Electric guitars are a classic instrument that many beginners aspire to learn. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
15 Beginners Questions About Electric Guitars might help. Let’s explore some of the most common questions concerning electric guitars and their functionality!
1. Do Electric Guitars Need Amps?
Electric guitars are electric instruments, and so they need amps for output. Electric guitar circuits require amps both for producing sound and amplifying that sound.
Electric guitar amps have two main functions: to produce the desired volume level of sound in the room in which it is being played, and to make that produced sound louder (lower its volume) when the strings on the electric guitar are struck harder.
2. Are Electric Guitar Strings The Same As Acoustic?
Electric guitar strings can be different from acoustic because they are generally brighter and louder. Electric guitars also have higher voltage running through the pickups, which gives a more commanding sound due to the added distortion.
The primary difference in electric guitar strings is their gauge or thickness. Electric guitar sets range from light to heavy gauges; acoustic ranges may vary as well, but usually runs thinner for gut strings on an electric, which produces a “brighter†sound when played
3. What Is The Difference Between Single-Coil And Humbucker Electric Guitar Pickups?
Single-coil pickups are prone to a lot of extra noise, as they pick up the sound of an electric guitar being handled by the player. Electric guitars with single-coil pickups don’t have as clear of a tone or response in sound. They’re best used for blues and rock tones.
Humbucker electric guitar pickups were created to cancel out this ambient hum effect that single-coils would produce when amplified. Electric guitars with humbuckers contain two sensing coils next to each other in order to create a magnetic field, which reduces the amount of outside interference and increases volume sustain.
Pickups on electric guitars also vary in design caliber; select higher grade ones if you want more power output and clarity in your sound.
4. Are Electric Guitar Chords The Same As Acoustic?
Electric guitar chords are the same as acoustic because they contain the same notes.
Electric guitars have the same notes as acoustic because they all contain six strings. Electric guitar chords typically correspond with basic lead and rhythm patterns, allowing you to play a lot of different songs on electric guitar that don’t feature acoustic instruments.
5. Are Electric Guitars Smaller Than acoustic?
Electric guitars are usually smaller than acoustic because they do not require a resonating body to produce their natural sound.
Electric guitar bodies are solid and hollow; the instrument is picked up by a magnetic field in order to pick up its frequencies and output them.
6. Are Electric Guitars Made Of Wood?
Electric guitars are made of wood because wood is a nice tonewood that produces high-quality sound.
Electric guitar necks and bodies are usually made from maple, mahogany, or rosewood. Electric guitars also have plastic parts such as knobs or pickup covers (a part of the electric guitar you can move your hands around).
Their bodies are usually hollowed out pieces of wood, while the neck of an electric guitar is solid with frets on it that you press down to create sound. It has a magnetic pickup that sends the vibrations produced by the vibration of the strings to the amplifier.
7. Are Electric Guitars Waterproof?
Electric guitars are not waterproof, which means you should try to keep them away from water. The bodies of electric guitars are made from hardwood (usually maple), which is a porous material. Electric guitar necks are usually made from mahogany, which is much harder than the wood that the body of an electric guitar is constructed out of.
Electric guitars should not be stored in high humidity rooms or places where they will be exposed to large amounts of water. Electric guitars have electronics that can be ruined by extreme temperature, humidity, and exposure to large amounts of water.
8. Are Electric Guitars Wireless?
Electric guitars are not wireless, but they still have pickups that allow them to produce a signal.
Electric guitar pickups run on rechargeable batteries and do not need cords in order to create sound.
Electric guitars can also be plugged into an amp with cords if you want the extra volume or prefer the longer cord. Electric guitars with cords are especially useful in case you don’t have battery power or if your battery lasts for a brief period of time. Electric guitars with cords also make it easier to switch instruments with other performers, as there is no need to change batteries on stage.
9. Do Electric Guitars Have Batteries?
Electric guitars have batteries that power the pickups in order to make a sound. Electric guitar bodies usually house a rechargeable battery and a jack that allows you to plug the electric guitar into an electric outlet if necessary.
Electric guitars with cords also have this jack, which is helpful for musicians who don’t want to play out of their batteries all night long.
10. Do Electric Guitars Come With Cables?
Electric guitars will not come with cables unless you purchase a separate cable for the electric guitar.
Electric guitar cables and cords are usually handled separately, as most people already have a vast collection of guitar cords they can use with their instruments.
Electric guitars are typically sold alongside these cords, allowing you to play right out of your box!
11. Do Electric Guitars Have A Headstock?
Electric guitars do have headstocks because they contain tuning pegs that allow you to tune all of the strings on your electric guitar at once.
Electric guitars often also have controls near their pickups that let you adjust how much volume or distortion comes out of the headphones when playing an electric instrument.
12. Do Electric Guitars Sound Better With Age?
Electric guitars do not sound better with age. The electric guitar sound has largely unchanged over the years.
What changes is that the player learns to find areas on the instrument that produce a richer, fuller sound. This tends to make us believe that the sound changed over time.
13. Do Electric Guitar Strings Work On Acoustic?
The short answer is Yes! Electric guitar strings do work on acoustic guitars. Electric guitar strings can be used as regular guitar strings and will produce a pretty rich sound out of your acoustic guitar.
14. Is Electric Guitar Harder Than Acoustic?
Electric guitars are not harder to play than acoustic guitars. They are both equally challenging instruments!
The main differences that you’ll find between electric and acoustic lie in the sound and practicality of each instrument.
Electric guitars tend to have a brighter sound, whereas Acoustic ones have a warmer sound. Electric guitars usually do not come with an amplifier, which means that Electric guitarists need to purchase an amplifier separately.
15. What Electric Guitar Is Best For Beginners?
The best Electric guitar for beginners is the Electric guitar that fits you, your style and your budget.
There are many Electric guitars models out there, and all of them have features that will work better for some people than others. Electric Guitars come in different shapes, sizes and price points, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one.
As for my favourite for beginners, I chose Squier by Fender Stratocaster. They even have a beginner pack! This is great for those who want to get a good electric guitar with all of the accessories needed.
Conclusion
These are some of the reasons why I love playing an electric guitar, but there are so many other important reasons. You will have to find the one that is best for you!
Are you more of a fan of an acoustic or electric guitar? What’s the difference you like the most between these two instruments? I would love to know, and I’m sure other readers would like to learn from you.
If you liked this Guide, please share it with your friends!
