Do you want to conquer the world of the electric guitar, but have no idea where to start? No problem, we’re here to help! In this electric guitar guide, we go over all the basics, explain the design of electric guitars, then go over some of the most popular guitar models. So, buckle up and let’s hit the gas!
The Most Important Components and Materials of an Electric Guitar
An electric guitar is made of many components and materials, which all work together to create the singular sound of each individual instrument. Here, you can find all the most important parts:
- The body comes in many different shapes and plays a decisive role in forming the sound and feel of a guitar. Common materials are alder, ash, and mahogany.
- The neck is the location of the fretboard. It is usually made of either mahogany or oak.
- The fretboard is made of a hardwood such as rosewood or ebony.
- The strings are what produce the sound, and for electric guitars are usually made of steel and nickel.
- The headstock is where the strings are fixed and tuned.
- The pickups convert the vibration of the strings into electric signals. Single-coil pickups create more treble-heavy sound, whereas humbucker pickups emphasize the midrange.
- The bridge keeps the strings running over the pickups. Some bridges are fixed, and others come with tremolo bars, which can stretch the strings to give the sound a bending effect.
- The vast majority of electric guitars have controls for volume, tone and pickup selection, which impact the color of the sound.
In order to convert the electric signal from an electric guitar into something audible, you will need an amplifier. It can both alter the sound of the guitar and adjust the volume. But you should also be aware that there are different kinds of amplifier. Tube amplifiers are appreciated for their warm, natural sound, whereas transistor amplifiers are known for their robust design and consistent sound, and are used by the majority of players.
The Four Most Popular Types of Electric Guitar
Electric guitars are available in many different designs, and they all differ in shape, sound, and playability. Here are the four most popular:
- Stratocaster: a versatile model by guitar specialist Fender. It also has a slim, comfortable neck, and single-coil pickups, which deliver shimmering, bright sound. Some famous players of the Strat include Eric Clapton and John Mayer.
- Gibson Les Paul: This Gibson guitar is known for its warm, full sound, and heavy-duty design. Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin and Slash from Guns N’ Roses are some of the best known Les Paul players.
- Gibson SG: The Gibson SG is known for having a lighter body and powerful sound. Famous players include Angus Young from AC/DC and Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters.
- Telecaster: Fender’s Telecaster is famous for its high midrange and percussive sound, which is ideal for country and rock. Like the Stratocaster, this guitar also has a narrow neck and single-coil pickup. This model’s best known players are Keith Richards and Bruce Springsteen.
There are also many types of guitar that are well known, but not as much as those above. That includes the Fender Superstrat models, the Fender Jazzmaster, and the legendary Gibson Flying V, which is used famously by Neil Young.
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Acoustics vs. Electrics: the Main Differences
The biggest difference between acoustic guitars and electrics is in the name. Electric guitars have on-board pickups, which convert the vibration of the strings into electric signals. Then, a series of electric components including controls, amplifiers, and other pedals can change the sound to suit the player.
Acoustic guitars meanwhile create sound without any electronic components, AKA acoustically, with the strings resonating in the comparatively large hollow bodies. There are several kinds of acoustic guitars with different sounds. The most commonly seen types are classical and concert guitars with nylon strings, and steel-string guitars, also known as Western guitars.
Another type of guitar is the bass guitar, which is the electric version of the acoustic double bass. Bass guitars have a longer bridge and thicker strings than standard guitars, which produce much deeper tones. In addition, most models have only four strings while guitars (both acoustic and electric) have six strings.
What is the Difference Between Right- and Left-Handed Guitars?
The main difference between right and left-handed guitars is the setup. Left-handed guitars are basically upside down versions of right-handed ones, with the pickups, body and strings mirrored so they can be played comfortably with the left hand. The headstock and voicing are also made differently. Many manufacturers today offer special models for left-handers so it is more comfortable for them to play. Not everyone can play the guitar upside down like Jimi Hendrix, after all.
Leading Electric Guitar Manufacturers: Fender, Gibson, and More.
Over the years, a few big names have filtered out of the discussion because their quality is clearly superior to the competition. The absolute top is Fender, known by guitar enthusiasts as an elite manufacturer. They have created the well-known Stratocaster and Telecaster, which both had a big impact on many famous guitar players.
But what makes Fender’s guitars so popular? One aspect is the iconic, unmistakable look. In particular, their asymmetrical headstocks are a signature feature. They also are known for the top quality manufacturing and immaculate sound, which contribute to Fender’s top reputation. Their models are also very versatile, and Fender’s guitars are used in every single genre.
These five electric guitar manufacturers are also in the competition for the top spot:
- Gibson: Famous for their Les Paul and SG models; their guitars have a symmetrical headstock.
- Ibanez: Popular primarily in heavy metal for their RG series.
- PRS: famous among guitar players for their extremely high quality, robust products.
- Gretsch: A legendary company since the 1960’s when they were played by George Harrison.
- Yamaha: With their high-quality Pacifica series, they are known for their reasonable price.
Did you know: Fender’s Telecaster was the first mass-produced electric guitar? In the 1950’s, it was a true revolution in the music world. Learn more about the history of Fender here.
Learn to Play Electric Guitar: Chords and Techniques for Beginners
No beginner’s guide to the electric guitar would be complete without including some instructions. If you know absolutely nothing about playing the guitar, you should start by learning the open chords – namely A major, A minor, D major, D minor, E major, E minor, G major, and C major. When you’ve mastered these chords and have a bit of practice transitioning between them, you can already play complete songs. the advantage of these chords is that you can play them with just two or three fingers, which makes it easy to learn and change between them.
These songs are great for beginners:
- All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan
- Knocking On Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
- Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
- Losing My Religion by R.E.M.
- Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix
- Zombie by The Cranberries
Important: don’t get discouraged if you can’t shred right away, or your playing doesn’t sound too good at first – no one is born a rock star. Like everything else, playing the electric guitar is a matter of practice. Just keep at it, and you’ll see: sooner than later, you’ll be making clear progress.
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Tip: There are lots of YouTube tutorials you can check out to learn chords and techniques. Fender even has some tutorial vidos on their channel. Especially good for beginners: Fender’s Beginner’s Hub.
The Fender x Teufel Collection – Here to be Heard
What good is an electric guitar without the right speaker? The high resolution HIFI sound of the ROCKSTER AIR 2 will make sure everyone hears you far and wide. And with a peak volume of an incredible 115 dB, it won’t be quiet. Thanks to its variety of inputs, you can also plug in a microphone, and even and electric guitar. The Fender x Teufel special edition is even better with its timeless, fashionable design that recalls Fender’s legendary amplifiers.
Tip: Learn more about the Fender x Teufel Collection in our blog!
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