Do you love the sound of a powerful electric guitar? Then let us take you on a journey through different types of electric guitars and their unique features.
Electric guitars have been the driving force behind some of the most iconic music in history, from soaring rhythms and hard-hitting riffs to smooth blues licks and twangs.
Thinking of taking up the electric guitar as a hobby or just curious? Read on to learn about the different types of electric guitars and their distinguishing characteristics.
A Brief History of Electric Guitars
The electric guitar has been around for nearly a century, providing the soundtrack to some of music’s most beloved songs. It all started with the invention of the pickup in 1931, which allowed sound to be amplified for the first time. This breakthrough technology was quickly embraced by musicians looking for louder and more powerful sounds than what acoustic guitars offered.
The first electric guitar was designed in 1935 by Adolph Rickenbacker, and the concept of an amplified guitar quickly caught on. By the 1950s, electric guitars had already gained immense popularity in rock and roll, blues, and jazz genres.
The Different Parts of an Electric Guitar
Electric guitars have several parts that make the instrument sound great. The body is the most visible part and comes in various shapes and sizes. It is usually made from wood such as mahogany, ash or alder.
The neck is a long piece that connects to the body and can have different sizes and shapes. It is usually made of maple or rosewood, and frets allow the player to play notes accurately.
The pickups are small magnets under the strings that “pick up” the vibration created by strumming the strings, converting them into electrical signals for amplification. The most common pickup type is the single-coil, which produces a bright and twangy tone.
The bridge supports the strings and contains the saddles that adjust the action or string height above the fretboard. The tremolo system or “whammy bar” can create vibrato effects by bending notes.
Electric Guitar vs Other Types of Guitar
Now, if you’re looking to jump from acoustic guitar to electric or are just curious about what makes an electric guitar so different from other guitars, it can be challenging to know where to start. From looks and materials used to strings and accessories, several factors set electric guitars apart from their acoustic counterparts.
Look and Material
One of the primary differences between electric guitars and other guitars is their appearance and construction. Electric guitars typically have a sleek and modern look, with a thin body, solid or semi-hollow structure, and a shiny finish. They’re often made of lightweight materials like alder, ash, or mahogany and come in various colours and designs.
On the other hand, acoustic guitars have a more traditional and rustic appearance, with a larger body and a natural finish. They’re usually made of solid wood or laminate and have a classic, timeless look that appeals to many musicians. Iconic electric guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster have helped shape popular music’s sound, while acoustic guitars remain a staple of folk and country genres.
Strings
The strings used for electric guitars are typically thinner and lighter than those used on acoustic guitars, which helps to create the signature sound for which electric guitars are known. Electric guitar strings also have a higher tensile strength than acoustic guitar strings, allowing them to be tuned and strung more tightly. This makes it easier to play faster and with more precision.
Electric guitars are usually strung with stainless steel, nickel, and chromium alloys, which have strong magnetic properties. The alloys used in acoustic guitar strings are generally more resonant, producing a warmer and richer sound. Nylon strings are designed to be paired with guitars explicitly built for that type of string. They have a unique sound that is softer and mellower than other strings.
Music Style
The type of music played on an electric guitar is often determined by its design and the type of strings used. Electric guitars are typically utilized for popular genres such as rock, metal, blues, punk and jazz.
These genres often require fast playing with complex chords and intricate leads. Acoustic guitars are more versatile and suited to various styles such as folk, country, bluegrass and classical.
Accessories
Electric guitarists often utilize various accessories to help shape their unique sound. These include pickups, tremolos, effects pedals, amplifiers and tuning machines.
4 Types of Electric Guitars
The four main types of electric guitars are solid body, semi-hollow body, hollow body and chambered body. Each type has a distinct sound and feel, which can influence the tones you create when playing.
1. Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Hollow-body guitars are the most traditional type of electric guitar and feature a hollow-body construction with thin walls. This type of guitar produces a warm, reverberating tone and is often used in jazz and blues.
The hollow body helps the guitar resonate more freely, which results in a brighter sound with plenty of sustain. They also feature a thin neck which makes chord changes easier and faster.
San Diego Semi Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music
The San Diego Semi Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music has a beautiful hollow-bodied design perfect for achieving classic jazz tones. Crafted from maple, the body is finished with a natural finish for maximum resonance and tone.
This guitar features a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Trapeze tailpiece – perfect for creating smooth, sustained sound and deep vibrato tones. And to complete the jazz look, San Diego has added a classic scratch plate to the body. To enhance your playing experience, this guitar has two Gold-Coated humbuckers connected to a 3-way pickup selector switch for maximum tone control and versatility. The neck is crafted from Maple with updated Poplar laminate fretboards that improve volume and tone. As a result, you’ll enjoy increased sustain and excellent intonation.
San Diego Semi Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music
Jazz-style guitar for the modern age
Perfect For: Beginner
Features: 42mm nut width
Other Info: Overall length: 1090mm
Pros:
- Easy to play and perfect for beginners
- Classic jazz sound with two humbucker pickups
- Durable and sustainable woods used in construction
- Gives a definitive look at an affordable price
Cons:
- Not suitable for more advanced guitarists that require a higher gain sound.
- Limited variety of tones available.
The TedScore: 8/10
Hartwood Novella Hollowbody Guitar, Tobacco Sunburst
This Novella Hollowbody Guitar has a beautiful Tobacco Sunburst finish and glossy lacquer. Two parallel tone bars inside the basswood body provide impressive resonance and sustain. The traditional control setup includes independent volume and tone pots and a three-way toggle switch, allowing you to tailor your tone easily.
This guitar is perfect for both onstage and studio performances, offering a warm, full-bodied sound from the neck pickup and a natural, low-output tone from the bridge pickup. The cutaway design allows access to higher frets so you can easily solo. Hartwood has also designed a hard case for this guitar model, making storage and transport a breeze.
Hartwood Novella Hollowbody Guitar, Tobacco Sunburst
Versatile Tone for Any Setting
Perfect For: Beginner to Intermediate
Features: Strings Gauges: .010 – .046
Other Info: Scale Length: 25.5″
Pros:
- Dual humbuckers for a variety of tones
- Easy access to higher frets
- Comfortable body shape and size for extended playing sessions
- Classic control layout
- Pearl inlay for an added touch of style
- Adjustable floating bridge for perfect intonation
Cons:
- Tone controls need to be adjusted for optimal sound
- Somewhat shallow body may not provide enough resonance
The TedScore: 9/10
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore Expressionist, Dark Brown Sunburst
The Ibanez AG95QA Artcore Expressionist guitar is a stunning instrument to behold. Its body is crafted from quilted ash, providing an airy twang and long-lasting sustain perfect for singing chords and melodic lead lines. The two ‘f-holes add an acoustic aspect to the guitar’s tone, projecting it further for an even more precise sound.
It has a pair of Super 58 humbuckers at the neck and bridge that offer a balanced tone, perfect for nuanced articulation. If you’re a performer, this guitar is designed with you in mind. It has a three-piece maple and mahogany neck for comfort, and the ebony fretboard ensures a polished playing surface. The ART-1 bridge and VT06 tailpiece keep your strings in tune, while the Dark Brown Sunburst finish offers a timeless look.
Ibanez AG95QA Artcore Expressionist, Dark Brown Sunburst
Striking Quilted Ash Hollow-Body
Perfect For: Intermediate to Professional Players
Features: String Gauges: .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052
Other Info: Frets: 22 Medium
Pros:
- Bright, airy twang with great sustain and resonance
- Super 58 humbuckers for a balanced tone
- Versatile, able to transition into many genres of music
- Easy to play, with a smooth neck and ebony fretboard
- Beautiful finish with a quilted ash top and dark brown sunburst
Cons:
- No case included
The TedScore: 9/10
2. Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Semi-hollow guitars are an excellent choice for players looking for a unique sound. They offer a blend of warmth and responsiveness, with the added benefit of greater sustain and resistance to feedback. These guitars have partially hollow bodies, usually divided into two parts by a wood block beneath the pickups.
Semi-hollow guitars are great for genres such as jazz and blues, but they can also provide a vintage sound perfect for rock and other styles. They offer a unique tone unlike any other guitar and are great for live performances due to their resistance to feedback. If you’re looking for something different, the semi-hollow guitar is worth considering.
Ibanez AS113 Semi Hollowbody, Brown Sunburst
The Ibanez AS113 Semi Hollowbody provides the ultimate combination of vintage sound and modern versatility. The main thing setting it apart from other guitars is its two Super 58 humbucker pickups. Greats such as John Scofield and George Benson have used this pickup model, so you can expect a big, bold sound that’s perfect for jazz styles. But it also works well with other genres, giving you plenty of options in your playing.
The guitar also features a range of controls to give you even more control over your sound. You’ll have two volume and two tone knobs at your fingertips, allowing you to shape the sound as required. There’s also a tri-sound switch connected to the neck pickup, letting you toggle between humbucker and single coil voicings.
Ibanez AS113 Semi Hollowbody, Brown Sunburst
Perfect Diamond-Studded Sound
Perfect For: Intermediate to Advance
Features: 3pc nyatoh/maple neck
Other Info: Spruce top and flamed maple back and sides
Pros:
- Gorgeous vintage sound with the Super 58 pickups
- Controls allow you to easily sculpt your sound to match your playing style
- ‘F-holes provide a wealth of airy resonance
- Set-in neck design projects each note with shimmering sustain
Cons:
- Expensive price tag may be a deterrent to some players
The TedScore: 9/10
Guild Starfire I DC Semi Hollowbody, Cherry Red
The Guild Starfire I DC Semi Hollowbody guitar is an exceptional instrument that combines classic styling, modern playability and a unique sonic character. It has a gorgeous semi-hollow body crafted from maple with an arched top, giving it a classic look and providing excellent resonance. The mahogany neck is shaped in a modern Thin ‘U’ profile for comfortable playing and is topped by a Pau Ferro fretboard with 22 frets and white dot position inlays.
This guitar has two Guild HB-2 pickups, giving it a strong, chunky tone with minimal hum. The Alnico II magnets provide a vintage drawl that adds warmth and smoothness to the sound. The push/pull controls enable you to switch between single-coil and humbucker sounds for added versatility easily. The iconic cherry red finish, aged white binding and gold hardware complete the classic look of this instrument.
Guild Starfire I DC Semi Hollowbody, Cherry Red
Supremely Stylish and Powerful
Perfect For: Beginner to Intermediate
Features: String Gauges: .011 – .049
Other Info: Scale Length: 24.75″
Pros:
- A perfect blend of style and power with the semi-hollow body design
- The neck pickup gives a great heavy bass sound, and the bridge pickup is bright and strong
- Very stable tuning system even after some complex bending
- Fret edges are cut nicely and have a nice U shape neck feel
- Has a lot of sounds even when unplugged
Cons:
- The posts for the bridge and tailpiece are not entirely flush
- Frets don’t come polished enough, with strings making an irritating noise when bending over them
- Minor imperfections in the binding
The TedScore: 9/10
SubZero Paradigm Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, Vintage Ivory
When you want the perfect blend of classic character and modern versatility, look no further than the SubZero Paradigm Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar. This vintage-inspired model features a mahogany body with a basswood top, delivering a warm and balanced tone ideal for country, rock, indie and more. The upper cutaway provides complete access to all the frets, making it easy to reach high notes quickly. The two P90 pickups bring out the nuances of the semi-hollow construction and provide a full range of tones.
For even more control, there are two volume knobs (one for each pickup) and a tone knob that allows you to shape your sound perfectly. The thermally-treated maple laminate fingerboard is smooth and comfortable, giving you the perfect platform for creating memorable melodies.
SubZero Paradigm Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, Vintage Ivory
Full Control for a Classic American Country Sound
Perfect For: Beginner
Features: Nut Width: 42mm
Other Info: Right Handed
Pros:
- Rich, balanced tone for versatile genres
- Easy playability with deep upper cutaway
- High-quality chrome hardware for reliability and stable sound
- Ethically sourced fingerboard for improved stability and tone
Cons:
- Fewer Tonal Options Compared to Humbuckers
- Beginner-level guitar might not have advanced features for experienced players
The TedScore: 8/10
3.Solid Body Electric Guitar
Solid-body guitars are the most common type of electric guitar. They feature a solid piece of wood for the body and a thin neck, allowing them to produce the bright tones associated with electric guitars.
They are the most versatile type of guitar and can be used for many genres, including rock, metal, punk and blues. Solid-body electric guitars are also relatively low maintenance compared to other types of guitar, making them a great choice for beginner and experienced musicians alike.
Yamaha Pacifica 012, Black
The Yamaha Pacifica 012 is an ideal choice for beginners, a guitar designed to make playing effortless and enjoyable. Its three pickups enhance its tonal versatility, with a single ceramic coil in the neck for smooth depth and a ceramic humbucker in the bridge for punchy high output. The middle pickup offers twangy and vibrant tones, allowing you to create a range of sounds for any genre. Its maple neck fits naturally in your hand, and the walnut fretboard is smooth and responsive.
You can also add vibrato with the classic tremolo system, which helps protect your tuning when using the whammy bar. The Yamaha Pacifica 012 is an excellent choice for those just starting out on guitar.
Yamaha Pacifica 012, Black
The Affordable All-rounder
Perfect For: Beginner
Features: Strings: 0.009-0.042
Other Info: A black body is made from a combination of Agathis and Nato woods
Pros:
- Good sound quality with good sustain and attack
- Smooth and easy action for those just starting to play
- Humbucker pickup gives you more variety of tones
- Comfortable neck profile, ideal for beginners learning chords
- High level of craftsmanship, given its low price tag
Cons:
- Plasticky feeling body with no natural finish
- Pickups can be a little noisy at times, making it hard to stay in tune
- Limited tonal options due to only having one humbucker pickup
The TedScore: 8/10
Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 Left-Handed, Swift Blue
The Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 Left-Handed is a guitar designed to give you an unbeatable sound, no matter the music you play. Its solid body construction offers superb resonance and clarity for every note, allowing your playing to shine beautifully and precisely. The Swift Blue finish adds sophistication and elegance, enhancing the performance of this incredible instrument.
The sound is further enhanced by two dry switch split humbuckers, which produce a single-coil tone with all the punch and clarity without any associated hum. Its three-piece mahogany neck makes it comfortable to hold and incredibly durable, ensuring years of reliable performance. The rosewood fretboard provides smooth, responsive playability, and a 12″ radius creates an ideal platform for intricate solos and chord progressions.
Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 Left-Handed, Swift Blue
Chambered body, dry switch humbuckers – The ultimate left-handed electric guitar.
Perfect For: Beginner to Intermediate
Features: VH3n (humbucker/Alnico V) neck pickup and VH3b (humbucker/ Alnico V) bridge pickup
Other Info: Neck Width: 41.9 / 56.8 mm
Pros:
- Lightweight and stylish design,
- Great tone and resonance from the chambered body
- Dry switch humbuckers for added versatility,
- Easy access to upper frets.
Cons:
- No tremolo bridge.
- The pickup tones may not suit every genre.
- No onboard tuner provided.
The TedScore: 9/10
Fender Player Telecaster HH PF, Silver
The Fender Player Telecaster HH PF is a classic instrument crafted with modern playability in mind. This limited-edition model features two powerful humbuckers to deliver a tone full of warmth, sustain and character. The lightweight alder body allows for freedom of movement on stage, while the single-cutaway design provides effortless access to the upper frets.
The maple neck features a modern “C, ” allowing total control and precision. Experience immaculate clarity, searing hot capabilities and fat, textured chords that made rock ‘n’ roll what it is today. The Pau Ferro fretboard offers a sleek playing experience, while the strings-through-body bridge will ensure your solos are heard for days.
Fender Player Telecaster HH PF, Silver
Timeless Tone With Vintage Vibe
Perfect For: Intermediate to Advance
Features: 6-saddle string-through-body bridge for superior sustain
Other Info: 22 medium-jumbo frets
Pros:
- Provides an incredibly smooth playing experience.
- High-quality construction that is well worth the price.
- Easy to tune stays that way.
- Extremely versatile, an array of sounds to choose from.
- Sleek, stylish design.
- The pickups offer an edgy sound that still maintains a warm feel.
Cons:
- Sharp fretboard edges can be uncomfortable to play on.
- Required some setup right out of the box due to the high action.
The TedScore: 9/10
4. Chambered Electric Guitars
Chambered-body electric guitars have a solid wood body hollowed out to reduce weight and increase resonance. This design provides a more complex and versatile tone than solid body guitars, emphasizing midrange frequencies.
Chambered body guitars are often favored by players who want the warmth and resonance of a semi-hollow or hollow body guitar but with a solid body guitar added sustain and feedback resistance.
Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet, Aged Natural
A master of sonic freedom, the Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet is the ultimate tool for limitless musical exploration. Packing a powerful punch with its Black Top Broad’Tron pickups and chambered mahogany body, you can create rich tones tailored to your individual playing style.
With individual pickup volume controls and a master tone and master volume with a treble bleed circuit, you have complete control over your sound. A thin “U” shaped mahogany neck also provides effortless access to the upper frets, so you can explore new playing levels.
Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet, Aged Natural
Sonic Perfection – For The Modern Guitarist
Perfect For: Beginner to Intermediate level players
Features: Scale Length: 625 mm
Other Info: 2 Black Top Broad’Tron Pickups
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable to play
- Tremendous tonal control & sound sculpting options
- Varied sonic range with warm, shimmering resonances
- Exceptional tuning stability and intonation accuracy
Cons:
- Pickup configuration is more limited than some of its competitors
- No Tremolo.
The TedScore: 9/10
3/4 LA Electric Guitar by Gear4music, Black
If you’re looking for an electric guitar with serious sound quality and playability, the 3/4 LA Electric Guitar by Gear4music is a fantastic option. This instrument features a chamber body constructed from Paulownia wood with a gloss black finish, giving it an eye-catching look that will turn heads. The neck is made of maple with an oiled poplar laminate fretboard, providing smooth playability and a comfortable feel.
The 3/4 LA Electric Guitar comes with three single-coil pickups in white for an authentic sound, plus one volume and tone control with a five-way selector switch. The bridge is a hardtail design, and the tuning machines are die-cast sealed, making keeping in tune easy. The box also includes a gig bag, strap, plectrums, jack cable, and Allen keys for easy setup.
3/4 LA Electric Guitar by Gear4music, Black
Incredible Playability and Versatile Tone
Perfect For: Beginner
Features: 3x Single Coil Pickups
Other Info: Overall Length: 937mm
Pros:
- Lightweight design perfect for smaller hands or reach
- Improved neck shape for extra comfort
- Durable, perfect for non-stop practice
- Versatile tone suitable for various genres.
Cons:
- Only suitable for beginners
- May require more frequent maintenance due to lightweight materials.
The TedScore: 7/10
Gibson Les Paul Supreme, Heritage Cherry Sunburst
The Gibson Les Paul Supreme perfectly blends vintage style and modern playability. The Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish is classic, while the chambered mahogany body and carved AAAA flamed maple top add a modern touch. The 1950s-style rounded mahogany neck has a Richlite fingerboard with split block pearl inlays and 22 frets for easy access to higher positions on the fretboard. Two hot Alnico V humbucking pickups deliver a perfectly balanced sound ideal for all music styles, from country to metal and everything in between. The Grover Keystone machine heads ensure tuning stability, and the gold-plated hardware adds a touch of luxury to this fantastic instrument.
This Les Paul Supreme is a great choice for players who want the classic look and sound of Gibson guitars without sacrificing modern playability.
Gibson Les Paul Supreme , Heritage Cherry Sunburst
Striking Looks and Quality Performance
Perfect For: Intermediate to Advance
Features: Grover Keystone tuners
Other Info: .010-.046 Strings
Pros:
- High-quality electronics
- Fast and well-playing neck
- Great dynamics with pick attack
- Eye-catching Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish
- Jumbo frets for extra playing comfort.
Cons:
- It is heavier than the usual electric guitar
- Body has been slightly hollowed out.
- Strings may slip in between the fret and the binding.
The TedScore: 9/10
Why Should You Play an Electric Guitar?
Playing an electric guitar has become a popular pastime for many people worldwide. However, the reasons behind this trend are often poorly thought out or critically evaluated. Electric guitars offer a unique combination of looks, sound, playability and versatility, making them an attractive option for beginners and experienced musicians. Electric guitars provide a variety of ways to produce different sounds, from cleaner tones to distorted ones.
However, playing an electric guitar is more than just having a cool-looking instrument or producing different sounds. It can challenge and develop the skills of even the most seasoned musicians. Electric guitars offer a unique opportunity to experiment with various techniques and styles that may not be available on other instruments. This includes learning to create solos, licks, and slides that add character to your music.
Finally, playing an electric guitar can be a great way to express yourself musically. Unlike acoustic guitars, they come in a range of colors and designs, allowing you to customize your instrument’s look to reflect your style.
Summary – Electric Guitar Types
After all is said and strummed, we can’t deny the electric guitar’s power to electrify our hearts and souls. From the raw power of a solid body to the bluesy wail of a hollow body, each electric guitar offers its unique flavor and personality.
Whether you’re a shredder or a strummer, a rocker or a bluesman, there’s an electric guitar out there that’s perfect for you.
So pick up that axe, crank up the amp, and let the music take you to new heights. Let the electric guitar be your voice, and express yourself through its incredible tones!
FAQ’s
What are the 3 types of electric guitar?
The three main types of the electric guitar are solid body, semi-acoustic and hollow body. Solid bodies have a solid slab of wood for the body with pickups attached, semi-acoustic guitars are partially hollowed out for increased resonance, and hollow bodies are fully hollow and produce a warm sound.
What are the 4 main types of guitars?
The four main types of guitars are electric, acoustic, classical, and bass. Electric guitars feature pickups that allow them to be plugged into amplifiers, acoustic guitars have a hollow body for natural amplification, classical guitars have nylon strings and a wide neck designed for fingerpicking, and bass guitars provide the low-end foundation in most bands.
What are the two types of electric guitars?
The two types of electric guitars are solid-body and hollow-body. Solid-body electric guitars have a solid piece of wood making up the entire body, while hollow-body electric guitars feature a large, hollow chamber with no walls or bracing. Both styles can create various sounds, from classic rock to modern metal.
What is the most common type of electric guitar?
Solid-body electric guitars are the most common type of guitar used in music today. These instruments can produce a wide range of sounds, making them suitable for many musical genres, performances, and settings. Their solid body construction helps to ensure that their sound is consistently clear and strong.
