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The Ultimate Guide to Electric Guitar Types and Names [2024] 🎸
Are you ready to dive into the world of electric guitars? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the different types of electric guitars and their names is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the iconic guitar body styles, guitar body types and construction, pickup types and configurations, tonewood types, neck construction, hardware and electronics, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of electric guitar types and names, and you’ll be ready to rock out with confidence! So grab your pick and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Quick Tips and Facts
- Background: A Brief History of Electric Guitars
- Iconic Guitar Body Styles
- Guitar Body Types and Construction
- Pickup Types and Configurations
- Tonewood Types
- Neck Construction
- Hardware and Electronics
- Conclusion
- Recommended Links
- Reference Links
Quick Answer
Electric guitars come in various types and names, each with its own unique characteristics and sound. Here are the main types of electric guitars:
- Stratocaster
- Superstrat
- Telecaster
- Offset
- Les Paul
- SG Body Type
- Other Iconic and Weird Shaped Guitars
Now, let’s dive deeper into each type and explore their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Quick Tips and Facts
- Electric guitars are popular among musicians of all genres, from rock and blues to jazz and metal.
- The body shape, pickups, tonewoods, and hardware all contribute to the overall sound and playability of an electric guitar.
- Different types of electric guitars excel in specific genres, but they can be versatile enough to handle various styles of music.
- It’s important to consider your playing style, musical preferences, and budget when choosing an electric guitar.
Background: A Brief History of Electric Guitars
Before we delve into the different types of electric guitars, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history behind these iconic instruments. The electric guitar revolutionized the music industry in the 20th century, allowing guitarists to amplify their sound and experiment with new tones.
In the 1930s, the first commercially successful electric guitars were introduced by companies like Rickenbacker and Gibson. These early models featured hollow or semi-hollow bodies and electromagnetic pickups, which converted the vibrations of the strings into electrical signals.
As the popularity of electric guitars grew, manufacturers began experimenting with different body shapes, pickup configurations, and tonewoods. This led to the creation of the iconic guitar body styles and the diverse range of electric guitar types we know today.
Iconic Guitar Body Styles
1. Stratocaster
The Stratocaster, made famous by Fender, is one of the most recognizable electric guitar types. Its sleek double-cutaway body, three single-coil pickups, and tremolo bridge make it a versatile instrument suitable for various genres. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour. Best Genre Fit: Blues.
2. Superstrat
The Superstrat is a modified version of the Stratocaster, featuring a more aggressive design and additional features like humbucking pickups, locking tremolos, and extended range capabilities. Notable players include Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Dave Murray. Best Genre Fit: Rock and Heavy Metal.
3. Telecaster
The Telecaster, also known as the “Tele,” is another iconic electric guitar type from Fender. It features a single-cutaway body, two single-coil pickups, and a fixed bridge. Notable players include Keith Richards, Jack White, James Burton, Danny Gatton, Vince Gill, Jonny Greenwood, and Merle Haggard. Best Genre Fit: Genres that require more grit than a Strat but more clarity than a Les Paul.
4. Offset Guitars (Jaguar, Mustang, Jazzmaster)
Offset guitars, such as the Jaguar, Mustang, and Jazzmaster, have a unique body shape and distinctive sound. They are known for their versatility and are popular among alternative, grunge, and shoegaze musicians. Notable players include Johnny Marr, Thurston Moore, J Mascis, Kevin Shields, and Kurt Cobain. Best Genre Fit: Grunge, Shoegaze, and Alternative.
5. Les Paul Style Guitars
Les Paul style guitars, made famous by Gibson, have a solid body design and are known for their warm, fat tone. They typically feature dual humbucking pickups and a fixed bridge. Notable players include Jimmy Page, Les Paul, Buckethead, Eric Clapton, Ace Frehley, Bob Marley, and Joe Walsh. Best Genre Fit: Just about everything with distortion.
6. SG Body Type
The SG body type, also known as the “Solid Guitar,” is another iconic design from Gibson. It features a double-cutaway body, dual humbucking pickups, and a lightweight construction. Notable players include Tony Iommi, Derek Trucks, Angus Young, Albert King, and Lonnie Mack. Best Genre Fit: Rock and Metal.
7. Other Iconic and Weird Shaped Guitars
In addition to the iconic guitar body styles mentioned above, there are many other unique and weird-shaped guitars available. Manufacturers like Gibson, PRS, B.C. Rich, and Steinberger have produced guitars with unconventional designs. Notable players include Steve Vai. These guitars offer a distinct look and sound for those looking to stand out from the crowd.
Guitar Body Types and Construction
Now that we’ve explored the iconic guitar body styles, let’s dive into the different types of guitar body construction.
Solidbody Instruments
Solidbody electric guitars, like the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul, have a solid piece of wood as their body. This construction enhances sustain and reduces feedback, making them ideal for high-gain genres like rock and metal.
Semi-Hollow Instruments
Semi-hollow electric guitars, such as the Gibson ES-335, have a solid center block with hollow wings. This design provides a balance between the sustain of a solidbody and the resonance of a hollow body. Semi-hollow guitars are favored by blues, jazz, and rockabilly players.
Hollow Body Instruments
Hollow body electric guitars, like the Gibson ES-175, have a fully hollow body without a center block. This construction produces a warm, rich tone with excellent acoustic resonance. Hollow body guitars are commonly used in jazz and blues genres.
Pickup Types and Configurations
The pickups on an electric guitar play a crucial role in shaping its sound. Let’s explore the different types of pickups and configurations.
Single Coil Pickups
Single coil pickups, found on guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, produce a bright and twangy tone. They are known for their clarity and articulation, making them suitable for genres like blues, rock, and country.
Humbucking Pickups
Humbucking pickups, commonly found on Gibson Les Paul guitars, consist of two single coils wired together in series. They offer a thicker, warmer tone with reduced noise and hum. Humbuckers are popular in genres that require a more aggressive sound, such as rock and metal.
P90 Pickups
P90 pickups are a unique type of single coil pickup known for their fat and gritty tone. They offer a balance between the clarity of single coils and the warmth of humbuckers. P90s are favored by players in blues, rock, and alternative genres.
Active Pickups
Active pickups, such as those made by EMG, require a battery to power an onboard preamp. They offer high output and a wide range of tonal options. Active pickups are commonly used in genres that require a more modern and aggressive sound, such as metal and hard rock.
Other Pickups
There are many other pickup configurations available, including combinations of single coils, humbuckers, and specialty pickups. These configurations offer even more versatility and tonal options for players.
Tonewood Types
The choice of tonewoods used in an electric guitar can significantly impact its sound and resonance. Let’s explore the different tonewoods commonly used in electric guitars.
Body Woods
The body wood of an electric guitar contributes to its overall tone and sustain. Here are some commonly used body woods:
- Alder: Offers a balanced tone with good sustain and resonance. Used in guitars like the Fender Stratocaster.
- Ash: Provides a bright and snappy tone with excellent sustain. Used in guitars like the Fender Telecaster.
- Basswood: Offers a balanced tone with a slight emphasis on the midrange. Used in various guitar models.
- Mahogany: Provides a warm and rich tone with enhanced sustain. Used in guitars like the Gibson Les Paul.
- Maple: Offers a bright and articulate tone with excellent sustain. Used in guitars like the Gibson ES-335.
- Poplar: Provides a balanced tone with good resonance. Used in various guitar models.
Neck Woods
The neck wood of an electric guitar affects its stability, playability, and tone. Here are some commonly used neck woods:
- Maple: Offers a bright and snappy tone with excellent stability. Used in many electric guitar models.
- Mahogany: Provides a warm and rich tone with good stability. Used in guitars like the Gibson Les Paul.
Fretboard Tonewoods
The fretboard tonewood can influence the feel and tone of an electric guitar. Here are some commonly used fretboard tonewoods:
- Maple: Offers a bright and snappy tone with a smooth feel. Used in guitars like the Fender Stratocaster.
- Rosewood: Provides a warm and rich tone with a smooth feel. Used in guitars like the Gibson Les Paul.
- Ebony: Offers a bright and articulate tone with a smooth feel. Used in high-end electric guitars.
- Pau Ferro: Provides a balanced tone with a smooth feel. Used in various guitar models.
Neck Construction
The construction of the neck plays a crucial role in the playability and stability of an electric guitar. Let’s explore the different neck construction methods.
Bolt-On
Bolt-on necks, commonly found on guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, are attached to the body using screws or bolts. This construction allows for easy neck adjustments and offers a bright and snappy tone.
Set Neck
Set necks, commonly found on guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and SG, are glued into the body. This construction provides better sustain and resonance compared to bolt-on necks. Set neck guitars often have a warm and rich tone.
Neck-through
Neck-through construction is commonly seen in higher-end custom guitars. In this construction method, the neck extends through the entire length of the body, providing excellent sustain and access to higher frets. Neck-through guitars offer a balanced and resonant tone.
Neck Profiles and Frets
Electric guitar necks come in various profiles and fret sizes, allowing players to find their preferred feel and playability. Neck profiles can range from slim and fast to chunky and substantial. Fret sizes can vary from vintage-style small frets to jumbo-sized frets. It’s important to try different neck profiles and fret sizes to find the one that suits your playing style.
Hardware and Electronics
The hardware and electronics of an electric guitar contribute to its overall functionality and performance. Let’s explore some essential components.
Bridge
The bridge of an electric guitar affects its intonation, sustain, and playability. There are various types of bridges, including fixed bridges, tremolo bridges, and locking tremolo bridges. Each type offers different advantages and considerations. It’s important to choose a bridge that suits your playing style and preferences.
Tuners
Tuners, also known as machine heads, are used to adjust the pitch of each string. There are different types of tuners, including split-head kluson/vintage-style tuners, modern tuners with a sealed mechanism, and locking tuners. High-quality tuners ensure stable tuning and make string changes easier.
Strap Buttons
Strap buttons are used to attach a guitar strap to the instrument. While most guitars come with standard strap buttons, some players prefer to use strap locks for added security. Strap locks prevent the guitar from accidentally falling off the strap.
Potentiometers
Potentiometers, or pots, are used to control the volume and tone of an electric guitar. They are rated by ohms, with higher values allowing more high-frequency content to pass through. Different potentiometers can affect the overall tonal response of the guitar.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now explored the fascinating world of electric guitar types and names. We’ve covered the iconic guitar body styles, guitar body types and construction, pickup types and configurations, tonewood types, neck construction, hardware and electronics, and more. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently choose the electric guitar that suits your playing style and musical preferences.
Remember, the best electric guitar for you is the one that feels comfortable in your hands and inspires you to create music. So go ahead, explore different types of electric guitars, try them out, and find the one that speaks to you. Whether you’re a blues enthusiast, a rock aficionado, or a metal shredder, there’s an electric guitar out there waiting to unleash your musical potential.
Recommended Links
For further reading on related topics, check out our article on What are all of the guitar names?.