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It is a given that musical technology has changed a great deal over the past few decades but the electric guitar has remained essentially the same as when it was first introduced to the public.

The Simplistic Electric Guitar

In essence, the electric guitar is one of the most simple, classic examples of music amplification that was ever invented. Basically, whether you're playing a Fender Strat guitar or a cheaper beginner model, the central principle behind the amplified sound is almost the same.

How Electric Guitars Work

An electrical current is picked up when a string from the guitar moves over the coil. Maybe this is why it is called a pickup? Then, the current is developed and is almost magically turned into sound. If the guitarist is adept at his craft, that sound is called music. Nothing is much simpler than that!

The Differences

With that said, you will find a lot of deviation in electric guitars. In my humble opinion, the most crucial feature about an electric guitar is the way it feels to you. If you are not satisfied with the pickups residing on your electric guitar, and the sound is comparable to a dull thud, you can purchase new ones. On the other hand, if the neck on your musical instrument does not feel right to you, there is a chance you will never get the enjoyment you are entitled to when playing.

What an Electric Guitar Should do for You

A guitar is like an extension of your hand. It should respond when you stroke it and should not be work. In reality, playing an electric guitar is meant to be exactly as stated; playing!

When you press down on the strings of electric guitars it should respond with a smooth and even feel. Your guitar's neck should be right for your hand in width and feel, and the size of the frets need to be comfortable.

Fitting Your Hand to Your Musical Instrument

For instance, if your hands are oversized, your guitar frets need to be a bit further apart. For smaller hands, closer frets will be more to your liking. Go to the music store and you will find a smorgasbord of different electric guitars with unique fret boards, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one you like in the price range you can afford.

Name Brands vs. Off-Brands of Electric Guitars

When choosing electric guitars, you don't absolutely have to pick out a name brand instrument. Many novice guitarists spend a ton of money and sometimes go into debt in order to own a brand name electric guitar.

Although a name brand guitar is nice to have and especially fun to show off to your friends, It will not necessarily make you a better musician. There are many styles of Epiphone guitars which are virtually carbon copies of expensive Les Paul models when you look at the inner workings.

Don't Let a Flashy Style Lure You

Just because an electric instrument seduces you with nice cherry Sunburst finish and gold-plated pick guard does not it is going to sound better that a less expensive one. Although the wood may look better it has hardly any relevance when it comes to the sound electric guitars make. The only exception I can think of is hollow body electric guitars. Then you may notice a difference in the sound quality.

Should You Buy a Really Cheap Electric Guitar?

With that said, it is also wise not to buy cheap, cheaper, cheapest electric guitars when a person is just learning to play. It is a blunder to purchase a beginner entry model.

Why do You Play?

The musical instrument you buy should give you enjoyment and be easy to play. Skimping on this part will not only make learning to play guitar a chore but may discourage you from learning the instrument altogether! The better the instruments the more you will love playing, and that leads to more practice. As with any other hobby, practice makes perfect!