If you’re a music lover trying to explore new ways of making music, then electric guitars are a good option.

Electric guitars are the backbone of many genres today. This includes everything from classic rock songs to modern metal compositions.

With so many different types of electric guitars out there, it can be difficult trying to find the right one. Especially the one that suits your style and budget.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will cover all the different types of electric guitars available on the market. Also, we will discuss how each type will benefit your sound.

Now, without further ado, let’s get started.

Electric Guitar Body Types & Construction:

An electric guitar is a popular and versatile instrument. The main reason behind this is the wide range of guitar body styles and construction techniques.

Depending on the desired sound, there are three main body types of electric guitars:

• Hollow Body Instruments
• Semi-Hollow Body guitars
• Solid Body Instruments

Hollow Body Instruments:

Hollow Body Instruments have a warm and woody tone. This tone has more resonance than the other models of guitar.

These guitars were popular during the ’50s jazz era. Thus they are especially favored by jazz guitarists. But can also be used across different genres of music.

Other than jazz, it is also ideal for blues-rock and surf rock because of how versatile and dynamic it can be.

Here’s a comparison between Hollow Body and Solid body instruments.

Semi-hollow Body guitars:

Semi-hollow body guitars are an exceptional choice. This is because they offer a sound between solid body instruments and hollow bodies.

These have a semi-hollow construction. This means they have both a resonating top half and a solid bottom section. The solid bottom allows feedback reduction when playing at high levels.

With this type, players can explore a wide range of tones. This includes bright, vibrant strums to creamy clean chords. All without the fear of unwanted feedback.

Solid Body Instruments:

These are famous for their durability and ability to cut through any mix. Even if you’re playing at a high level.

The sound quality is robust and will stay clear regardless of how heavy you play. This is why these are perfect for genres like rock, metal, and more.

Properties	Solid Body Guitar	Semi-Hollow Guitar
Sustain	More	Less
Tone	Brighter	Warmer
Feedback	Less susceptible	More susceptible
Unplugged Volume	Quieter	Louder
Versatility	Many styles	Blues, jazz, some rock
Weight	Typically heavier	Typically larger body

Why do Electric Guitars Sound Different?

No matter if you are an experienced musician, or if you’re just starting out, you might have noticed the unique sound of an electric guitar. This difference is influenced by different factors, including:

• Pickups
• Wood
• Body Shape

Pickups:

Pickups are a major reason why electric guitars sound different. They can offer high-end distortion and punchy rhythms. The single-coil pickups are prized for a crisp, treble-heavy tone.

On the other hand, the dual-coil or humbucker pickups give a smoother, condensed bass range.

Having two or three pickups means you can access a broader array of sounds than one pickup. In short, single-coil pickups have a thinner sound as compared to dual-coil pickups. But the latter produces more output.

However, this depends on the type of guitar you have.

Wood:

The type and quality of wood used in electric guitar models is also a significant aspect.

The type of wood used in construction tends to affect the overall sound of an electric guitar. Different types of wood are better suited for different genres. For example, mahogany produces a deep, warm tone. While maple offers a brighter sound perfect for upbeat blues-inspired licks.

On the other hand, basswood is often preferred for its even tonality. This allows more aggressive playing styles of electric guitars to be expressed without losing clarity or articulation.

Body Shape:

Another factor, why electric guitars sound different is the body shape and size.

The size and shape of an electric guitar define how much sound it can produce. The produced sound can, later on, affect the tone of the guitar.

Let’s suppose, if a guitar has a large body with deep curves and crevices, it will produce a fuller sound. The output will be more high sounding than a smaller-bodied model with less surface area.

Different guitars provide players with a wide variety of potential sounds. This helps them craft the perfect musical experience. But at the end, it all depends on what type of tone you’re looking for.

What are the Different Types of Electric Guitars?

Electric guitars are versatile instruments that come in different shapes and sizes. From sleek, streamlined single-cutaway shapes to double-cutaway dreadnoughts with double-pickups.

A key factor in choosing the right guitar for yourself is to understand the different types of electric guitars available in the market. Let’s take a look at them:

• Semi-Hollow Body
• Teles
• Flying V
• SG
• Stratocaster
• Offset Guitars
• Explorer
• Electro-Acoustic
• Les Paul
• 7 and 8-String Guitars
• Headless Guitars

Electric Guitar Types: Detailed Overview

Here’s a detailed overview of these types so that you can easily choose the right one for yourself.

Semi-Hollow Body:

This type of electric guitar styles offer a unique combo of sound and playability. It is a great choice for those looking to produce both clean and distorted tones.

It has a wooden center block which helps in reducing feedback. This is why semi-hollow is ideal when playing higher-gain music such as blues and rock.

The body shape is larger, which is powered by hollow construction. Due to this, a warm, full-bodied tone is produced which is perfect for genres like jazz, pop, and country,

Semi-Hollow body guitars have humbucker pickups and often come equipped with vintage-style hardware. This hardware helps to recreate iconic sounds.

Pros:

• One of the biggest advantages of semi-hollow body guitars is that they can be played without an amp.
• Unlike a fully acoustic guitar, a semi-hollow body guitar can hold its own in a band setting. Thanks to the pickups and electronics that allow for amplification.

• Semi-hollow body guitars offer tonal versatility. As they can produce both clean and dirty tones effectively.

• Compared to solid-body guitars, semi-hollow-body guitars are lighter.

Cons:

• One of the downsides of semi-hollow body guitars is that they are prone to feedback. Especially at high volumes.

• Semi-hollow body guitars typically have less sustain than solid-body guitars.

• Due to the hollow chamber, semi-hollow body guitars have a larger body. This can make them less comfortable to play for some players.

Recommended Semi-Hollow Body Guitar:

The Ibanez 6 String Semi-Hollow-Body Electric Guitar is a great option for guitarists. Especially if you are looking to add some tonal variation to your sound. 

As for looks, it has a transparent black flat Sapele body, a Mahogany neck, and Rosewood Fretboard. This guitar not only looks great but has a unique yet versatile tone.

It also comes with an H pickup configuration and Nickel strings. These are known for having warmer tones.

This guitar is designed with a right-hand orientation. This ensures that any guitar aficionado can comfortably play their instrument of choice. No matter if they’re left or right-handed.

In short, the Ibanez 6 Guitar is a wonderful product. Moreover, it is highly recommended for those who need more tonal variation.

Here’s a detailed video review for Ibanez 6 String Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar.

Telecaster:

The Telecaster has a classic look and sound that separates it from other Fender guitars. It’s defined by a simple yet effective design.

It has two single-coil pickups and a metal bridge plate which makes the design better. Plus it comes with individual tone and volume controls.

The improved design of the Tele gives it an even bigger sound than the Stratocaster. This gives it an edge for lead guitarists who want to be heard over the rest of the band.

It has a unique palette of crunchy and twangy tones. This is why Telecaster is a good choice for beginners and professionals. It is recommended if you’re looking for great playability and beautiful sounds.

Pros:

• The Telecaster is known for its distinctive, twangy sound that has been used in a variety of genres.
• The Telecaster’s clean sound is ideal for country and rhythm guitar playing.
• Its bright, clear tone is well-suited for fingerstyle playing.

Cons:

• Some players may find the Telecaster’s sound to be too thin or lacking in depth compared to other guitars.
• The neck can be wider than other guitars. This may make it less comfortable for players with smaller hands.
• Single-coil pickups can produce unwanted hum and noise at high volumes.

Recommended Telecaster:

The Fender Player Guitar is an incredibly versatile instrument for the modern guitarist.

The Pau Ferro Fingerboard gives a smooth feeling, which allows for effortless playability.

This Telecaster looks right at home in any musical situation. This is because of its classic aesthetic of 3-Color Sunburst top, Alder body, and Maple’s neck.

To amplify its sound, this guitar has two single coil pickups in an S configuration. Moreover, there are Nickel Steel strings that ensure a clean tone.

Click here for a video review of the Fender Player Telecaster Electric Guitar.

Flying V:

The iconic Gibson Flying V has been an integral part of rock music culture since its initial launch in 1958.

With its distinct guitar shapes and striking design, it is the definition of a classic.

This guitar delivers a rich and full tone that sustains exquisite notes for longer. Thanks to its two humbucker pickups, a mahogany body, a neck topped with a fixed bridge, 22 frets, and a 24.75” scale length.

It has become especially sought-after by rock and metal players. This is because of its unique tonality and consistent sound quality.

Pros:

• Comfortable to play when sitting or standing
• Stylish and eye-catching design
• More accessible on higher frets
• Stable when played standing

Cons:

• The larger case takes up more space when transporting
• Generally more expensive than traditional guitars
• Requires some getting used to for holding and playing

Recommended Flying V Guitar:

The Jackson JS Series JS32T is perfect for you if you want a sleek, stylish guitar with a unique body shape. It has a heavy-duty sound as well.

The JS32T is crafted from top-quality woods including ash, maple wood, and poplar wood. It has a gorgeous red and black aesthetic featuring a comfortable 25.5-inch scale length. There are a total of six strings which are made up of stainless steel.

It has handsome amaranth fretboards and an easy-to-use H pickup configuration system. All this makes it a sought-after guitar that will make any sound lover’s fantasies come to life.

Check out the video review for Jackson JS Series King V JS32T here.

SG:

The Gibson SG is an iconic electric guitar model, having been introduced in 1961.

The SG is a popular choice for rock musicians who want a powerful sound with punchy tones. It’s known for its unique double cutaway design and lightweight body.

The SG is a top choice for metal and hard rock musicians who want to create intense gain and sustain in their sound. However, it’s not just for heavy music. The SG can also produce gentle and clean tones, making it perfect for blues and softer rock styles.

It is good for live performances due to its fast-playing neck, small size, and versatility. It can bring a lot of energy to a performance, making it perfect for playing on the dance floor.

Pros:

• The SG guitar has a design that makes it easy for lead guitarists to play high notes.

• P90 pickups, which have a raw and raunchy sound, work well with the SG’s body shape and construction.

• The SG guitar is lightweight and comfortable to play for a long time, and easy to move around.

• The SG has been made in many different ways, with various neck shapes and materials to choose from.

Cons:

• When playing the SG guitar while standing up, its lightweight and body shape can cause the neck to drop down.

Recommended SG Guitar:

The Epiphone SG Standard 60s is a great choice for electric guitar players. Especially for those who want a classic sound and cool features without spending a lot of money.

This guitar has a solid body made of mahogany wood with an Indian laurel fretboard. And it also features two humbucker pickups and nickel strings. It comes in Red, Brown, or Black, and is perfect for players of all levels.

Here’s a video review for the Epiphone SG Standard 60s Electric Guitar.

Stratocaster:

The Fender Stratocaster, or the Strat, is a well-liked guitar among musicians in all genres. More specifically in rock.

The Strat’s bright and crisp sound is perfect for classic and modern rock music. But the downside is that it can cause feedback when overdriven.

The guitar is great for lead sounds and chords, and it’s easy to play for a long time. This is because of its simple controls, lightweight design, and comfortable shape.

Pros:

• The Stratocaster has a wide range of sounds. Thanks to its three single-coil pickups and five-way switch.
• The design makes it easy to play for extended periods of time without causing fatigue.
• The alder body can be finished in many different ways. This gives players the opportunity to personalize their instrument.

Cons:

• Some players may find the Stratocaster’s sound to be too common or generic.
• Its tremolo system can make it difficult to keep the guitar in tune. Especially when using heavy vibrato.
• Single-coil pickups can produce unwanted hum and noise at high volumes.

Recommended Stratocaster:

The Squier is an excellent choice for those looking to begin their guitar journey.

This black guitar is a beginner’s Strat that looks sleek and has a poplar body and laurel wood fretboard. It sounds great because it has an S pickup configuration and a tremolo bridge system.

The guitar has 6 steel strings and is meant to be played right-handed. It gives you total control over your sound and has incredible intonation.

The Squier by Fender Stratocaster is a guitar that guarantees a powerful performance. No matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced player.

Check out the detailed video review of this guitar here.

Offset Guitars:

Offset guitars have always had a distinct look and sound to them, due to their asymmetrical body.

An offset guitar may look unbalanced. But it’s actually designed to make it easier to play high notes and create unique sounds.

The Fender Jazzmaster, Mustang, and Jaguar are popular offset guitar models. These come with a vintage look and modern features.

An offset guitar is a good choice if you play garage rock, shoegaze, or post-punk music and want to create new sounds.

Pros:

• Excellent range of movement for vibrato dives.
• Vibrato produces a powerful and wobbly character.
• Good tuning stability.
• Widely produced and relatively inexpensive.

Cons:

• Geometry issues with the folded bridge cradle and intonation adjustment screw heads.
• Modern low-tension strings can cause skipping or jumping out of string slots.
• Lack of tension and downward pressure can cause bridge height to sag over time.

Recommended Offset Guitar:

If you are a fan of the grunge rock gods of the 90s, look no further than the Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang guitar.

This reliable six-string guitar combines Fender’s popular Mustang and Jazzmaster models. It comes in Sonic Blue and has a sleek design.

The guitar is made from quality materials, such as maple, rosewood, and alder wood top and an alder body. This means that it can withstand wear and tear from playing.

It has an S-S pickup configuration, a maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and nickel strings. This adds extra durability.

Check out the video review for Fender Kurt Cobain here.

Explorer:

If you’re looking for an electric guitar with a unique and innovative look, the Explorer is a good choice. Its striking angled body shape sets it apart from its Flying V sibling.

The Explorer guitar has a 24 3/4″ scale length and a one-piece mahogany neck. It also comes with a rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays.

The guitar has Gibson pickups and controls. This includes a three-way switch, two volume pots, and a master-tone pot.

Whether you want a guitar for your collection or one that sounds great on stage, the Explorer is a good choice.

Pros:

• Explorer guitars are often made with high-quality, expensive wood. This enhances the tone and sustain of the guitar.
• The use of an Ivory Tusq nut can improve the tuning stability and overall tone of the guitar.
• Explorer guitars have high-quality pickups from top brands, providing a rich, full sound.

Cons:

• Some Explorer guitars may have low-quality fret wire. Thus, it can wear down quickly, affecting playability.
• Locking tuners can help keep the guitar in tune for longer, but not all Explorer guitars have them.
• A neck-through build can improve sustain and tone, but not all Explorer guitars are built this way.

Recommended Explorer Guitars:

The Jackson Kelly JS32 is a six-string electric guitar recommended for beginners.

This guitar is designed for a rock star and has a Snow White finish, a Maple neck, and a Maple fretboard.

The guitar is made from Poplar wood for the body and back, and has an H pickup configuration. It also has a Tremolo bridge system for great sound quality.

Check out the video review for Jackson JS Series Kelly JS32 here.

Electro-Acoustic:

Electro-acoustic guitars can be played softly or loudly and are used in many types of music.

These guitars are lightweight and have thicker strings that make playing faster. The pickups can change the sound.

Electro-acoustic guitars are acoustic guitars with extra features for better sound and performance.

Pros:

• Electronic-Acoustic guitars have built-in electronics that allow you to amplify and customize sound. You can control the volume, tone, and other effects, making it easier to achieve the desired sound.
• The price difference between Electronic-Acoustic guitars and non-acoustic electric guitars is not significant.
• Electronic-Acoustic guitars can be played plugged in or unplugged.

Cons:

• Electronic-Acoustic guitars require a power source to play when plugged in.
• Repairing the electronic system on an Electric-Acoustic guitar can be quite challenging.

Recommended Electro-Acoustic Guitar:

The Fender FA-125CE is the perfect instrument for an aspiring guitarist.

This affordable acoustic-electric guitar has a spruce laminate top and basswood body. Thus, it is great for beginners. It also features a Viking bridge, Fishman electronics, and a nato wood neck that makes it easy to play.

Due to its quality craftsmanship and budget price, it is a good choice for starting your journey.

Check out the video review of this guitar here.

Les Paul:

Les Paul has garnered an impressive reputation among guitarists. 

All of its parts come together to create a perfect instrument. The Les Paul is not just beautiful on the outside but also feels great under the fingers.

The Les Paul guitar is known for its mahogany body and neck. It has humbucking pickups, and iconic single-cut shape. With its versatile sound range, it can handle everything from country to metal.

Pros:

• Les Paul guitars are known for their distinct and iconic sound.  Which is characterized by a warm, full-bodied tone with plenty of sustain.
• These are versatile instruments that can be used in a variety of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and country.
• These are known for their classic and timeless appearance. They feature a solid body design with a carved maple top and a variety of finishes to choose from.
• Les Paul guitars typically have a shorter scale length. Due to which, it is easy to perform string bends and other techniques.

Cons:

• These are heavier than other types of electric guitars. It is because of their solid body construction and heavier hardware.
• Generally more expensive than other types of electric guitars. The main reason is their high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
• Les Paul guitars feature a set neck design. This design makes it more difficult to make repairs or adjustments to the neck if needed.

Recommended Les Paul Guitar:

The LyxPro 39” Left Hand Electric Guitar is the perfect choice for left-handed guitarists.

This left-handed electric guitar has a classic sunburst design. Moreover, it is made with high-quality materials like mahogany and nickel steel strings. It also has dual humbucking pickups for versatility in sound. 

It’s a top-of-the-line guitar from LyxPro that left-handed guitarists can rely on.

Check out the video review for this guitar here.

7 and 8-String Guitars:

Seven and eight-string guitars are versatile and have a lot of room for exploration. Metal guitarists like Paul Gilbert, and John Petrucci, rely heavily on these instruments. Due to the extended range that lets them play more notes.

While great for metal, but, these guitars can be difficult to play. This is because of the extra strings give your fingers more of a workout.

Usual ways such as learning scales and augmented chords don’t quite cut it for these kinds of guitars. So you’ll need to study regularly to be able to make use of your full potential.

In short, 7 and 8-string guitars can be rewarding but require immense dedication. Only this dedication can ensure that they are being used properly by the player.

Pros:

• With more strings, 7 and 8-string guitars offer a wider range of notes and a more extended sonic range.
• The extra strings on 7 and 8-string guitars enable players to produce lower notes. This creates a richer and more robust low-end sound
• Despite the strings, these guitars are not difficult to play as traditional guitars.

Cons:

• The additional strings on 7 and 8-string guitars require a wider fretboard. This makes them less suitable for players with shorter fingers.
• 7 and 8-string guitars are not as common as standard 6-string guitars. This is why it can be more challenging to find the right model to fit your needs.

Recommended 7 and 8-String Guitar:

If you’re searching for an electric guitar that’s full of power, the Ibanez GRG 7 is the top choice.

This guitar has a metallic light blue finish, a maple and poplar wood top, and a poplar body for a great look and sound.

The guitar has an H pickup configuration and nickel-plated strings for durability.

The guitar has a sleek design and is comfortable for right-handed players. This makes it a powerful and unique 7-string masterpiece from Ibanez.

Check out the video review for this guitar here.

Headless Guitars:

Headless guitars have several unique benefits that make them extremely popular with musicians. These are recommended if you’re looking to reduce stress on your necks and shoulders.

So, headless guitars are quite accurate and they have a stable tuning system.

They don’t have a headstock which is why they are lighter and more balanced than regular guitars.

Thus, players can enjoy hours of uninterrupted playing without worrying about neck drops. Additionally, there isn’t any unnecessary tension in their wrists.

Pros:

• Headless guitars have a better balance compared to traditional guitars.
• Headless guitars are smaller and more compact than traditional guitars. This makes them easier to carry around.
• The tuning stability is improved with the headless design. since there are no tuning machines that can cause the strings to slip out of tune.
• Some players like the sleek and futuristic look of headless guitars.

Cons:

• Headless guitars are generally more expensive than traditional guitars. It is because of their unique design and specialized parts.
• Headless guitars need specialized double-ball strings. And these are not as widely available as traditional guitar strings.
• Headless guitars need new tuning mechanics that are typically located near the bridge.
• Some players may not like the unconventional look of headless guitars. They might prefer the more traditional aesthetics of traditional guitars.

Headless Guitar:

Asmuse has created a truly unique guitar with the Headless Electric model. Due to its sleek black exterior and unique body shape, it stands out physically. Also, its tone is also different from most other guitars.

This headless guitar is built to last. As it is crafted from wood and built with a blackwood back and top, as well as a rosewood fretboard.

It has a combination pickup configuration along with nickel string material. This adds an extra special touch to sound production.

It is perfect for both beginners and experienced players, who are looking for a fresh take on their sound. The Asmuse Headless Electric Guitar is sure to provide plenty of inspiration.

Check out the video review for this guitar here.

Is an Electric Guitar Harder Than a Guitar?

Electric guitars are great for learning to play instruments, mainly due to their ease of use. The lightweight strings provide a softer, gentler feel when pressed against a fret. This feeling is absent when it comes to the heavy strings of an acoustic guitar.

Moreover, beginners have plenty of ease of use with the smaller-size electric guitars. This is because they fit perfectly in their hands. All of these make it much easier to learn and master playing electric guitar than an acoustic one.

But, all these pros do not mean that electric guitars are any easier than acoustic guitars.

Both types require practice and dedication in order to build stronger skills. In fact, mastering them requires a considerable amount of effort and time.

Conclusion:

There is no right or wrong answer when asking if an electric guitar or acoustic guitar is harder to play.

What matters most is that you find the type of guitar that works best for you and your playing style.

No matter which one you choose, be sure to practice diligently.