A True Rockstar Experience: What You Need to Know About Electric Guitars.
2020 marks the year where electric guitars have seen an incredible surge in popularity. This old-school instrument has been brought back to life, embraced by a whole new generation of aspiring musicians, and combined with the latest technology to create sounds and styles that have never been heard before. With such a rich history and a seemingly endless variety of tones and styles, how do you know which electric guitar is right for you?
For starters, there are two main types of electric guitars to consider – solid body and hollow body guitars. A solid body electric guitar is typically one solid piece of wood with pickups (also called magnetic pickups) mounted directly onto it. This type of electric guitar gives a bright, thick sound and is great for power chords and loud lead guitar. Jackson and Fender are two brands who are well known for their solid-body electric guitar designs.
On the other hand, a hollow body electric guitar is hollow, meaning it doesn’t have the same dense wood construction as a solid-body guitar. As a result, hollow body guitars typically have a softer, warmer sound that is perfect for playing jazz and blues. Popular hollow body electric guitar models include Gibson’s Les Paul, Gibson ES-335 and Fender’s Telecaster.
Electric guitars and their corresponding amps are often referred to as ‘guitar rigs’. A typical guitar rig includes a guitar amplifier, guitar cables, and sometimes additional effects pedals like a distortion box or a wah-wah pedal. A guitar amplifier is used to boost the volume of the guitar and shape its sonic signature. The amplifier’s EQ settings help you to sculpt a sound that fits your style and playing needs.
More recently, multi-effects processors have become popular, allowing players to sculpt tones and undo-redo effects combinations quickly and easily. Multi-effects processors are used to store and recall multiple amp settings and effects patches, meaning you can save a range of sounds and go back to them at the touch of a button.
Electric guitars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on your playing style and personal preference. Some popular body styles include the Stratocaster, the Les Paul, and the Telecaster, all of which you will find in most music shops. Additionally, electric guitars come in a range of colours, such as classic black or white, or more outlandish colours like purple and blue.
Not all electric guitars are created equal – some are made for metal, some for blues, some for funk and even some for jazz. Fender Telecasters, for instance, are known for their twang and bite, while Stratocasters have an incredibly versatile sound that’s great for funk and country numbers. Gibson Les Pauls are known for their big rich tone – great for metal, hard rock and even blues.
When choosing an electric guitar, it’s important to consider your budget and playing level. If you’re just starting out, you’ll likely want to go for an entry-level model, such as a Squire, Epiphone or Yamaha. These guitars are affordably priced and come highly recommended for beginners.
Electric guitars have been around for decades and continue to captivate new players with their versatility, sound and design. They can be used in a variety of musical genres and are perfect for rock, metal and indie music. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced shredder, electric guitars offer a truly rockstar experience.