Guitars
Electric Guitar
The electric guitar uses magnetic or piezo pickups to convert string vibration into an electrical signal, which is shaped and amplified externally. Freed from needing a resonant acoustic body, builders have experimented with an enormous range of shapes, woods, and electronics, making the electric guitar one of the most versatile instruments in contemporary music.
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| Family | Guitars |
|---|---|
| Region / context | United States |
| Playing method | Played with a pick or fingers; technique varies widely by genre |
| Number of strings | 6 strings (7- and 8-string extended-range models also exist) |
| Common tuning | Standard: E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (low to high); drop and alternate tunings are extremely common |
| String material | Steel, in a range of gauges chosen for playing style and tuning |
| Construction | Solid, semi-hollow, or hollow body; shape and wood choice affect tone and sustain rather than acoustic projection |
| Size range | Overall length similar to an acoustic guitar; weight varies by body wood and construction |
| Portability | Portable — The guitar itself travels easily, though a full rig also requires an amplifier and cables for performance. |
| Acoustic volume | Quiet unamplified — Produces very little sound on its own; volume and tone are shaped almost entirely by the amplifier and any effects in use. |
| Musical contexts | Used across rock, blues, jazz, pop, metal, and most other contemporary popular styles. |
| Beginner learning curve | Moderate — Light strings and low action can make basic chords and single notes approachable, though learning to use an amplifier and effects adds an extra layer beyond the instrument itself. |
| Maintenance | Regular string changes, periodic setup adjustments (action, intonation), and basic care of electronics and output jacks. |
| Amplification | Requires an amplifier or audio interface to be heard at performance volume; this is a defining feature rather than an option. |
| Practice environments | Can be practiced silently or quietly through headphones via an amp or interface, making it workable in shared housing. |
Origin and Background
Early electric guitars emerged in the 1930s with hollow-body instruments fitted with magnetic pickups; the solid-body format was commercialized in the early 1950s by manufacturers including Fender and Gibson.
Sources
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History
- Grove Music Online
Content last checked against our reference sources on October 14, 2026. See our sources and methodology page for how we research instrument profiles.