Contact Ussite maplink to home page
     
    GUITARS
     
    Effects Processors
     
    Accessories
     
    Kid's Guitars
     
    Buying A First Guitar
     
   
Buying Acoustic
Buying Electric
 

Body Styles

 

Pickups

 

Bridges

  Neck Joints
  Woods
 

 

   
 

Buying an Electric Guitar

 
If you can't wait to crank up the volume and play your favorite rock and metal riffs, then an electric guitar is for you. Electric guitars all have one thing in common -- they need an amplifier to generate sound. So to get started, you'll need to buy the guitar, an amplifier, a guitar cable (to connect the guitar to the amplifier) and a case. You don't need a guitar strap right away because during your lessons you'll be sitting with the guitar resting on your lap. But if you want to stand up and play like your favorite musicians, then you'll need a strap, too.  
 

The best way to start
is to get familiar with
your instrument ...

The main parts are the same as an acoustic guitar -- a neck to hold, strings to strum, a bridge to hold the strings, a way to tune the strings and a body to make it all stay together. An electric guitar adds a few more parts so that it can deliver its sound to an amplifier. The quality and craftsmanship of the parts separates the big-money guitars from the cheaper ones.

Electric Guitar Parts
 
 

Learning on an electric guitar

In general, an electric guitar tends to be easier on the fingers than an acoustic guitar. This is because the neck is slightly narrower, the strings are a lighter gauge, and the strings are positioned closer to the fingerboard. This is not to say that electric guitars are any worse or better than acoustic guitars, only different.

Do they come in different sizes?

Choose a guitar that feels comfortable for you Electric guitars are available in more shapes than you can keep track of, but they mostly come in a "regular" size. The length of the neck may vary from guitar to guitar, but by only an inch to a few inches. Most important, the guitar has to feel comfortable for YOU, and that depends on YOUR body size. When trying out an electric guitar, you should be able to reach the tuning machines with your elbow slightly bent, while your other hand is over the pickups. If you're stretching to reach, that won't make for smooth playing and the guitar is not right for you.

Some electric guitar bodies are made from solid pieces of hardwood that are quite heavy, as much as two or three times other models. Again, the simple rule is, compare models in your price range and find one that you can handle. If your guitar is comfortable and fun to play, you are more likely to keep making music.

With so many different models, where do I begin?

When you're starting out, you don't have the same concerns as a musician who's been playing for years. The main question to ask yourself is, "How much money do I want to spend?" We have a good selection of top brand electric guitars in all price ranges. The entry-level or "beginner" guitars offer great playability and excellent sound at a price that's easy to swallow for the first-time buyer or parent. These guitars look awesome (choose your favorite color!), they'll withstand the rigors of everyday practice, and they're relatively lightweight (between 6 and 9 pounds). You can't go wrong!

If you're buying a guitar that you hope to use later on, when you're in a band or performing, then you'll want to consider features such as body style, pickups, bridge system, neck joint, and woods. As a complete beginner, you won't notice the difference between one type of pickup and another, or the tonal variances between maple and ash. That's O.K. Even if your first guitar is just for practice at home, hang around, because learning about the different features will guide you to a more informed purchase.

next

 

Home | About Us | Instruments & Gear | Books & DVDs | Lessons | Rentals | Repairs | Events

ŠAllegro Music. All rights reserved.