An electric guitar is a guitar that uses one or more pickups to convert the vibration of its strings into electrical signals. The signals are then amplified and sent to a loudspeaker, which converts them back into sound. Electric guitars are used in a wide variety of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and country.
Editor’s Note: “70’s electric guitar”is an important topic to understand, because it allows you to learn about the history of electric guitars and how they have evolved over time.
After analyzing and researching, we have put together this 70’s electric guitar guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences
| Feature | 70’s Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Solid body, semi-hollow body, or hollow body |
| Pickups | Single-coil or humbucking |
| Neck | Bolt-on, set-neck, or neck-through |
| Bridge | Fixed or floating |
| Electronics | Passive or active |
Main Article Topics
- History of the 70’s Electric Guitar
- Different Types of 70’s Electric Guitars
- How to Choose the Right 70’s Electric Guitar
- Playing Tips for 70’s Electric Guitar
- Maintenance and Care for 70’s Electric Guitar
1. Solid body
The solid body of the 70’s electric guitar was one of the most important factors in its success. Unlike the hollow body guitars that were popular in the 50’s and 60’s, the solid body of the 70’s electric guitar helped to reduce feedback and sustain notes. This made it ideal for playing in loud, distorted environments, such as rock and blues.
Feedback is a high-pitched squealing sound that can occur when the guitar’s pickups are too close to the strings. The solid body of the 70’s electric guitar helped to reduce feedback by preventing the strings from vibrating sympathetically with the pickups. This made it possible to play at higher volumes without feedback becoming a problem.
Sustain is the length of time that a note continues to sound after it has been picked. The solid body of the 70’s electric guitar helped to sustain notes by preventing the strings from damping out prematurely. This made it possible to play long, sustained solos and chords without the notes dying out too quickly.
The solid body of the 70’s electric guitar was a major innovation that helped to shape the sound of rock and blues music. It made it possible to play at higher volumes with less feedback, and it helped to sustain notes for longer periods of time. This made it an ideal instrument for the loud, distorted sounds that were popular in the 70’s.
| Feature | Effect on 70’s electric guitar |
|---|---|
| Solid body | Reduced feedback and sustained notes |
2. Humbucking pickups
The introduction of humbucking pickups in the 70’s was a major breakthrough in the development of the electric guitar. Humbuckers are a type of pickup that uses two coils to cancel out noise, resulting in a cleaner and more powerful sound. This made them ideal for playing in loud, distorted environments, such as rock and blues.
- Reduced noise: Humbuckers are known for their ability to reduce noise, making them ideal for playing in loud, distorted environments. This is because they use two coils that are wound in opposite directions, which cancels out the hum that is common in single-coil pickups.
- Improved overall sound: Humbuckers also improve the overall sound of the guitar by providing a fuller and more powerful tone. This is because they have a higher output than single-coil pickups, and they are also less susceptible to feedback.
- Versatility: Humbuckers are versatile pickups that can be used for a wide variety of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and country. They are also popular for use in heavy metal and other genres that require a high-output pickup.
The introduction of humbuckers in the 70’s had a major impact on the sound of electric guitar music. They made it possible to play at higher volumes with less noise, and they also improved the overall sound of the guitar. This made them a popular choice for many guitarists, and they remain one of the most popular types of pickups today.
3. Bolt-on neck
The bolt-on neck is one of the most important features of the 70’s electric guitar. It is a type of neck that is attached to the body of the guitar with bolts, rather than being glued or set in. This makes it much easier to adjust the action and intonation of the guitar, which are two important factors in getting a good sound.
The action of a guitar is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too high, the strings will be difficult to press down, and you will have to use more force to play them. If the action is too low, the strings will buzz against the frets, and you will get a lot of unwanted noise. The intonation of a guitar is the accuracy of the notes that it plays. If the intonation is off, the notes will sound sharp or flat, and you will not be able to play in tune with other instruments.
The bolt-on neck of the 70’s electric guitar makes it easy to adjust both the action and the intonation. To adjust the action, you simply need to loosen the bolts that hold the neck in place and then move the neck up or down. To adjust the intonation, you need to use a small screwdriver to turn the screws that are located at the bridge of the guitar.
The bolt-on neck is a major advantage of the 70’s electric guitar. It makes it easy to get a good sound and to keep the guitar in tune. This is why the bolt-on neck is still one of the most popular types of necks used on electric guitars today.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of the bolt-on neck:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy to adjust action | The bolt-on neck makes it easy to adjust the action of the guitar, which is important for getting a good sound. |
| Easy to adjust intonation | The bolt-on neck also makes it easy to adjust the intonation of the guitar, which is important for playing in tune with other instruments. |
| Durable | The bolt-on neck is a durable design that can withstand the rigors of playing. |
| Versatile | The bolt-on neck can be used on a wide variety of electric guitars, from beginner models to high-end professional instruments. |
4. Floating bridge
The floating bridge is a type of bridge that is not fixed to the body of the guitar. This allows the bridge to move up and down, which in turn allows the player to use more expressive playing techniques.
One of the most common techniques used with a floating bridge is the dive bomb. This technique involves quickly moving the picking hand down towards the bridge, which causes the pitch of the note to drop. The dive bomb can be used to create a variety of effects, from subtle pitch bends to dramatic swoops.
Another technique that is made possible by the floating bridge is harmonics. Harmonics are created by lightly touching the string at a specific point, which causes the string to vibrate at a higher frequency. This results in a bell-like sound that is often used to create melodic and atmospheric effects.
The floating bridge is an important component of the 70’s electric guitar. It allows players to use a wider range of expressive techniques, which has helped to shape the sound of rock and blues music.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of the floating bridge:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Allows for more expressive playing techniques | The floating bridge allows players to use a wider range of expressive techniques, such as dive bombs and harmonics. |
| Contributes to the unique sound of the 70’s electric guitar | The floating bridge is an important component of the 70’s electric guitar, and it contributes to the unique sound of the instrument. |
5. Passive electronics
Passive electronics are a type of electronic circuit that does not require an external power source. They are simple and reliable, and they do not alter the natural sound of the guitar. This is in contrast to active electronics, which require an external power source and can alter the sound of the guitar.
The passive electronics of the 70’s electric guitar were an important part of the instrument’s sound. They helped to preserve the natural sound of the guitar, which was characterized by its warmth and clarity. This sound was perfect for the blues and rock music that was popular in the 70’s.
Here are some of the benefits of passive electronics:
- They are simple and reliable.
- They do not alter the natural sound of the guitar.
- They are relatively inexpensive.
If you are looking for an electric guitar with a warm, clear sound, then you should consider a guitar with passive electronics.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between passive and active electronics:
| Feature | Passive electronics | Active electronics |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | No external power source required | Requires an external power source |
| Effect on sound | Does not alter the natural sound of the guitar | Can alter the sound of the guitar |
| Complexity | Simple | More complex |
| Reliability | Reliable | Less reliable |
| Cost | Relatively inexpensive | More expensive |
6. Maple fretboard
The maple fretboard is a key component of the 70’s electric guitar, and it plays a major role in shaping the instrument’s sound. Maple is a hard wood with a bright and articulate tone, and it is this brightness that helps to define the overall sound of the 70’s electric guitar. Additionally, maple is a very durable wood, which makes it ideal for use on a fretboard.
- Clarity and articulation: Maple fretboards are known for their clarity and articulation, which makes them ideal for playing fast and complex passages. The bright tone of maple helps to each note to stand out, and it also helps to cut through the mix in a band setting.
- Durability: Maple is a very durable wood, which makes it ideal for use on a fretboard. It is resistant to wear and tear, and it is also less likely to warp or crack than other types of wood. This makes maple fretboards a good choice for guitarists who play a lot or who live in humid climates.
- Aesthetics: Maple fretboards are also very aesthetically pleasing. The light color of maple complements the dark color of the rosewood body, and it gives the guitar a classic and elegant look.
The maple fretboard is an essential part of the 70’s electric guitar, and it plays a major role in shaping the instrument’s sound. If you are looking for an electric guitar with a bright and articulate sound, then you should definitely consider a guitar with a maple fretboard.
7. Mahogany body
The mahogany body of the 70’s electric guitar was a key factor in the instrument’s popularity. Mahogany is a hardwood with a warm, resonant tone, and it helped to give the 70’s electric guitar its characteristic sound. This sound was perfect for the blues and rock music that was popular in the 70’s, and it helped to make the 70’s electric guitar one of the most iconic guitars of all time.
- Warmth: Mahogany is known for its warm tone, which is due to its high density and low porosity. This warmth helps to give the 70’s electric guitar a full and rich sound, which is perfect for playing blues and rock music.
- Resonance: Mahogany is also a very resonant wood, which means that it vibrates well. This resonance helps to give the 70’s electric guitar a long sustain, which is perfect for playing long, sustained notes.
- Durability: Mahogany is a very durable wood, which makes it ideal for use on a guitar body. It is resistant to wear and tear, and it is also less likely to warp or crack than other types of wood. This makes mahogany bodies a good choice for guitarists who play a lot or who live in humid climates.
The mahogany body is an essential part of the 70’s electric guitar, and it plays a major role in shaping the instrument’s sound. If you are looking for an electric guitar with a warm, resonant sound, then you should definitely consider a guitar with a mahogany body.
8. Single-coil pickups
Single-coil pickups were another popular choice for electric guitars in the 1970s. These pickups are characterized by their bright, twangy sound, which is often associated with country and blues m
usic. Single-coil pickups are typically made with a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet, and they are typically mounted on the pickguard of the guitar.
- Facet 1: Construction and Design
Single-coil pickups are relatively simple in design, consisting of a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. This simple design makes them relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which contributed to their popularity in the 1970s. - Facet 2: Tonal Characteristics
Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, twangy sound. This sound is due to the fact that single-coil pickups are very sensitive to the vibrations of the strings. This sensitivity makes them ideal for picking up the subtle nuances of a guitarist’s playing style. - Facet 3: Popularization in the 1970s
Single-coil pickups were particularly popular in the 1970s, due in part to the rise of country and blues music. Many of the most famous guitarists of the era, such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, used single-coil pickups to create their signature sounds. - Facet 4: Modern Applications
Single-coil pickups are still popular today, although they are not as common as humbucking pickups. They are often used in guitars that are designed for country, blues, and rock music. Single-coil pickups can also be used to create a variety of other sounds, depending on the type of guitar and amplifier that they are used with.
Overall, single-coil pickups are a versatile and popular choice for electric guitars. They offer a bright, twangy sound that is perfect for a variety of genres. If you are looking for a guitar that can produce a classic country or blues sound, then a guitar with single-coil pickups is a great option.
FAQs about “70’s electric guitar”
The 70’s electric guitar is an iconic instrument that has been used by countless musicians over the years. It has a unique sound and feel that is perfect for a variety of genres, from rock to blues to country. However, there are also some common misconceptions about the 70’s electric guitar that can make it difficult for people to understand and appreciate this instrument.
Question 1: What is the difference between a 70’s electric guitar and a modern electric guitar?
Answer: There are a few key differences between a 70’s electric guitar and a modern electric guitar. First, the 70’s electric guitar typically has a solid body, while modern electric guitars can have either a solid body or a semi-hollow body. Second, the 70’s electric guitar typically has single-coil pickups, while modern electric guitars can have either single-coil pickups or humbucking pickups. Third, the 70’s electric guitar typically has a bolt-on neck, while modern electric guitars can have either a bolt-on neck or a set neck.
Question 2: What are the benefits of a 70’s electric guitar?
Answer: There are several benefits to playing a 70’s electric guitar. First, the solid body of the guitar helps to reduce feedback, which can be a problem with other types of guitars. Second, the single-coil pickups of the guitar produce a bright and twangy sound that is perfect for a variety of genres. Third, the bolt-on neck of the guitar makes it easy to adjust the action and intonation of the guitar.
Question 3: What are the drawbacks of a 70’s electric guitar?
Answer: There are a few drawbacks to playing a 70’s electric guitar. First, the solid body of the guitar can make it heavy and uncomfortable to play for long periods of time. Second, the single-coil pickups of the guitar can be noisy, especially when playing at high volumes. Third, the bolt-on neck of the guitar can make it more difficult to get a good setup.
Question 4: Is a 70’s electric guitar right for me?
Answer: Whether or not a 70’s electric guitar is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a guitar with a bright and twangy sound, then a 70’s electric guitar may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a guitar that is lightweight and comfortable to play for long periods of time, then you may want to consider a different type of guitar.
Question 5: What are some of the most popular 70’s electric guitars?
Answer: Some of the most popular 70’s electric guitars include the Fender Stratocaster, the Gibson Les Paul, and the Gretsch White Falcon. These guitars are all known for their unique sound and feel, and they have been used by countless musicians over the years.
Question 6: Where can I find a 70’s electric guitar?
Answer: You can find a 70’s electric guitar at a variety of places, including online retailers, music stores, and pawn shops. You can also find used 70’s electric guitars on websites such as eBay and Craigslist.
The 70’s electric guitar is a unique and iconic instrument that has been used by countless musicians over the years. It has a bright and twangy sound that is perfect for a variety of genres, from rock to blues to country. However, there are also some common misconceptions about the 70’s electric guitar that can make it difficult for people to understand and appreciate this instrument. By addressing these misconceptions, we can help people to better understand and appreciate the 70’s electric guitar.
Conclusion
The 70’s electric guitar is a versatile and popular instrument that can be used for a variety of genres. If you are looking for a guitar with a bright and twangy sound, then a 70’s electric guitar may be a good option for you.
70’s Electric Guitar Tips
The 70’s electric guitar is a versatile and iconic instrument that has been used by countless musicians over the years. It has a unique sound and feel that is perfect for a variety of genres, from rock to blues to country. However, there are also some things that you should keep in mind if you want to get the most out of your 70’s electric guitar.
Tip 1: Choose the right guitar for your needs.
There are many different types of 70’s electric guitars available, so it is important to choose one that is right for your needs. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a guitar that is easy to play, such as a Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson Les Paul. If you are a more experienced player, you may want to consider a guitar with a more unique sound, such as a Gretsch White Falcon or a Rickenbacker 360.
Tip 2: Get a good setup.
A good setup is essential for any guitar, but it is especially important for a 70’s electric guitar. A good setup will help to ensure that your guitar is playing in tune and that it is comfortable to play. You can get a setup from a professional guitar technician or you can do it yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge.
Tip 3: Use the right strings.
The strings that you use on your guitar can have a big impact on the sound and feel of the instrument. For a 70’s electric guitar, you will want to use strings that are specifically designed for this type of guitar. You can find 70’s electric guitar strings at most music stores.
Tip 4: Play with a light touch.
70’s electric guitars are known for their bright and twangy sound. However, if you play with too heavy of a touch, you can end up with a muddy sound. Try to play with a light touch and let the natural resonance of the guitar do the work.
Tip 5: Use the right effects.
Effects can be a great way to add some extra personality to your sound. However, it is important to use effects sparingly. Too many effects can end up making your sound muddy and indistinct. Start with a few simple effects, such as a reverb or a delay, and experiment to find the sounds that you like best.
Tip 6: Practice regularly.
The best way to get better at playing the 70’s electric guitar is to practice regularly. Try to practice for at least 30 minutes each day. As you practice, focus on developing your technique and learning new songs. With time and practice, you will be able to play the 70’s electric guitar like a pro.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your 70’s electric guitar. With a little practice, you will be able to play this iconic instrument like a pro.
Conclusion
The 70’s electric guitar is a versatile and rewarding instrument that can be used for a variety of genres. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your 70’s electric guitar and play like a pro.
Conclusion
The 70’s electric guitar was a groundbreaking instrument that shaped the sound of rock, blues, and jazz during the decade. Its solid body, humbucking pickups, bolt-on neck, floating bridge, and passive electronics all contributed to its unique sound and feel. These guitars are still popular today, and they continue to be used by musicians of all genres.
If you are interested in learning more about the 70’s electric guitar, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also find many videos of guitarists playing these instruments on YouTube and other video sharing websites. With a little practice, you can learn to play the 70’s electric guitar and create your own unique sound.
