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Choosing an Electric Guitar

By: Pat Newsome


Are you interested in learning to play the electric guitar?  Maybe you are familiar with playing an acoustic and would like to expand your playing style to include an electric.  There are some things to keep in mind when you are shopping for one of these instruments.

There are several basic types of electric guitars.  Solid body guitars are the ones we traditionally associate with rock music.  They are made by a wide range of manufacturers, and come in many colors and shapes.  Also there is a wide range of price tags on these instruments, so it helps to know the features you need, and the ones you'll just be paying extra for.

There are also hollow body electrics, as well as electric acoustics.  The electric acoustic guitar is basically just an acoustic that has been wired so that it has a jack for a cord to hook it up to an amplifier.  It will still sound and play just like an acoustic.  You will have the option of cranking up your volume, however, without having to play near a microphone.  If this appeals to you, you might want to simply have a pickup installed into your acoustic.  These can be attached right under the strings inside the sound hole.

The hollow body electric is sort of a hybrid between the two other types.  It usually features f shaped holes and a thin, but hollow body.  It also features the tone and volume knobs, and other unique features of the solid body electric.

Chances are, though, that you're really interested in performing some hot licks on a solid body electric guitar.  It makes sense to get a less expensive instrument if you are a beginner, or if you intend to travel a lot.  A traveling instrument can be damaged easily if someone is careless in handling it.  If you're unsure of your commitment to learning the instrument, you probably don't want to get a really expensive one either.

It's always a good idea to talk to other people who own and play electric guitars when you are considering buying one.  It's usually a mistake to walk into a music store and buy the first one that appeals to you on the basis of price, looks, and/or brand name.  Chances are the workers at the music store will know something about guitars and can offer good advice, but they are trying to make a sale, too, so be cautious.

You'll need an amplifier, of course, so be prepared for the extra expense.  There are several electric guitars on the market that are very suitable for beginners, both in price and quality.  Electric guitars are easier on the fingers than acoustic guitars, and are much easier to use in picking out lead tunes and licks.  Have fun learning to play that new electric guitar!

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