Those new to the world of electric guitars are often excited about becoming more acquainted with one of the most iconic, versatile and fanatically loved of all instruments.

It is incredible to think that an instrument that works simply by amplifying the vibration of a steel string should continue to have such a hold over almost every musical genre including pop, rock, jazz and big band music. Electric guitars are also often a necessary part of the audio sculpture of theatre, television theme tunes, film scores and advertisements.

The main reason for the continued requirement for electric guitars is the range of their musical vocabulary and expressive qualities. These various sounds are produced by a combination of musical intelligence, physical dexterity, and natural timbre. This is a combination that cannot be reproduced synthetically with any serious degree of authenticity.

Broadly speaking, electric guitars perform three main functions: rhythm, lead and bass.

Bass is usually best achieved through a proper bass guitar which is designed to reproduce and amplify the sounds of very low strings that accentuate the main beat of a piece of music and help to drive it forward with added rhythmic and melodic nuances.

Although traditionally, a lead guitarist would play melodic fills and solos whilst the role of the rhythm guitarist would be to ‘keep the beat’ by strumming groups of notes in the background (known as chords), over the years this distinction has become blurred. Imaginative use of rhythm techniques and chord variations have meant that rhythm playing can be just as deserving of showcasing in a band or theatrical orchestra as lead playing. Indeed, sometimes a competent guitarist can cleverly combine the two roles.

For the beginner electric guitarist there are many musical choices, and we at Fret Music can help by finding the right starter guitar best suited to the individual’s ambitions.