The Electric Guitar: Bringing Music to Life.
There’s no denying it – the electric guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world. From hard rock to country, jazz to metal, the electric guitar has been a fixture in our lives for over a century. Whether you’re a fan of the bluesy twang of a classic stratocaster, the crunchy barre chords of a Gibson Les Paul, or the sheer power of a flying V, the electric guitar has something for everyone. But what makes it far from just another pretty affectation, is the fact that it has a voice all its own. One that can serve to elevate music to something far more powerful and emotional than it could ever be without it.
When talking about electric guitars, it’s impossible not to mention the innovators who created these classic instruments. Leo Fender, Les Paul and Jimi Hendrix all played a major role in revolutionizing the electric guitar, and are often credited with creating some of the most iconic pieces of music to ever exist. Whether it’s Fender’s Stratocaster, Paul’s Les Paul, or Hendrix’s Flying V, these instruments have stood the test of time and continue to be used by some of the greatest guitarists in the world. Thanks to them, the electric guitar has been an ever evolving and ever inspiring force in the world of music, bridging the gap between the popular and the underground, between the hobbyists and the professionals, and between the old and the new.
From the Ground Up.
To truly understand the electric guitar, it’s important to go back to its roots. The earliest forms of the electric guitar were created in the 1930s by George Beauchamp, a musician and inventor who wanted to turn the acoustic guitar into something louder and more powerful. He experimented with various materials and eventually settled on a combination of steel-reinforced gut strings and a metal “horseshoe” magnet. This simple yet effective combination of materials allowed him to achieve the iconic sound associated with the electric guitar.
Beauchamp’s invention caught the attention of several companies, and soon the first prototypes of what would become the electric guitar began to appear. From there, the electric guitar evolved into the form we know today, with countless different designs, pickups, and controls becoming available in the years that followed. This meant that guitarists now had access to an array of different tones and textures, allowing them to find their own unique sound and express themselves in ways that weren’t previously possible.
Choosing Your Weapon.
Today, when looking for an electric guitar, there are a massive range of options to choose from. While some may prefer a more traditional style guitar, such as a Les Paul or a Telecaster, there are new designs appearing all the time. Whether you’re after high-end models with active electronics and comfortable construction, or something a little less expensive, there’s something out there for everyone. The important thing to remember is that it’s not just about who makes the guitar – it’s about how it feels in your hands, and how it responds when you play it.
When it comes to pickups however, the choices seem to be almost endless. Much like the guitar itself, there are literally hundreds of different pickups to choose from, ranging from classic single coils to more modern humbucker designs. While the pick up type is clearly important for anyone looking to achieve a specific sound, it’s also important to remember that proper set-up is also essential. If you don’t adjust the height of your pickups, or set your action correctly, your guitar is unlikely to ever reach its full potential – no matter what kind of pickups you choose.
The Role of the Electric Guitar in Modern Music.
While the electric guitar may have been born in the 1930s, it’s been a key part of the modern music landscape since the 1950s. From the dirt-rock of Chuck Berry and the blues of Johnny Winter, to the Funk of Nile Rodgers and the heavy rock of Slash, the electric guitar has informed and inspired countless styles of music, and continues to do so to this day.
The modern electric guitar is often associated with harder styles of music such as metal, punk and hardcore, but it has also been used to great effect in pop and indie music too. Artistes such as The National, Radiohead, Wolf Alice, and St Vincent all use unique combinations of guitars, amps, and effects pedals to shape their sound, and the warm tones of an electric guitar are often at the heart of their compositions.
No matter what style of music you listen to, there’s no denying that the electric guitar is integral to the sound. Whether you’re a fan of the blues, jazz, punk, or anything else, there’s no doubt that the electric guitar will always be pushing boundaries and creating new sounds.
The electric guitar has been around for almost a century, and it shows no signs of slowing down. It’s an instrument that can elevate music to new heights, and its versatility knows no bounds. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the electric guitar is the perfect weapon for creating the music you want to make. Go get the perfect guitar and make it your own. It’s time to bring music to life!