History of the Electric Guitar

The law of electromagnetic induction is used by the electric guitar to transform the vibrations of its strings into electric signals. However, these generated signals are so weak that they cannot drive the loudspeaker; hence, they are amplified. Electronic circuits are also used that can alter the electric signals produced by the electric guitar strings to create a better quality sound or special effects.

Generally, reverb and distortion effects are used for modifying the signals. The electric guitars have had a tremendous impact, more any other instrument, on the music world right from evolution of music in the 12th century. Right from its beginning in 1931 the electric guitar has become an indispensable part for nearly every musician from jazz to rock who is looking to amplify or tweak their sound.

The electric guitar has marked itself as the stringed musical instrument having the capacity to magnify a multitude of sounds and styles. Whole new genres of music such as rock and roll have evolved because of these instruments.

Luthiers, guitar makers, electronics enthusiasts and instrument manufacturers were the first to design electric guitars. Earlier on, hollow bodied acoustic and tungsten pick-ups were used in the initial models of electric guitar. After that, George Beauchamp developed an electrically amplified guitar in the year 1931. Following this, commercial production of electric guitars started in 1932. Gage Brewer was the first celebrity to perform with an electrically amplified guitar.

The shape of the guitar body, though similar, has many variations in terms of materials. Also considering the sonic qualities of the guitar, the wood with which the body is made is very carefully chosen. Alder, Swamp ash, mahogany, poplar and basswood are used for most guitars; Maple is used in only some guitars as these are very heavy in weight. In rare cases, cardboard and plastic have also been used for making guitars to give an overall effect to the sound quality.

Acoustic guitars always depend on the vibrations of the body and the air within it to generate music. This is why most acoustic guitars have a familiar hollow body. Electric guitars on the other hand are dependent on magnetically induced electric signals, which are generated by the vibrations of metal strings at the sensitive pickups. This gives guitar designs more freedom in the shape and construction of these guitars.

There are 11 types of guitar bodies. They are; solid body, string- through body, Semi acoustic, electric acoustic, string- bridge- neck variants, seven- string, eight-nine-string, ten string, twelve string, 3rd bridge and double neck guitar.