Electric Guitars
Everything you need to know about electric guitars: a guide for beginners and pros
Are you looking for the perfect electric guitar? Our guide for beginners and pros gives you everything you need to know about the history of electric guitars, different types of electric guitars and how to choose the right one. We also share our best maintenance tips and tricks for playing like a pro. With the largest selection of electric guitars in Denmark and a professional service, we're your go-to place for all your electric guitar needs.
The history of electric guitars
Invented in the mid-20th century, electric guitars were an innovation in musical instruments. Electric guitars allowed guitarists to play loudly and with more distortion than acoustic guitars. This sound had a major influence on rock music, but the blues genre also benefited from the new technology.
Over time, there have been many developments in the design and sound of electric guitars, from the early models to the modern versions we know today. Although acoustic guitars are still popular among many musicians, the electric guitar remains an important instrument for both beginners and professional players who want to experiment with different styles and sound effects.
The invention of electric guitars
was a major technological advance. It made it possible to play loudly and with a unique sound that could not be achieved with acoustic guitars. The invention did not come without challenges, as new ways had to be found to amplify the sound and overcome feedback problems.
Some of the most famous inventors behind the first electric guitars are Adolph Rickenbacker, Les Paul and Leo Fender. Their early experiments led to the creation of some of the most iconic guitar models of all time.
The first electric guitar was received with mixed reviews by the public, but its popularity quickly grew among blues musicians in the United States. Over time, the electric guitar became an integral part of many different musical genres around the world.
- Adolph Rickenbacker's "Frying Pan" was the first mass-produced electric guitar
- Les Paul designed his own prototype in 1941
- Leo Fender's Telecaster model from the 1950s revolutionized the industry
The evolution of electric guitars over time
Key milestones in the development of the electric guitar include the invention of the first electric guitar, which was a solid-body model designed by Les Paul and Leo Fender. In the 1960s, the sound of the guitar was influenced by blues music and the rock and roll genre, which led to an increased demand for acoustic amplification.
New trends and styles in electric guitar playing include virtuoso techniques such as tapping, sweep picking and legato playing. There are also new music genres such as metalcore and djent with tunings of seven or eight strings that require specific technologies such as humbucker pickups.
Technological advances have had a major impact on the development of modern electric guitars. The advent of digital effects pedals has made it possible to simulate different types of amplifiers and speakers without having to transport large amounts of gear. In addition, advanced tuning systems for more precise intonation are now possible, as well as wireless systems for free movement during concerts.
- The solidbody invention
- The influence of blues music
- Trends in techniques
- New music genres
- Digital effects pedals
- Advanced tuning systems
- Wireless system options
Types of electric guitars
Electric guitars can be divided into two types: solid body and hollow body. Solid body guitars are made of solid wood and therefore have a heavier sound, whereas hollow body guitars have a cavity inside the body, which provides a more resonant and acoustic sound.
Another important factor is the choice between single coil or humbucker pickups. Single coils produce a sharper, more crisp sound, while humbuckers provide a fuller tone with less noise from electrical interference. It's important to choose the type of pickups that suit your playing style and genre of music.
Of course, there is also a softer value that is almost a religion for some guitar enthusiasts; guitar brands. We won't try to muddy the waters and instead encourage you to explore this market for yourself. Whether you choose a Yamaha, Ibanez, Fender or something fourth or fifth should be entirely up to you and your needs.
Solid body vs. hollow body
An electric guitar is an investment that requires consideration of various factors. One of the biggest decisions to make is the choice between a solid body or hollow body guitar. The differences in sound production can have a big impact on which types of music genres the guitar is best suited for. Solid body guitars tend to produce more powerful and crisp tones, while hollow bodies provide more resonance and warmth in the sound. In addition, the material also plays an important role in the making of each type of guitar.
It is necessary for every electric guitarist to choose the right type according to their own needs and tastes, as well as the desired genre choice. Typically, the rock and metal genre will be most suited to the more aggressive tone of solid body guitars, while jazz or blues musicians often prefer the warmer sound of a hollow-body guitar made with materials such as pine or maple.
Single coil vs. humbucker pickups
The difference in sound between single coil and humbucker pickups can be clearly felt by experienced electric guitar players. Single coil has a more crisp and detailed sound that works well for styles like blues, funk and jazz. Humbuckers have a fuller, warmer tone that's better suited to rock or metal music.
The disadvantage of choosing one pickup type over the other depends on your personal preference and playing style. Single coils can be subject to interference from external sources such as fluorescent lights or cell phones, while humbuckers often require a higher output level to match the clarity of single coils in the higher frequency ranges.
How to choose the right electric guitar?
When choosing an electric guitar, you should first consider your budget and the price of the guitar. While some high-quality guitars can be expensive, there are also good options in lower price ranges.
Another factor to consider is your playing style and genre. Different types of guitars have different sounds and characteristics, so it's important to find the type of guitar that best suits your musical style.
Budget and price
The choice of material for your electric guitar is an important factor when it comes to budget and price. There are several different materials that can affect the price of your guitar. However, you should always prioritize quality over price.
Below you'll find additional costs to consider beyond the guitar itself:
- Accessories like a case or stand
- Different effects pedals and amplifiers
- Lessons or workshops with professional musicians
Playing style and genre
Pickups that suit your playing style are essential for achieving the desired sound on an electric guitar. Single coil pickups are best suited to blues and rock, while humbuckers are often used in heavy metal music. The tone controls on the guitar can further alter the sound by attenuating or emphasizing certain frequencies. Effects such as delay, chorus and reverb can add extra dimension to your sound, while the distortion capability allows for a more raw sound. The shape of the neck also influences playing style - C-shaped necks are good for classic rock, while thicker U-shaped necks are better suited to heavy metal.
- Pickups: single coil vs humbuckers
- Tone control: adjusting frequencies
- Effects : delay, chorus and reverb
- Distortion capability: for a more raw feel
- Neck shape: C-shaped or unshaped
Size and weight
An important factor to consider when buying an electric guitar is the size and weight of the instrument. Here are some things to think about:
- Full-size or smaller guitar? Smaller guitars may be more comfortable for people with smaller hands or for traveling.
Body thickness and its impact on sound:
- A thicker body can produce a deeper sound than a thinner body.
Weight distribution between body, neck, head:
- It can be easier to play for longer periods of time with a guitar's weight distributed evenly.
It's important to find the right size and weight for you and your playing style.
Maintenance of electric guitars
To maintain the best sound and playing experience from your electric guitar, it's important to take care of the instrument's cleaning and care. Clean the guitar regularly with a dry cloth to remove dirt and grease from the strings and fretboard. Also, use a guitar cleaner to polish the body of the guitar for a shiny look.
Replacing strings should be done at least every 3-6 months, depending on how often you play your electric guitar. Adjustments to the neck may be necessary in case of wear and tear or if you change string thickness. It is generally recommended that adjustments are made by a professional technician for best results.
Replacing strings and adjusting the neck
When playing your electric guitar, it's important to be aware of when to replace strings and adjust the neck. This can have a big impact on the sound and intonation of the instrument. Here are some tips for choosing the right strings based on your playing style and genre, as well as adjusting the curvature of the neck for optimal intonation:
- Choose guitar strings with the right thickness based on your desired tone range
- Classical guitar musicians will typically choose nylon strings, while rock musicians often prefer steel strings
- Adjust the neck curvature using the truss rod tool according to the manufacturer's instructions
- After replacing or adjusting the strings, make sure you tune the guitar correctly
Always remember to contact a professional technician or guitarist experienced in the repair and maintenance of electric guitars for further advice and assistance.
How to store a guitar?
Storing your electric guitar is important to protect it from damage and maintain its quality. There are some important factors to consider when storing your guitar.
First of all, it's important to store your guitar in a room with a stable temperature and humidity. Large changes in temperature and humidity can damage your guitar and lead to cracks and deformations.
When storing your guitar, you should also take light and dust into account. Direct sunlight can bleach your guitar's finish, so make sure you store it in a place where it's not exposed to sunlight. Also, keep your guitar free from dust, as this can collect on the surface and damage the finish. You should also consider storing your guitar in a bag or case to protect it from bumps and drops.
If you have a guitar stand or wall mount, make sure it is stable and doesn't put your guitar at risk of tipping over.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your electric guitar will last for many years and retain its sound quality and aesthetics.
Tips for playing electric guitars
When you start playing an electric guitar, it's important to start with simple chords and exercises. This will help you learn the basic techniques and build muscle memory in your fingers so you can play more complex stuff later on.
Effects pedals can add an extra dimension to your sound and give it a personal touch. But first learn how to use them correctly, otherwise they can overwhelm your sound or distort it in unfortunate ways. Also learn how to adjust the pedals for different types of musical situations.
Find inspiration from other musicians and try new styles of music to develop your own unique sound on the electric guitar. Experiment with different techniques like sweep-picking or tapping to bring new life to your solos and riffs. Always remember to have fun while playing!
Start with simple chords and exercises
Learn the most basic chords first to get a good understanding of how chords work on your electric guitar. Then practice switching between these simple chords and gradually build up your repertoire of more difficult chords. Combine simple rhythms with your chords to add variety to your guitar practice.
Here are some specific exercises to help you get started:
Practice the fire basic guitar classics:
- Gdur, Cdur, Ddur, and Emol.
- Try different combinations of these fire chords and practice switching between them smoothly.
- Add strumming patterns to your simple rhythms for more variety.
- Use a metronome to work on the timing of your rhythms.
Always remember: Starting slow and building up gradually will help you develop good habits as a guitarist and set the stage for success later on!
Learn how to use effects pedals
Understand different types of effects such as distortion, reverb, delay, etc. as they can help create your own unique sound. Experiment with different pedal combinations to find the perfect balance between tone and effect. Use pedals in moderation so as not to overdo your sound and lose definition in your chords.
- Understand the difference between distortion, reverb, delay, etc.
- Try different combinations of pedal effects for a unique sound
- Be careful not to overdo your guitar sound when using pedals
Find musical inspiration and try new things
Listen to different genres of music and find inspiration from there. This can be a great way to expand your repertoire and get new ideas for your own songs.
Boost your repertoire by learning new songs from other artists or bands. Try alternative tunings on your guitar for a new sound experience, this can allow you to create something unique with your electric guitar playing. Always remember to explore and experiment with your musical style and techniques to find the right sound for you!
Of course, there's also a huge second-hand guitar market on Facebook, dba and second-hand shops and markets. However, we would encourage you to talk to an expert no matter what. There are many examples of people getting ripped off and we don't want that to happen to you when you embark on your adventure with an electronic guitar.
You should also feel free to contact us for b-stock items. We very often have a handful of b-stock guitars lying around.