Every style of music, be it jazz, blues, country, new age, rock and roll and even contemporary classical music - all have been associated with the electric guitar at some point or another. Unlike the classical and acoustic guitar, the electric guitar is the signature instrument of the twentieth-century music because of its distinctive sound and intimate connection with many legendary internationally famous musicians.

Like all other instruments, the electric guitar can also be divided into parts like the body, frets, neck, headstock, bridge, nut, pickup switch, pickups, tremolo, tuning pegs, volume and tone control.

Humble beginnings

It was in the 1930’s than an individual decided to bring about a change in the soft melodic tone of the guitar. To do this, he invented the electric guitar. At that time I am sure that he had no idea that this invention would bring about a change in the course of 20th century music!

Like all good and new things, the electric guitar had its share of critics too. Luckily, things quickly fell into place because the electric guitar allowed musicians to play music much more creatively and convey their own individual styles too.

How did the first pickup come into existence?

Lloyd Loar, an inventive engineer who was working for the Gibson guitar company designed the first magnetic pickup in 1924. It was with the help of a magnet that he converted guitar string vibrations into electrical signals that were then amplified through a speaker system.

Who developed the first electric guitar?

A company called the Electro String Company that was founded by George Beauchamp, Adolph Rickenbacker and Paul Barth developed the first electric guitars that were marketed to the general public. Affectionately called frying pans, these guitars were made of aluminum and were played on a person’s lap using a steel slide much like today’s steel guitar.

Since the frying pan was a success the Gibson guitar company built their first electric guitar that they named the ES-150, which is a legend today. Despite a major problem that involved vibration, electric guitars were quickly gaining in popularity. The only remedy that was available was to build a guitar that had a solid body that would not vibrate so easily.

The first solid body electric guitar is surrounded by a lot of controversy. Les Paul, a guitar legend developed his solid body guitar by attaching a Gibson neck to a solid piece of wood and called it The Log, with affection.

It was around the same time that engineer Paul Bigsby and guitarist Merle Travis developed a solid body electric guitar that looked like the solid-body guitars that we are so accustomed to seeing today.

The first mass produced electric guitar was originally called the fender broadcaster, and was produced in 1950 by Leo Fender. As the name broadcaster was already being used by another company, the guitar was then renamed to the infamous Telecaster. It was in 1954 that Leo Fender followed this up with the most renowed guitar of all time…the Stratocaster.

Soon other guitar manufactures too began developing their own mass produced electric guitars. A teaming that is worth mentioning was the one of the Gibson guitar company with Les Paul. This teaming helped create the famous Gibson Les Paul electric guitar.

Visible Changes

As the electric guitars at that time were too expensive for the average man to buy, less pricey imitations that were sub standard in playability and sound quickly came to the market. 1980 heralded the Japanese interest into the guitar market. They now began manufacturing electric guitars that were of similar quality to the more expensive American models but were much more affordable. Soon Fender and other leading guitar manufacturers began producing less expensive versions of their classic models that were accessible and affordable…Thank God for that!

By Rachna Gupta

• Wipe down the neck with a dry cloth after every use to protect your fretboard and to prolong string life. Sweat, oils, dirt and grime can accumulate very quickly, and if you wipe the fretboard frequently, you can make dressing the frets a much simpler task. You will also prolong string life by removing some of the elements that cause strings to deteriorate.
• Dress the frets every time you change strings. If you play often,a lot of dirt, grime and oils from your hands can build up on the fretboard. This isn't good for the strings and probably affects the sound also. I use a very soft-bristled toothbrush and a little soapy water, and I make sure to wipe the fret dry after cleaning. Use this routine when your change strings and your fretboard won't ever have that 'soft' feel.
• Clean and polish the top, sides and back of your guitar regularly. You can use a top-of-the line furniture polish to apply to your guitar, or your can buy any number of polishes offered by guitar companies specifically for the guitar application. If you establish a regular clean and polish regimen, your guitar will always look good. The beauty of the woods will be enhanced, and if you should ever decide to part with your guitar, it will bring a premium price because of your efforts.
• Never expose your instrument to excessive heat or cold for prolonged periods of time. Heat and sunlight can cause premature finish checking, and can make the finely-crafted woods in your guitar look old and faded almost overnight. Cold weather might not affect the finish so much, but it can cause damage to binding, inlays and the neck, often requiring unnecessary work with the truss rod. Guitars need a cool, dry environment, so try to keep your guitar in that type of setting.
• Protect your guitar when it's stored in the case. I'm talking about humidity here, and it can be one of the most insidious enemies to the health of your guitar. You can buy a capsule from your local guitar storethat will stabilize the humidity in the case; just put it in your case and it will provide the protection that you need.
• Regularly check and tighten all screws, strap-pins and tuning machines. This just makes good sense, because you don't want any unneeded rattling or jingling when you're playing your instrument, either at a gig or at home for your own pleasure.
• Make it a point to regularly clean all metal parts of your guitar with a good metal cleaning compound. Chrome and nickel are notorious for corrosion and tarnish, particularly in certain environments, so setting up a regimen to clean your pickup covers, bridge, and tuning buttons will help in maintaining the visual appeal of your instrument.
• Avoid things that can cause scratches, dings and other scars on your instrument. Don't wear a belt with a buckle when you have your guitar strapped on; I have seen many beautiful vintage instruments which have been ruined by belt-buckle scratches on the back. Also, buy a stand! Never leave your guitar propped up a gainst the wall or your amplifier -- I've seen irreparable damage done to some quality instruments because they fell from being propped up. Spend the money and buy a stand -- consider it an investment.
• At least once a year, carry your instrument to your local guitar technician for a complete look-over. I don't set my own instruments up. My technician knows exactly how I want my guitars to feel, and he does a fine job. No matter how well you take care of your instrument, the truss rod will need adjusting regularly, and the intonation screws on the pickups will need to be adjusted, to ensure that your are getting the balanced sound that you want from your guitar. Your guitar may need bridge adjustments also, so it's always good to take it in annually to let the expert make the fine adjustments that will give you the maximum in playability.
• My last tip -- PLAY YOUR GUITAR!!! There is no better way to keep your guitar in tip-top shape than to play it every day. 've put guitars up for years, in the case, and have always been dismayed to see how they 'go down' from lack of use. Play your guitar, take care of it, and it will take care of you.

Article provided by: Amazing Guitar

Brent's reply to me was it is not that we are born with a magical ability to learn our instrument effortlessly. The "Real Gift" is that we have the motivation & drive to learn and study at all costs! Never to give up! We have a real burning desire to learn and play. If we let the instrument sit untouched too long, a piece of our being disappears. (Similar to feeling a loss of a good friend who has moved away)

So... What is it that drives me to pick up the guitar and to begin learning to play? How do you find that burning desire (the gift) to becoming a great guitarist?

The desire comes from discovering, seeing and listening to great professional guitarists. For me, it is guitarist such as David Gilmore (Pink Floyd), Joe Satriani, Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Joe Pass (Jazz), Django Rienhardt (Jazz), Tony Rice (country), Paco DeLucia (Flamenco), and my current guitar idol... Vicente Amigo. When I grow up, I am going to be just like all of them! It's so exciting; there is so much to learn from these guys!

Every time I need a shot of desire to get me practicing and playing, I would put on a cd or DVD of any of my favorite guitar heros! Instantly! That feeling comes over me... "I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE THEM"

So... How do you become just like them?

Identify whom you idolize and want to be like. Buy the book or instructional DVD on how to play like your guitar hero. If you have the book and are not working through it then its back to step 1. Listen again to your hero for the renewed desire and start playing.

If the instructional book or DVD is too difficult, find a good teacher. "Not Just Any Teacher" But a good teacher who can teach you specifically to learn to play like your hero. If you are not sure were to find such a teacher call the musicians association closest to you and ask for phone numbers to musicians who play the style of music that interests you. Get out and see them play for maybe a little more inspiration and well as to judge if they can play the music you most desire to learn. Most musicians do teach privately and really love teaching students interested in the same style they love to play.

Is your guitar hero's music is too difficult for you to play now? A good musician/teacher will be able to teach you the techniques necessary to grow into your hero’s music or will be able to water your hero's music down so it is playable at your current level.

The very first thing I do with my own students is make a list of their guitar hero's and the music styles & songs they wish to learn. I then taylor my lessons so they can achieve there goals at their own pace.

HERE'S A FEW VERY IMPORTANT WORDS OF ADVICE!!!

After years & years of study and practicing, I have discovered learning the instrument is a life long venture. You get out of it what you put in. Accept that it takes time and most importantly, you have to learn to enjoy the process!

Be sure to share what you are playing with others, even if it is just a family member or friend. Your hard work to learn a piece of music should be given to others as your gift to them.

The biggest payoff learning guitar has ever given me is the joy it gives to others. If you end up getting an opportunity to perform for a large audience and your performance is long enough to get past the nerves. The payoff is an amazing euphoria. You can't buy drugs that give you the natural high and energy I feel when every thing is clicking and we're in the performance zone!

If you are asked to play something, and you are to nervous, try what one of my students does. He will tell everyone, "I'm just going to sit and practice a few songs; you’re more than welcome to listen. It will be rough and I will make a few mistakes, I may even stop to work out a section or two." This approach is great because it allows you permission to relax and not worry about getting it right.

Another great way to begin performing is to find another guitarist to practice with and perform together. This approach will create some amazing results in accelerating your journey to becoming a great guitarist. Working with others will motivate you to practice more because you will not want to let your partner down when playing together. As a bonus, when you perform together, the focus is off you and you have each other to lean on to get you through the music.

Another bonus to working with a partner is that he or she may also introduce you to their guitar hero’s and share with you what he has learned. I have accelerated my learning greatly by performing and rehearsing with other great players.

ONE LAST WORD REGARDING PERFORMING...

One thing I've learned is no matter how bad I though my performance was, there are people listing that absolutely loved it, and some that I have moved to tears.

I guess that is really what the "GIFT" is all about. So do what you love and try to share it with others! Your performance, your gift, as simple or complex as the music is to learn and play could touch someone in a way you never counted one! How Wonderful Is That!

Best wishes to all you aspiring musicians & check the website for more lessons, music, videos, news, & stories.

Visit The John Gilliat Group on the web:
http://www.johngilliat.com
http://www.guitar-music.ca
http://www.acoustic-guitarmusic.com

"Discover Passionate & Fiery Guitar Music That Will Energize You, Soothe Your Soul, and Let Your Spirits Soar!"