All about Electronic Guitar

These are some of the terms you will see when people talk about guitars. I will try and add to this over time to have a complete list of guitar "bits" :)

Body
The main part of the guitar, where you’ll find the bridge, and on electric guitars, the volume and tone controls. This is easy to remember: the body is the bit that is in contact with your body!

Fingerboard
The part of the guitar where you place your fingers to play; the flatter side of the neck.

Neck
The bit that pokes out of the body, which the strings run along.

Headstock
The bit at the end of the neck where the strings stop and we find the tuners.

Position Markers
The dots on the fretboard are a handy indicator of the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th frets. The 12th fret has two dots; then the pattern repeats.

Fretwires
The small strips of metal that go across the fingerboard.

FretsActually means the spaces in between the fretwires. However when people talk about ‘frets’ – as in, “place your fingers near the frets” – they are actually referring to the fretwires. This seems to be in such common use that on this site we’ll stick with ‘frets’ to mean the fretwire.

Pick-up (s)
A pickup is found under the strings of an electric guitar, and ‘picks up’ the sound. They contain magnets, and measure the changes of the magnetic field made by the moving strings. They come in two basic types: single coil (as found on most Fender guitars) and humbucker (found on most Gibson guitars). humbuckers have a fatter sound, and create less hum (hence the name).

GEAR : ( all you need )

Picks

You will need to buy a few picks. To start with you will need a few very thin picks (get as thin as you can find). These thin picks will help you learn to strum well. It is also worth getting a couple of Medium thickness too - these are better for playing notes individually (like when you play scales).

Tuner

It is essential to get your guitar in tune! You should learn to tune up yourself, without needing a tuner, but when you are starting out, it is better to be in tune - and having your guitar sound nice - than trying to learn how to tune, messing it up, and having your guitar sound horrible. Have mercy on those that will listen to you learning and buy yourself a tuner right away!

As well as these physical options below, I have to admit that more and more I am using the Peterson iPhone app called iStrobosoft, I've always got it with me, the display is better than any other tuner I have seen and it's super cheap, so if you use an iPhone or iPod touch, I'd go with that!

Strap

Getting a strap is a very good idea. It helps keep the guitar stable and trains you up for when you want to go unleash your skills on the world. Don't worry too much about what type to get - just one that you like. If you bought a heavy guitar (like a Gibson Les Paul) you might want to get a padded strap so you don't hurt your shoulder!

Strap Locks

If you plan to stand up and use a strap on your guitar, then please buy some strap locks. These can range from plastic discs that cost very little, to big metal catches that you fix to your strap, which cost more. I have seen too many beginners without strap locks and seen guitars drop to the floor. I have actually seen three guitars snap necks because thestrap fell off. The cheap ones work, so there is no excuse not to have these. You can also use the red rubber ring that is on the top of bottles of Grolsch Beer (the imported one with the 'pop top'). Put it on the strap pin after you put the strap on. It's not quite as good as a proper strap lock, but has the added bonus of beer!

Metronome

This one is important. You will use your metronome a lot. Any metronome will do, but I recommend getting an electric one, not one of the old 'tick-tock' ones. The one linked below has some additional features that will be useful later. Most of my students have this metronome, and it is well-made and durable.

You can also find online metronomes if your budget is tight. I use one on my iPhone which cost hardly anything and has gazillions of functions and is super-easy to use (Tempo by Frozen Ape).

Music Stand

A music stand can save your back. If you have any posture problems, get a stand now! Many people sit on the bed or the sofa with sheet music next to them and twist around to see it, craning their neck to look at their fingers. This puts you on a sure-fire track to expensive chiropractic bill. Get a stand - they are not expensive and will make your practice time more comfortable.

Capo

A capo is a really cool device that you place on the guitar neck, and it changes the pitch of the open strings. They are used to change the key of a song, and will enable you to play along with songs that are otherwise very hard. If you sing, they are also useful to change the key of a song quickly to help you find the right key for your singing voice. A very useful (though not 100% necessary) accessory.

Display Folder (or ring binder)

It really helps you learn fast if you keep your notes organised. I recommend buying a clear display folder or a ring binder to keep all your notes in and keep them organised. It really will help; it somehow keeps your head tidy if your notes are tidy. They are not expensive, so give it a go.

Recorder or jam buddy or looper

One of the best things you can do when you are learning is have a jam buddy that learns with you, a friend about the same level that you can practice and learn with. It is also a massive advantage when it comes to learning to improvise because one person can play chords while the other learns to take a solo, and then swap. If you don't have this option I recommend getting a small recorder, so you can record yourself playing and then jam along with that. It is also a very good thing to hear yourself back, so a recorder is a great thing to have even if you have a jam buddy.

Posted in: guitar