How to Buy an Electric Guitar

No matter whether you’ve been playing guitar your entire life or you are yet to pick up a guitar for the very first time, it can be difficult to decide on a guitar which is right for you. Even the pros stare blankly at that wall of guitars in the shop sometimes; it’s a tough choice to make. The right electric guitar is a wonderful thing though, little can compare to it.

The basic composition of a guitar varies little from type to type; they all have the same elements:

1. A body 2. A neck 3. A head stock piece 4. Electrical pick ups 5. A bridge

Electric guitars need an amplifier to make the sound audible. For an electric guitar, the sound is made when you pluck the strings and the strings vibrations are sent, or “picked up” by the pickups and sent to the amplifier.

When choosing an electric guitar, the most important considerations for most are the price of the instrument and its sound.

The price of an electric guitar can be anywhere from an inexpensive $99 to an eye-popping $20,000. Quite a range, yes? Why is there such a difference in price? The materials that the guitar is made of, the care with which it is constructed and the quality of the pickups is the reasons for this. A beginner of course can safely opt for a cheaper model. There are even starter kits out there which include an amplifier, guitar strap, picks and instruction books along with the guitar.

In general, the body of a guitar is solid wood, which is why the pickups are necessary to carry the sound. The amplifier is similar in function to a stereo receiver - it controls the volume of the signal from the guitar. Solid body guitars are the most popular variety, especially among beginning players.

The neck joint is an important part of the guitar and has some bearing on the sound of the instrument (more on this in a minute).

The visual appeal of the instrument is also a prime factor - after all, you are more likely to enjoy playing the guitar if it is an instrument which is pleasant to look at. The most popular looks (and indeed, brands) are the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster. Another large manufacturer is B.C. Rich, which is known for offering electric guitars in unconventional shapes and colors, as well as being slightly less expensive than Gibson or Fender guitars. However, even the biggest names need not be too expensive as these manufacturers offer lower priced models in addition to their flagship products - a Fender or Gibson guitar can be yours for $300 or a little less.

The neck joint is an important consideration. The neck joint is the connection between the neck and the body of the guitar. Bolt on is the cheapest style, followed by set neck and neck through? Bolt on is self explanatory (the neck bolts on to the body). This is the cheapest type of neck joint and also the cheapest option.

The set neck attaches to the body by means of a tongue set into the body of the guitar, which is glued in. These necks cost a little more to build, but offer more sustain and resonance to the guitarist.

Neck through is exactly what it sounds like - the neck is all one piece which extends the entire length of the instrument. This is the most expensive type of neck joint, but these guitars have a great sound.

Whatever the reason is that you are looking to purchase an electric guitar, do your homework. Go to guitar shops and ask questions. Play each type of guitar you are considering and see which one feels best to you.

Happy Strumming!