Types of Electric Guitars

Brian’s Guitars offers a wide variety of quality electric guitar brands – in all three body styles. Not sure which one is right for you? Here are the primary differences between hollowbody, semi-hollowbody, and solid-body guitars.

Hollowbody

Hollowbody electric guitars are hollow inside in the same way that acoustic guitars are, and are capable of producing tone without electronics – though you’d rarely use one in this way. The earliest electric guitars were hollowbodies, and they remain a popular style to this day.

Hollowbody guitars produce a great tone and sound similar to acoustic guitars but are prone to more feedback as a result. Popular in jazz styles, hollowbody guitars tend to make a warm, clean sound and work best when you aren’t driving gain to the max.

Semi-Hollowbody

Sometimes described as a blues guitar, semi-hollowbody designs split the difference between the other two types. They offer more of an acoustic presence than solid-body guitars (but less than hollowbodies). You’ll get more control over feedback than a hollowbody, but a warmer and more present tone than a solid body. Semi-hollow guitars are often played in jazz, blues, and blues-rock styles.

Solid-Body

Most Fender electric guitars and Mayones electric guitars are solid-body, as are most of the models you’ll see when you walk into any electric guitar store.

By design, solid-body guitars produce almost no tone when not plugged in. By eliminating natural reverb and sustain, these guitars reduce the risk of feedback when driving them at high levels of gain.

Solid-body guitars are common throughout pop and rock genres. The heavier the music and the screechier the guitar tracks, the more likely you’re listening to music performed on a solid body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the Best Electric Guitar for Beginners?

If you’re just starting out, or you’re buying for someone who is, selecting the correct first guitar is important. You don’t want to overspend when you’re not yet fully committed. For example, Nash electric guitars are great, but not necessary for beginners. However, if you buy the cheapest beginner guitar on Amazon, we can promise you’ll wish you had spent a little extra on something better quality.

For beginners who want to enjoy the learning process without breaking the bank, we recommend looking at guitars in the $400 to $600 range. Something cheaper might make sense if you’re buying for someone who might not stick with the hobby, but we find this to be the sweet spot of price and performance.

If you time it right, you can likely find a used Fender electric guitar or a used Squier somewhere in this price range.

How Much Do Electric Guitars Cost?

The cost of electric guitars can vary considerably, depending on the brand, materials used, capabilities, and more. And on the used market, you’ll encounter everything from resold beginner guitars to rare and vintage instruments priced well over $10,000.

You can find cheap, ineffective low-end electric guitars for as little as $150, but you’re unlikely to enjoy the experience if you go that route. Here at Brian’s Guitars, we offer a range of quality used electric guitars that start under $450 for basic well-made instruments. We offer everything from basic to professional electric guitars, such as private stock models of Paul Reed Smith electric guitars that cost $15,000 or more.

Our used electric guitar selection is constantly changing, too, and we may even be able to find a specific guitar you’re looking for. We also offer custom electric guitars! Take a look at our current selection of available builds in progress in our electric guitar store.

What is the Electric Guitar Made of?

Electric guitars typically have wooden bodies, made from alder, maple, or ash. You’ll also find bodies made from mahogany, basswood, or other exotic woods.

Fretboards may incorporate rosewood or ebony – higher-end and more expensive woods that have a great feel under the fingers. These materials are common in fancy electric guitars and typically absent in entry-level models.

Of course, any electric guitar also includes wiring and electronic components, and the bridge and tuning mechanisms are made of metal. The guitar’s nut is made from bone or synthetic material, while the pickguard is typically a durable plastic.