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Ask any guitarist, and they will you that nothing comes close to jamming with a guitar. In fact, no other instrument has influenced modern music so much as the guitar, and its ongoing popularity is reflect in its ubiquitous appearance in bands, radio stations and music videos throughout the world. Certainly one of the coolest instruments, the guitar is synonymous with contemporary pop and rock music. That said, no guitar is more symbolic of rock music than the electric guitar.

Whether you are an expert or a mere learner, getting a new electric guitar is a thrill. Perhaps you have only ever played an acoustic guitar, and want to branch out? Maybe you are simply learning guitar from scratch? Whatever your reasons, buying an electric guitar means you will be able to play searing riffs and haunting melodies like you have never experienced with any other instrument.

There are a number of things to decide upon when choosing an electric guitar.

The first decision you need to make is what body shape you want your guitar to be. To date, the most popular guitar shape is the solid-body Les Paul shape. You can also opt for the SG Style, which has a thinner double cut-away body. Other most common shapes are the Stratocaster and Telecaster.

Once you have chosen the shape of your guitar, you will need to decide what pick-up you want, either single or humbucker pick up. These refer to the copper wire that is wrapped around the bar magnets. As its name implies, the single pick-up it is composed of one copper wire wrapped in a single coil around a single bar magnet or several rod magnets. The humbucker pick-up, on the other hand, uses two coils which tends to increase the intensity of a guitar's sounds.

Choosing the right bridge is another important step. You will need to decide between the stock tremolo, double-locking or Floyd Rose double locking system. Depending on the style, the strings may be positioned differently, looser or tighter, and more or less responsive to your touch.

These are just some of the things you will need to consider when you select your new electric guitar. The choice you ultimately make will vary depending on the sort of music you want to play, as well as your knowledge and level of experience. Your budget will also bear upon your decision, and for those with less money, secondhand guitars are always an option.

Seeking help from friends who play the electrical guitar, or staff at the music store is always invaluable. Once you have the right guitar, your playing will be more enjoyable... and the better for it.