Electric guitars have revolutionized music, becoming the cornerstone of genres from rock and blues to jazz and country. While their explosion in popularity is often linked to the rock ‘n’ roll era of the mid-20th century, the electric guitar’s origins actually trace back to the early 1930s. For musicians looking to explore this iconic instrument, Guitar Center Electric Guitars offer an unparalleled selection. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your musical journey, understanding the history and variety of electric guitars available is key to finding the perfect fit.
The Dawn of Amplified Sound: Electric Guitar History
The need for louder guitars emerged during the Big Band era. As orchestras grew, guitars struggled to be heard against powerful brass and wind instruments. This necessity sparked innovation, leading to the invention of the electric guitar in 1931. Early pioneers ingeniously adapted hollow archtop acoustic guitars by adding electromagnetic transducers, essentially microphones for guitars. By 1932, the first commercially available electric guitars were on the market, marking a significant shift in musical instrumentation.
Brands like Rickenbacker, who began in 1932, were at the forefront. Soon after, Dobro (1933), National, Epiphone, and Gibson (all in 1935), and many others by 1936 joined the electric guitar revolution. Guitar Center proudly carries the legacy of these pioneering brands and more, offering a wide range of instruments reflecting this rich history.
Gibson’s introduction of the ES-150 in 1936 was a landmark moment. This “Electric Spanish” model, priced at $150, featured a unique hexagonal single-coil pickup designed by Walt Fuller. Famously known as the “Charlie Christian” pickup, named after the influential jazz guitarist who championed the ES-150, this guitar helped shape early electric guitar tones. While the ES-150 faced some challenges with string volume balance, it solidified the electric guitar’s place in music. Today, Guitar Center offers a variety of Gibson guitars, from vintage-inspired models to modern designs, allowing players to experience this historical lineage.
Exploring the Types of Electric Guitars at Guitar Center
Electric guitars have evolved dramatically since their inception, resulting in diverse designs each with unique sonic characteristics. Guitar Center provides a comprehensive selection across all major types:
Solid Body Electric Guitars: Power and Sustain
Solid body guitars are constructed from solid wood, minimizing unwanted feedback and maximizing sustain. This design is ideal for genres that demand power and clarity, such as rock, metal, and pop. The absence of resonant chambers emphasizes the direct sound of the strings and pickups. Iconic solid body guitars like the Gibson Les Paul, Gibson SG, Fender Stratocaster, and Fender Telecaster are staples at Guitar Center, offering players a wide spectrum of tones and styles.
Les Paul, a visionary musician and inventor, created one of the first solid body guitars. Although Gibson initially hesitated, Fender took the lead with the Broadcaster (later Telecaster) in 1948, the first mass-produced solid body electric guitar. Gibson quickly followed with the Les Paul to compete. The Fender Stratocaster, launched in 1954, further cemented the solid body’s popularity, becoming a favorite for its tonal versatility and comfortable design. Guitar Center showcases a vast array of solid body guitars, ensuring every player finds their perfect match.
Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars: Warmth and Versatility
Semi-hollowbody guitars bridge the gap between solid body and hollowbody designs. They feature a solid center block with hollow wings, offering a blend of sustain and resonance. The vibrating hollow sections contribute to a warmer, more complex tone than solid bodies, making them excellent for blues, jazz, funk, and indie rock. Guitar Center stocks a range of semi-hollowbodies known for their sweet, funky tones and versatility.
Often recognized by cello-style F-holes, some semi-hollowbodies, like B.B. King’s “Lucille,” have blocked F-holes to reduce feedback at high volumes. Guitar Center’s selection includes various semi-hollow models, catering to players seeking a nuanced and dynamic sound.
Full Hollowbody Electric Guitars: Vintage Jazz Tone
Full hollowbody guitars are characterized by their large, entirely hollow bodies. They produce a warm, resonant tone reminiscent of acoustic guitars, often loud enough to be played unplugged in intimate settings. These guitars are deeply rooted in jazz history, earning the nickname “jazzbox.” Guitar Center offers a selection of these classic instruments, perfect for jazz, blues, and vintage genres.
Typically equipped with humbucker pickups for a rich, warm tone, some hollowbodies, especially those favored in country and rockabilly, feature single-coil pickups and Bigsby tremolos for a twangier sound. Whether you’re after a traditional jazz tone or a vintage rockabilly vibe, Guitar Center has a hollowbody to suit your style.
Finding Your First Electric Guitar at Guitar Center
Choosing your first electric guitar is an exciting step. Guitar Center simplifies this process by offering a wide range of beginner-friendly options from reputable brands like Squier, Epiphone, and Ibanez. These brands are renowned for producing quality instruments that are accessible for new players.
To select the best starter 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 see what feels right in your hands. Guitar Center also provides helpful resources like the how to shop for electric guitar beginners guide and the electric guitars for beginners collection to assist you in your decision.
The Magic Behind the Sound: How Electric Guitars Work
Electric guitars produce sound through pickups, which are magnetic transducers mounted on the guitar’s body. These pickups create a magnetic field, and when the metal strings vibrate, they disrupt this field, generating an electrical current. This current, a signal representing the string vibrations, is then sent through the guitar’s electronics and out to an amplifier via a guitar cable. The amplifier boosts this signal, driving speakers to produce the amplified sound we associate with electric guitars.
Electric Guitar Prices at Guitar Center: Options for Every Budget
The price of electric guitars varies widely depending on brand, materials, features, and craftsmanship. Guitar Center caters to all budgets, offering instruments from entry-level to professional grade. Quality beginner electric guitars typically range from $200 to $400, providing excellent value for those starting out. Intermediate guitars, offering enhanced features and materials, often fall in the $400 to $800 range. High-end electric guitars for experienced players, with premium components and construction, generally start from $800 and can reach upwards of $2000. For discerning players seeking the ultimate in craftsmanship and exclusivity, Guitar Center also offers premium hand-made and limited edition guitars from Fender Custom Shop, Gibson Custom, and other prestigious builders, which can cost significantly more.
Popular Electric Guitar Models at Guitar Center
Certain electric guitar models have achieved iconic status and enduring popularity among musicians worldwide. Guitar Center proudly features these classics, including the Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson ES-335, and Gibson SG Standard. To delve deeper into these legendary instruments, explore Guitar Center’s article on the Top 5 Most Popular Electric Guitars.
Conclusion: Your Electric Guitar Journey Starts at Guitar Center
From their historical roots to the vast array of styles and models available today, electric guitars offer endless possibilities for musical expression. Guitar Center electric guitars provides the ultimate destination to explore this world. With an extensive selection, knowledgeable staff, and resources for every player level, Guitar Center is your partner in finding the perfect electric guitar to ignite your musical passion. Visit your local Guitar Center or explore online today to begin your electric guitar adventure.
