Electric guitars are much more than just musical instruments; they are symbols of creativity, passion, and the endless possibilities of sound. These versatile instruments come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, each with its own unique tonal qualities and aesthetic appeal.
For both beginners and professional musicians, understanding the different types of electric guitars is crucial. It not only helps in choosing the right instrument that suits one’s style and genre but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the music one creates.
With a myriad of options available, each type of electric guitar offers a distinct sonic palette that can be used to express a wide range of musical ideas.
In this article, we will delve into the diverse world of electric guitars, exploring 11 different types, their characteristics, and how they can bring a unique dimension to your music. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to expand your guitar collection, this guide will help you navigate the electrifying landscape of electric guitars. Let’s dive in!
1. Solid Body Electric Guitars
Solid body electric guitars are the most common type of electric guitar, and for many people, the image that comes to mind when they think of electric guitars. True to their name, these guitars have a solid piece of wood for the body, making them robust and sturdy.
One of the main characteristics of solid body electric guitars is their ability to sustain notes for a longer duration compared to other types. The solid construction minimizes the feedback, allowing for higher gain levels, which is especially useful for genres like rock and metal.
The Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul are two iconic models of solid body electric guitars. The Stratocaster, with its three single-coil pickups, offers a bright and punchy tone, making it a favorite among blues and rock musicians. On the other hand, the Les Paul, with its dual humbucker setup, produces a warm and full-bodied sound, widely cherished in genres like rock, jazz, and blues.
These models, like many solid body guitars, are also known for their versatility. With various pickup combinations and a wide range of tonal options, they can be used to play virtually any genre of music. Furthermore, solid body guitars come in various shapes and sizes, from the sleek and simple Telecaster design to the aggressive lines of the Gibson Flying V, offering something for every aesthetic preference.
2. Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitars
Semi-hollow body electric guitars offer a unique blend of the characteristics of solid body and hollow body guitars. They typically have a solid wood block running down the center of the body with hollow wings on either side. This design reduces feedback issues common with fully hollow guitars while providing a warmer and more resonant tone than solid body guitars.
The sound quality of semi-hollow body guitars is distinct, often described as airy and vibrant. They are capable of delivering a rich, full tone while maintaining clarity and note definition. This makes them particularly popular in genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock, though their versatility allows them to be used in a wide variety of musical styles.
Notable models of semi-hollow body guitars include the Gibson ES-335 and the Epiphone Dot. The Gibson ES-335, introduced in the late 1950s, is often considered the archetypal semi-hollow body guitar. With its dual humbucking pickups, it provides a perfect balance of warmth and clarity, making it a favorite among many legendary musicians.
The Epiphone Dot, named after its simple “dot” fret markers, is another popular model that offers great value. It’s known for its smooth playability and warm, mellow tone, making it a great choice for blues and jazz musicians.
In essence, semi-hollow body guitars offer a unique combination of tonal characteristics, blending the sustain and high-gain friendliness of solid body guitars with the resonance and warmth of hollow body guitars.
3. Hollow Body Electric Guitars
Hollow body electric guitars, also known as “archtop” guitars, are the original electric guitars. They feature a completely hollow body, much like traditional acoustic guitars, but with electric pickups. The design of these guitars contributes to a warm, rich, and resonant tone that is often associated with jazz, blues, and rockabilly genres.
The main characteristic of hollow body electric guitars is their deep and full-bodied tone. The hollow construction allows for natural acoustic resonance, which results in a more organic sound compared to solid and semi-hollow body guitars. However, this design can also lead to feedback issues when played at high volumes or with high gain, which is why they are less commonly used in high-gain genres like hard rock and metal.
One of the most famous models of hollow body electric guitars is the Gibson ES-175. Introduced in 1949, the ES-175 has become a jazz standard due to its smooth, mellow tone and exceptional playability. Its dual humbucker setup offers a wide range of warm and complex tones, making it a favorite among many jazz legends.
Another iconic model is the Gretsch White Falcon. Known for its large size and striking white finish, the White Falcon delivers a distinctive bright and clear tone. It’s particularly popular in rockabilly and country genres, but its unique sound has found a place in a variety of musical styles.
4. Chambered Body Electric Guitars
Chambered body electric guitars are a modern innovation in guitar design. These guitars feature strategically placed ‘chambers’ or cavities within the body, which serve to reduce the weight of the guitar and influence its tonal characteristics.
The main appeal of chambered body guitars lies in their ability to combine the best features of solid and hollow body guitars. The chambers allow for enhanced resonance and a more complex tone, similar to hollow body guitars. However, because the chambers are enclosed, these guitars can be played at higher volumes and gain levels without as much risk of feedback.
One popular model of chambered body electric guitars is the Gibson Les Paul Supreme. This model features a chambered mahogany body with a carved maple top, resulting in a lighter instrument that still maintains the classic Les Paul tone. The chambers contribute to a more resonant and nuanced sound, making it a versatile choice for various music genres.
Another noteworthy model is the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster, which features a chambered ash body for increased resonance and reduced weight. This model retains the iconic Stratocaster sound while offering enhanced comfort and playability thanks to its chambered design.
5. 7 String and 8 String Electric Guitars
7 string and 8 string electric guitars are a natural evolution in the quest for a broader range of pitch and tonal capabilities. As the names suggest, these guitars feature additional strings – a low B for 7 string guitars and an extra low F# for 8 string guitars.
The additional strings on these guitars offer musicians extended lower range, opening up new possibilities for chord voicings, riffs, and solos. This has made them particularly popular in genres like progressive metal, djent, and jazz, where musicians frequently explore complex harmonies and extended chord structures.
One notable 7 string guitar model is the Ibanez Universe, known as the first mass-produced 7 string electric guitar. Designed in collaboration with guitarist Steve Vai, it has become a staple in the world of progressive rock and metal due to its extended range and high-quality construction.
On the 8 string front, the Schecter Hellraiser C-8 has gained popularity for its quality craftsmanship and excellent value. It’s known for its comfortable playability and powerful, articulate tone, making it a favorite among metal guitarists.
6. 12 String Electric Guitars
12 string electric guitars are truly unique instruments that offer a lush, rich sound unlike any other type of guitar. As the name suggests, these guitars feature 12 strings – arranged in six courses of two strings each. Typically, each pair of strings is tuned to the same note, with one string in each pair tuned an octave higher than its counterpart.
The key characteristic of 12 string electric guitars is their full, chorus-like sound. When strummed, the closely paired strings create a natural chorus effect, producing a shimmering, resonant tone that is perfect for creating depth and texture in music. This rich sound has made them popular in genres ranging from folk and pop to rock and jazz.
The Rickenbacker 360/12 is one of the most iconic 12 string electric guitars. Made famous by George Harrison of The Beatles, it’s known for its distinctive jangle and bright, chimey tone. Another popular model is the Guild Starfire I-12, which features a semi-hollow body design that adds warmth and resonance to the classic 12 string sound.
7. Travel and Mini Electric Guitars
Travel and mini electric guitars are designed with portability and convenience in mind. These compact instruments are perfect for musicians on the go, providing the functionality of a full-sized guitar in a smaller, more travel-friendly package.
Despite their small size, travel and mini electric guitars don’t compromise on sound quality. They are constructed to produce a tone comparable to their full-sized counterparts, making them an excellent choice for practicing, songwriting, or performing while on the road.
One of the standout models in this category is the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric. As the name suggests, it’s incredibly lightweight and compact, yet it offers a full-scale neck for familiar playability. The unique body design incorporates the tuning machines within the body itself, further reducing its size without compromising on functionality.
Another noteworthy model is the Hofner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar. This guitar maintains a relatively traditional shape but in a much smaller form factor. It features a full-scale neck and a single humbucking pickup, offering a great balance between portability and performance.
8. Signature Model Electric Guitars
Signature model electric guitars are special editions designed in collaboration with, or in honor of, influential musicians. These guitars often incorporate the artist’s specific preferences in terms of design, hardware, and tonality, offering fans and other musicians a chance to capture a piece of their favorite artist’s sound.
One iconic signature model is the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster. This guitar was designed to meet Slowhand’s exacting specifications, featuring a soft V-shaped neck, vintage noiseless pickups, and an active mid-boost circuit – all contributing to Clapton’s legendary tone.
The Gibson Les Paul Slash Signature is another renowned model. Featuring a mahogany body, maple top, and custom BurstBucker pickups, this guitar is designed to capture Slash’s raw, hard-rocking sound. It also sports Slash’s distinctive “Skully” logo on the headstock and his signature on the truss rod cover.
For fans of more modern styles, the Ibanez JEM Steve Vai Signature is a noteworthy model. Known for its distinctive “monkey grip” handle cutout, this guitar features DiMarzio Evolution pickups and a floating tremolo system, allowing for the wide tonal range and extreme pitch bends that Vai is famous for.
9. Double Neck Electric Guitars
Double neck electric guitars are a spectacle in the world of music, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. These unique instruments typically feature two necks – one with six strings and another with twelve. This design allows musicians to switch between different sounds and tuning setups mid-performance, without needing to change instruments.
The appeal of double neck guitars lies in their versatility and visual impact. They enable a wider range of musical expression and can add a dramatic flair to live performances, making them popular in genres like progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal.
One of the most iconic double neck guitar models is the Gibson EDS-1275. This model was made famous by legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, who used it to perform intricate pieces like “Stairway to Heaven”, which required both 6-string and 12-string sounds. The EDS-1275 features two SG-style bodies, one with a 6-string setup and one with a 12-string setup, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Another notable model is the Ibanez Xiphos XPT1400TW. Known for its radical body shape and dual 7-string necks, this guitar caters to the needs of modern metal guitarists looking for extended range and versatility.
10. Pedal Steel Guitars
Pedal steel guitars are unique instruments that have significantly shaped the sound of country music and also found their place in other genres like rock, jazz, and blues. These guitars are played horizontally, often on a stand, and the strings are typically plucked with fingerpicks while a metal slide or “steel” is used to change the pitch of the notes.
The defining characteristic of pedal steel guitars is the use of foot pedals and knee levers. These mechanical additions allow players to alter the pitch of individual strings while playing, adding a distinctive vocal-like quality to the instrument’s sound. This system makes it possible to play complex chord voicings and smooth pitch slides that wouldn’t be possible on a traditional guitar.
One of the most recognized pedal steel guitar models is the Sho-Bud Pro III Custom. This model was developed by Shot Jackson and Buddy Emmons, two of the most influential figures in the pedal steel community. It’s known for its high-quality craftsmanship and the smooth, precise action of its pedal and lever system.
Another noteworthy model is the Emmons LeGrande, designed by Buddy Emmons himself. The LeGrande is renowned for its innovative pedal setup and exceptional tone, making it a favorite among many professional players.
11. Lap Steel Guitars
Lap steel guitars are a type of steel guitar that are traditionally played in a horizontal position on the player’s lap. They feature a raised action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard) which makes them ideal for slide playing, where a metal or glass bar called a ‘steel’ is used to fret the notes.
The sound of a lap steel guitar is distinctive and versatile, capable of producing a warm, resonant tone that’s rich in harmonics. It’s been a cornerstone in country, blues, and Hawaiian music, but its unique sound has also found a place in rock and jazz.
One prominent lap steel guitar model is the Gibson Console Grande. This vintage model, often seen in a double-neck configuration, was popular in the mid-20th century and is known for its warm, full-bodied tone.
Another notable model is the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior Lap Steel Guitar. This model is admired for its high-quality construction, playability, and affordability, making it a popular choice for both beginners and professional musicians. It offers an impressive tonal range, from sweet, singing highs to deep, mellow lows.
How to Choose an Electric Guitar
Choosing the right electric guitar can seem daunting, but by considering a few key factors, you can find the perfect instrument that suits your style and needs.
- Body Style: Electric guitars come in three main body types: solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are versatile and suitable for a wide range of music genres. Semi-hollow guitars offer a warmer, more resonant tone, ideal for blues, jazz, and some rock styles. Hollow body guitars are typically used for jazz and blues, and they produce a rich, deep tone.
- Neck Profile: The shape and size of the neck (referred to as the neck profile) can significantly impact playability. Common profiles include “C”, “V”, and “U” shapes. Choose a profile that feels comfortable in your hand.
- Scale Length: This is the distance between the bridge and the nut. Guitars with longer scale lengths (like Fender Stratocasters) offer a brighter tone and more string tension, while shorter scale lengths (like Gibson Les Pauls) provide a warmer tone with less tension.
- Pickups: Pickups greatly influence a guitar’s sound. Single-coil pickups offer a bright, crisp tone, while humbuckers produce a fuller, louder, and smoother sound. Some guitars feature P-90 pickups, which are a sort of middle-ground between single-coils and humbuckers.
- Tonewoods: The type of wood used to construct a guitar (known as tonewood) affects the instrument’s tone and resonance. For example, mahogany is known for its warm, rich tone, while maple offers a brighter sound.
- Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean better. There are many affordable guitars that offer excellent quality and sound.
- Brand and Model: Certain brands and models are associated with specific genres and artists. If there’s a particular sound you’re after, consider looking at what instruments your favorite musicians use.
Conclusion
Electric guitars are a diverse family of instruments, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. From the compact and travel-friendly mini electric guitars to the visually striking double neck guitars, there’s an instrument for every style and preference.
Travel and mini electric guitars offer portability without compromising on sound quality, making them perfect companions for musicians on the go. Signature model electric guitars embody the sound and style of legendary guitarists, providing a unique connection between fans and their musical heroes.
The spectacle of double neck electric guitars lies in their versatility and visual impact, allowing musicians to switch between different sounds mid-performance. Pedal steel guitars and lap steel guitars, played with a unique slide technique, produce a captivating sound that has shaped genres from country to blues to rock.
Choosing the right electric guitar involves considering several factors such as body style, neck profile, scale length, pickups, tonewoods, budget, and the brand or model. It’s a personal journey that requires exploration and experimentation.
Remember, the goal is to find an instrument that feels comfortable, suits your musical style, and inspires you to create. Don’t be afraid to try out different types of guitars and see what resonates with you. The world of electric guitars is wide and varied, and part of the fun is discovering all the unique tones and styles it has to offer. Happy exploring!
FAQs about Types of Electric Guitars
1. What are the main types of electric guitars?
The main types of electric guitars are solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body. There are also variations such as travel/mini electric guitars, signature model guitars, double neck guitars, pedal steel guitars, and lap steel guitars.
2. How does the body type of an electric guitar affect its sound?
Solid body guitars are versatile and suitable for various music genres. Semi-hollow guitars offer a warmer, more resonant tone, perfect for blues, jazz, and some rock styles. Hollow body guitars, typically used for jazz and blues, produce a rich, deep tone.
3. What are signature model electric guitars?
Signature model electric guitars are special editions designed in collaboration with, or in honor of, influential musicians. They often incorporate the artist’s specific preferences in terms of design, hardware, and tonality.
4. Why would a guitarist choose a double neck guitar?
Double neck guitars allow musicians to switch between different sounds and tuning setups mid-performance without needing to change instruments. They offer versatility and visual impact, making them popular in genres like progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal.
5. What makes pedal steel and lap steel guitars unique?
Pedal steel and lap steel guitars are played horizontally, often with a slide, and feature a distinctive vocal-like quality to their sound. Pedal steel guitars use foot pedals and knee levers to alter the pitch of individual strings while playing.
6. How do I choose the right electric guitar for me?
Choosing the right electric guitar involves considering factors like body style, neck profile, scale length, pickups, tonewoods, budget, and the brand or model. It’s important to try out several guitars to see what feels and sounds right to you.
7. Are expensive guitars always better?
Not necessarily. While high-end guitars often feature superior craftsmanship and materials, there are many affordable guitars that offer excellent quality and sound. It’s more important to find a guitar that suits your playing style and musical needs
