Beginner's Guide: How to Choose and Buy Your First Electric Guitar

Electric guitars are a popular choice for musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals. They are versatile instruments that can be used for a wide range of musical genres, from rock and blues to jazz and country. If you’re thinking about buying an electric guitar, there are a few things you’ll need to consider, such as your budget, your playing style, and the type of music you want to play.

The price of electric guitars can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you’re just starting out, you may want to consider buying a less expensive guitar until you’re sure that you’re going to stick with it. Once you’ve been playing for a while, you can then upgrade to a more expensive guitar if you want to.

Your playing style will also affect the type of electric guitar you choose. If you’re a lead guitarist, you’ll need a guitar with a fast neck and a bright sound. If you’re a rhythm guitarist, you’ll need a guitar with a more mellow sound and a thicker neck. And if you’re a bassist, you’ll need a guitar with a long scale length and a powerful sound.

Finally, you’ll need to consider the type of music you want to play. If you’re playing rock or blues, you’ll need a guitar with a humbucker pickup. If you’re playing jazz or country, you’ll need a guitar with a single-coil pickup.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start shopping for an electric guitar. There are many different brands and models of electric guitars available, so it’s important to do your research and find one that’s right for you.

1. Body Style

When choosing an electric guitar, the body style significantly influences the instrument’s tone and resonance. The three main body styles are solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body. Understanding the characteristics of each type is crucial for guitarists seeking a guitar that aligns with their desired sound.

• Solid Body: Solid body guitars feature a solid wood construction without any hollow chambers. This design provides a brighter, more focused tone with increased sustain. They are commonly used in rock, blues, and heavy metal genres due to their ability to produce clear, cutting tones. Examples include the Fender Telecaster and Gibson Les Paul.
• Semi-Hollow Body: Semi-hollow guitars have a solid center block with hollow chambers on the sides. This combination yields a warmer, more resonant tone with increased sustain compared to solid body guitars. They are versatile instruments suitable for a range of genres, including jazz, blues, and rock. Examples include the Gibson ES-335 and Fender Starcaster.
• Hollow Body: Hollow body guitars have a fully hollow construction, providing a warm, mellow tone with exceptional resonance. They are primarily used in jazz and blues genres, where their rich, natural sound is highly valued. Examples include the Gibson L-5 and Epiphone Emperor.

The choice of body style ultimately depends on the guitarist’s musical preferences and playing style. Solid body guitars offer a brighter, more aggressive sound, while semi-hollow and hollow body guitars provide warmer, more resonant tones. Considering these factors ensures that guitarists can select an electric guitar that complements their musical journey.

2. Pickups

When selecting an electric guitar, the type of pickups installed significantly influences the instrument’s sound and character. Two prevalent pickup types are humbuckers and single-coils, each offering distinct tonal qualities that cater to different musical styles and preferences.

• Humbuckers:

  Humbuckers are dual-coil pickups that produce a thicker, warmer sound with increased output and reduced hum. Their construction involves two coils wired in opposite polarity, which cancels out unwanted noise while enhancing the desired signal. Humbuckers are commonly used in rock, blues, and heavy metal genres, where their powerful, sustaining tone is highly valued. Examples of guitars with humbuckers include the Gibson Les Paul and Epiphone Sheraton.

• Single-Coils:

  Single-coil pickups have a single coil design that produces a brighter, twangier sound with less output and more susceptibility to hum. Their simpler construction allows for a more articulate and dynamic response, capturing the nuances of a guitarist’s playing style. Single-coils are widely used in country, blues, and surf rock genres, where their clear, bell-like tone is highly sought after. Examples of guitars with single-coils include the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster.

The choice between humbuckers and single-coils ultimately depends on the guitarist’s musical preferences and playing style. Humbuckers offer a thicker, more powerful sound, while single-coils provide a brighter, more articulate tone. Understanding the characteristics of each pickup type empowers guitarists to make informed decisions when selecting an electric guitar that aligns with their desired sound.

3. Neck

When considering how to buy an electric guitar, understanding the neck’s characteristics is crucial as it significantly impacts the instrument’s playability and comfort. Three key aspects of the neck to consider are scale length, fretboard radius, and neck profile.

• Scale Length:

  The scale length refers to the distance between the nut and the bridge. It affects the string tension and overall feel of the guitar. A shorter scale length results in lower string tension, making it easier to bend strings and play chords. Conversely, a longer scale length provides higher string tension, increasing sustain and clarity. Examples of guitars with different scale lengths include the Gibson Les Paul (24.75 inches) and the Fender Stratocaster (25.5 inches).

• Fretboard Radius:

  The fretboard radius refers to the curvature of the fretboard. It influences the feel of the guitar when fretting notes. A flatter radius (e.g., 12 inches) allows for easier chording and comfortable palm muting, while a more curved radius (e.g., 7.25 inches) provides a vintage feel and facilitates string bending.

• Neck Profile:

  The neck profile describes the shape of the neck’s cross-section. It affects the feel of the guitar in the player’s hand. Common neck profiles include the C-shape, which is rounded and comfortable for most players, the V-shape, which is thinner and provides a faster playing experience, and the U-shape, which is thicker and often found on vintage guitars.

By considering these aspects of the neck, guitarists can select an electric guitar that complements their playing style and physical preferences. These factors contribute to the overall playability and comfort of the instrument, enabling guitarists to perform at their best.

4. Electronics

Understanding the electronics of an electric guitar is a crucial aspect of “how to buy electric guitar.” The electronics, which include controls like volume, tone, and pickup selector, significantly shape the guitar’s sound and overall versatility, allowing guitarists to tailor their instrument to suit their musical preferences and playing style.

The volume control, as its name suggests, adjusts the overall output level of the guitar. This control is essential for balancing the guitar’s volume with other instruments in a band or for creating dynamic swells and fades. The tone control, on the other hand, affects the equalization of the guitar’s sound. By adjusting the tone, guitarists can emphasize or reduce certain frequency ranges, shaping the overall character of their sound. For instance, a brighter tone setting can enhance clarity and articulation, while a warmer tone setting can add depth and fullness.

The pickup selector switch allows guitarists to choose which pickup or combination of pickups is active. Each pickup has its distinct tonal characteristics, and the ability to switch between them provides guitarists with a wide range of sonic possibilities. For example, a humbucker pickup typically produces a thicker, more powerful sound, while a single-coil pickup offers a brighter, twangier tone. By combining pickups, guitarists can access a vast spectrum of sounds, from pristine cleans to heavy distortion.

The practical significance of understanding the electronics of an electric guitar lies in the ability to harness its versatility and adapt it to different musical contexts. By manipulating the volume, tone, and pickup selector controls, guitarists can fine-tune their sound to match the requirements of the music they are playing. This level of control empowers guitarists to express their musical creativity and individuality through their instrument.

FAQs on “How to Buy Electric Guitar”

This section addresses frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision when purchasing an electric guitar.

Question 1: What are the key factors to consider when buying an electric guitar?

Answer: When selecting an electric guitar, crucial factors to consider include body style, pickups, neck characteristics, electronics, and your musical preferences. Each of these elements influences the guitar’s sound, playability, and overall suitability for your playing style.

Question 2: What are the differences between solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body guitars?

Answer: Solid body guitars provide brighter, more focused tones with increased sustain, semi-hollow guitars offer warmer, more resonant tones with enhanced sustain, while hollow body guitars deliver warm, mellow tones with exceptional resonance.

Question 3: How do humbuckers differ from single-coil pickups?

Answer: Humbuckers produce a thicker, warmer sound with increased output and reduced hum, while single-coils offer brighter, twangier tones with less output and higher susceptibility to hum. The choice between humbuckers and single-coils depends on the desired sound and musical style.

Question 4: What aspects of the neck should I pay attention to?

Answer: Key aspects of the neck include scale length, fretboard radius, and neck profile. Scale length affects string tension and playability, fretboard radius influences the feel when fretting notes, and neck profile determines the comfort and feel of the guitar in your hand.

Question 5: How do the electronics of an electric guitar impact its sound?

Answer: The electronics, including volume and tone controls as well as pickup selector, shape the guitar’s sound and versatility. Volume controls adjust output level, tone controls modify equalization, and pickup selectors allow for selecting different pickup combinations, enabling a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Question 6: What other factors should I consider before making a purchase?

Answer: Before purchasing an electric guitar, consider your budget, playing style, and the type of music you intend to play. These factors will help narrow down your choices and select a guitar that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Understanding these key aspects and addressing common concerns will empower you to make an informed decision when purchasing your electric guitar, ensuring it complements your musical journey and allows you to express your creativity.

Transition to the next article section: Choosing the Right Electric Guitar for Your Needs

Tips on How to Buy Electric Guitar

Purchasing an electric guitar requires careful consideration to ensure it aligns with your musical preferences and playing style. Here are several valuable tips to guide you through the process:

Tip 1: Determine Your Budget

Establish a realistic budget before shopping for an electric guitar. Prices can vary significantly depending on brand, model, and features. Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to it to avoid overspending.

Tip 2: Identify Your Playing Style

Consider your playing style and the type of music you intend to play. Different guitars excel in different genres. For instance, if you prefer heavy rock or metal, a guitar with humbuckers and a solid body might be suitable. For blues or jazz, a guitar with single-coil pickups and a semi-hollow body may be more appropriate.

Tip 3: Research Different Brands and Models

Explore various brands and models of electric guitars to understand their unique characteristics. Read reviews, watch demos, and visit guitar stores to experience them firsthand. This research will help you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision.

Tip 4: Pay Attention to the Body Style

The body style of an electric guitar significantly influences its sound and resonance. Solid body guitars offer brighter, more focused tones, while semi-hollow and hollow body guitars provide warmer, more resonant tones. Choose the body style that best complements your desired sound.

Tip 5: Consider the Pickups

Pickups are responsible for capturing the vibrations of the strings and converting them into an electrical signal. Humbuckers produce a thicker, warmer sound, while single-coils offer brighter, twangier tones. Select the pickups that align with your musical preferences.

Tip 6: Don’t Neglect the Neck

The neck of an electric guitar plays a crucial role in playability and comfort. Factors like scale length, fretboard radius, and neck profile can affect how the guitar feels in your hands and how easy it is to play. Choose a neck that suits your playing style and physical preferences.

Tip 7: Check the Electronics

The electronics of an electric guitar, including controls like volume, tone, and pickup selectors, shape its sound and versatility. Ensure that the guitar has the electronics you need to achieve your desired tones.

Key Takeaways:

• Consider your budget, playing style, and desired sound.
• Research different brands and models to understand their unique characteristics.
• Pay attention to the body style, pickups, neck, and electronics to make an informed decision.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect electric guitar that meets your needs and allows you to express your musical creativity.

Transition to the article’s conclusion: With these tips in mind, you are well-equipped to navigate the world of electric guitars and make a confident purchase.

Deciding Factors for Electric Guitar Purchase

Navigating the world of electric guitars requires careful consideration of various factors. Understanding your budget, playing style, and desired sound is essential. Researching different brands and models helps you comprehend their unique characteristics. Furthermore, examining the body style, pickups, neck, and electronics empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your musical preferences.

By following the guidance outlined in this article, you gain the knowledge and confidence to select the perfect electric guitar. This instrument will become an extension of your musical expression, allowing you to explore your creativity and embark on a fulfilling musical journey. Remember, the choice you make will significantly impact your playing experience, so approach it with thoughtful deliberation.