Electric guitars have been around for almost a century, and in that time they have revolutionized the way music is made. But what exactly is a fully electric guitar, and what are its benefits?
Editor’s Note:Fully electric guitars are an essential part of modern music. They are used in a wide variety of genres, from rock to blues to jazz. If you are thinking about buying an electric guitar, it is important to do your research and find the right one for your needs.
We put together this fully electric guitar guide to help you make the right decision. We analyzed dozens of different models and read hundreds of reviews to come up with our top picks. We also included a buyer’s guide to help you understand the different features of fully electric guitars.
Key Differences
| Feature | Fully Electric Guitar | Traditional Electric Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Solid body | Hollow or semi-hollow body |
| Pickups | Magnetic pickups | Piezoelectric pickups |
| Sound | Brighter, more sustain | Warmer, less sustain |
Main Article Topics
- The history of fully electric guitars
- The different types of fully electric guitars
- The benefits of fully electric guitars
- How to choose the right fully electric guitar for you
1. Solid body
The solid body of a fully electric guitar is one of its defining features. Unlike hollow-body or semi-hollow-body guitars, which have a chambered body that resonates and produces a warmer, more mellow sound, fully electric guitars have a solid body that does not resonate. This gives them a brighter sound with more sustain, which is ideal for genres such as rock, blues, and metal.
The solid body of a fully electric guitar also makes it more resistant to feedback, which is a high-pitched squealing sound that can occur when the guitar’s pickups are too close to the amplifier. This makes fully electric guitars a good choice for playing at high volumes, such as in live performances or in the studio.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between solid-body and hollow-body guitars:
| Feature | Solid-body guitar | Hollow-body guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Solid | Hollow or semi-hollow |
| Sound | Brighter, more sustain | Warmer, less sustain |
| Feedback resistance | More resistant | Less resistant |
Ultimately, the choice between a solid-body and hollow-body guitar is a matter of personal preference. However, if you are looking for a guitar with a brighter sound, more sustain, and more resistance to feedback, then a fully electric guitar with a solid body is a good choice.
2. Magnetic pickups
Magnetic pickups are one of the most important components of a fully electric guitar. They are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and sent to a speaker. Without magnetic pickups, fully electric guitars would not be able to produce sound.
There are two main types of magnetic pickups: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups are typically brighter and more articulate than humbuckers, but they are also more susceptible to noise. Humbuckers are less noisy than single-coil pickups, but they can also be darker and less articulate. The type of pickup that you choose will depend on the sound that you are trying to achieve.
Magnetic pickups are an essential part of fully electric guitars. They are responsible for the unique sound of these guitars, and they allow guitarists to create a wide range of different tones. If you are thinking about buying a fully electric guitar, it is important to understand how magnetic pickups work.
| Type of pickup | Sound | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Single-coil | Brighter, more articulate | More susceptible to noise |
| Humbucker | Less noisy | Darker, less articulate |
Here are some examples of how magnetic pickups are used in fully electric guitars:
- The Fender Stratocaster is a classic fully electric guitar that uses three single-coil pickups. This gives the Stratocaster a bright, twangy sound that is perfect for genres such as rock, blues, and country.
- The Gibson Les Paul is another classic fully electric guitar that uses two humbucker pickups. This gives the Les Paul a darker, more powerful sound that is perfect for genres such as rock, blues, and metal.
- The Ibanez RG is a modern fully electric guitar that uses two humbucker pickups and a single-coil pickup. This gives the RG a versatile sound that is perfect for a wide range of genres, from rock to metal to jazz.
These are just a few examples of how magnetic pickups are used in fully electric guitars. With so many different combinations of pickups and body styles available, there is a fully electric guitar out there to suit every taste and playing style.
3. Cutaway body
A cutaway body is a common feature on fully electric guitars. It involves a section of the body being cut away, typically on the treble side, to allow the guitarist to reach the higher frets more easily. This design element is particularly beneficial for lead guitarists who frequently play solos and need to access the full range of the guitar’s neck.
- Unimpeded access to higher frets: The cutaway body design allows guitarists to reach the higher frets without obstruction from the body of the guitar. This is especially important for playing complex solos and melodies that require reaching the upper register of the instrument.
- Improved ergonomics: The cutaway body provides a more comfortable playing experience, as the guitarist’s hand and wrist do not have to bend as much to reach the higher frets. This can reduce fatigue and discomfort during extended playing sessions.
- Aesthetic appeal: Cutaway bodies are often considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional solid-body guitars. The sculpted design adds a touch of elegance and modernity to the instrument.
- Versatility: Cutaway bodies are suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from rock and blues to jazz and metal. The unrestricted
access to the higher frets makes them ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
In summary, the cutaway body on fully electric guitars is a significant design feature that enhances playability, comfort, and aesthetics. It allows guitarists to explore the full range of the instrument with ease, making it an essential element for both professional and aspiring musicians.
4. Double cutaway
The double cutaway design is a significant advancement in the world of fully electric guitars, providing guitarists with unparalleled access to the highest frets. This feature has revolutionized lead guitar playing and expanded the technical possibilities of the instrument.
- Enhanced Playability: The double cutaway body shape allows guitarists to reach the highest frets with greater ease and speed. This is particularly advantageous for complex solos and technical passages that require effortless navigation across the entire fretboard.
- Improved Ergonomics: The double cutaway design also improves the ergonomics of the guitar, reducing strain on the guitarist’s wrist and hand. This is especially important during extended playing sessions or when performing intricate fretwork.
- Unleashing Creativity: The double cutaway design unlocks new creative possibilities for guitarists. With easier access to the highest frets, they can explore extended range techniques, create innovative chord voicings, and execute lightning-fast solos with precision.
- Genre Versatility: The double cutaway design is suitable for a wide range of musical genres, including rock, metal, blues, and jazz. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for guitarists of all levels and styles.
In conclusion, the double cutaway design on fully electric guitars is a game-changer for guitarists. It enhances playability, improves ergonomics, unleashes creativity, and caters to a diverse range of musical genres. This design innovation has shaped the evolution of the fully electric guitar and continues to inspire guitarists to push the boundaries of their musical expression.
5. Bolt-on neck
The bolt-on neck is a defining characteristic of many fully electric guitars, contributing to their practicality and versatility. Here’s how the bolt-on neck concept is connected to the nature of fully electric guitars and their usage:
Simplified Repairs and Replacements: Unlike set necks, which are glued to the guitar body, bolt-on necks are attached with screws or bolts. This design allows for easier removal and replacement of the neck in case of damage or if the player desires a different neck profile or scale length. This ease of repair and customization makes fully electric guitars more convenient to maintain and adapt to various playing styles.
Tonal Impact: The bolt-on neck construction can subtly influence the overall tone of the guitar. Compared to set necks, which often provide a warmer, more resonant sound due to the strong neck-body joint, bolt-on necks tend to produce a brighter, more articulate tone. This tonal characteristic is often sought after by players who prefer a clear and defined sound in their electric guitar.
Versatility and Experimentation: The bolt-on neck design allows guitarists to experiment with different neck options and configurations. With relative ease, players can swap out necks with varying fretboard materials, neck shapes, and pickup configurations. This versatility enables guitarists to tailor their instrument to their specific preferences and musical needs.
Real-life Examples: Some notable fully electric guitars that utilize the bolt-on neck design include the Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, and Gibson Les Paul Studio. These guitars are renowned for their versatility, playability, and the ability to accommodate a wide range of musical styles.
In summary, the bolt-on neck is an integral part of many fully electric guitars, offering practical advantages in terms of repairs and customization. Its tonal characteristics and versatility further contribute to the popularity and widespread use of fully electric guitars among musicians.
Table: Bolt-on Neck Characteristics
| Characteristic | Effect on Fully Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Ease of repair and replacement | Convenient maintenance and customization |
| Tonal impact | Brighter, more articulate sound |
| Versatility | Easy experimentation with different neck options |
6. Set neck
The set neck construction method is commonly found in fully electric guitars and plays a significant role in shaping their sound and playability. Unlike bolt-on necks, which are attached to the guitar body with screws or bolts, set necks are permanently glued, creating a stronger and more resonant connection between the two components.
This stronger connection between the neck and body enhances the guitar’s overall sustain and resonance. The neck and body vibrate more cohesively, resulting in a richer, fuller sound with increased harmonic content. Additionally, the improved neck-body joint provides greater stability, reducing the likelihood of neck movement or warping over time.
Set necks are often preferred by guitarists seeking a warmer, more vintage tone. The increased resonance and sustain allow for expressive playing styles, such as long-held notes and complex chords, to shine through with greater clarity and depth. This makes set-neck fully electric guitars particularly popular in genres like blues, jazz, and classic rock.
Notable examples of fully electric guitars with set necks include the Gibson Les Paul and the PRS Custom 24. These guitars are renowned for their exceptional playability, warm, resonant tones, and timeless aesthetic appeal.
In summary, the set neck construction method in fully electric guitars contributes to a stronger neck-body connection, resulting in enhanced sustain, resonance, and overall tonal quality. This design choice is particularly valued by guitarists seeking a warm, vintage sound and a stable, reliable instrument.
Table: Set Neck Characteristics
| Characteristic | Effect on Fully Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Stronger neck-body connection | Enhanced sustain, resonance, and tonal quality |
| Improved stability | Reduced neck movement and warping |
| Warmer, vintage tone | Suitable for blues, jazz, and classic rock genres |
7. Tune-o-matic bridge
The tune-o-matic bridge is a crucial component of many fully electric guitars, contributing to their exceptional playability and versatility. Unlike traditional fixed bridges, the tu
ne-o-matic bridge allows for precise adjustment of both intonation and action, ensuring that the guitar is perfectly in tune and comfortable to play.
Intonation refers to the accuracy of the guitar’s tuning across the entire fretboard. A properly intonated guitar ensures that every note played at every fret is in tune with the open string. The tune-o-matic bridge allows for individual adjustment of each string’s intonation, compensating for any variations in string length or fret placement. This level of precision is particularly important for guitarists who play complex chords, harmonics, or in different tunings.
Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. A guitar with low action is easier to play, as the strings require less force to press down. The tune-o-matic bridge allows for adjustment of the action by raising or lowering the bridge saddles. This customization enables guitarists to tailor the feel and playability of their instrument to their personal preferences and playing style.
The tune-o-matic bridge is often paired with a stop tailpiece, which further enhances the guitar’s sustain and resonance. The stop tailpiece anchors the strings behind the bridge, preventing them from moving or vibrating excessively. This results in a more focused and articulate sound, particularly beneficial for genres like rock and blues.
Notable examples of fully electric guitars with tune-o-matic bridges include the Gibson Les Paul, the Fender Telecaster, and the Ibanez RG series. These guitars are renowned for their exceptional playability, versatility, and ability to produce a wide range of tones.
In summary, the tune-o-matic bridge is an integral part of many fully electric guitars, providing precise intonation and adjustable action. This allows guitarists to fine-tune their instrument for optimal playability and sound quality, making it a key component in the design and functionality of fully electric guitars.
Table: Tune-o-matic Bridge Characteristics
| Characteristic | Effect on Fully Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Adjustable intonation | Ensures accurate tuning across the entire fretboard |
| Adjustable action | Allows for customization of string height for optimal playability |
| Paired with stop tailpiece | Enhances sustain and resonance |
8. Floyd Rose bridge
The Floyd Rose bridge is a revolutionary design that has had a profound impact on the world of fully electric guitars. Unlike traditional bridges, which can only handle limited pitch bending before the strings go out of tune, the Floyd Rose bridge allows for extreme pitch bending without compromising intonation. This makes it an essential component for guitarists who use techniques such as dive bombs and harmonics.
The Floyd Rose bridge works by using a locking nut at the headstock and a fine-tuning unit at the bridge. The locking nut clamps the strings in place, preventing them from slipping when the bridge is moved. The fine-tuning unit allows the guitarist to make precise adjustments to the intonation of each string, even after the bridge has been moved. This combination of features makes the Floyd Rose bridge one of the most versatile and reliable bridges available for fully electric guitars.
The Floyd Rose bridge is particularly popular in genres such as rock, metal, and shred. It is also used by many country and blues guitarists who want to add a touch of flair to their playing. Some notable guitarists who use the Floyd Rose bridge include Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a Floyd Rose bridge:
- Extreme pitch bending without going out of tune
- Precise intonation adjustment
- Versatility for a wide range of genres
If you are a guitarist who is looking for a bridge that will allow you to explore extreme pitch bending techniques, then the Floyd Rose bridge is a great option. It is a versatile and reliable bridge that will help you take your playing to the next level.
Table: Floyd Rose Bridge Characteristics
| Characteristic | Effect on Fully Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Locking nut | Prevents strings from slipping when the bridge is moved |
| Fine-tuning unit | Allows for precise intonation adjustment |
| Extreme pitch bending | Without going out of tune |
FAQs on Fully Electric Guitars
Fully electric guitars have captured the imagination of musicians for decades, and with their unique sound and versatility, they continue to be a popular choice for players of all levels. However, navigating the world of fully electric guitars can raise several questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions and enhance your fully electric guitar experience.
Question 1: What are the key differences between fully electric guitars and other electric guitars?
Fully electric guitars, as the name suggests, do not rely on the natural resonance of a hollow or semi-hollow body to produce sound. Instead, they utilize solid bodies and magnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals. This construction results in a brighter, more sustained sound with less feedback compared to traditional electric guitars.
Question 2: What are the different types of fully electric guitars?
Fully electric guitars come in a diverse range of body styles, each offering unique characteristics. Some popular types include the Stratocaster with its contoured body and three single-coil pickups, the Telecaster with its twangy single-coil pickups, and the Les Paul with its solid mahogany body and humbucking pickups.
Question 3: What are the advantages of using a fully electric guitar?
Fully electric guitars provide several advantages, including their versatility in producing a wide range of tones suitable for various genres. Their solid bodies make them less prone to feedback, allowing for higher volume levels without unwanted noise. Additionally, the use of magnetic pickups offers greater control over tone and sustain, making them ideal for lead playing and creating complex soundscapes.
Question 4: What should I consider when choosing a fully electric guitar?
When selecting a fully electric guitar, several factors are worth considering. These include body style and weight, pickup configuration and tone, neck profile and scale length, and hardware features such as the bridge and tuners. It is essential to try out different guitars and find one that fits your playing style and preferences comfortably.
Question 5: How do I maintain my fully electric guitar?
Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your fully electric guitar in optimal condition. Regular cleaning, restringing, and setup adjustments are essential. Additionally, protecting the guitar from extreme temperatures and humidity changes will help preserve its longevity. Consider investing in a guitar case or gig bag for safe transportation and storage.
Question 6: What are some tips for playing a fully electric guitar?
Playing a fully electric guitar requires a different approach compared to acoustic guitars. Techniques such as palm muting, hammer-ons, and pull-offs bec
ome more accessible due to the guitar’s low action and responsive pickups. Experiment with different picking techniques, distortion pedals, and amplifier settings to discover the vast sonic possibilities offered by fully electric guitars.
By exploring these frequently asked questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of fully electric guitars and make informed decisions when choosing and playing one. These versatile instruments continue to inspire and empower musicians worldwide, pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
Go to the next article section
Fully Electric Guitar Playing Tips
Fully electric guitars, with their unique sound and versatility, offer a distinct playing experience. Here are several essential tips to enhance your technique and unlock the full potential of these instruments:
Tip 1: Master Palm Muting
Palm muting involves muting the strings with the palm of your picking hand while striking them with the pick. This technique creates a percussive, rhythmic effect commonly used in rock, metal, and funk genres. Practice palm muting on open strings and gradually incorporate it into riffs and chord progressions.
Tip 2: Experiment with Pickups and Tone Controls
Fully electric guitars often feature multiple pickups and tone controls that shape the sound significantly. Explore the different pickup combinations and adjust the tone knobs to find the sweet spot that complements your playing style. Experiment with clean and distorted tones to create a wider sonic palette.
Tip 3: Utilize Volume and Wah Pedals
Volume and wah pedals are essential tools for controlling the dynamics and expressiveness of your playing. A volume pedal allows you to swell notes or create a “fade-out” effect, while a wah pedal adds a sweeping, resonant tone that can enhance solos and rhythm parts.
Tip 4: Practice Alternate Picking
Alternate picking involves using both the downstroke and upstroke of the pick in a consistent pattern. This technique improves speed, accuracy, and fluidity in your playing. Start with simple exercises and gradually increase the complexity and speed as you progress.
Tip 5: Explore Finger Tapping
Finger tapping is an advanced technique that involves tapping the strings with your fretting hand fingers instead of using a pick. This technique allows for rapid note sequences and unique melodic patterns. Begin by practicing on a single string and gradually work towards incorporating it into your solos.
Tip 6: Learn Basic Music Theory
Understanding basic music theory, including scales, chords, and progressions, will significantly enhance your fully electric guitar playing. This knowledge enables you to construct solos, write riffs, and improvise with greater confidence and musicality.
Tip 7: Listen to and Analyze Great Players
Listening to and analyzing the playing of renowned fully electric guitarists is a valuable learning tool. Pay attention to their technique, phrasing, and tone. Try to emulate their approaches and incorporate elements into your own playing.
Tip 8: Stay Dedicated and Practice Regularly
As with any instrument, consistent practice is essential for progress on the fully electric guitar. Set aside dedicated practice time each day, focus on specific techniques and concepts, and gradually increase your playing complexity. Patience and perseverance will yield significant results.
By incorporating these tips into your practice routine, you will develop a strong foundation on the fully electric guitar, unlocking the instrument’s expressive potential and expanding your musical horizons.
Conclusion
Fully electric guitars have revolutionized the world of music, providing a unique and versatile voice for countless musicians. Their solid bodies and magnetic pickups produce a distinctive sound, characterized by increased sustain, clarity, and reduced feedback. As we explored in this article, fully electric guitars have become an indispensable tool for players across a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and metal.
The journey of the fully electric guitar is far from over. As technology advances and musicians continue to push the boundaries of their creativity, we can expect to see even more exciting innovations and applications of these instruments in the years to come. Whether you are an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned professional, embracing the fully electric guitar opens up a world of sonic possibilities. Its versatility, expressiveness, and enduring appeal make it an instrument that will continue to inspire and captivate generations of musicians.
Youtube Video:
