Family Encyclopedia >> Electronics

What is an electric guitar and what is it used for?

A guitar that needs external amplification to produce sound. It requires a transducer to detect the vibrations of the string, which are then converted into electrical signals, and sound is produced. This sound can then be molded to achieve a certain sound quality. Usually the pick produces sound, but some guitarists may also use their fingers or both. Guitarists possess several means that can help shape tone. The sound of the guitar, volume knobs, pickups, pedals, and amplifier can all produce different sounds. If you are looking for a unique type of guitar to play with your band at a gig, you can buy Reverend Guitars, made of Korina body.

SummaryRich History of Electric GuitarsTypes of Electric GuitarSolid BodyArchtopSemi-AcousticFull HollowbodyHow to Master Your Guitar Playing Skills?

Rich history of electric guitars

During the band dominating era, electric guitars became in high demand. As the size of the orchestra grew, guitarists saw the need for amplification and electrification of guitars. The creators made their acoustic guitars. Jazz guitarists first used these guitars to play single-note amplified performances, and that wouldn't have been possible with an acoustic guitar because their volume isn't loud enough to stand out. However, the guitar's hollow body was a setback, resulting in a solid body guitar that has been highly regarded to this day.

Types of electric guitar

Solid body

This type of electric guitar has a solid body with no hollow chambers. It uses a magnetic pickup to produce the sound of the strings by vibration. It has knobs and switches to manage volume, tone and pickups. It does not require electricity, but its amplifier does. With an amplifier they produce a loud sound which is the opposite when unplugged. They are famous for rock and pop music.

Archtop

These guitars consist of a semi-hollow chamber and a solid block in the middle, thanks to which it has the properties of an acoustic guitar but can also be used for amplification. They have magnetic pickups, so the strings need to be metallic for the pickup to detect vibration properly. They have a combined factor of acoustic and electric play.

Semi-acoustic

It has a hollow body with electronic pickups. In these guitars, the hollow body vibrates with the strings, and the pickup then uses the two vibrations to produce sound. They have minimal loudness and a smooth tone. It is not well suited for live performances.

Hollow-body complete

These guitars have large bodies made of wooden plates. Their volume is similar to acoustic guitars, suitable for small concerts. They were born in the jazz age and are called jazz boxes (jazz guitars).

How to master your guitar-playing skills?

Like any other musical instrument, perfecting your guitar playing skills requires immense practice. You should at least be aware of guitar chords to start with. Other complexities can be learned through detailed lessons. The internet can also be used as a tutor if you like to work independently. Perhaps it is not always essential to master all the techniques. A player establishes his training routine based on his individual goals.