The Revolution of Electric Guitars

Sometime during the 1930's electric guitars were introduced onto the music scene, which began a revolution in sound and technology that continues to this day. After Rock and Roll was born in the 1950's, it didn't take very long for electric guitars to grow in popularity and become one of the most coveted instruments of all time. Things really began to take off when the Beatles turned the world on its ear in 1964 by "invading America". Soon to follow were groups like the Rolling Stones, Cream, and the The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Music was forever changed and today electric guitars dominate the scene.

Originally these guitars were made with only a single pick-up. Now they usually come with two or three, thus creating a more versatile instrument. One is placed near the bridge, the other toward the base of the neck, and a middle, or third, is often added between the other two. Having these additional pickups provides the guitarist with more options for producing various dimensions of tonal quality. They can be used independently or in combination with each other and adjusted to achieve just the right volume or effect for either lead or rhythm guitar playing. Pickups are strategically set on electric guitars in order to "pickup" and produce the best sound. There are generally two basic types of electric guitar: hollow-bodied and solid-bodied. Hollow-bodied guitars are often used by Jazz enthusiasts. Rock guitarists tend to prefer the solid-bodied guitars overall.

If you are in the market for an electric guitar there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, take into consideration the kind of music you want to play. Are you looking for a smooth, mellow sound, or do you prefer more of a raunchy sound with an edge? If the former is true, then you'll gravitate toward the hollow-bodied guitars; if the later, then the solid-bodied is your best bet. Now, you could compromise and go for a "semi-solid" electric guitar, which combines the characteristics of both. These have a solid center block which creates the sustain of a solid body along with the "f" hole design which allows for the acoustic quality too.

One other thing to keep in mind. When you purchase an electric guitar you will also need to have other equipment, most importantly, an amplifier and a chord! If you're on a tight budget you might consider buying a package deal. These usually include the guitar, a small amp and a chord. Some also include picks, strap and a case. If you have money to blow, then do some research on amps and effects ahead of time so that you can be sure to have the equipment that will produce the sound you're after. You can also ask the store management for permission to test their different amps and effects while your in the store looking around. If you don't know how to play the guitar yet, ask if they have someone who could play a demonstration for you.

My final advise, before you buy your electric guitar, is to take your time and shop around. Ask a lot of questions. When you listen to music, take mental notes of the sounds you like and share your thoughts, ideas and questions with other guitar players. Then, go for it!

FREE Reprint Rights - You may publish this article in your e-zine or on your web site as long as you include the following information:

Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of ABC Learn Guitar. She has been writing songs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages for over 20 years. For free guitar lessons, plus tips and resources on songwriting, recording and creating a music career, please visit: http://www.abclearnguitar.com

---

How Much of Your Potential Will You Release?

Do you ever feel there is an inner voice speaking... Read More

Ouch, It Hurts When I Sing!

When I first set out to write this article about... Read More

Right-Hand Techniques for New Age Piano

Recently, I had a student ask me to offer some... Read More

Hip Hop Clothing

Celebrities now such as Outkast, a fashion wear can be... Read More

Top 50 Music Quotations

Discover the phenomenonal complexity of music and reflect on the... Read More

How Many Guitar Chords Do I Need To Know?

Guitar chords, (chords played specifically on a guitar,) differ only... Read More

How I Learned How To Play The Guitar After Giving Up In Disgust

I was 17 at the time (the Beatles era), and... Read More

Your First Guitar

Congratulations, you just bought you first guitar! Now that you've... Read More

How the Internet Helps Musicians

Everyone talks about the negative impact of the Internet on... Read More

Do You Know What a Didgeridoo Is?

Do you know what a didgeridoo is? There are so... Read More

Bagpipe Lessons In Your Own Home !

Bringing Bagpipe Tuition to Everyone, Everywhere.I have been teaching music... Read More

The Flower Garden and New Age Piano Music

If you've ever looked at a flower garden, not only... Read More

Music & Emotions: Can Music Really Make You a Happier Person?

How many times have you turned to music to uplift... Read More

Open Position Piano Chords - Perfect for the New Age Style

The Open Position Chord (OPC) allows you to create a... Read More

Good News for the Musically Untalented

Have you ever been told that you were good at... Read More

Piano on the Right-Side of the Brain

Some of you may remember a book titled "Drawing on... Read More

Vintage Guitar Collectors Can Still Find Deals

If you're a recent vintage guitar collector, the stories you've... Read More

12 Reasons You Should Learn to Play the Piano

All right, folks, here you go: My 12 reasons why... Read More

The Ostinato - What It is and How to Use It

Ostinato means "repeating pattern" and is used frequently in all... Read More

Review: Audioslave - Out of Exile

Every once in a while a band comes along that... Read More

Hip Hop History

Rap music originated as a cross-cultural product. Most of its... Read More

1973 Interview with Paul McCartney - Forming Wings

July 6, 1973 Birmingham EnglandSteven: Has it been difficult for... Read More

Living Life Loud

Change is good. Just ask the millions of unsigned artists... Read More

How to Create Backing Tracks If You Dont Play All the Instruments... or Any

Congratulations! Your singing has become amazing, and it's time the... Read More

How to Find Musical Ideas

The Russian Composer Igor Stravinsky once said: " A good... Read More