Top 14 Top Ten Guitar Brands - See June 2023's Top Rated Pick

A good way to figure out which shape is right for you is by trying different shapes until you get one that feels comfortable. You may want to consider the fingerboard width when choosing a shape. Also keep in mind that some people prefer a narrower fingerboard than others.

It’s true that the quality of the strings matters less than some people believe. What really matters most is the quality of the bridge, machineheads, and the input/out jacks.

While at the beginner level, the hardware is serviceably functional and works fine for the most part, the more we raise the budget, the better quality becomes. For instance, you might come across a basic set of machine head on an inexpensive electric violin, whereas, on a high-quality instrument, you would probably discover a set of fixed machine head that has a higher gear ratio and aids in keeping strings properly tensioned.

If you're adding a new guitar to your existing collection, you might want to look at something else than what you've already bought. For instance, if you've already bought a Les Paul, then maybe go for a Strat or Tele instead. These guitars will give you a completely different set of sounds.

The pickup is the main tone generator of an electric guitar. They come in many different shapes, including single coils, double coils (also known as split coils), and magnetic. Double coils are often used for lead tones and give off a warmer sound than single coils. Magnetic picks are typically used for rhythm playing, because they produce a very clear sound without any distortion. However, they also create a lot of unwanted noise. A good example of this is the “wah wah” effect, where the pick vibrates against the strings causing them to resonate. This is not desirable during live performance.

On the other hand, humbuckers (as their name implies) "bend" the sound, eliminating the problem. Although this changes the tone of the guitar, they're perfect for blues, rock, and heavy music.

Before buying an electric guitar, consider carefully which features you really want and don't want. You may not benefit from some of the high-priced features on some guitars, but there are plenty of affordable guitars available that offer most of them.

The different types of woods used for guitars affects their sounds, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Like we said above – the electric guitar hasn‘t really change since the fiftieth and sixties. Even newer modern designs still harkens back to the guitars of old. So, let‘s break down the most popular guitar types.

You can find most electric guitar models in two distinct categories - single-cutaways and double-cutaways. The Fender Telecasters and Gibsons are arguably the most popular ones among them. Single-cutaways feature an open back design and allow access to the entire neck without any additional cuts. Double-cutaways, however, also include a second cutout behind the body allowing easier access to the upper strings.

The Fender Telecaster offers a great combination of tone and playability. It can easily produce a wide variety of sounds, whether you're playing rockabilly, country, blues, jazz, or any other style. With an easy action and lightweight feel, it's perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. Its solid neck construction helps reduce buzzing and provides stability during extended performances.

The materials utilized on electric guitars can differ among various types and brands. Still, one of the most usual ones consist of mahogany, maple and alder. Each kind of wood provides its own distinct sound and feel. If you're looking for a warmer, richer sound, then mahogany might be what you need. However, if you'd rather get something lighter, then an alder may be perfect for you.

Hollow body guitars are usually made from laminate wood (usually maple) and may feature a central core for additional resonance.