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Electric Guitar Buying Guide

Even the most expert guitarists find selecting an electric guitar to be a challenge. Despite your skill level, picking the right guitar for your needs can be tough, but rewarding too; a great electric guitar is a thing of beauty.

Guitar construction is pretty much basic for just about all of the different guitar types. All electric guitars have the same components:

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

Of course, you'll also need an amplifier if you are to hear what you're playing on an electric guitar. You play an electric guitar like you would an acoustic guitar, that is, by strumming and/or plucking the strings. However, with an electric the vibration if the strings is taken up by the pickups (think of them as a sort of microphone for your guitar) and then carried to the amplifier.

The top two things most people look for when shopping for a guitar are price and sound quality.

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.

Other things to think about when selecting a guitar is the neck joint, as well as the aesthetic appeal of the instrument.

You should be pleased with the way the instrument looks if you are to enjoy playing that guitar. The most popular brands are the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster. Other manufacturers, B.C. Rich for instance, make guitars in unusual shapes and color schemes. All of these makers mentioned so far have lower priced models, meaning a Fender or Gibson guitar can be had for $300 or less. B.C. Rich guitars are a little cheaper, even those with custom paint jobs.

Guitars are made with several types of neck joints (how the neck attaches to the body). There is the bolt-on, which is the cheapest, then the set neck and the neck through style. The bolt on type is exactly what it sounds like-it bolts on to the body. This is the most common type of neck and is very affordable.

A set neck has a tongue that is set into the body and glued securely to the body. This type of neck allows more note sustain and resonance through the body and is slightly more expensive to construct.

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.

Do your homework before you buy an electric guitar - there are so many different makes and models that you'll want to try many out before you decide (but trust me, you will know when you've found the right one). Visit guitar stores, try out guitars and most importantly, ask questions! Happy playing!

When you find the right one, you WILL know it! Happy strumming!

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

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