Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul & Co.
The Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Les Paul are the archetypes on which the majority of electric guitars today are based. Telecasters and Stratocasters are traditionally associated with single coil pickups, while Les Pauls are in turn mainly associated with humbuckers. However, players these days can find each instrument with virtually any pickup combination they desire.
The Stratocaster and Telecaster designs are both so iconic that instruments based on them are categorised as ST-style models and T-style models. Guitars that are based on the Les Paul, and thus generally feature humbuckers, are often referred to as single cut models if they have one cutaway, and double cut models if they have two.
Many long-established manufacturers now also offer more budget-friendly versions of the illustrious originals. In the case of Fender, for example, these are marketed under the Squier brand, while Gibson offers its affordable alternatives under the Epiphone.
At the same time, brands like Harley Benton strive to make high-quality guitars available at affordable prices and to offer instruments for every budget. It is worth shopping around and taking a closer look here, even when it comes to more expensive instruments.
Electric guitars for children and beginners are additionally available in budget-friendly guitar sets, which include an amplifier and everything players need to get started.
And those who are good at DIY can also create their own individual instrument from one of Thomann's electric guitar kits. These are made up of high-quality components and allow the user to put together a unique, full-fledged electric guitar.
What other types of electric guitar are there?
Alongside the three most iconic guitars mentioned above, which have shaped the course of Rock music and many other genres, there are also electric guitars that are more directly aimed at specific musical styles or sounds:
Heavy guitars and Jazz guitars as well as V-style and Explorer models are intended for specific styles of music, and their visual design makes it immediately clear where these instruments are at home.
Baritone guitars, 7-string, 8-string, and 12-string guitars as well as modelling guitars are built to produce a very distinct kind of sound and cater to more specialised playing styles.
Left-handed electric guitars: Being left-handed doesn't mean that players can't still get their hands on their favourite guitar, since virtually every model is now available in a left-handed version.
Shortscale electric guitars are guitars for children, young players, and people with smaller hands, and accordingly feature reduced dimensions while still delivering the same sound as their full-sized counterparts.
What accessories do I need for my electric guitar?
If that new electric guitar doesn't already come with a gig bag or case to allow it to be carried and stored safely, you should definitely make allowance for one when planning your budget.
A cable, strap, guitar stand, and tuner are also among the essential accessories that players need right away when they buy a new electric guitar.
Electric guitar strings are made from steel and come in a wide variety of different gauges to suit the player's individual style and playing technique. Players just starting out should definitely try a few different gauges and see what works best for them.
An amplifier that has sufficient power and features to suit the intended application is of course also a must-have for every electric guitarist. And Thomann's extensive range of amplifiers, which cover multiple different categories, is sure to include the right one for you, your music, and your needs.
Many amplifiers feature built-in effects such as reverb and distortion, while still more are waiting to be discovered in our range of guitar and bass effects.
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