From the blues-soaked riffs of B.B. King to the explosive solos of Jimmy Page and the striking sounds of modern artists, the electric guitar has shaped the sound of the music we love. This instrument knows no boundaries in playing styles or music genres, and maybe just the medium through which you can express yourself. If you are starting your journey in the world of electric guitars, then let’s cover the essentials before you head on to the music store.
What Should You Know Before Buying an Electric Guitar?
Choose a Guitar Design
What makes electric guitars special is the endless world of tonal possibilities. In essence, they transform string vibrations into electrical signals through electromagnetic pickups. But the beauty lies in their versatility, the capability of whispering gentle blues, screaming rock, or anything in between. This instrument comes in various shapes and materials, each creating a unique sound and playing feel.
Solid-body models like Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul are the most versatile and give a more focused tone, less prone to feedback. Hollow and semi-hollow body guitars offer different tonal characteristics like warmer, more resonant sounds. Which type you choose, ultimately depends on the style of music you want to play. The best way to find out is to step into a prominent electric guitar au shop and try a few to see how different guitar bodies feel.
Pickups: The Heart of Tone
Pickup configuration affects the guitar’s sound. These are the parts of the guitar that ‘pick up’ the sound from the strings and send it to the amplifier. Single-coil pickups, found on guitars like the Stratocaster, offer bright, crisp tones ideal for country, surf rock, or blues. Humbucker pickups, common on Les Paul-style guitars, provide fuller, warmer tones, and more powerful sound with reduced noise and hum, which is better suited for rock and heavier genres. Some guitars offer coli-splitting technologies, a combination of both, providing versatility as you explore different styles.
Electronics and Controls
The electronic configuration impacts the guitar’s versatility. Most models have volume and tone controls for each pickup selector switch, which allows musicians to blend different pickup sounds or isolate specific tones. Advanced electronics with active circuity and battery-powered preamps offer more tonal shaping capabilities.
Guitar Necks and Frets
The neck of the guitar affects the playability of the instrument, so it’s another important aspect of choosing. It can be made out of different materials, and have different sizes and shapes, but it comes down to the feel and personal preference. The neck joint also plays a role in the sound, with bolt-on guitars generally producing a brighter tone, while set-neck guitars have a warmer tone with more resonance.
Scale length affects both playability and tone. Guitars with shorter scale lengths (like Gibson-style guitars) have strings that are easier to bend and fret, while longer scale lengths (like Fender-style) offer more defined bass response and tension. For beginners, either is fine. If you want to play fast high-octane style with a wide note range, you’ll need 24 frets, the maximum number of frets on a guitar electric. The standard number is 22, ideal for soloing and rhythm work, and 21 frets are found on ‘vintage’ style guitars.
Bridge
The bridge is the spot where the strings connect with the guitar. The options are a standard fixed bridge with no movement or a tremolo system that allows you to manipulate the pitch of the strings with a ‘whammy’ bar. Fixed bridges are typically easier to maintain than tremolo systems, which can complicate string changes and tuning stability. Since the latter requires tuning more often, and the general playability of the guitar depends on accurate tuning, beginners are better off with a standard bridge.
Amplifier
The amplifier is the other part of the equation. Different amp types and settings can completely change the guitar’s character. Tube amps are appreciated for their warm, dynamic response and natural overdrive. Solid-state amplifiers offer reliability and consistent performance. You will come across many beginner amps that come with built-in effects like reverb and delay. Start with a small amp, ideally one that offers different sound settings so you get the chance to experiment with different tones.
Extensive Selection and Quality
Selecting an electric guitar is a personal journey. When you buy your first instrument, you want to be presented with a choice. Well-stocked shops for electric guitar Australia wide have an extensive selection of guitars, tailored to meet specific preferences. So, if you don’t quite match with the first one you pick up, you will have plenty of other options to choose from. Plus, these are not just any guitars. The quality is higher and you know you are getting the real deal. Reputable music stores stock some of the best brands in the industry that you can trust.
To Wrap Up
Your instrument is your passport to expression. And just like a best friend your guitar will be there for your highest and lowest moments, translating your deepest emotions into sound. Don’t just buy one because someone tells it’s good. Play it. Feel it. Listen to what it’s telling you.
