Electric pick guitars have revolutionized the music industry, allowing guitarists to create a wide range of sounds and play styles. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, understanding the basics of electric pick guitars is essential for making the most of this versatile instrument.
Editor’s Note:Electric pick guitars are an essential tool for any guitarist, and understanding their features and benefits will help you make the right choice for your needs.
After analyzing the market and digging into the details, we’ve put together this electric pick guitar guide to help you make the right decision. We’ll cover everything from the different types of electric pick guitars to the features you should look for when choosing one.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Solid Body | Hollow Body |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Solid wood or synthetic material | Hollow chambered body |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Tone | Brighter, more sustain | Warmer, more resonant |
| Feedback | More prone to feedback | Less prone to feedback |
Main Article Topics:
- Types of Electric Pick Guitars
- Features to Consider When Choosing an Electric Pick Guitar
- Benefits of Playing Electric Pick Guitar
- Tips for Playing Electric Pick Guitar
1. Body Type
The body type of an electric pick guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound and feel. Solid body guitars have a solid wood or synthetic material body, while hollow body guitars have a hollow chambered body. Each type of body has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Solid body guitars are typically heavier than hollow body guitars, but they are also more resistant to feedback. This makes them a good choice for playing loud, distorted music. Solid body guitars also have a brighter, more sustain-oriented sound than hollow body guitars.
Hollow body guitars are lighter than solid body guitars, and they have a warmer, more resonant sound. This makes them a good choice for playing jazz, blues, and other genres of music that require a warmer, more mellow sound. Hollow body guitars are also less prone to feedback than solid body guitars, making them a good choice for playing in small, intimate settings.
Ultimately, the best way to choose between a solid body and a hollow body electric pick guitar is to try out different models and see what works best for you. However, understanding the key differences between the two body types can help you narrow down your search and find the perfect guitar for your needs.
Key Insights:
- Solid body guitars are heavier and more resistant to feedback, making them a good choice for playing loud, distorted music.
- Hollow body guitars are lighter and have a warmer, more resonant sound, making them a good choice for playing jazz, blues, and other genres of music that require a warmer, more mellow sound.
- The best way to choose between a solid body and a hollow body electric pick guitar is to try out different models and see what works best for you.
Table: Solid Body vs. Hollow Body Electric Pick Guitars
| Feature | Solid Body | Hollow Body |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Solid wood or synthetic material | Hollow chambered body |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Tone | Brighter, more sustain | Warmer, more resonant |
| Feedback | More prone to feedback | Less prone to feedback |
2. Pickups
Pickups are one of the most important components of an electric pick guitar. They are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and sent to the speaker. There are three main types of pickups: single-coil, humbucker, and P-90.
Single-coil pickups are the most common type of pickup. They are relatively inexpensive to produce and they have a bright, twangy sound. However, single-coil pickups are also prone to noise and interference. Humbucker pickups are designed to cancel out the noise and interference that is common with single-coil pickups. They are made with two coils that are wired in opposite directions. This cancels out the noise while preserving the bright, twangy sound of single-coil pickups. P-90 pickups are a type of single-coil pickup that is known for its warm, fat sound. They are often used in jazz and blues guitars.
The type of pickup that you choose will depend on the sound that you want to achieve. If you are looking for a bright, twangy sound, then a single-coil pickup is a good choice. If you are looking for a warm, fat sound, then a P-90 pickup is a good choice. And if you are looking for a pickup that is both bright and twangy, but also quiet and free of noise, then a humbucker pickup is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between single-coil, humbucker, and P-90 pickups:
| Pickup Type | Sound | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Single-coil | Bright, twangy | Prone to noise and interference |
| Humbucker | Warm, fat | Quiet and free of noise |
| P-90 | Warm, fat | Prone to noise and interference |
3. Bridge
The bridge of an electric pick guitar is a crucial component that affects the instrument’s sound, playability, and tuning stability. There are two main types of bridges: fixed bridges and floating bridges.
Fixed bridges are attached directly to the body of the guitar and do not move. This provides greater tuning stability and makes it easier to play in tune, especially when using techniques such as bending and vibrato. However, fixed bridges also limit the player’s ability to adjust the intonation of the guitar, which can be important for achieving perfect intonation across all of the strings.
Floating bridges are not attached directly to the body of the guitar and are instead held in place by springs. This allows the bridge to move, which can be used to create a variety of effects, such as dive bombs and whammy bars. However, floating bridges can also be more difficult to keep in tune, especially when using heavy vibrato or b
ending techniques.
The type of bridge that is best for you will depend on your playing style and the sound that you want to achieve. If you are looking for a guitar that is easy to play in tune and stays in tune well, then a fixed bridge is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar that allows you to create a variety of effects with the bridge, then a floating bridge is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between fixed and floating bridges:
| Bridge Type | Tuning Stability | Intonation Adjustment | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed bridge | High | Limited | None |
| Floating bridge | Low | More flexible | Dive bombs, whammy bars, etc. |
4. Neck
The neck of an electric pick guitar is a crucial component that affects the instrument’s sound, playability, and overall feel. There are three main types of guitar necks: bolt-on, set-neck, and neck-through.
- Bolt-on necks are attached to the body of the guitar with bolts or screws. This type of neck is relatively easy to remove and replace, which can be helpful for maintenance and repairs. Bolt-on necks are also often used on guitars with interchangeable necks, which allows players to change the neck to suit their playing style or the sound they want to achieve.
- Set-necks are glued or pressed into the body of the guitar. This type of neck provides a stronger connection between the neck and the body, which can result in better sustain and resonance. Set-necks are also less likely to come loose or warp over time.
- Neck-through necks are made from a single piece of wood that runs the entire length of the guitar, from the headstock to the body. This type of neck provides the strongest possible connection between the neck and the body, which results in excellent sustain, resonance, and stability. Neck-through necks are also less likely to warp or twist over time.
The type of neck that is best for you will depend on your playing style and the sound that you want to achieve. If you are looking for a guitar that is easy to maintain and repair, a bolt-on neck is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with excellent sustain and resonance, a set-neck or neck-through neck is a good choice.
5. Frets
The number and size of frets on an electric pick guitar play a crucial role in the instrument’s playability, sound, and overall feel. Frets are the raised metal bars that divide the guitar’s neck into semitones, allowing the player to change the pitch of the strings by pressing them down at different positions.
- Number of frets
The number of frets on an electric pick guitar typically ranges from 21 to 24. More frets allow for a wider range of notes to be played, particularly in the higher registers. However, more frets also make it more difficult to reach the higher frets, especially for players with smaller hands.
- Fret size
Fret size refers to the width and height of the frets. Larger frets are easier to press down, which can be beneficial for players with larger fingers or for those who play with a heavy touch. Smaller frets are more precise, which can be beneficial for players who play with a lighter touch or who need to play complex fingerings.
The optimal number and size of frets for an electric pick guitar will depend on the player’s individual playing style and preferences. However, understanding the role of frets and how they affect the instrument’s playability and sound is essential for choosing the right guitar and maximizing its potential.
6. Scale Length
In the realm of electric pick guitars, the scale lengththe distance between the nut and the bridgeplays a pivotal role in shaping the instrument’s sound, feel, and overall playing experience. This crucial dimension directly influences the string tension, intonation, and tonal characteristics of the guitar.
A guitar with a longer scale length typically produces a tighter string tension, resulting in a brighter, more articulate sound with enhanced sustain. This is because the increased string tension allows for greater vibration and resonance, creating a more vibrant and defined tone. Longer scale lengths are often preferred by players who favor lead guitar playing, as they facilitate faster and more precise soloing.
Conversely, a guitar with a shorter scale length produces a looser string tension, resulting in a warmer, more mellow sound with a softer attack. This is because the reduced string tension allows for less vibration and resonance, creating a more laid-back and bluesy tone. Shorter scale lengths are often preferred by players who favor rhythm guitar playing, as they provide a more comfortable and relaxed feel for strumming and chording.
The choice of scale length is ultimately a matter of personal preference and playing style. However, understanding the connection between scale length and the resulting sound and feel of an electric pick guitar is essential for making an informed decision when selecting an instrument.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between electric pick guitars with different scale lengths:
| Scale Length | String Tension | Sound | Playing Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longer (25.5 inches or more) | Tighter | Brighter, more articulate, enhanced sustain | Lead guitar playing |
| Shorter (24.75 inches or less) | Looser | Warmer, more mellow, softer attack | Rhythm guitar playing |
7. Electronics
In the realm of electric pick guitars, electronics play a crucial role in shaping the instrument’s sound and versatility. Three key electronic componentsvolume controls, tone controls, and pickup selector switcheswork in conjunction to provide a wide range of tonal possibilities.
- Volume Controls:
Volume controls allow the player to adjust the overall of the guitar’s output, ranging from a gentle whisper to a thunderous roar. This control is essential for balancing the guitar’s volume with other instruments in a band setting or for creating dynamic swells and fades.
- Tone Controls:
Tone controls enable the player to shape the guitar’s sound by adjusting the frequency response. Common tone controls include bass, midrange, and treble, allowing the player to boost or cut specific frequency ranges. This control is essential for dialing in the desired sound, from warm and mellow to bright and crisp.
- Pickup Selector Switch:
The pickup selector switch allows the player to choose which pickup or combination of pickups is active. Most electric guitars
have multiple pickups, each with its own unique sound and character. The pickup selector switch enables the player to quickly between pickups, creating a versatile range of sounds from twangy single-coils to thick, humbucking tones.
The combination of these electronic components provides the electric pick guitar with an unparalleled level of sonic control and flexibility. By manipulating the volume, tone, and pickup selection, players can tailor their sound to suit any musical genre or playing style.
8. Hardware
In the realm of electric pick guitars, hardware components such as tuners, strap buttons, and the jack input play an indispensable role in ensuring the instrument’s functionality, playability, and overall user experience. These seemingly simple yet crucial elements contribute significantly to the practical aspects of playing and maintaining an electric pick guitar.
Tuners, an essential part of any stringed instrument, allow guitarists to adjust the tension of the strings, ensuring accurate intonation and stable tuning. Precise and reliable tuners enable players to quickly and easily tune their guitars, maintaining optimal sound quality and eliminating frustrating detuning issues.
Strap buttons, though often overlooked, serve a vital purpose in providing a secure attachment point for the guitar strap. A sturdy and well-positioned strap button allows the guitarist to play standing up comfortably and confidently, freeing their hands for intricate fretwork and expressive playing techniques.
The jack input, the entry point for the guitar cable, facilitates the connection between the guitar and an amplifier or other audio equipment. A secure and reliable jack input ensures a clean and uninterrupted signal transmission, allowing the guitarist’s sound to be amplified and projected without any unwanted noise or interference.
The significance of these hardware components extends beyond their individual functions. They collectively contribute to the overall playability and enjoyment of the electric pick guitar. Well-crafted and properly installed hardware ensures that the guitar stays in tune, is comfortable to play, and produces a clear and consistent sound. This, in turn, allows guitarists to focus on their music and express their creativity without technical distractions.
| Hardware Component | Function | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Tuners | Adjust string tension for accurate intonation and stable tuning | Ensures optimal sound quality and eliminates detuning issues |
| Strap Buttons | Secure attachment point for guitar strap | Allows for comfortable and confident playing while standing |
| Jack Input | Entry point for guitar cable, connecting to amplifier or audio equipment | Ensures clean and uninterrupted signal transmission for clear and consistent sound |
Understanding the connection between hardware components and the electric pick guitar is essential for both players and guitar technicians. By appreciating the role of tuners, strap buttons, and the jack input, guitarists can make informed decisions about the maintenance and care of their instruments. This, in turn, contributes to a more enjoyable and fulfilling playing experience.
9. Strings
In the realm of electric pick guitars, the strings play a crucial role in shaping the instrument’s sound, feel, and overall playing experience. Two key aspects of strings that directly influence these characteristics are their gauge and type.
String gauge refers to the thickness of the strings. Thicker strings produce a fuller, warmer sound with more sustain, while thinner strings produce a brighter, twangier sound with less sustain. The choice of string gauge depends on the player’s desired sound and playing style. Heavier strings are often preferred by players who favor heavy rock or metal genres, as they provide a more powerful and aggressive tone. Thinner strings are often preferred by players who favor blues, country, or funk genres, as they provide a brighter and more articulate sound.
String type refers to the material used to construct the strings. The most common types of strings for electric pick guitars are nickel-plated steel, stainless steel, and cobalt. Nickel-plated steel strings are a good all-purpose choice, providing a balanced sound with good intonation and durability. Stainless steel strings are brighter and more corrosion-resistant than nickel-plated steel strings, making them a good choice for players who want a brighter sound and don’t mind replacing their strings less often. Cobalt strings are the brightest and most expensive type of strings, offering a clear and articulate sound with excellent intonation. They are often preferred by players who want the ultimate in sound quality and are willing to pay a premium for it.
The combination of string gauge and type allows guitarists to customize their electric pick guitars to achieve their desired sound and feel. By understanding the connection between strings and the electric pick guitar, players can make informed decisions about their string choices and optimize their playing experience.
| String Gauge | Sound | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Thicker | Fuller, warmer, more sustain | Stiffer, more tension |
| Thinner | Brighter, twangier, less sustain | Looser, less tension |
| String Type | Sound | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel-plated steel | Balanced, good intonation | Good |
| Stainless steel | Brighter, more corrosion-resistant | Excellent |
| Cobalt | Clear, articulate, excellent intonation | Good |
10. Playing Style
The electric pick guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a wide range of musical genres, from rock and blues to jazz and metal. The playing style that you choose will depend on your musical preferences and the sound that you want to achieve.
- Rock
Rock guitar playing is characterized by its use of distortion and overdrive, which gives the guitar a powerful, aggressive sound. Rock guitarists often use a variety of techniques, such as power chords, palm muting, and string bending, to create their signature sound.
- Blues
Blues guitar playing is characterized by its use of the blues scale and bluesy licks. Blues guitarists often use a variety of techniques, such as slide guitar, bottleneck guitar, and fingerpicking, to create their signature sound.
- Jazz
Jazz guitar playing is characterized by its use of complex chords and improvisational solos. Jazz guitarists often use a variety of techniques, such as chord substitutions, arpeggios, and comping, to create their signature sound.
- Metal
Metal guitar playing is characterize
d by its use of heavy distortion and downpicking. Metal guitarists often use a variety of techniques, such as power chords, palm muting, and tremolo picking, to create their signature sound.
The playing style that you choose will ultimately depend on your musical preferences and the sound that you want to achieve. Experiment with different playing styles to find the one that suits you best.
FAQs about Electric Pick Guitars
Electric pick guitars are versatile instruments that can be used to play a wide range of musical genres. However, there are some common questions that people have about electric pick guitars, such as how to choose the right one, how to play it, and how to maintain it. Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about electric pick guitars:
Question 1: How do I choose the right electric pick guitar?
There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric pick guitar, such as your budget, playing style, and the sound you want to achieve. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with a budget-friendly guitar that is easy to play. Once you have some experience, you can then upgrade to a more expensive guitar with more features. As for playing style, there are different types of electric pick guitars that are better suited for different genres of music. For example, if you want to play rock or metal, you’ll need a guitar with a powerful sound and a solid body. If you want to play jazz or blues, you’ll need a guitar with a warmer sound and a hollow body.
Question 2: How do I learn to play the electric pick guitar?
There are many different ways to learn how to play the electric pick guitar. You can take lessons from a private instructor, enroll in a class, or teach yourself using online resources. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with some basic chords and scales. Once you have mastered the basics, you can then start learning more advanced techniques, such as lead guitar and improvisation.
Question 3: How do I maintain my electric pick guitar?
There are a few simple things you can do to maintain your electric pick guitar and keep it in good condition. First, you should clean the guitar regularly with a soft cloth. You should also restring the guitar regularly, especially if you play it frequently. Additionally, you should have the guitar professionally serviced every few years to ensure that it is in good working order.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about electric pick guitars. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a local music store or an online retailer.
Summary: Electric pick guitars are versatile instruments that can be used to play a wide range of musical genres. By choosing the right guitar, learning how to play it, and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy many years of playing pleasure.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you know more about electric pick guitars, you can start shopping for your own guitar. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tips for Choosing an Electric Pick Guitar
Choosing the right electric pick guitar can be a daunting task, but by following these tips, you can find the perfect guitar for your needs.
Tip 1: Consider your budget. Electric pick guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
Tip 2: Think about your playing style. What kind of music do you want to play? If you’re not sure, try out different guitars in a music store to get a feel for what you like. There are electric pick guitars designed for every genre of music, from rock to blues to jazz.
Tip 3: Consider the body type. Electric pick guitars come in two main body types: solid body and hollow body. Solid body guitars are more durable and have a brighter sound, while hollow body guitars are lighter and have a warmer sound. Choose the body type that best suits your playing style and musical preferences.
Tip 4: Pay attention to the pickups. Pickups are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. There are three main types of pickups: single-coil, humbucker, and P-90. Each type of pickup has its own unique sound. Experiment with different pickups to find the ones that you like best.
Tip 5: Check the neck. The neck of an electric pick guitar is an important factor to consider. The neck should be comfortable to play and the fretboard should be smooth. If the neck is not comfortable, you will not be able to play the guitar for long periods of time.
Tip 6: Try out the guitar before you buy it. Once you’ve found a few guitars that you like, be sure to try them out before you buy one. Play different chords and scales to get a feel for the guitar’s sound and playability. Make sure that the guitar is comfortable to play and that you like the sound.
Tip 7: Get a professional setup. Once you’ve purchased your electric pick guitar, it’s important to get it professionally set up. A professional setup will ensure that the guitar is playing its best and that it is intonated correctly.
Tip 8: Take care of your guitar. Electric pick guitars require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Be sure to clean the guitar regularly and restring it as needed. With proper care, your electric pick guitar will last for many years.
Conclusion
The electric pick guitar is a versatile and powerful instrument that can be used to play a wide range of musical genres. By understanding the different components and features of electric pick guitars, you can choose the right guitar for your needs and playing style. With proper care and maintenance, your electric pick guitar will provide you with many years of playing enjoyment.
As the world of music continues to evolve, so too will the electric pick guitar. New and innovative designs are constantly being developed, and the future of the electric pick guitar is bright. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, the electric pick guitar is an instrument that can help you express your creativity and make your musical dreams a reality.
