound you are looking for without causing a lot of discomfort or frustration. But, there are a few basic things to look for when choosing a guitar.
You may want to start with a price range, but don’t set your standard too low. There are many stories about guitar players, beginners and more accomplished players, who tried to save money. When choosing your electric guitar, price should be only one of the details.
In many cases, they eventually had to sell or trade that instrument to get something that was easier to play, gave them the right sound or didn’t cause frustration when they tried to perform.
What specific features should you look for in your electric guitar to avoid these problems? The list could be very long but here are a few items to focus on.
- How easy is it to press the strings down on the neck? More than one player, especially beginners, buy a guitar based on price alone and find that they can play it because the strings are too hard to press down. Light pressure should put the strings in contact with the metal frets.
- Control knobs and switches should be “tight” and should deliver real changes in loudness, tone etc.
- String tuners should also be firm, yet relatively easy to move when tuning each string.
- Color and finish should be consistent.
Attention to these items will go a long way toward showing you that the guitar builder has paid attention to details.
This has been a general article about what to look for in your electric guitar, of course. There are dozens of specific areas in the world of guitar that can be fascinating and even a bit difficult to understand.
But it isn’t necessary to be an electronics genius or a master of music to get a lot of enjoyment out of your electric guitar. Just be patient. Take some time to look at and try a few instruments. The better music shops will encourage you to give some of their instruments a try.
Have a basic plan for buying your electric guitar. Follow your plan and have fun!