How to Play Electric Guitar

You have learned all notations on the fretboard and chording techniques on the acoustic guitar, and have purchased a brand new electric guitar. You will surely want to know how to play this one quickly.

Many beginner guitarists think that playing the electric guitar is completely different from how the acoustic guitar is played. But the fact is you need to use most of the same techniques which you use in playing the acoustic guitar. However, there can be few variations in the techniques of playing. Before starting to practice, it is suggested to be familiar with the guitar playing basics on the acoustic guitar. This will really help you in improvising on the techniques of playing the electric guitar.

Characteristics of the Electric Guitar

Prior to playing the electric guitar, you should know the fundamentals of its parts.Typically, an electric guitar has pickups located below the strings on its body. The strings are also different from those used in acoustics. A notable difference is that the strings on an electric are very easy to press as compared to those on an acoustic one. Connecting the guitar to the amplifier is very simple. Connect the guitar to the input of the amplifier using a cord, switch on the amplifier, increase the volume of the amplifier and do other settings as per your preferences, increase the volume on the guitar, and start playing.

Playing the Electric Guitar

Some people think that the chords which are played on an electric guitar are totally different from those played on an acoustic guitar. However, this is not so, only the way the chords are held on the electric guitar are a bit different. These variated chords are only to be used after you get a hold on the basic manner of holding chords on the fretboard.

There are two ways which can be used for holding chords on an acoustic and electric guitar. First method is 'open chords' and the second is 'bar chords'. The open chord method is supposed to be used mostly on an acoustic guitar, whereas bar chords are largely used on electrics. However, both methods can be used on both types of guitars.

When you were taking guitar lessons on playing the acoustic guitar, you might have learned basic open chords, which are normally held on the first three frets on the fretboard. You can play these chords on the electric guitar as well. But when it comes to bar chords, you need to learn the appropriate finger positioning technique.

In bar chords, you will not have to play even one string open. All strings have to be pressed in appropriate places on the fretboard. Bar chords produce a very punchy sound. While playing these chords on an electric guitar, you can use techniques such as breaks of chording hand, keeping the strumming hand on last three strings to create a muted effect, sliding a bar chord throughout the fretboard to create a sliding effect, etc.

There are many other different techniques that can be used while playing the electric guitar. The best way to know to play is to watch professional guitarists. With regular practice, you will certainly get acquainted with chording and strumming techniques used on the electric guitar.