Choosing the right electric guitar can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to playing. There are so many different factors to consider, such as body style, pickup configuration, scale length, and price. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Body style
Electric guitars come in three main body styles: solidbody, semi-hollowbody, and hollowbody.
- Solidbody guitars: Solidbody guitars have a solid body made of wood or other materials. They are known for their sustain, clarity, and versatility. Solidbody guitars are a good choice for a variety of musical genres, including rock, blues, metal, and country.
- Semi-hollowbody guitars: Semi-hollowbody guitars have a solid center block with hollow wings. They offer a balance of sustain, warmth, and feedback resistance. Semi-hollowbody guitars are popular with jazz, blues, and rock players.
- Hollowbody guitars: Hollowbody guitars have a fully hollow body. They are known for their rich, resonant sound. Hollowbody guitars are popular with jazz, blues, and country players.
Pickup configuration
Electric guitars have one or more pickups, which convert the vibrations of the strings into electrical signals that are amplified by an amplifier. There are two main types of pickups: single-coil and humbucker.
- Single-coil pickups: Single-coil pickups produce a bright, trebly sound. They are often used for clean and funky tones.
- Humbucker pickups: Humbucker pickups produce a warmer, fuller sound. They are often used for distorted and heavier tones.
Scale length
The scale length of an electric guitar is the distance between the nut and the bridge. Scale length affects the string tension and playability of the guitar.
- Shorter scale lengths: Shorter scale lengths produce a brighter, snappier sound. They are often found on guitars designed for beginners and younger players.
- Longer scale lengths: Longer scale lengths produce a warmer, fuller sound. They are often found on guitars designed for more experienced players.
Price
Electric guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
Here are some of the most popular electric guitar models, along with their respective body styles, pickup configurations, and scale lengths:
- Fender Stratocaster: Solidbody, single-coil pickups, 25.5″ scale length
- Gibson Les Paul: Solidbody, humbucker pickups, 24.75″ scale length
- Epiphone Les Paul Standard: Solidbody, humbucker pickups, 24.75″ scale length
- Yamaha Pacifica 112V: Solidbody, single-coil and humbucker pickups, 25.5″ scale length
- Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster: Solidbody, single-coil pickups, 25.5″ scale length
- PRS SE Standard 24: Solidbody, humbucker pickups, 25″ scale length
How to choose the right electric guitar for you
Here are a few things to consider when choosing an electric guitar:
- Your musical style: What kind of music do you want to play? Some guitars are better suited for certain genres than others.
- Your budget: How much money are you willing to spend on a guitar?
- Your playing ability: Are you a beginner or an experienced player? Some guitars are easier to play than others.
- Your personal preferences: What kind of look and feel do you want in a guitar?
If you’re not sure what kind of guitar is right for you, it’s a good idea to try out a few different models at a music store. Once you’ve found a few guitars that you like, you can ask a salesperson for help choosing the best one for your needs.
Here are a few additional tips for choosing an electric guitar:
- Consider the neck profile. The neck profile of a guitar affects how it feels to play. Some players prefer a thicker neck, while others prefer a thinner neck.
- Make sure the guitar is comfortable to hold. Sit down and play the guitar for a few minutes to make sure it feels good in your hands.
- Check the intonation. Intonation is the ability of the guitar to play in tune. You can check the intonation by playing a chromatic scale.
- Ask a friend or teacher for help. If you’re still not sure what kind of guitar to get, ask a friend or guitar teacher for help. They can help you choose
