Complete Guide to Buying an Electric Guitar

Your Guide to buying the best Electric guitars

Overview

Electric guitars are a great way for musicians to express themselves and create powerful music. With so many types and styles of electric guitars available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. This guide provides helpful tips for buying an electric guitar, including information on different types of guitars, budget considerations, and features to look for. With this guide, you can be sure to find the perfect electric guitar to fit your needs and style.

Key features

  1. Type of Guitar - Consider what type of electric guitar you'd like to purchase; a solid-body guitar, semi-hollow body guitar, or hollow-body guitar. Different types of electric guitars have different tone, weight, and sound properties.
  2. Budget - Decide on a budget for your electric guitar purchase. You may be able to find quality guitars within a variety of price points.
  3. Number of Strings - Determine how many strings you'd like your electric guitar to have. Most guitars have six strings, but there are seven and twelve string models available as well.
  4. Pickups - Choose the type of pickups that you'd like your electric guitar to have. Magnetic pickups are the most common type of pickups on electric guitars, but there are also piezo pickups, which produce a different sound.
  5. Guitar Body - Consider what type of body you'd like your electric guitar to have. Different body types can affect how comfortable the guitar is to play.
  6. Guitar Neck - Decide on the type of neck you'd like your electric guitar to have. Different necks can affect the playability of the guitar.
  7. Hardware - Look for guitars that have quality hardware, such as tuning machines and bridges. These components can affect the guitar's tuning stability and sustain.

See the most popular Electric guitars on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Playability: Electric guitars are typically lighter than acoustic guitars, making them easier to play and hold for longer periods of time.
  • Versatility: Electric guitars are highly versatile and can be used to play almost any style of music.
  • Sound: Electric guitars offer a wide range of tones and sounds, from clean and warm to distorted, heavy and modern.
  • Durability: Electric guitars are often made from solid wood and metal materials, making them very durable and longer lasting.
  • Accessibility: Electric guitars are generally more affordable than acoustic guitars, making them a great option for beginners.

Cons

  • Cost - Electric guitars tend to be more expensive than acoustic guitars due to added technology and components.
  • Maintenance - Electric guitars require maintenance like changing strings, cleaning, and making adjustments in order to keep them in optimal playing condition.
  • Sound - Electric guitars don't sound as natural as acoustic guitars, and can produce too much feedback when using certain amps and effects.
  • Limitations - Electric guitars are limited to playing only in certain genres such as rock, pop, metal, and blues. They can't be used to play classical or folk music, for example.
  • Storage - Electric guitars need to be stored carefully and in temperature controlled environments, in order to avoid warping and other damage.

Best alternatives

  1. Acoustic Guitar - A traditional guitar that uses strings and sound holes to produce sound without the need to be plugged in.
  2. Classical Guitar - A nylon string guitar that is traditionally used for flamenco, classical, and other styles of music.
  3. Bass Guitar - A low-pitched string instrument that is used to provide a rhythmic backing in many styles of music.
  4. Electric Violin - An electric instrument similar to a violin, but with pickups for amplification.
  5. Upright Bass - A large string instrument that is traditionally used in jazz, classical, and other styles of music.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Guitar Strings - These are the strings that run the length of the Electric guitar, producing sound when plucked or strummed.
  • Guitar Picks - Small pieces of plastic, wood, or metal used to pluck or strum the strings of the guitar.
  • Guitar Strap - A strap that attaches to the Electric guitar allowing the user to play the guitar while standing up.
  • Guitar Amplifier - An amplifier that increases the volume of an Electric guitar’s sound, allowing the sound to be heard more clearly.
  • Guitar Tuner - A device used to accurately tune the strings of an Electric guitar.
  • Guitar Cable - A cable used to connect the Electric guitar to an amplifier or other audio equipment.

Common questions

  1. What is an electric guitar? An electric guitar is a type of guitar that uses pickups and electronic amplifiers to produce sound rather than relying on sound produced acoustically from the strings.
  2. What are the main components of an electric guitar? The main components of an electric guitar are the neck, the body, the pickups, the strings, and the bridge.
  3. How do I select the right electric guitar for me? When selecting an electric guitar, it is important to consider your budget, playing skill level, and the style of music you want to play. Additionally, factors such as the size, weight, and materials of the guitar should be taken into consideration.
  4. What type of amplifier should I use with an electric guitar? The type of amplifier you should use with an electric guitar depends on the type of music you are playing, the size of the venue, and the volume you want to achieve. Generally speaking, a solid-state amplifier is best for playing at home, while a tube amplifier is best for playing in a live setting.
  5. What are the different types of electric guitar? The different types of electric guitar include solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Each type has its own unique sound and characteristics.
  6. What is the difference between single-coil and humbucker pickups? Single-coil pickups have a bright and twangy sound, while humbucker pickups have a fuller and warmer sound. Humbuckers also have less noise interference when compared to single-coil pickups.

Trivia

In the late 1970s, the iconic heavy metal band KISS famously used gibson guitars that were painted in their signature makeup. They were used in their 1979 tour and were famously used in the live recording of their song "Rock and Roll All Nite". This unusual look for a guitar was widely seen as a major influence in the development of the so-called "shredder" style of guitar playing. The "shredder" style would eventually become a mainstay of heavy metal and hard rock music. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.