| Sometime during the 1930's electric guitars were | | | | former is true, then you'll gravitate toward the |
| introduced onto the music scene, which began a | | | | hollow-bodied guitars; if the later, then the solid-bodied is |
| revolution in sound and technology that continues to | | | | your best bet. Now, you could compromise and go for |
| this day. After Rock and Roll was born in the 1950's, it | | | | a "semi-solid" electric guitar, which combines the |
| didn't take very long for electric guitars to grow in | | | | characteristics of both. These have a solid center |
| popularity and become one of the most coveted | | | | block which creates the sustain of a solid body along |
| instruments of all time. Things really began to take off | | | | with the "f" hole design which allows for the acoustic |
| when the Beatles turned the world on its ear in 1964 | | | | quality too.One other thing to keep in mind. When you |
| by "invading America". Soon to follow were groups like | | | | purchase an electric guitar you will also need to have |
| the Rolling Stones, Cream, and the The Jimi Hendrix | | | | other equipment, most importantly, an amplifier and a |
| Experience. Music was forever changed and today | | | | chord! If you're on a tight budget you might consider |
| electric guitars dominate the scene.Originally these | | | | buying a package deal. These usually include the guitar, |
| guitars were made with only a single pick-up. Now | | | | a small amp and a chord. Some also include picks, |
| they usually come with two or three, thus creating a | | | | strap and a case. If you have money to blow, then do |
| more versatile instrument. One is placed near the | | | | some research on amps and effects ahead of time |
| bridge, the other toward the base of the neck, and a | | | | so that you can be sure to have the equipment that |
| middle, or third, is often added between the other two. | | | | will produce the sound you're after. You can also ask |
| Having these additional pickups provides the guitarist | | | | the store management for permission to test their |
| with more options for producing various dimensions of | | | | different amps and effects while your in the store |
| tonal quality. They can be used independently or in | | | | looking around. If you don't know how to play the guitar |
| combination with each other and adjusted to achieve | | | | yet, ask if they have someone who could play a |
| just the right volume or effect for either lead or rhythm | | | | demonstration for you.My final advise, before you buy |
| guitar playing. Pickups are strategically set on electric | | | | your electric guitar, is to take your time and shop |
| guitars in order to "pickup" and produce the best sound. | | | | around. Ask a lot of questions. When you listen to |
| There are generally two basic types of electric guitar: | | | | music, take mental notes of the sounds you like and |
| hollow-bodied and solid-bodied. Hollow-bodied guitars | | | | share your thoughts, ideas and questions with other |
| are often used by Jazz enthusiasts. Rock guitarists | | | | guitar players. Then, go for it!FREE Reprint Rights - |
| tend to prefer the solid-bodied guitars overall.If you are | | | | You may publish this article in your e-zine or on your |
| in the market for an electric guitar there are a few | | | | web site as long as you include the following |
| things you should keep in mind. First of all, take into | | | | information:Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and |
| consideration the kind of music you want to play. Are | | | | webmaster of ABC Learn Guitar. She has been |
| you looking for a smooth, mellow sound, or do you | | | | writing songs and providing guitar lessons to students |
| prefer more of a raunchy sound with an edge? If the | | | | of all ages for over 20 years. |