Choosing An Electric Guitar: Main Points To Consider

By: Peter Mack

Ask any guitarist, and they will you that nothing comes close to
jamming with a guitar. In fact, no other instrument has
influenced modern music so much as the guitar, and its ongoing
popularity is reflect in its ubiquitous appearance in bands,
radio stations and music videos throughout the world. Certainly
one of the coolest instruments, the guitar is synonymous with
contemporary pop and rock music. That said, no guitar is more
symbolic of rock music than the electric guitar.

Whether you are an expert or a mere learner, getting a new
electric guitar is a thrill. Perhaps you have only ever played
an acoustic guitar, and want to branch out? Maybe you are simply
learning guitar from scratch? Whatever your reasons, buying an
electric guitar means you will be able to play searing riffs and
haunting melodies like you have never experienced with any other
instrument.

There are a number of things to decide upon when choosing an
electric guitar.

The first decision you need to make is what body shape you want
your guitar to be. To date, the most popular guitar shape is the
solid-body Les Paul shape. You can also opt for the SG Style,
which has a thinner double cut-away body. Other most common
shapes are the Stratocaster and Telecaster.

Once you have chosen the shape of your guitar, you will need to
decide what pick-up you want, either single or humbucker pick
up. These refer to the copper wire that is wrapped around the
bar magnets. As its name implies, the single pick-up it is
composed of one copper wire wrapped in a single coil around a
single bar magnet or several rod magnets. The humbucker pick-up,
on the other hand, uses two coils which tends to increase the
intensity of a guitar's sounds.

Choosing the right bridge is another important step. You will
need to decide between the stock tremolo, double-locking or
Floyd Rose double locking system. Depending on the style, the
strings may be positioned differently, looser or tighter, and
more or less responsive to your touch.

These are just some of the things you will need to consider when
you select your new electric guitar. The choice you ultimately
make will vary depending on the sort of music you want to play,
as well as your knowledge and level of experience. Your budget
will also bear upon your decision, and for those with less
money, secondhand guitars are always an option.

Seeking help from friends who play the electrical guitar, or
staff at the music store is always invaluable. Once you have the
right guitar, your playing will be more enjoyable... and the
better for it.

About the author:
Peter Mack writes for electricguitarshow
a website of
electric guitar articles and