Electric guitars are a great way to get into music. They’re affordable, and they sound great. But there are a few things you need to know before you buy one.
The type of electric guitar, the brand, the quality, and the features all play a role in determining the price. Generally speaking, entry-level electric guitars can be found for around $100. Mid-range instruments can cost anywhere from $300 to $500, while high-end models can be upwards of $1,000 or more.
In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of electric guitars, how to choose the right one for you, and how to set it up so you can start playing.
How Electric Guitars Work
Electric guitars use magnetic pickups to convert the strings’ vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to an amplifier, where they are converted into sound waves.
The type of pickups your guitar has will determine the kind of sound it produces. Single-coil pickups are typically used for clean, bright sounds. They’re often used in country and blues. Humbucker pickups are larger, and they’re known for their warmer, fuller sound. They’re typically used in rock and metal.
There are also active pickups, which require a battery to work. These are typically used for high-gain sounds.
The body of the guitar also affects the sound. Solid-body guitars have a strong, full sound. They are often used for rock and metal. On the other hand, the semi-hollow-bodied guitars have a warmer, more mellow sound. Hollow-body guitars are the lightest and have the thinnest sound.
How to Choose an Electric Guitar
The best way to choose an electric guitar is to figure out the type of music you want to play. If you’re looking to play metal, you’ll want a guitar with active pickups and a solid body. For jazz or blues, a semi-hollow-bodied guitar might be best. And if you want a warm, mellow sound, a hollow-body guitar might be the right choice.
Once you know the type of music you want to play, you can narrow down your choices. There are many different brands of electric guitars, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Do some research to find a well-suited guitar for the type of music you want to play.
How to Set Up an Electric Guitar
Once you have your guitar, you’ll need to set it up. This involves putting on the strings, adjusting the pickups, and setting the action.
Putting on the strings is a simple process. Start by loosening the tuning keys until the strings are loose enough to slip off. Then, remove the old strings and put on the new ones. Be sure to wind them in the same direction as the tuning keys.
Once the strings are on, it’s time to adjust the pickups. Screws or magnets typically adjust pickups. If your guitar has screws, you’ll want to turn them clockwise to raise the pickups and counterclockwise to lower them. If your guitar has magnets, you’ll want to move them closer to the strings for a brighter sound or further from the strings for a mellower sound.
Finally, you’ll need to set the action. The action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. The strings will buzz against the frets if the action is too low. If the action is too high, the strings will be hard to press down.
The best way to set the action is by using a feeler gauge. Put the feeler gauge between the string and the fretboard. Then, adjust the action until there’s a small gap between the string and the gauge.
Now you’re ready to start playing! Just plug your guitar into an amplifier, turn it on, and start strumming.
Different Types of Electric Guitars
Here are the different types of electric guitars available.
Solid-Body Guitars
Solid-body guitars are the most common type of electric guitar. They’re made of a solid piece of wood, typically maple or ash. The pickups and strings are mounted on this woodblock.
Solid-body guitars are known for their clear, full sound. They’re perfect for rock and metal.
Semi-Hollow Bodied Guitars
Semi-hollow bodied guitars are made of a solid wood block with chambers inside. The chambers help to create a warmer, more mellow sound.
Hollow Bodied Guitars
Hollow-bodied guitars are similar to semi-hollow-bodied guitars, but they have even more chambers. This gives them a lighter sound, which is perfect for jazz and blues.
The Price Range for Electric Guitars
Electric guitars can range in price from around $100 to over $2000. It really depends on the type of guitar you want and the features you’re looking for. For a beginner, we recommend getting a guitar that’s around $200. For a more advanced player, you might want to consider spending closer to $1000.
Where to Find the Best Deals
The best place to find deals on electric guitars is online retailers like Amazon or Guitar Center. You can also find good deals at music stores or pawn shops.
Best Brands of Electric Guitars
There are many different brands of electric guitars, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular brands are listed below.
- Fender
- Gibson
- Ibanez
- Epiphone
- ESP
Conclusion
Electric guitars are a great way to start playing music. They’re versatile, affordable, and easy to use. In this article, we’ve gone over the different types of electric guitars, how to set one up, and where to find the best deals. All you need to do is pick out the perfect guitar for you and start playing.
