The electric guitar is a fairly popular musical instrument with a characteristic sound. With its help, you can masterfully perform a variety of compositions, from jazz to heavy metal. Thanks to the built-in electrical element of the tuned pickup system, the sound range of this instrument is significantly increased when compared to a classical acoustic guitar.
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best electric guitars for beginners and professionals for 2020.
Content
A bit of history
The history of the first electric guitar is quite interesting. It appeared thanks to such a musical direction as the blues. It was this entirely acoustic style that prompted the creation of this instrument.
In the 1920s and 30s of the last century, blues bands played an ordinary acoustic guitar, but its sound was so weak that it could only perform a rhythm function. Therefore, instead of a guitar, in most cases, a banjo was used, which has a brighter and more saturated sound.
The first attempt to amplify the sound of a guitar with an electrostatic pickup was by an inventor named Lloyd Lore, but was unsuccessful. In 1931, Adolph Rickenbacker and Georges Bosch tried again to amplify the guitar sound. They used an electromagnetic pickup. The experiment was quite successful, and the inventors were able to achieve a new sound. True, their invention was like a frying pan with an all-metal deck and a long neck. This is what the very first electric guitar looked like.
In the 1930s, experiments with guitar sound continued. They tried to attach an electromagnetic pickup to the body of the "acoustics", but the sound was distorted and produced extraneous noises. To remove unnecessary sounds, rags and newspapers were placed in the hollow guitar body. Ultimately, guitarist Le Paul came up with the idea of making an electric guitar body from a solid block of wood and adding a pickup from a regular phone to it. It was with such an invention that he decided to appear in public. The appearance of the instrument caused a real shock among the audience, so Le Paul attached the body of an ordinary acoustic guitar to it in order to avoid unnecessary questions and complaints.
Later it turned out that the shape of the body of an electric guitar did not affect its sound in any way, so many musicians began to make it in a very original shape.
Most fans of acoustic guitars did not want to recognize the electric guitar for a long time, explaining that its similarity with the classical model lies only in its appearance. However, in more than 70 years of history, the electric guitar has become the most indispensable musical instrument in many genres of rock music.
Key features
Undoubtedly, the main difference between an electric guitar and acoustics is its sound, therefore it is mainly used for performing musical compositions in the style of rock.
However, despite the fact that both of these varieties come from the same instrument - the guitar, they have a number of distinctive features. Among them are:
- Housing. The electric guitar has a thinner body. That is why an additional connection is required to play it (to a computer or combo amplifier), otherwise the sound will be rather muffled. The case of the acoustics has a hollow shape and larger dimensions, due to which the sound is much louder and does not require additional connections.
- Frets. There are many more frets on an electric guitar. Their number reaches 27, while on acoustics there can be no more than 21. This is due to the fact that it is much easier to reach the distant frets on the electric version due to the miniature size of the case. On acoustics, in order to reach the distant frets, in most cases you have to make a special cutout in the case, called a cataweem.
- Mobility. The main advantage of acoustics is that you can take it with you to any place (for a walk in the forest, meeting with friends), without having any additional equipment at hand. With an electric guitar in this regard, the situation is somewhat more difficult, since you will need to look for where it can be connected.
- Execution technique. The acoustic version involves the use of only fingers, less often a pick is used. The electric guitar is played only with a pick.
- Cost. In any case, the price of acoustics will be much lower. So, for example, the most common option can be purchased within 6,000 rubles. The electric guitar will cost more, in the range of 10,000-15,000 rubles.
- Areas of use. The acoustic version of the guitar is purchased in most cases for playing at home, while the electro is for stage performances.
- Clamping the frets. It is believed that clamping the frets on an electric guitar is much easier than in its acoustic version. Hands are less susceptible to fatigue and tension.
Useful tips for choosing
It is necessary to prepare correctly and thoroughly for the choice of the instrument, to approach this issue with the utmost attention and responsibility, since the guitar is purchased for playing, and not just to admire it.
When choosing an electric guitar, especially a novice musician, you should pay special attention to such important nuances as the musical style that you plan to perform, the design of the instrument, as well as the sound of the guitar itself.
Guitar for the style of play
Which musical compositions will be performed directly depends on which instrument is best to choose. If you plan to play one of the heavy styles, then preference should be given to models with a humbucker pickup (it has two coils, a slightly low, muffled sound devoid of "highs"). If you plan to perform lighter styles - models with a single-coil pickup (it consists of one coil, has a brighter, cleaner and more distinct sound).
You can also purchase an instrument with two types of pickups at once. Their switching will be carried out by means of a special device located on the body of the electric guitar.
Appearance
Although the design of the instrument is an important criterion, it still does not play a special role in the purchase. However, the guitar should delight its owner not only with its sound, but also with its appearance. After all, one cannot but agree that it is much more pleasant to play a beautiful instrument than an ugly one.
Sound
This is one of the most important and key factors when choosing a tool. To test the sound, you should ask the seller to connect the electric guitar to the combo amplifier. Even if you don’t know a single chord, you don’t need to be shy - just try to play the guitar, listen to its sound. If it completely suits you, then you have found the necessary tool, but if not, you need to try another model.
Additional recommendations
There are some other useful tips for newbies to make the choice more accurate and simple:
- be sure to check the condition of the guitar neck.It must be even, without cracks or other kinds of damage;
- check the quality of the tuning of the tuning pegs on the neck. To do this, twist them in different directions - they should scroll easily and at the same time not emit unpleasant squeaks;
- check if the strings are rattling when you play. They should be located not very far and at the same time not too close to the bar, and there should also be no discomfort during the clamping process;
- check the quality of the frets. Play at each fret and be careful not to hit the string on an adjacent fret or pickup.
It will be quite difficult for a beginner musician to correctly determine the choice of an electric guitar for the first time, but as experience accumulates, it will become easier and easier.
Rating of the best electric guitars
Fender Standard Stratocaster
It is a true classic among all existing electric guitars. This is Fender's most famous instrument. This model is very popular due to its versatility. The 21-fret 4-bolt maple neck and the standard single-wound pickups combine to create a complete set for the musician - 3 singles.
The guitar is extremely convenient to use, every detail is thought out in it. When playing in a seated position, the instrument fits comfortably on the leg, and when playing in a standing position, the bar does not outweigh forward.
Advantages:
- light weight (2.5 kg);
- versatility, since it fits any style except hard;
- high build quality.
Disadvantages:
- the volume control is too close to the strings.
Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS
This model has a classic Stratocaster body shape that has won great respect from more than one musical generation. Such a guitar will easily fit into almost any genre of music and will suit any style of performance. The body is made of linden wood coated with polyurethane varnish, which provides reliable protection of the tree from external negative influences.
The guitar has 3 pickups (HSS): a humbucker in the bridge and singles in the middle and neck. Combined with a 5-way selector switch and tone volume controls, they provide optimal tuning for almost any sound you want.
Advantages:
- a fairly strong body made of linden;
- reliable single-coil sound without extraneous noise;
- the ability to play in various musical styles.
Disadvantages:
- it may be difficult to adjust;
- there is a little lack of sound power.
VGS Soulmaster VSM-120
An innovative brand of the German company GEWA, equipped with 7 strings and a non-standard fixed bridge Evertune, which allows the guitarist to tune the tuning just once. It directly caused the delight and admiration of many musicians, since it provides separate springs for each string. Due to this feature, this model perfectly keeps the tuning, regardless of the indoor climate, wear or intensity of the performer's playing.
Advantages:
- a fairly simple setting, requiring only a pair of regulator coils to be twisted;
- original design;
- clear and rich sound due to the presence of the 7th string.
Disadvantages:
- slightly heavy weight (4.3 kg).
Epiphone Les Paul Standard
This model remains one of the most popular among guitarists, from the moment of its first appearance to this day. It is a combination of classic design and sound character with a consistently high level of instrument quality at an affordable price.
The body of this guitar is made of mahogany with a maple top for classic sound and sustain. The head tilt angle of 14 degrees creates optimal string pressure on the saddle, improving sustain and maintaining tuning.
Advantages:
- classic design, embodying the standard case shape;
- a large selection of tone settings, ranging from the lowest to the highest;
- durability of materials of manufacture (maple and mahogany).
Disadvantages:
- fairly fast wear of the sills.
Yamaha Pacifica 112
Despite the classic bolt-on neck, this series is perfect for a wide variety of musical genres and styles. The pickup system provides a variety of sound effects, from heavy dictortion to transparent clear sound. In addition, this model is quite convenient to use. The ergonomics of the solid alder body, bolt-on neck and 5-way humbucker switch make this a top-selling guitar.
Advantages:
- high level of bar strength;
- the presence of a volume and tone control;
- comfortable and pleasant in the hands.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
Ibanez GRX20
This model is characterized by high build quality and has passed strict quality control. A stylish enough guitar with an impressive sound, designed for high-quality rock and metal performances. The 2 passive open-type humbuckers not only provide the required flexibility in sound settings, but also perfectly fit into the elegant design of the instrument. Has a five-position pickup switch, as well as 2 volume and tone controls.
Advantages:
- clarity of sound without failures and extraneous noise;
- the presence of paired pickups;
- thin neck.
Disadvantages:
- Has sharp enough fret edges to cut yourself.
Jackson js11 dinky
The solid body guitar is designed to provide its owner with cutting edge performance and design. Contoured basswood body, ceramic magnet pickups, graphite neck reinforcement and high quality hardware. The fretboard is covered with a 12 '' radius rosewood fingerboard with a flat profile. Taken together, all this makes it possible to obtain a powerful and explosive sound, thanks to which the electric guitar will work in any combo amplifier.
Advantages:
- cool design;
- uninterrupted operation without additional settings;
- even and fully balanced playing tone.
Disadvantages:
- optional tremolo, only complicating the construction.
Comparison of the presented models
| Model | Material corps | Scale (inches) | Qty frets | Qty strings | The cost (rub) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fender standard Stratocaster | alder | 25.5 | 21 | 6 | from 45600 to 56000 |
| Squier bullet Stratocaster HSS | Linden | 25.5 | 21 | 6 | from 12900 to 14320 |
| VGS Soulmaster VSM-120 | NATO | 25.5 | 24 | 7 | from 15800 to 17200 |
| Epiphone Les Paul Standard | maple | 24.75 | 22 | 6 | from 32000 to 46000 |
| Yamaha Pacifica 112 | alder | 25.5 | 22 | 6 | from 18405 to 20140 |
| Ibanez GRX20 | poplar | 22.5 | 22 | 6 | from 13700 to 15600 |
| Jackson js11 dinky | Linden | 25.5 | 22 | 6 | from 16540 to 18100 |
Conclusion
When deciding to purchase an electric guitar, you must always be prepared for the fact that a quality instrument is not a cheap pleasure. However, do not immediately pull out your hair after checking the prices for new tools. Alternatively, you can browse online auctions or buy a hand-held guitar. But in this case, there is a risk of running into fraudsters and, as a result, getting a low-quality tool for a high price. The best solution is to purchase an electric guitar from a specialist store that offers both new and used products. A seller who values his reputation will never offer to buy a tool of suspicious quality for a fabulous price, but, on the contrary, will help you choose the most optimal option for a reasonable price.
