When we talk about the evolution of electric guitar, one cannot deny the significant impact of 80s electric guitar. It was during this decade that the electric guitar took on a new life, with the emergence of new technologies and techniques that would forever change the face of music.
Editor’s Note: 80s electric guitarwas pivotal in shaping the sound of popular music. Its unique characteristics and capabilities made it the go-to instrument for a wide range of genres, from heavy metal to pop.
After doing some analysis, digging information, made 80s electric guitar we put together this 80s electric guitar guide to help target audience make the right decision.
Key differences or Key takeaways:
| 80s Electric Guitar | Modern Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Typically have a brighter, more “scooped” sound | Tend to have a warmer, more “full” sound |
| Often have a Floyd Rose tremolo system | More likely to have a traditional fixed bridge |
| Often have a thinner neck | Tend to have a thicker neck |
| Often have a maple fretboard | More likely to have a rosewood or ebony fretboard |
Let’s dive into the article!
1. Bright, scooped sound
The bright, scooped sound is one of the defining characteristics of the 80s electric guitar. This sound is created by boosting the treble and high-mid frequencies, while cutting the low-mids. This results in a sound that is clear and articulate, with a strong attack and a long sustain. However, the scooped mids also significantly contribute to the iconic 80s electric guitar sound.
The bright, scooped sound was perfect for the aggressive music of the 80s. It allowed guitarists to cut through the mix and be heard over the drums and bass. It was also well-suited for the technical playing style that was popular at the time, as it allowed guitarists to play fast and intricate solos without losing clarity.
Many factors contribute to the bright, scooped sound of the 80s electric guitar, including the guitar’s pickups, body, and neck. EMG pickups were particularly popular in the 80s, as they provided a high-output, distortion-friendly sound that was perfect for the aggressive music of the time. The superstrat body shape was also popular, as it allowed for a more comfortable playing position and better access to the higher frets. And finally, the thin neck and maple fretboard made for fast and easy playing.
The bright, scooped sound of the 80s electric guitar is still popular today. It is used by guitarists in a wide range of genres, from metal to pop. However, it is most closely associated with the 80s, and it remains one of the defining sounds of that era.
Table: Key characteristics of the bright, scooped sound
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Treble boost | The treble frequencies are boosted, resulting in a brighter sound. |
| High-mid boost | The high-mid frequencies are boosted, resulting in a more articulate sound. |
| Low-mid cut | The low-mid frequencies are cut, resulting in a scooped sound. |
| Attack | The attack is strong, resulting in a clear and defined sound. |
| Sustain | The sustain is long, resulting in a sound that can be held for a long time. |
2. Floyd Rose tremolo system
The Floyd Rose tremolo system is a type of floating tremolo that allows for extreme vibrato effects. It was invented by Floyd Rose in the early 1980s, and it quickly became popular among 80s electric guitar players. The Floyd Rose tremolo system is still used today by guitarists in a wide range of genres, but it is most closely associated with the 80s.
- Components
The Floyd Rose tremolo system consists of a number of components, including a tremolo arm, a bridge, and a locking nut. The tremolo arm is used to move the bridge up and down, which changes the tension of the strings and the pitch of the notes. The bridge is mounted on the body of the guitar, and it is responsible for transferring the vibrations of the strings to the body. The locking nut is located at the headstock of the guitar, and it is used to keep the strings in place.
- Operation
To use the Floyd Rose tremolo system, the guitarist simply moves the tremolo arm up or down. This movement causes the bridge to move, which changes the tension of the strings and the pitch of the notes. The locking nut keeps the strings in place, so the guitarist can move the tremolo arm without having to worry about the strings going out of tune.
- Benefits
The Floyd Rose tremolo system offers a number of benefits over other types of tremolo systems. First, it allows for extreme vibrato effects. Second, it is very stable, and it does not go out of tune easily. Third, it is relatively easy to use.
- Drawbacks
The Floyd Rose tremolo system also has some drawbacks. First, it can be difficult to set up properly. Second, it can be expensive to purchase and install. Third, it can add weight to the guitar.
Overall, the Floyd Rose tremolo system is a versatile and powerful tremolo system that can be used to create a wide range of sounds. It is a popular choice for 80s electric guitar players, and it is still used by guitarists in a wide range of genres today.
3. Thin neck
The thin neck is one of the defining characteristics of the 80s electric guitar. It is typically made of maple and has a width of 1.65 inches at the nut. This makes it much narrower than the necks of most other electric guitars, which typically have a width of 1.75 inches or more at the nut.
The thin neck of the 80s electric guitar was designed for speed and playability. It allows guitarists to play fast and intricate solos without getting fatigued. It is also well-suited for the tapping technique, which was popularized by 80s guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai.
The thin neck of the 80s electric guitar is not without its drawbacks. It can be more difficult to play chords on a thin neck, and it can also be more susceptible to bending and warping. However, for many guitarists, the benefits of the thin neck outweigh the drawbacks.
The thin neck is an essential component of the 80s electric guitar sound. It allows guitarists to play fast and intricate solos
, and it is also well-suited for the tapping technique. If you are looking for an electric guitar that is fast, playable, and versatile, then a thin neck is a must-have.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Width at the nut | 1.65 inches |
| Material | Maple |
| Benefits | Speed, playability, tapping technique |
| Drawbacks | Difficulty playing chords, bending and warping |
4. Maple fretboard
The maple fretboard is a defining characteristic of the 80s electric guitar. It is a popular choice for guitarists because it provides a bright, clear sound with plenty of sustain. Maple is also a very hard wood, which makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear. This makes it a good choice for guitarists who play aggressively or who use a lot of vibrato.
- Brightness and clarity
Maple fretboards produce a bright, clear sound with plenty of sustain. This is due to the fact that maple is a very dense wood, which allows it to transfer vibrations from the strings to the body of the guitar more efficiently. This results in a sound that is rich in harmonics and has a long sustain.
- Durability
Maple is a very hard wood, which makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear. This makes it a good choice for guitarists who play aggressively or who use a lot of vibrato. Maple fretboards are also less likely to develop divots or wear grooves over time.
- Playability
Maple fretboards are very smooth and easy to play on. This is due to the fact that maple is a very fine-grained wood, which means that there are fewer pores on the surface of the wood. This results in a fretboard that is less likely to cause friction or drag on the strings, making it easier to play fast and complex passages.
- Aesthetics
Maple fretboards have a beautiful natural look that complements the look of any electric guitar. Maple is also a very versatile wood, and it can be stained or painted to match any color scheme.
Overall, the maple fretboard is a great choice for any electric guitarist. It provides a bright, clear sound with plenty of sustain, and it is durable, easy to play, and aesthetically pleasing.
5. Superstrat body shape
The superstrat body shape is a type of electric guitar body that was popularized in the 1980s. It is characterized by its double-cutaway design, pointed headstock, and Floyd Rose tremolo system. The superstrat body shape was designed to provide guitarists with a more comfortable and versatile playing experience than traditional electric guitar bodies.
The superstrat body shape is often associated with 80s electric guitar because it was the most popular body shape for electric guitars during that time period. Some of the most famous 80s electric guitars, such as the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul, were available in superstrat body shapes.
The superstrat body shape offers a number of advantages for guitarists. First, the double-cutaway design provides easy access to the higher frets, making it easier to play lead guitar. Second, the pointed headstock helps to keep the guitar in tune, even when using a Floyd Rose tremolo system. Third, the Floyd Rose tremolo system allows for a wide range of vibrato effects, making it a popular choice for guitarists who play heavy metal and other genres that require extensive use of the tremolo arm.
The superstrat body shape is a versatile and popular choice for electric guitarists. It is a comfortable and easy-to-play body shape that is well-suited for a wide range of genres. If you are looking for an electric guitar that is both stylish and functional, then a superstrat body shape is a great option.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Double-cutaway with a pointed headstock |
| Tremolo system | Floyd Rose tremolo system |
| Advantages |
|
6. EMG pickups
EMG pickups are a type of active pickup that was first developed in the late 1970s. They quickly became popular among 80s electric guitar players due to their high output, distortion-friendly sound. EMG pickups are still used by many guitarists today, and they are considered to be one of the defining sounds of 80s electric guitar.
- High output
EMG pickups are known for their high output, which makes them ideal for distortion-heavy genres of music such as metal and hard rock. This high output is achieved by using a preamplifier to boost the signal from the pickups. This results in a sound that is thicker and more powerful than the sound of passive pickups.
- Distortion-friendly
EMG pickups are also known for their distortion-friendly sound. This means that they can be used to create a wide range of distorted sounds, from a light overdrive to a heavy metal crunch. This versatility makes EMG pickups a popular choice for guitarists who play a variety of genres of music.
- Active electronics
EMG pickups are active pickups, which means that they require a battery to operate. This battery powers the preamplifier, which boosts the signal from the pickups. Active pickups have several advantages over passive pickups, including a higher output, a more consistent sound, and a longer lifespan.
- Popular models
EMG pickups are available in a variety of models, each with its own unique sound. Some of the most popular EMG pickup models include the EMG 81, the EMG 85, and the EMG 60. The EMG 81 is a high-output pickup that is ideal for metal and hard rock. The EMG 85 is a lower-output pickup that is better suited for blues and classic rock. The EMG 60 is a single-coil pickup that is perfect for country and funk.
EMG pickups are a versatile and powerful option for electric guitar players. They are known for their high output, distortion-friendly sound, and active electronics. If you are looking for a pickup that can give you a wide range of tones, then EMG pickups are a great option.
7. Locking nut
A locking nut is a type of nut that is used to secure the strings of a guitar at the headstock. It is typically made of metal and has a small screw that is used to tighten the nut onto the neck of the guitar. Locking nuts are often used on 80s electric guitars because they provide a number of benefits over traditional nuts.
One of the main benefits of using a locking nut is that it helps to keep t
he guitar in tune. This is because the locking nut prevents the strings from slipping out of the nut, which can happen with traditional nuts. This is especially important for guitars that use a Floyd Rose tremolo system, as these systems can put a lot of tension on the strings.
Another benefit of using a locking nut is that it makes it easier to change strings. With a traditional nut, you have to carefully thread the string through the nut and then tighten it down. With a locking nut, you simply loosen the screw, insert the string, and then tighten the screw. This makes it much faster and easier to change strings.
Overall, locking nuts are a great way to improve the performance and playability of your 80s electric guitar. They help to keep the guitar in tune, make it easier to change strings, and provide a more consistent playing experience.
Examples of 80s electric guitars that use locking nuts
- Fender Stratocaster
- Gibson Les Paul
- Jackson Soloist
- Charvel Model 6
Table: Benefits of using a locking nut
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Keeps the guitar in tune | Prevents the strings from slipping out of the nut |
| Makes it easier to change strings | Simply loosen the screw, insert the string, and then tighten the screw |
| Provides a more consistent playing experience | Reduces the risk of strings going out of tune or breaking |
8. Dive bombs
Dive bombs are a guitar technique that involves rapidly moving the whammy bar down and then back up, creating a swooping, siren-like sound. This technique was popularized in the 1980s by guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai, and it has since become a staple of 80s electric guitar playing.
Dive bombs are created by using the whammy bar to lower the pitch of the strings, and then quickly raising it back up to the original pitch. This creates a dramatic, swooping sound that can be used to add emphasis to a solo or riff. Dive bombs can also be used to create a sense of movement and excitement in a song.
While dive bombs can be used on any electric guitar, they are particularly well-suited for guitars with a Floyd Rose tremolo system. This is because the Floyd Rose tremolo system allows for a wider range of motion than traditional tremolo systems, making it easier to create deep, swooping dive bombs.
Dive bombs are a versatile technique that can be used to add a variety of sounds and effects to your playing. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of drama to a solo or create a sense of movement in a song, dive bombs are a great way to add some excitement to your playing.
Table: Dive bombs in 80s electric guitar
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | A guitar technique that involves rapidly moving the whammy bar down and then back up, creating a swooping, siren-like sound. |
| Popularity | Popularized in the 1980s by guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. |
| Suitable guitars | Particularly well-suited for guitars with a Floyd Rose tremolo system. |
| Effect | Can be used to add emphasis to a solo or riff, or create a sense of movement and excitement in a song. |
9. Shredding
Shredding is a guitar technique that involves playing rapid-fire, technically demanding passages on the electric guitar. It is often characterized by the use of legato, sweep picking, and tapping, and is typically associated with heavy metal and rock music. Shredding was popularized in the 1980s by guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen, and it remains a popular technique among guitarists today.
- Technical Virtuosity
Shredding requires a high level of technical virtuosity, as it involves playing complex passages at high speeds. Shredders often practice for hours on end to develop the speed, accuracy, and dexterity required to perform these techniques.
- Melodic and Harmonic Complexity
Shredding often involves playing complex and intricate melodies and harmonies. Shredders use a variety of techniques, such as legato and sweep picking, to create fluid and seamless passages that are both technically impressive and musically interesting.
- Emotional Expression
While shredding is often associated with technical virtuosity, it can also be used to express a wide range of emotions. Shredders can use their technique to create passages that are both beautiful and intense, and that can evoke a variety of emotions in the listener.
- Influence on 80s Electric Guitar
Shredding had a major influence on the development of 80s electric guitar. Shredders such as Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai helped to popularize the use of techniques such as legato, sweep picking, and tapping, and their music inspired a generation of guitarists to push the boundaries of electric guitar playing.
Shredding remains a popular and influential technique in electric guitar playing today. It is a challenging technique to master, but it can be incredibly rewarding, both for the player and the listener.
FAQs about 80s Electric Guitar
The 80s electric guitar was a revolutionary instrument that shaped the sound of popular music. It was during this decade that the electric guitar took on a new life, with the emergence of new technologies and techniques that would forever change the face of music.
Question 1: What are the key characteristics of the 80s electric guitar?
The 80s electric guitar is characterized by its bright, scooped sound, Floyd Rose tremolo system, thin neck, maple fretboard, superstrat body shape, EMG pickups, locking nut, dive bombs, and shredding.
Question 2: Why was the Floyd Rose tremolo system so popular on 80s electric guitars?
The Floyd Rose tremolo system was popular on 80s electric guitars because it allowed guitarists to create extreme vibrato effects, which was a signature sound of the era. It was also very stable and did not go out of tune easily.
Question 3: What are the benefits of using a locking nut on an 80s electric guitar?
Locking nuts are used on 80s electric guitars because they help to keep the guitar in tune, make it easier to change strings, and provide a more consistent playing experience.
Question 4: How did shredding influence the development of 80s electric guitar?
Shredding had a major influence on the development of 80s electric guitar. Shredders such as Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai helped to popularize the use of techniques such as legato, sweep picking, and tapping, and their music inspired a generation of guitarists to push the boundaries of electric guitar playing.
Question 5: What are some of the most iconic 80s electric guitars?
Some of the most iconic 80s electric guitars include the Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Jackson Soloist, and Charvel Model 6.
Question 6: How can I learn to play 80s electric guitar
?
There are many resources available to help you learn to play 80s electric guitar. You can find lessons online, in books, or from a private instructor. You can also practice by listening to your favorite 80s guitarists and trying to emulate their playing style.
The 80s electric guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds and styles. If you are interested in learning to play 80s electric guitar, there are many resources available to help you get started.
Key takeaways: The 80s electric guitar was a revolutionary instrument that shaped the sound of popular music. It is characterized by its bright, scooped sound, Floyd Rose tremolo system, thin neck, maple fretboard, superstrat body shape, EMG pickups, locking nut, dive bombs, and shredding.
Transition to the next article section: The 80s electric guitar is a popular choice for guitarists of all levels. If you are interested in learning to play 80s electric guitar, there are many resources available to help you get started.
80s Electric Guitar Tips
The 80s electric guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds and styles. If you are interested in learning to play 80s electric guitar, there are many resources available to help you get started. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:
Tip 1: Choose the right guitar
The first step is to choose the right guitar. There are many different types of electric guitars available, so it is important to do your research and find one that is a good fit for your playing style and budget. If you are unsure of what type of guitar to choose, you can always consult with a guitar teacher or salesperson.
Tip 2: Learn the basics
Once you have chosen a guitar, it is important to learn the basics of playing. This includes learning how to hold the guitar, how to strum, and how to play basic chords. There are many resources available to help you learn the basics, such as online lessons, books, and private lessons.
Tip 3: Practice regularly
The best way to improve your guitar playing skills is to practice regularly. Try to practice for at least 30 minutes each day. As you practice, focus on accuracy and timing. You can also use a metronome to help you stay on track.
Tip 4: Experiment with different sounds
Once you have mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with different sounds. This can be done by using different guitar pedals, amplifiers, and techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique sound.
Tip 5: Play with other musicians
One of the best ways to learn and improve your guitar playing skills is to play with other musicians. This can be done by joining a band, taking lessons, or simply jamming with friends.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Choosing the right guitar is essential for finding the perfect fit for your playing style and budget.
- Learning the basics of playing guitar, including holding the guitar, strumming, and playing basic chords, is crucial for building a solid foundation.
- Regular practice is key to improving your guitar playing skills, focusing on accuracy and timing.
- Experimenting with different sounds through guitar pedals, amplifiers, and techniques allows you to develop your unique style.
- Playing with other musicians provides opportunities for learning, collaboration, and enhancing your skills.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Learning to play 80s electric guitar can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can develop your skills and start playing the music you love.
Conclusion
The 80s electric guitar was a revolutionary instrument that shaped the sound of popular music. It was during this decade that the electric guitar took on a new life, with the emergence of new technologies and techniques that would forever change the face of music. The 80s electric guitar is characterized by its bright, scooped sound, Floyd Rose tremolo system, thin neck, maple fretboard, superstrat body shape, EMG pickups, locking nut, dive bombs, and shredding.
The 80s electric guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds and styles. If you are interested in learning to play 80s electric guitar, there are many resources available to help you get started. With hard work and dedication, you can master this iconic instrument and create your own unique sound.
