Before learning to play the guitar, it’s important to learn about the different types available. These types are distinguished by differences in shape, sound, and the type of music played with them. If you’re thinking about learning to play the guitar, keep this useful guide in mind to make your decision about which type is right for you.

What Are Some Types of Guitars? 

1. Acoustic

Acoustic guitars are the simplest type available, with steel or nylon strings in various body shapes. Usually made from wood, they rely on the hollow body to provide amplification and resonance when the strings are plucked or strummed.

Nylon-strung classical guitars are often the instrument of choice for beginners due to their low string tension and wide fretboards. This makes it easier to press the string firmly and produce a clear note while allowing beginners to practice their strumming.

2. Electric

First introduced in 1932, electric guitars offer more volume and a wider range of unusual sounds, including stereo chorus, wah-wah filters, or reverb effects. These can be plugged into amplifiers to boost their volume, making them much louder than acoustic guitars.

Electric guitars are also some of the most diverse. Different types include the Hollowbody, also called semi-acoustic, which has a hollow body with electric pickups and a plugin to use with an amplifier.

Solid-body guitars include classic designs like the Fender® Stratocaster. These must be plugged into an amp to produce significant volume levels.

Electro-acoustic guitars feature the option to plug into an amplifier but otherwise work just like any other acoustic guitar. Electric guitars can be used to play anything from rock to jazz due to the wide range of effects, pedals, and filters that can be used to alter their sound.

Electro-acoustic and Hollowbody options can also feel familiar to those more accustomed to playing acoustic guitars. Many beginners even find solid-body guitars easier to play than steel-string acoustic guitars due to the lower string tension and smaller body size.

3. Bass

Before the invention of the bass guitar, musicians who wanted bass string sounds had to resort to lugging a hefty double bass around. That’s why electric bass guitars became popular in the 1950s, offering deep, rich tones in a much more compact instrument.

Bass guitars are now available in many of the same formats as electric guitars, including acoustic, electro-acoustic, and solid-body. These are useful for forming a steady rhythm with a rich, deep sound along with a drummer.

If you’ve decided which type of guitar is right for you and the music you want to play, visit 5J Music in Elko, NV. Since 1995, Elko residents have relied on this well-stocked music shop for musical instrument supplies, LPs, sports memorabilia, body jewelry, and more. Visit them online to learn more about their products or call (775) 778-0484 to speak with a staff member. Be sure to check them out on Facebook for up-to-date information.