What is a National Electric Guitar?
A National electric guitar is a type of electric guitar that was first developed in the 1920s by the National String Instrument Corporation. These guitars are known for their distinctive sound, which is often described as being “warm” and “resonant.” National electric guitars are typically made with a metal body and a wooden neck, and they often feature a single pickup. National electric guitars are known for their use in blues and country music, and they have been played by some of the most famous musicians in the world, including Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Keith Richards.
Editor’s Note:National electric guitars are a unique and important part of the history of the electric guitar. Their distinctive sound has made them a favorite of blues and country musicians for decades. If you’re interested in learning more about these guitars, then this guide is for you.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the history of National electric guitars, the different types of National electric guitars that are available, and the factors to consider when choosing a National electric guitar. We’ll also provide some tips on how to play a National electric guitar and how to care for your National electric guitar.
Key Differences
| Feature | National Electric Guitar | Traditional Electric Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Metal | Wood |
| Neck | Wood | Wood |
| Pickups | Single | One or more |
| Sound | Warm and resonant | Bright and twangy |
Main Article Topics
- The History of National Electric Guitars
- The Different Types of National Electric Guitars
- The Factors to Consider When Choosing a National Electric Guitar
- How to Play a National Electric Guitar
- How to Care for Your National Electric Guitar
1. Body
The metal body of a national electric guitar is one of the most important factors that contributes to its distinctive sound. Metal is a good conductor of sound, and it resonates more than wood. This means that a national electric guitar will produce a louder and more resonant sound than a traditional electric guitar with a wooden body.
The metal body of a national electric guitar also helps to produce a warmer sound. This is because metal has a lower specific heat capacity than wood. This means that it takes more energy to raise the temperature of metal than it does to raise the temperature of wood. As a result, the metal body of a national electric guitar will not absorb as much heat from the strings as a wooden body would. This results in a warmer sound.
The distinctive sound of a national electric guitar is perfect for blues and country music. These genres of music often use slide guitar techniques, which involve sliding a metal or glass slide up and down the strings. The metal body of a national electric guitar provides a smooth and resonant surface for slide guitar playing.
Here are some examples of famous guitarists who have used national electric guitars:
- Muddy Waters
- B.B. King
- Keith Richards
- Ry Cooder
- Derek Trucks
These guitarists have all used national electric guitars to create their own unique sound. The metal body of a national electric guitar is an important part of what gives these guitars their distinctive sound.
Table: Key Insights
| Property | National Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Body material | Metal |
| Sound | Warm and resonant |
| Playing style | Often played with a slide |
| Famous players | Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Keith Richards, Ry Cooder, Derek Trucks |
2. Neck
The neck of a national electric guitar is an important part of the instrument’s overall sound and playability. The neck is typically made of wood, and it is usually bolted to the body. This type of construction gives the guitar a bright, resonant sound. The neck is also relatively thin, which makes it easy to play.
- The neck’s material and construction contribute to the guitar’s sound. The wood used for the neck can affect the guitar’s tone. For example, a neck made of maple will produce a brighter sound than a neck made of rosewood. The way the neck is constructed can also affect the guitar’s sound. A neck that is bolted to the body will produce a brighter sound than a neck that is set-in.
- The neck’s shape and profile can affect the guitar’s playability. The shape of the neck can affect how the guitar feels in your hand. A neck with a C-shape profile will feel more comfortable to play than a neck with a V-shape profile. The thickness of the neck can also affect the guitar’s playability. A thicker neck will be more difficult to play than a thinner neck.
- The neck’s scale length can affect the guitar’s intonation. The scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge. A longer scale length will produce a higher pitch than a shorter scale length. The scale length can also affect the guitar’s intonation. A guitar with a longer scale length will have better intonation than a guitar with a shorter scale length.
- The neck’s truss rod can be used to adjust the guitar’s action. The truss rod is a metal rod that runs through the neck of the guitar. The truss rod can be used to adjust the guitar’s action, which is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. A higher action will make the guitar more difficult to play, while a lower action will make the guitar easier to play.
The neck of a national electric guitar is an important part of the instrument. The neck’s material, construction, shape, profile, scale length, and truss rod all contribute to the guitar’s sound and playability.
3. Pickups
The pickup is one of the most important parts of an electric guitar. It is responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and sent to a speaker. The type of pickup used can have a significant impact on the sound of the guitar.
National electric guitars typically have a single pickup, which is mounted in the neck position. This pickup placement gives the guitar a warm, mellow sound that is perfect for blues and country music. The single pickup also helps to reduce feedback, which can be a problem with guitars that
have multiple pickups.
Some of the most famous national electric guitar players, such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King, used guitars with a single neck pickup. This pickup placement gave their guitars a distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable.
If you are looking for a guitar with a warm, mellow sound that is perfect for blues and country music, then a national electric guitar with a single neck pickup is a great option.
Table: Key Insights
| Property | National Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Pickup configuration | Single pickup, mounted in the neck position |
| Sound | Warm, mellow sound |
| Playing style | Perfect for blues and country music |
| Famous players | Muddy Waters, B.B. King |
4. Sound
The sound of a national electric guitar is one of its most distinctive features. It is often described as being “warm” and “resonant.” This is due to two main factors: the metal body and the single pickup.
The metal body of a national electric guitar acts as a resonator, amplifying the vibrations of the strings. This results in a louder and more resonant sound than a traditional electric guitar with a wooden body.
The single pickup on a national electric guitar is also a major contributor to its sound. The single pickup design gives the guitar a more focused and articulate sound than a guitar with multiple pickups. This makes it ideal for blues and country music, where a clear and articulate sound is essential.
Here are some examples of how the sound of a national electric guitar has been used in famous songs:
- “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
- “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
- “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King
These songs are all classics of their respective genres, and the national electric guitar sound is an essential part of their appeal.
Table: Key Insights
| Property | National Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Body material | Metal |
| Sound | Warm and resonant |
| Playing style | Often played with a slide |
| Famous players | Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Keith Richards, Ry Cooder, Derek Trucks |
5. Playing style
The unique sound of the national electric guitar is not only due to its construction but also to the way it is typically played. National electric guitars are often played with a slide, which is a metal or glass tube that is placed on the strings and moved up and down the neck. This playing style creates a smooth, resonant sound that is characteristic of the national electric guitar.
- Slide guitar technique: Slide guitar technique involves placing a slide on the strings and moving it up and down the neck while plucking or strumming the strings. This technique creates a smooth, legato sound that is characteristic of the national electric guitar.
- Bottleneck slide: One common type of slide is the bottleneck slide, which is a glass or metal tube that is worn on the finger. Bottleneck slides are often used in blues and country music, and they can create a very expressive and soulful sound.
- Open tunings: National electric guitars are often played in open tunings, which are tunings in which all of the strings are tuned to a chord. Open tunings make it easier to play slide guitar, and they can also create a more resonant and spacious sound.
- Famous slide guitarists: Some of the most famous slide guitarists include Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Ry Cooder. These guitarists have all used the national electric guitar to create their own unique sound, and they have helped to popularize the instrument in blues and country music.
The playing style of the national electric guitar is an important part of its sound. The use of a slide gives the guitar a smooth, resonant sound that is perfect for blues and country music. If you are interested in learning more about the national electric guitar, then be sure to check out some of the famous slide guitarists who have used this instrument to create their own unique sound.
6. Famous players
The national electric guitar has been used by some of the most famous and influential musicians in history. These players have helped to shape the sound of the instrument and popularize it in a variety of genres.
- Muddy Waters: Muddy Waters was one of the most important blues musicians of all time. He is credited with helping to develop the Chicago blues sound, and his use of the national electric guitar was a major part of his signature style.
- B.B. King: B.B. King is another legendary blues musician who is known for his use of the national electric guitar. His distinctive sound is characterized by his use of vibrato and his mastery of the slide guitar technique.
- Keith Richards: Keith Richards is the guitarist for the Rolling Stones, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Richards is known for his use of the national electric guitar on many of the Stones’ classic songs, such as “Honky Tonk Women” and “Brown Sugar.”
These are just a few of the many famous musicians who have used the national electric guitar. These players have helped to make the instrument an essential part of American music, and their influence can still be heard in the music of today.
7. History
The development of the national electric guitar in the 1920s by the National String Instrument Corporation was a pivotal moment in the history of the electric guitar. This innovation laid the foundation for the instrument’s widespread adoption and enduring popularity.
Prior to the National String Instrument Corporation’s invention, electric guitars were still in their infancy. They were often crudely made and lacked the power and versatility of their modern counterparts. The National String Instrument Corporation’s national electric guitar changed all that. With its metal body and single pickup, the national electric guitar produced a louder, more resonant sound that was perfect for blues and country music.
The national electric guitar quickly became a favorite of musicians such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Keith Richards. These guitarists helped to popularize the instrument and establish its place in American music. Today, the national electric guitar is still used by musicians around the world, and it remains an essential part of many genres of music.
The development of the national electric guitar in the 1920s was a major turning point in the history of the electric guitar. This innovation made the electric guitar a more versatile and powerful instrument, and it helped to pave the
way for the development of many other types of electric guitars.
Table: Key Insights
| Property | National Electric Guitar |
|---|---|
| Inventor | National String Instrument Corporation |
| Year of invention | 1920s |
| Significance | Laid the foundation for the widespread adoption and enduring popularity of the electric guitar |
8. Popularity
The national electric guitar has enjoyed a long and storied history, and it remains a popular choice for musicians of all genres today. There are several reasons for this enduring popularity.
- Unique sound: The national electric guitar has a unique sound that is often described as being “warm” and “resonant.” This sound is due to the guitar’s metal body and single pickup. The metal body acts as a resonator, amplifying the vibrations of the strings. The single pickup gives the guitar a focused and articulate sound.
- Versatility: The national electric guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of genres of music. It is particularly well-suited for blues and country music, but it can also be used for rock, jazz, and even metal.
- Durability: National electric guitars are built to last. The metal body is very durable, and the single pickup is less likely to feedback than multiple pickups. This makes the national electric guitar a good choice for musicians who play live or who travel frequently.
- Affordability: National electric guitars are relatively affordable, especially when compared to other types of electric guitars. This makes them a good choice for musicians on a budget.
The national electric guitar is a unique and versatile instrument that is still popular today. It is a good choice for musicians of all genres who are looking for a guitar that is durable, affordable, and sounds great.
FAQs about National Electric Guitars
National electric guitars are unique and iconic instruments with a rich history and distinctive sound. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these guitars:
Question 1: What is the history of national electric guitars?
National electric guitars were first developed in the 1920s by the National String Instrument Corporation. These guitars were originally designed for Hawaiian musicians who wanted a louder and more resonant instrument. National electric guitars quickly became popular with blues and country musicians, and they have been used by some of the most famous musicians in history, including Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Keith Richards.
Question 2: What are the key features of national electric guitars?
National electric guitars are typically made with a metal body and a wooden neck. They have a single pickup, which is usually mounted in the neck position. This gives them a warm and resonant sound that is perfect for blues and country music. National electric guitars are also often played with a slide, which gives them their characteristic sound.
Question 3: What are the benefits of playing a national electric guitar?
National electric guitars offer a number of benefits, including:
- A unique and distinctive sound
- Versatility – can be used in a variety of genres
- Durability – built to last
- Affordability – relatively affordable compared to other types of electric guitars
Question 4: What are some of the challenges of playing a national electric guitar?
National electric guitars can be more difficult to play than traditional electric guitars. This is because they have a shorter scale length and a higher action. Additionally, the metal body can make the guitar heavier and more difficult to hold. However, with practice, anyone can learn to play a national electric guitar.
Question 5: What are some tips for playing a national electric guitar?
Here are a few tips for playing a national electric guitar:
- Use a slide – this will help you to create the characteristic national electric guitar sound.
- Experiment with different tunings – national electric guitars can be played in a variety of tunings, so experiment to find one that you like.
- Be patient – it takes time to learn how to play a national electric guitar well. Don’t get discouraged, and keep practicing.
Question 6: What are some of the most famous national electric guitar players?
Some of the most famous national electric guitar players include:
- Muddy Waters
- B.B. King
- Keith Richards
- Ry Cooder
- Derek Trucks
These guitarists have all used national electric guitars to create their own unique sound, and they have helped to popularize the instrument in blues and country music.
Summary: National electric guitars are unique and versatile instruments with a rich history and distinctive sound. They are a good choice for musicians of all levels who are looking for a guitar that is affordable, durable, and sounds great.
Transition to the next article section: If you are interested in learning more about national electric guitars, be sure to check out the rest of our website. We have a variety of articles and resources that can help you learn more about these guitars and how to play them.
National Electric Guitar Tips
National electric guitars are unique and versatile instruments with a rich history and distinctive sound. They can be more difficult to play than traditional electric guitars, but with practice, anyone can learn to play a national electric guitar.
Tip 1: Use a slide
One of the most characteristic features of the national electric guitar is its sound. This sound is often created by using a slide. A slide is a metal or glass tube that is placed on the strings and moved up and down the neck. This creates a smooth, legato sound that is perfect for blues and country music.
Tip 2: Experiment with different tunings
National electric guitars can be played in a variety of tunings. This is because the shorter scale length and higher action of these guitars make them more versatile than traditional electric guitars. Experiment with different tunings to find one that you like. Some popular tunings for national electric guitars include open G, open D, and open A.
Tip 3: Be patient
It takes time to learn how to play a national electric guitar well. Don’t get discouraged, and keep practicing. With time and effort, you will be able to master this unique and rewarding instrument.
Tip 4: Use a lighter touch
National electric guitars have a lighter string tension than traditional electric guitars. This means that you need to use a lighter touch when playing. If you use too much force, you will bend the strings out of tune.
Tip 5: Use a higher action
The action on a national electric guitar is typically higher than on a traditional electric guitar. This means that the strings are further away from the fretboard. This can make it more difficult to play, but it also gives the guitar a more resonant sound.
Tip 6: Use a slide pickup
A slide pickup is a type of pickup that is designed to be used with a slide. Slide pickups are typically mounted in the neck position, and
they give the guitar a warmer, more resonant sound. If you are serious about playing slide guitar, then you should consider using a slide pickup.
Summary: National electric guitars are unique and versatile instruments that can be used in a variety of genres. With practice, anyone can learn to play a national electric guitar. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your national electric guitar.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: If you are interested in learning more about national electric guitars, be sure to check out the rest of our website. We have a variety of articles and resources that can help you learn more about these guitars and how to play them.
Conclusion
The national electric guitar is a unique and iconic instrument with a rich history and distinctive sound. It is a favorite of blues and country musicians, and it has been used by some of the most famous guitarists in the world, including Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Keith Richards.
In this article, we have explored the history of the national electric guitar, the different types of national electric guitars that are available, and the factors to consider when choosing a national electric guitar. We have also provided some tips on how to play a national electric guitar and how to care for your national electric guitar.
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of the national electric guitar. If you are interested in learning more about these guitars, be sure to check out the rest of our website. We have a variety of articles and resources that can help you learn more about national electric guitars and how to play them.
The national electric guitar is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a versatile and expressive instrument that can be used in a variety of genres. If you are looking for a guitar with a unique sound and a rich history, then the national electric guitar is a great option.
