The guitar is one of the popular musical instruments today, favored by many musicians. However, not everyone knows what the electric guitar is and how it is different from an acoustic guitar. Let’s find out through the article below.
What is an electric guitar?
The electric guitar is a widely used stringed instrument that works by using a pickup to convert string vibrations into electrical impulses and produce sound. Through the pickup, signals are generated and transmitted through the speaker to create a distinctive sound. Different sounds will be produced by modifying the signal with reverb and distortion effects.
This instrument was born in 1931 and was considered an indispensable musical instrument for musicians in large big bands. By 1950, the guitar was used in pop music. Nowadays, it has become an important instrument for many bands displaying a wide variety of musical styles.
In pop and rock music, the electric guitar is often used in two roles: as a rhythm guitar, which plays the chord sequences or progressions, and riffs, and sets the beat (as part of a rhythm section); and as a lead guitar, which provides instrumental melody lines, melodic instrumental fill passages, and solos. In a small group, such as a power trio, one guitarist switches between both roles. There is often a rhythm guitarist and a lead guitarist in large rock and metal bands.
What is the difference between Electric Guitar and Acoustis Guitar?
Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar seems to be all too familiar to us, even to novices. Popular with its hollow body and characterized by sound holes in the body, the acoustic guitar amplifies the sound when strumming. With six strings, it produces a loud sound when hitting the chords and is relatively larger than electric guitars, but not as heavy. However, it is also possible to amplify the sound by attaching a guitar pickup or microphone.
Pros
– Guitar sounds are so natural that you don’t need an amplifier. The air in the vent acts like an amplifier.
– With the acoustic guitar, you will not have to pay any extra cost to buy an amplifier and cables. Since there is no need for an amplifier to play your guitar, you can carry it anywhere.
– The soothing sounds of acoustic guitars are ideal for singing while playing.
– Although the acoustic guitar makes a loud sound, we still find that the rustic is different from the sound of the electric guitar.
Cons
– Acoustic Guitar, especially the steel string acoustic guitar, is not for people who are easy to give up. This kind of guitar requires a lot of effort, perseverance, and practice when you want to play well.
– Its wide neck makes it difficult for players to play for a long time.
– The acoustic guitar strings are also very easy to break.
Electric guitar
Electric guitars will use electronic equipment to amplify the sound when guitarists play their guitars. The sound is then transferred to an amplifier or mix and will be played back through a speaker system. Electric guitars have a solid body and no sound holes, so although they tend to be heavier, they are thinner than acoustic guitars.
Pros
– Electric guitars are easier to play than acoustic guitars thanks to the lighter strings.
– You can plug in headphones to amplify sound, less disturbance for people around.
– When playing the electric guitar, it’s easier to learn to play Barre chords.
– The electric guitar is great for playing Solo and Rock music.
Cons
– With electric guitars, an amplifier and cables are required. Therefore, the cost is more expensive than acoustic guitars. So you should keep this in mind when choosing this guitar.
– When using an electric guitar, you will have difficulty hitting notes because its sound is not as smooth as an acoustic guitar.
– You need a lot of energy to play electric guitars because they are heavy and difficult to carry.
Above are the basic features of Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar. Knowing these points will help you distinguish the differences between the two instruments.
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