Molly Ayala
Electric guitars are available in a wide variety of body styles, tonewoods, and electronics. The type of guitar chosen depends on the genre of music one wants to play and their favourite artists. The Stratocaster is considered the best electric guitar for blues, with its classic mid-range honk giving it a lyrical and cutting voice. The Super Strat, modelled after the Stratocaster, is more suited for metal and hard rock. The Les Paul body style encompasses solid, flat top, and solid-chambered designs. The Telecaster is the most common type of electric guitar used in country music, but it is also used by players such as Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead and Robert Smith from The Cure. Hollow body guitars fell out of fashion in the late 1950s, but the Gibson 335, introduced in 1958, featured a semi-hollow body that helped increase volume and provide a more hollow-body-like tone while minimising feedback. Headless guitars had a brief moment of popularity in the 1980s but quickly died out in the 1990s.
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What You'll Learn
Electric guitar body styles
Electric guitars are available in a variety of body styles, each with its own unique characteristics and suitability for different genres of music. The three fundamental types of electric guitar bodies are solid body, hollow body, and semi-hollow body.
Solid-body electric guitars are the most common and versatile type. They are crafted from a single solid piece of wood and are known for their ability to accommodate a wide range of genres and musical styles. The Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Gibson Les Paul are iconic examples of solid-body guitars, with the Stratocaster featuring a distinctive double-cutaway design for improved access to the higher frets. The Super Strat is another solid-body guitar that is modelled after the Stratocaster but is designed for metal and hard rock, with higher output pickups.
Hollow-body electric guitars, on the other hand, have a fully hollow body similar in design to acoustic guitars. They are characterised by their warm, resonant tones and are commonly associated with genres like jazz, blues, rockabilly, and classic rock. The Epiphone Casino, made famous by the Beatles, is an example of a hollow-body guitar with a bright sound.
Semi-hollow body guitars combine elements of both solid and hollow body designs. They feature a solid block of wood running through the centre of the body, reducing feedback issues while maintaining some acoustic resonance. Semi-hollow body guitars are versatile and can be used for genres like jazz, pop, blues, alternative rock, indie, and folk. The Gibson ES-335 and Rickenbacker 330 are well-known semi-hollow body guitars.
While the type of guitar body can impact the sound and resonance of the instrument, other factors such as pickups, electronics, and string type also play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of an electric guitar.
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Electric guitar necks
The number of frets on the neck also varies, with most electric guitars featuring 22 frets, while some have 24 frets, offering a full octave above the twelfth fret. Intonation, or the distance between the frets, is crucial for playing in tune as you move up the neck. Additionally, the type of neck, such as a set neck (glued-in) or bolted-on neck, can impact the sustain of the guitar. For example, the Fender Stratocaster has a bolted-on neck, while the Gibson Les Paul features a set neck.
The placement of pickups in relation to the neck also affects the sound. Most guitars have two pickups, with one near the neck providing a thicker sound and the other closer to the bridge producing a treble "twangy" sound. Some guitars also feature a middle pickup or a five-position switch for more sound blending options.
Ultimately, the choice of neck comes down to personal preference and playing style. It's important to try out different guitars to find the one that feels comfortable and inspires your playing.
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Electric guitar bridges
There are several types of bridges available for electric guitars, including fixed bridges and tremolo bridges. Fixed bridges are the most common type, where the bridge is securely attached to the body of the guitar. Tremolo bridges, on the other hand, have a hinged design that allows the player to alter the pitch by changing the tension on the strings. There are several types of tremolo bridges, including vintage-style tremolos, locking tremolos, and modern tremolos. Floyd Rose tremolos, for example, are often found on Super Strats, which are typically used for metal and hard rock.
The number of strings on a guitar will also determine the type of bridge required. Bridges are available for guitars with 6, 7, 8, or 9 strings, with the price increasing as the number of strings goes up. For example, a 6-string fixed guitar bridge can be purchased for around $125, while a 9-string fixed guitar bridge will cost closer to $185.
The body style of the guitar will also impact the type of bridge used. For example, a Telecaster bridge will be different from a Stratocaster or Les Paul bridge. Additionally, some guitars, like the Gibson 335, have a semi-hollow body, which will require a different bridge than a fully hollow or solid-body guitar.
Ultimately, the choice of bridge will depend on the player's personal preferences and the desired sound they want to achieve. Different bridges will have different effects on the tone and resonance of the guitar, so it's important for players to experiment with different options to find the one that suits their playing style and inspires them the most.
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Electric guitar pickups
One of the most well-known types of pickups is the single-coil pickup, often associated with Fender or Strat-style guitars. Single-coil pickups are simple and versatile, offering a clear signal that captures a range of tones. They are susceptible to electrical interference, creating a "hum" or "60-cycle hum" at louder volumes. The Stratocaster, a versatile guitar suitable for various musical styles, typically features a three-pickup setup, allowing for a wide variety of tones.
Another popular type of pickup is the humbucking pickup, also known as a "humbucker." Humbuckers have two coils, which work together to cancel out external noise and reduce hum. They are less prone to feedback compared to single-coil pickups and are often favoured by guitarists seeking a warmer, fuller sound. The Les Paul guitar, for example, is known for its humbucker pickups, which contribute to its distinctive tone.
Active pickups are a newer addition to the world of electric guitars, initially gaining popularity among heavy metal players seeking higher gain than passive humbuckers could provide. Active pickups are less susceptible to electronic interference and can offer built-in EQ options for tone modification.
Ultimately, the choice of pickup depends on the guitarist's preferred style and sound. Pickups play a significant role in shaping the electric guitar's tone and output, and different pickups cater to various genres and playing techniques.
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Electric guitar tonewoods
The tonewoods used in an electric guitar refer to the types of wood used in its construction, specifically the body, neck, and fretboard. Tonewoods are important because they make up 90% of the guitar's construction and provide the foundation for the instrument's tonal identity.
The type of wood used in an electric guitar can be a cosmetic or aesthetic consideration, but it can also affect the guitar's tone. For example, denser woods with less space between the grains for sound to move around in will produce a quick attack and bright clarity. Conversely, less dense woods allow the sound more space to move around in, resulting in a darker resonance with increased sustain.
Some common tonewoods for electric guitar bodies include mahogany, alder, ash, basswood, maple, rosewood, korina, poplar, koa, and walnut. Mahogany is a relatively heavy choice, and while it is not as dense as some brighter-sounding woods, it is known for its rich, warm sound. Maple, on the other hand, provides a bright and clear tone. Korina has a warm tone similar to mahogany but with a sweeter midrange and a bolder grain. Poplar has a similar tone to alder, and koa, which is grown in Hawaii, has a caramel colour with a bold, contrasting grain and a slightly enhanced high-end sparkle. Walnut is a very heavy wood, making it uncommon for solid-body electric guitars, but it can be great for semi-acoustics or hollow-body instruments.
While the type of wood used in an electric guitar can influence its tone, other factors such as pickups, hardware, and other components also play a significant role in shaping the guitar's overall sound.
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Frequently asked questions
The main types of electric guitars are the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, and SG.
The Stratocaster is known for its versatility, with a 5-way pickup switching system that allows for a wide variety of tones. The Telecaster is associated with country music but is also used in a wide range of styles. The Les Paul body style comes in solid, flat top, and solid-chambered designs, and it has a set neck. The SG is known for its versatility and can be used to play styles ranging from reggae to metal.
Some other types of electric guitars include the Super Strat, headless guitars, semi-hollow guitars, and extended-range guitars with longer necks or extra strings.
Some factors to consider when choosing an electric guitar include the type of neck, the number of frets, the type of bridge, the type of tuning machine, the type of pickups, the guitar's finish, and your preferred musical style.
While it is helpful to have some basic knowledge, it is not necessary to be an expert before purchasing your first electric guitar. It is recommended to choose a guitar that you like the look and feel of, and then learn more about the different types of pickups, body shapes, and other features as you gain experience.
