Perhaps. Its an evolving thread.
We're just 'riffing' here (did I say that right?)
Tell Me About Electric Guitars
- Thread starter mikethompson
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We're just 'riffing' here (did I say that right?)
@mikethompson is there a certain style/genre of music you like to play or would like to play? Any particular songs or bands you would like to cover etc?
Lots of opinions and options.
The world of electric guitar is a serious subculture. Over the years I've noticed that many players opt for becoming gear-geeks rather than getting better at actually playing music. You need almost next to nothing to become a great guitarist - just a decent guitar that's set up well and holds tune (a must!). These days you don't even _need_ an amp, as has been stated.
I've been playing for about 30 years, most of that time on acoustic. A while back I decided to get another electric rig (after not having one for a long time). Being an 80s kid and loving Def Leppard (et al), I decided to get a Jackson. The rig I ended up with (to mostly jam at home alone with headphones) was about $500 total. If I'd have went used, I could've cut that down by a third or maybe more. Buying from Guitar Center means you can get your money back or exchange guitars with no questions asked. No risk there at all.
I started playing back in 1992 and am completely blown away by the quality of stuff now and what can be had for the price of an average car payment. This Jackson JS22 holds tune pretty much perfectly (even with heavy trem bar use) and sounds killer. The Katana amp has all sorts of "patches" and software stuff that can be downloaded (unless, like me, you use Apple products...) that can get you an almost limitless array of tones. Since I can't use any of that stuff (thanks, Apple) I just use the amp and it sounds great on its own.
I'm having more fun playing music than I ever have. I know the style of guitar I chose has long-since fallen out of fashion, but heck, I'm a pipe-smoker and am used to being seen as a weirdo.
My advice: get a decent guitar ASAP, get it set up well, and get busy playing the music you love. It's an absolute blast.
The world of electric guitar is a serious subculture. Over the years I've noticed that many players opt for becoming gear-geeks rather than getting better at actually playing music. You need almost next to nothing to become a great guitarist - just a decent guitar that's set up well and holds tune (a must!). These days you don't even _need_ an amp, as has been stated.
I've been playing for about 30 years, most of that time on acoustic. A while back I decided to get another electric rig (after not having one for a long time). Being an 80s kid and loving Def Leppard (et al), I decided to get a Jackson. The rig I ended up with (to mostly jam at home alone with headphones) was about $500 total. If I'd have went used, I could've cut that down by a third or maybe more. Buying from Guitar Center means you can get your money back or exchange guitars with no questions asked. No risk there at all.
I started playing back in 1992 and am completely blown away by the quality of stuff now and what can be had for the price of an average car payment. This Jackson JS22 holds tune pretty much perfectly (even with heavy trem bar use) and sounds killer. The Katana amp has all sorts of "patches" and software stuff that can be downloaded (unless, like me, you use Apple products...) that can get you an almost limitless array of tones. Since I can't use any of that stuff (thanks, Apple) I just use the amp and it sounds great on its own.
I'm having more fun playing music than I ever have. I know the style of guitar I chose has long-since fallen out of fashion, but heck, I'm a pipe-smoker and am used to being seen as a weirdo.
My advice: get a decent guitar ASAP, get it set up well, and get busy playing the music you love. It's an absolute blast.
Right now on my acoustic I am learning chords. I can't be too picky about what songs I'd like to play. But if I had to pick one I'd like to get down, maybe Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd.
As for the electric, if I could manage Sweet Home Alabama or some Beatles tracks I'd be happy.
I have a Yamaha Eterna EF-31 that I bought second hand through kijiji (kind of like craigslist), put new strings on it, and it's what I've been learning on.
That's the important part!
It's the 'setup' part I find daunting I guess. Different string styles and all that.
Electric can be fun. They are also easier to set up by yourself. There's also a ton of variety. The best thing I can add to this thread is to stop in at your local Long and McQuade and try out every guitar they have. You will find one that fits your preferences and won't have to buy blind. You also can usually get them to throw in a setup with a purchase, especially if you also get the headphone amp while you're there.
One of my good friends used to have an Eterna acoustic. Cool guitar that will get you going and keep you there for a long time. As far as the set up, adjustments go, I suggest finding a shop that does repairs and taking it there. This is not the same thing as finding a shop that sells guitars. Some shops claim to do set up work, etc, but don't really have a competent tech (I have learned this the hard way).
if you play acoustic I'd say the difference between one or the other in terms of how they play... Is about the same as switching from one brand to the other. Biggest thing I've heard of as a problem with switch to electric is that the stringers are smaller and often a bit closer to each other. But how much of a problem? If you're playing a small set go for it if you're playing Madison Square then that isn't the time to make the switch.
I think the thing I like about electric over acoustic the most is just that you have more knobs and effects you can play with. You can get more sounds out of one. And getting the right tones or effects can be as much of an art as how you actually play.
You can play an electric unplugged just like an acoustic, and the volume is much lower. This is how I usually practice when I decide to put the drumsticks down and pick up one of my guitars.
Lots of good advise here, but it really boils down to, what is it that you want to do? Acoustic guitar and electric guitar are two completely different tools used to do two completely different jobs. Neither is actually easier to play than the other, they're just different and each has it's pros & cons, again it depends on what you want to do with the instrument. Learning to play the guitar isn't easy no matter what you do. It's not like the piano or the saxophone, both of which I've played at different points. Playing the guitar is going to physically hurt and it doesn't matter if it's electric or acoustic, and it doesn't matter what string gauge you use. When you're starting out it's going to hurt your fingers. The muscles in your fretting hand are going to get sore and your fingertips are going to get raw until you build callous. There's no way around this and you're just going to have to work through it, just be careful of the muscles & tendons in your hand. Your fingertip pain you can ignore & just power through the pain, but if you feel abnormal pain in the muscles/tendons STOP and rest.
Now as far as what you should do? Since your goal seems to be "Wish You Were Here", Beatles songs, and "Sweet Home Alabama" I'd suggest you stick with the guitar you have. You seem to be interested in songs that require nice rhythmically strummed chords, this is where the acoustic excels. Can you rhythmically strum chords on an electric? Sure, but it's not going to sound right. It's going have completely different dynamics and not give you the result you're looking for. As far as Sweet Home Alabama goes, you can play the entire song's rhythm with an acoustic; you're not going to be able to play those solos for a long time anyway so don't even let that enter into the equation at this point.
I've not played that model of Yamaha, but Yamaha generally makes great guitars, I've played many & currently own 2. From what I can find, Eterna seems to be Yamaha's low end line, available at Costco etc., and it's made of laminated woods. There's nothing wrong with that and it's a good way to dip your toe into the pool to see if you want to actually dive in. Since you seem to want to take the plunge you'll probably be better served by buying a better acoustic, something like a Yamaha FG series. Right now Sweetwater has a Yamaha FG800 for $230. It has a solid top, and will come set-up well from the factory. Don't waste money getting a proper set-up done to the Eterna. If it has playability issues now, fixing them with nut/saddle work, leveling/dressing the frets, etc. is going to cost more than you paid for the guitar.
Just out of curiosity, do you know what string gauge your Yamaha currently has? Looks like Yamaha often ships with .012-.053 from the factory. D'Addario makes lighter acoustic sets and you should be able to go down a gauge to their Custom Light .011-.052 without having to adjust anything. It's worth a shot if you're finding the strings to stiff & heavy. BTW, I've been playing both acoustic & electric 6 & 12 string as well as classical since the early '80s. I also dabble in mandolin & piano. Please ask any guitar related questions you have, I'm full of useless guitar info.
Now as far as what you should do? Since your goal seems to be "Wish You Were Here", Beatles songs, and "Sweet Home Alabama" I'd suggest you stick with the guitar you have. You seem to be interested in songs that require nice rhythmically strummed chords, this is where the acoustic excels. Can you rhythmically strum chords on an electric? Sure, but it's not going to sound right. It's going have completely different dynamics and not give you the result you're looking for. As far as Sweet Home Alabama goes, you can play the entire song's rhythm with an acoustic; you're not going to be able to play those solos for a long time anyway so don't even let that enter into the equation at this point.
I've not played that model of Yamaha, but Yamaha generally makes great guitars, I've played many & currently own 2. From what I can find, Eterna seems to be Yamaha's low end line, available at Costco etc., and it's made of laminated woods. There's nothing wrong with that and it's a good way to dip your toe into the pool to see if you want to actually dive in. Since you seem to want to take the plunge you'll probably be better served by buying a better acoustic, something like a Yamaha FG series. Right now Sweetwater has a Yamaha FG800 for $230. It has a solid top, and will come set-up well from the factory. Don't waste money getting a proper set-up done to the Eterna. If it has playability issues now, fixing them with nut/saddle work, leveling/dressing the frets, etc. is going to cost more than you paid for the guitar.
Just out of curiosity, do you know what string gauge your Yamaha currently has? Looks like Yamaha often ships with .012-.053 from the factory. D'Addario makes lighter acoustic sets and you should be able to go down a gauge to their Custom Light .011-.052 without having to adjust anything. It's worth a shot if you're finding the strings to stiff & heavy. BTW, I've been playing both acoustic & electric 6 & 12 string as well as classical since the early '80s. I also dabble in mandolin & piano. Please ask any guitar related questions you have, I'm full of useless guitar info.
You may regret that sir!
But thank you for the response.
Yes it is hurting my fingers, but I guess that's just how it goes right now.
As tempting as the electric is, I've decided to stick with acoustic for now. When I am a little more comfortable with it, I will try out an electric.
@Kilgore Trout you may have some IMs incoming
@scloyd are we gonna get this band together or what?
@Kilgore Trout you may have some IMs incoming
@scloyd are we gonna get this band together or what?
Might consider a jamstack. I rarely play electric anymore but when I do I basically use the jamstack, it sounds good at low volumes as well as high. You can use your phone for just about any effect you could dream of and plug headphones or pair them with Bluetooth.
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I've played a nice Taylor and a less expensive Martin, but that is the extent of my experience with decent acoustics. Back in 1983, I compared acoustics in the $300-$500 and the one I bought for tone and playability was a Takamine F-341. It's been a good guitar for me for a long time, but I'm thinking about upgrading. I've been playing electric guitars for over 50 years, and I've never played an acoustic guitar that plays as easily as an electric. It could be that the action for an acoustic needs to be a tad higher or because the string gauge is a little higher (I normally use 12s on my Takamine). Or it could be the strings I use are a little stiffer. Without spending $2000, what would be your recommendation for the best playing (and hopefully good sounding) acoustic guitar? I like a shallower, "modern C" type neck, and I could probably go $750.I play electric, among other instruments (drums, bass, and keyboards).
They can be easier to play, but not everyone plays thin strings; some jazz players prefer thicker strings than you’d find on most acoustics.
But to me, the whole experience of electric vs. acoustic is different. I don’t play the same music on both, and I don’t play the same way on both. (I rarely fingerpick on electric.) And I never use effects on acoustic, whereas I really enjoy some compression on electric (if not also overdrive, delay, and a chorus).
If you’d like a kind of crossover instrument—without spending a lot—I’d recommend an Epiphone Casino. It’s a semi-hollowbody electric that still has some volume if played acoustically, but its P90 pickups also sound terrific when overdriven through an amp. (The Beatles’ “Revolution.”)
To me, you match the guitar to the style of music you want to play. And if you want to play various styles, then you just need more guitars.
One note, though: No matter what kind of guitar you want to play, you will need to build up calluses. There’s no getting around that. But also note that some acoustics are easier to play than others. My Taylor, for example, has fairly low action of Acoustic and Electric Guitars, so it’s actually a bit easier to play than either my Gibson or Martin. It definitely helps to try a range of instruments—even if they’re all the same model—before making a purchase.
Best best is to go to the guitar shop and pick out the guitar that feels the best. There has never been a better time to get a great guitar for under $1000. There is Eastman, Yamaha, Takamine… lots of really good guitars for $750. But the most important thing is to go and put your hands on the instrument to see if it feels right.
I haven't tried changing the strings to lighter no - what difference do smaller strings make? (Real question)