Electric guitars have revolutionized music, becoming the cornerstone of genres from blues and rock to jazz and metal. Their journey from a niche instrument to a global phenomenon is a fascinating tale of innovation and musical evolution. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your musical journey, understanding the world of electric guitars is essential. For all your electric guitar needs, from exploring different models to finding the perfect gear, Guitar Center stands as a premier destination.
The Genesis of Amplified Sound: When Did Electric Guitars Emerge?
While the electric guitar truly took center stage in the mid-20th century with the rise of rock and roll, its origins trace back to 1931. During the Big Band Era, the increasing size of orchestras presented a challenge for unamplified guitars to be heard, especially against powerful brass and wind instruments. This necessity spurred innovation, leading to the creation of guitars that could be amplified. The earliest electric guitars adapted hollow archtop acoustic designs, integrating electromagnetic transducers to capture and amplify string vibrations. By 1932, the first commercially available electric guitars were on the market, marking the dawn of a new sonic era. Pioneers in early electric guitar manufacturing included Rickenbacker (1932), Dobro (1933), and later, industry giants like National, Epiphone, and Gibson by 1935 and 1936.
Gibson’s introduction of the ES-150 in 1936 marked a significant milestone as their first production electric guitar. The “ES” denoted “Electric Spanish,” and “150” reflected its $150 price tag. This model featured a unique single-coil, hexagonally shaped pickup designed by Walt Fuller. This pickup gained legendary status as the “Charlie Christian” pickup, named after the influential jazz guitarist who championed the ES-150 and pioneered its use in jazz music. Despite its initial popularity, the ES-150 had limitations, particularly in achieving balanced volume across all six strings. However, it laid the groundwork for future advancements.
Since these early innovations, the electric guitar has undergone remarkable evolution. It has become an incredibly versatile instrument, capable of producing a vast spectrum of sounds and adapting to countless musical styles. Its impact is undeniable, serving as a driving force in the development of rock ‘n’ roll and shaping countless other musical genres.
Exploring the Diverse World of Electric Guitars: Body Types
Electric guitars are not a one-size-fits-all instrument. They come in various body styles, each offering unique sonic characteristics and playing experiences. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right guitar for your musical aspirations.
Solid Body Electric Guitars: Sustain and Power
Solid body guitars are constructed from solid wood, lacking significant hollow spaces within the body, except for necessary cavities for pickups and electronics. This solid construction is the defining feature that contributes to their exceptional sustain – the ability of notes to ring out for a prolonged period. Solid bodies are renowned for their focused, powerful sound, making them ideal for genres like rock, metal, and blues where sustain and clarity are paramount. Iconic examples of solid body guitars include the Gibson Les Paul, known for its warm, thick tone and sustain; the Gibson SG, with its lighter body and aggressive sound; and the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, celebrated for their bright, versatile tones and comfortable playability. You can explore a wide range of solid body electric guitars at Guitar Center, featuring models from Fender, Gibson, and many more top brands.
Interestingly, Les Paul pioneered the solid body guitar concept. However, Gibson initially hesitated to release his designs, doubting their market appeal. Fender took the lead in mass-producing solid body guitars with the Broadcaster (later Telecaster) in 1948, predating Gibson’s Les Paul release. The Fender Stratocaster followed in 1954, rapidly gaining popularity throughout the 60s and 70s. Musicians were drawn to its ergonomic design and broad tonal palette, solidifying its place as a legendary instrument.
Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars: Versatility and Warmth
Semi-hollowbody guitars bridge the gap between solid body and hollow body designs. They feature a solid center block with hollow wings, combining the sustain of a solid body with some of the resonance and warmth of a hollow body. The hollow sections allow the body to vibrate, adding a unique dimension to the sound. Pickups capture both string and body vibrations, resulting in a tone that is often described as sweet, airy, and versatile. Semi-hollowbodies excel in genres like blues, jazz, funk, 60s pop, and indie rock. They often feature f-shaped soundholes, reminiscent of cellos and violins, although some models, like B.B. King’s famous “Lucille,” have these holes blocked to minimize feedback at high volumes. Discover a range of semi-hollowbody electric guitars at Guitar Center, perfect for adding warmth and versatility to your sound.
Full Hollowbody Electric Guitars: The Classic Jazz Tone
Full hollow-body guitars are characterized by their large, deep, and entirely hollow bodies. Their construction allows them to produce significant acoustic volume, sometimes comparable to an acoustic guitar, making them suitable for unplugged practice or intimate performances. Originating in the jazz age of the 1920s and 30s, the full hollow-body remains the quintessential “jazzbox.” Like semi-hollow guitars, they often feature f-holes and are typically equipped with humbucker pickups (sometimes just a neck pickup) and heavier gauge strings, contributing to their signature warm, rich, and mellow tone. However, variations exist, particularly in country and rockabilly music, where models with single-coil pickups and Bigsby tremolos offer a twangier, more biting sound. Explore the rich tones of hollowbody electric guitars at Guitar Center, ideal for jazz, blues, and vintage styles.
Electric Guitars for Beginners: Starting Your Musical Journey
Embarking on the electric guitar journey is an exciting endeavor. Choosing the right beginner guitar is crucial for a positive and inspiring start. Brands like Squier (owned by Fender), Epiphone (owned by Gibson), and Ibanez are widely recognized for producing excellent electric guitars specifically designed for beginners. When selecting your first electric guitar, consider the type of music you aspire to play and the features that are important to you. Hands-on experience is invaluable – visit your local Guitar Center to try out different models and find one that feels comfortable and inspiring in your hands.
To further assist you in your selection, Guitar Center offers comprehensive resources, including a how-to guide for shopping for beginner electric guitars and a curated collection of electric guitars for beginners. These resources, available at Guitar Center, provide valuable insights and recommendations to guide you towards the perfect starter instrument.
The Science of Sound: How Electric Guitars Work
Electric guitars produce their amplified sound through a system of pickups and amplifiers. Unlike acoustic guitars which rely on body resonance, electric guitars use electromagnetic pickups mounted on the body to capture string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal. These pickups contain magnets surrounded by wire coils. When the metal guitar strings vibrate within the magnetic field of the pickups, they induce a current in the coils. This electrical current, representing the string vibrations, is then transmitted through the guitar’s internal circuitry, including volume and tone controls. A guitar cable connects the electric guitar to a guitar amplifier, which boosts the weak signal from the guitar to a level powerful enough to drive speakers and produce audible sound. This amplification process is what gives electric guitars their characteristic volume and sonic versatility.
Electric Guitar Pricing: What to Expect at Guitar Center
The price range for electric guitars is incredibly broad, spanning from budget-friendly options around $100 to high-end, collectible instruments costing tens of thousands of dollars. Several factors influence the price, including the brand reputation, the quality of materials used in construction, the complexity of features, and the craftsmanship involved. Generally, good entry-level electric guitars suitable for beginners typically fall within the $200 to $400 range. Intermediate-level guitars, offering improved features and quality, often range from $400 to $800. High-end electric guitars, designed for advanced players and offering premium components and craftsmanship, typically start around $800 and can exceed $2000. Premium, handcrafted, or limited edition electric guitars, such as those from Fender Custom Shop and Gibson Custom, can command significantly higher prices. No matter your budget, Guitar Center offers a diverse selection of electric guitars to meet your needs.
Popular Electric Guitar Models: Icons of Sound at Guitar Center
Certain electric guitar models have achieved iconic status, shaping music history and remaining highly sought-after by guitarists worldwide. Among the most popular electric guitars are the Fender Telecaster, celebrated for its simplicity and bright, twangy tone; the Fender Stratocaster, revered for its versatility and comfortable design; the Gibson Les Paul, known for its warm sustain and powerful sound; the Gibson ES-335, a versatile semi-hollowbody favored in blues and rock; and the Gibson SG Standard, known for its aggressive rock tone. For a deeper dive into these legendary models, explore Guitar Center’s blog article on the Top 5 Most Popular Electric Guitars. You can find these and many other popular electric guitar models at Guitar Center, your ultimate destination for all things guitar.
Conclusion:
The electric guitar stands as a transformative instrument in the history of music, offering endless sonic possibilities and inspiring generations of musicians. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its current iconic status, the electric guitar continues to evolve and captivate. Whether you are drawn to the classic tones of a vintage hollowbody, the versatile sounds of a semi-hollow, or the powerful sustain of a solid body, Guitar Center provides a comprehensive selection to explore. Start your electric guitar journey today by visiting Guitar Center online or in-store and discover the instrument that will amplify your musical voice.
