Which is the best electric guitar for fingerstyle? For fingerstyle guitarists, choosing the right electric guitar is essential to achieving the desired sound and playability.
Editor’s Note:Choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle can be a daunting task. With so many different models and brands on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the right decision.
We’ve analyzed the different features that are important for fingerstyle guitarists, and we’ve put together a list of the best electric guitars for fingerstyle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have a guitar that’s perfect for you.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Best for Fingerstyle |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Hollow or semi-hollow body |
| Neck Profile | Slim and narrow neck with a low action |
| Pickups | Humbuckers or P-90s |
| Electronics | Active or passive electronics with a variety of tone controls |
Main Article Topics:
- Body Shape
- Neck Profile
- Pickups
- Electronics
- Other Features to Consider
- Conclusion
1. Body Shape
The body shape of an electric guitar has a significant impact on its sound. Hollow and semi-hollow body guitars have a larger body cavity than solid body guitars, which allows them to produce a warmer, more resonant sound. This is due to the fact that the larger body cavity allows for more air to vibrate, which creates a richer and fuller sound.
For fingerstyle guitarists, a warm, resonant sound is ideal. This is because fingerstyle guitarists often use a lot of harmonics and overtones in their playing, and a warm, resonant sound helps to bring out these harmonics and overtones.
In addition, hollow and semi-hollow body guitars are often lighter than solid body guitars, which makes them more comfortable to play for long periods of time. This is important for fingerstyle guitarists, who often play intricate and demanding pieces.
Here are some examples of hollow and semi-hollow body guitars that are ideal for fingerstyle:
When choosing a hollow or semi-hollow body guitar for fingerstyle, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Body size: The size of the body will affect the overall sound of the guitar. A larger body will produce a warmer, more resonant sound, while a smaller body will produce a brighter, more articulate sound.
- Body shape: The shape of the body will also affect the sound of the guitar. A round body will produce a warmer, more mellow sound, while a pointed body will produce a brighter, more articulate sound.
- Wood type: The type of wood used to construct the body will also affect the sound of the guitar. Mahogany is a warm, resonant wood that is often used for hollow and semi-hollow body guitars. Maple is a brighter, more articulate wood that is often used for solid body guitars.
By considering these factors, you can choose a hollow or semi-hollow body guitar that is perfect for your fingerstyle playing.
2. Neck Profile
The neck profile of an electric guitar is the shape of the neck from the nut to the heel. The neck profile has a significant impact on the playability of the guitar, especially for fingerstyle guitarists.
A slim and narrow neck with a low action is ideal for fingerstyle playing. This is because a slim and narrow neck makes it easier to reach the frets, and a low action makes it easier to press down on the strings. This allows for fast and fluid movement, which is essential for fingerstyle playing.
In addition, a slim and narrow neck with a low action can help to reduce fatigue. This is important for fingerstyle guitarists, who often play for long periods of time. A slim and narrow neck is also easier to hold, which can help to reduce strain on the wrist and forearm.
Here are some examples of electric guitars with slim and narrow necks that are ideal for fingerstyle playing:
When choosing an electric guitar for fingerstyle playing, it is important to consider the neck profile. A slim and narrow neck with a low action will make it easier to play fingerstyle guitar, and will help to reduce fatigue.
Table: Neck Profile and Fingerstyle Playing
| Neck Profile | Advantages for Fingerstyle Playing |
|---|---|
| Slim and narrow | Easier to reach the frets |
| Low action | Easier to press down on the strings |
| Combination of slim and narrow neck with low action | Fast and fluid movement, reduced fatigue |
3. Pickups
The pickups on an electric guitar play a major role in determining the sound of the guitar. For fingerstyle guitarists, humbuckers or P-90s are the best pickups to choose, as they provide a clear and articulate sound that is perfect for fingerpicking.
Humbuckers are a type of pickup that uses two coils to cancel out hum and noise. This results in a clean and clear sound that is ideal for fingerstyle playing. P-90s are a type of single-coil pickup that is known for its warm and articulate sound. P-90s are also a good choice for fingerstyle playing, as they provide a clear and defined sound that is perfect for picking out individual notes.
Here are some examples of electric guitars with humbuckers or P-90s that are ideal for fingerstyle playing:
- Gibson Les Paul Standard
- Fender Telecaster Custom
- PRS McCarty 594
- Gretsch White Falcon
- Epiphone Casino
When choosing an electric guitar for fingerstyle playing, it is important to consider the type of pickups that are installed. Humbuckers or P-90s are the best pickups to choose, as they provide a clear and articulate sound that is perfect for fingerpicking.
Table: Pickups and Fingerstyle Playing
| Pickup Type | Advantages for Fingerstyle Playing |
|---|---|
| |
| P-90s |
|
4. Electronics
The electronics on an electric guitar play a major role in determining the sound of the guitar. For fingerstyle guitarists, active or passive electronics with a variety of tone controls are essential for shaping your sound to perfection.
Active electronics use a preamp to boost the signal from the pickups, which results in a hotter, more powerful sound. Active electronics also typically have a wider range of tone controls, which gives you more flexibility in shaping your sound. Passive electronics, on the other hand, do not use a preamp, and they typically have a more limited range of tone controls.
For fingerstyle guitarists, active electronics can be a good choice because they provide a hotter, more powerful sound that can help to cut through the mix. Active electronics also give you more flexibility in shaping your sound, which is important for fingerstyle guitarists who often use a variety of techniques to create different sounds.
Here are some examples of electric guitars with active or passive electronics that are ideal for fingerstyle playing:
- Taylor 814ce (active electronics)
- Martin 000-15M (passive electronics)
- Gibson J-45 (passive electronics)
- Fender American Standard Telecaster (passive electronics)
- PRS S2 Standard 24 (active electronics)
When choosing an electric guitar for fingerstyle playing, it is important to consider the type of electronics that are installed. Active or passive electronics with a variety of tone controls will give you the flexibility to shape your sound to perfection.
Table: Electronics and Fingerstyle Playing
| Electronics Type | Advantages for Fingerstyle Playing |
|---|---|
| Active |
|
| Passive |
|
5. Scale Length
When choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle, it is important to consider the scale length. The scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge, and it has a significant impact on the playability of the guitar. A shorter scale length makes the frets closer together, which can make it easier to play fingerstyle.
- Easier to reach the frets: A shorter scale length makes it easier to reach the frets, especially for players with smaller hands. This can be a major advantage for fingerstyle guitarists, who often use complex fingerings that require them to reach across multiple frets.
- Reduced string tension: A shorter scale length also reduces the tension on the strings. This makes the strings easier to bend and vibrato, which can be important for fingerstyle guitarists who use these techniques to add expression to their playing.
- Improved intonation: A shorter scale length can also improve the intonation of the guitar. This is because the shorter scale length reduces the distance that the strings vibrate, which makes it less likely for the strings to go out of tune.
If you are looking for the best electric guitar for fingerstyle, consider choosing a guitar with a shorter scale length. This will make the guitar easier to play and will help you to achieve a better sound.
6. Cutaway
A cutaway is a notch in the body of an electric guitar that allows the player to reach the higher frets more easily. This is essential for fingerstyle playing, as fingerstyle guitarists often use complex fingerings that require them to reach across multiple frets.
Without a cutaway, the player’s hand would be blocked by the body of the guitar, making it difficult to reach the higher frets. This would limit the player’s ability to play certain chords and melodies, and would make it more difficult to play fingerstyle guitar overall.
The cutaway allows the player to reach the higher frets more easily, which opens up a wider range of possibilities for fingerstyle playing. With a cutaway, the player can play more complex chords and melodies, and can more easily add embellishments and flourishes to their playing.
Real-life examples
Some of the most famous fingerstyle guitarists in the world, such as Tommy Emmanuel and Andy McKee, use guitars with cutaways. This is because they need to be able to reach the higher frets easily in order to play their complex fingerstyle arrangements.
Practical significance
If you are a fingerstyle guitarist, or if you are interested in learning to play fingerstyle guitar, it is important to choose a guitar with a cutaway. This will make it easier to reach the higher frets, and will open up a wider range of possibilities for your playing.
Table: Cutaway and Fingerstyle Playing
| Feature | Advantages for Fingerstyle Playing |
|---|---|
| Cutaway |
|
7. Weight
When choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle, it is important to consider the weight of the guitar. A lighter guitar is easier to play for long periods of time, which is important for fingerstyle guitarists who often play intricate and demanding pieces.
- Reduced fatigue: A lighter guitar puts less strain on the player’s body, which can reduce fatigue and make it easier to play for long periods of time. This is especially important for fingerstyle guitarists, who often play complex and demanding pieces that require a lot of dexterity and precision.
- Improved comfort: A lighter guitar is also more comfortable to play, which can make a big difference over the course of a long playing session. This is especially important for fingerstyle guitarists who often play for hours at a time.
- Increased mobility: A lighter guitar is easier to move around, which can be important for fingerstyle guitarists who play on stage or in other situations where they need to be able to move around easily.
If you are a fingerstyle guitarist, or if you are interested in learning to play fingerstyle guitar, it is important to choose a
guitar that is lightweight and comfortable to play. This will make it easier to play for long periods of time and will help you to avoid fatigue and discomfort.
8. Balance
Balance is an important factor to consider when choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle playing. A well-balanced guitar will sit comfortably on your lap or strap, which is important for maintaining a good posture and avoiding fatigue. This is especially important for fingerstyle guitarists, who often play for long periods of time and use complex fingerings that require them to reach across the entire fretboard.
An unbalanced guitar can cause a number of problems for fingerstyle guitarists. For example, an unbalanced guitar may neck dive, which means that the neck of the guitar points downwards when you are playing it. This can make it difficult to reach the higher frets and can also cause strain on your wrist and forearm.
There are a few things you can look for to ensure that the guitar you choose is well-balanced. First, check the weight of the guitar. A heavier guitar is more likely to be balanced than a lighter guitar. Second, look at the body shape of the guitar. A guitar with a symmetrical body shape is more likely to be balanced than a guitar with an asymmetrical body shape. Third, check the placement of the strap button. The strap button should be located in the center of the guitar’s body, which will help to distribute the weight of the guitar evenly.
If you are unsure whether or not a guitar is well-balanced, you can ask your local guitar store to help you out. They can check the balance of the guitar and make sure that it is a good fit for you.
Table: Balance and Fingerstyle Playing
| Feature | Importance for Fingerstyle Playing |
|---|---|
| Balance |
|
9. Hardware
High-quality hardware is an essential component of the best electric guitar for fingerstyle playing. This is because fingerstyle guitarists rely on their guitars to stay in tune and intonation, especially when playing complex pieces that require precise finger placement and delicate picking techniques.
Locking tuners are a type of tuning machine that locks the string in place, preventing it from slipping. This is important for fingerstyle guitarists because it ensures that their guitar stays in tune, even when they are using alternate tunings or playing complex chords that require a lot of string bending.
A solid bridge is a type of bridge that is fixed to the body of the guitar, rather than being attached to the neck. This provides a more stable platform for the strings, which helps to improve intonation and prevent the guitar from going out of tune.
In addition to locking tuners and a solid bridge, other important hardware features for fingerstyle guitarists include:
- Bone nut and saddle: These materials provide a smooth surface for the strings to rest on, which helps to improve intonation and sustain.
- High-quality pickups: Pickups are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. High-quality pickups will provide a clear and articulate sound, which is essential for fingerstyle playing.
- Comfortable strap buttons: Fingerstyle guitarists often play for long periods of time, so it is important to have comfortable strap buttons that will not dig into their shoulders.
By choosing a guitar with high-quality hardware, fingerstyle guitarists can ensure that their guitar will stay in tune and intonation, which will allow them to play their best.
Table: Hardware and Fingerstyle Playing
| Hardware Feature | Importance for Fingerstyle Playing |
|---|---|
| Locking tuners | Prevent the guitar from going out of tune |
| Solid bridge | Improves intonation and prevents the guitar from going out of tune |
| Bone nut and saddle | Improve intonation and sustain |
| High-quality pickups | Provide a clear and articulate sound |
| Comfortable strap buttons | Make it more comfortable to play for long periods of time |
10. Price
The price of an electric guitar for fingerstyle can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the brand, the materials used, and the features included. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping, and to be prepared to pay more for a high-quality instrument. A well-made guitar will provide you with years of enjoyment, and it will be worth the investment.
- Budget-friendly options: There are a number of affordable electric guitars for fingerstyle available on the market. These guitars are typically made from less expensive materials, such as laminated wood, and they may not have all the features of more expensive guitars. However, they can still provide a great playing experience, and they are a good option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
- Mid-range options: Mid-range electric guitars for fingerstyle offer a good balance of price and quality. These guitars are typically made from solid wood, and they often have a wider range of features than budget-friendly options. They are a good choice for intermediate players who are looking for a guitar that will provide them with years of enjoyment.
- High-end options: High-end electric guitars for fingerstyle are the most expensive option, but they also offer the best quality. These guitars are typically made from the finest materials, and they are often hand-crafted by skilled luthiers. They offer the best possible playing experience, and they are a good choice for professional musicians or those who are simply looking for the best possible guitar.
Ultimately, the best electric guitar for fingerstyle for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. However, by following these tips, you can be sure to find a guitar that will provide you with years of enjoyment.
FAQs about the Best Electric Guitar for Fingerstyle
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle playing:
Question 1: What are the most important factors to consider when choosing an electric guitar for fingerstyle?
Answer: The most important factors to consider when choosing an electric guitar for fingerstyle are the body shape, neck profile, pickups, electronics, scale length, cutaway, weight, balance, hardware, and price. Each of these factors can have a significant impact on the playability and sound of the guitar, so it is important to carefully consider your needs before making a decision.
Question 2: What are the best body shapes for fingerstyle playing?
Answer: The best body shapes for fingerstyle playing are hollow or semi-
hollow body guitars. These guitars have a larger body cavity than solid body guitars, which allows them to produce a warmer, more resonant sound. This is ideal for fingerstyle playing, as it helps to bring out the harmonics and overtones that are often used in this style of playing.
Question 3: What are the best neck profiles for fingerstyle playing?
Answer: The best neck profiles for fingerstyle playing are slim and narrow necks with a low action. This type of neck profile makes it easier to reach the frets and to press down on the strings, which is essential for fast and fluid fingerstyle playing.
Question 4: What are the best pickups for fingerstyle playing?
Answer: The best pickups for fingerstyle playing are humbuckers or P-90s. Humbuckers are a type of pickup that uses two coils to cancel out hum and noise, which results in a clean and clear sound that is ideal for fingerstyle playing. P-90s are a type of single-coil pickup that is known for its warm and articulate sound, which is also well-suited for fingerstyle playing.
Question 5: What are the most important features to look for in the electronics of an electric guitar for fingerstyle?
Answer: The most important features to look for in the electronics of an electric guitar for fingerstyle are active or passive electronics with a variety of tone controls. Active electronics use a preamp to boost the signal from the pickups, which results in a hotter, more powerful sound. Passive electronics, on the other hand, do not use a preamp, and they typically have a more limited range of tone controls. For fingerstyle playing, active electronics can be a good choice because they provide a hotter, more powerful sound that can help to cut through the mix. Active electronics also give you more flexibility in shaping your sound, which is important for fingerstyle guitarists who often use a variety of techniques to create different sounds.
Question 6: How much should I expect to pay for a good electric guitar for fingerstyle?
Answer: Electric guitars for fingerstyle can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of a guitar will depend on a number of factors, including the brand, the materials used, and the features included. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping, and to be prepared to pay more for a high-quality instrument. A well-made guitar will provide you with years of enjoyment, and it will be worth the investment.
Summary: Choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle can be a daunting task, but by considering the factors discussed in this FAQ, you can be sure to find a guitar that will meet your needs and help you to take your playing to the next level.
Need more help? Ask our community of experts for personalized advice.
Tips for Choosing the Best Electric Guitar for Fingerstyle
Choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle can be a daunting task, but by following these tips, you can be sure to find a guitar that will meet your needs and help you to take your playing to the next level.
Tip 1: Consider the body shape. The body shape of an electric guitar has a significant impact on its sound and playability. For fingerstyle playing, a hollow or semi-hollow body guitar is ideal. These guitars have a larger body cavity than solid body guitars, which allows them to produce a warmer, more resonant sound. This is ideal for fingerstyle playing, as it helps to bring out the harmonics and overtones that are often used in this style of playing.
Tip 2: Choose a neck profile that is comfortable for you. The neck profile of an electric guitar is the shape of the neck from the nut to the heel. The neck profile has a significant impact on the playability of the guitar, especially for fingerstyle guitarists. A slim and narrow neck with a low action is ideal for fingerstyle playing. This type of neck profile makes it easier to reach the frets and to press down on the strings, which is essential for fast and fluid fingerstyle playing.
Tip 3: Select the right pickups. The pickups on an electric guitar play a major role in determining the sound of the guitar. For fingerstyle playing, humbuckers or P-90s are the best choices. Humbuckers are a type of pickup that uses two coils to cancel out hum and noise, which results in a clean and clear sound that is ideal for fingerstyle playing. P-90s are a type of single-coil pickup that is known for its warm and articulate sound, which is also well-suited for fingerstyle playing.
Tip 4: Consider the electronics. The electronics on an electric guitar play a major role in determining the sound of the guitar. For fingerstyle playing, active or passive electronics with a variety of tone controls are ideal. Active electronics use a preamp to boost the signal from the pickups, which results in a hotter, more powerful sound. Passive electronics, on the other hand, do not use a preamp, and they typically have a more limited range of tone controls. For fingerstyle playing, active electronics can be a good choice because they provide a hotter, more powerful sound that can help to cut through the mix. Active electronics also give you more flexibility in shaping your sound, which is important for fingerstyle guitarists who often use a variety of techniques to create different sounds.
Tip 5: Set a budget and stick to it. Electric guitars for fingerstyle can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping, and to be prepared to pay more for a high-quality instrument. A well-made guitar will provide you with years of enjoyment, and it will be worth the investment.
Summary: By following these tips, you can be sure to find the best electric guitar for fingerstyle playing. With the right guitar, you will be able to take your playing to the next level and achieve the sound that you have always wanted.
Conclusion
Choosing the best electric guitar for fingerstyle playing requires careful consideration of several key factors, including body shape, neck profile, pickups, electronics, and more. By understanding the impact of these factors on playability and sound, you can select a guitar that meets your specific needs and helps you reach your full potential as a fingerstyle guitarist.
Remember, the journey to finding the perfect guitar is an ongoing process of exploration and experimentation. Take the time to try out different guitars, listen to how they sound, and ultimately choose the one that inspires you to play your best. With the right guitar in your hands, you can unlock the full potential of fingerstyle playing and create beautiful, expressive music for years to come.
