Definition

1. Noun:
   • A guitar whose sound is amplified by electrical means: An electric guitar is a stringed musical instrument that uses electronic pickups to convert the vibration of its strings into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified and shaped by an external amplifier and speaker to produce sound. Unlike acoustic guitars, its body is typically solid or semi-hollow, and it relies on this electronic amplification to be heard at typical performance volumes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The lead musician switched from an acoustic to an electric guitar for the solo.
  • She saved up to buy her first electric guitar and a small practice amplifier.
  • The distinctive sound of an electric guitar defined the rock and roll era.

Advanced Usage

• "to play electric guitar": to perform music using this instrument.
  • He learned to play electric guitar by watching online tutorials.
• "electric guitar riff": a short, repeated, and often catchy melodic phrase played on the instrument.
  • The song is famous for its iconic opening electric guitar riff.

Variants and Related Words

• Guitarist (n): a person who plays the guitar.
  • She is a talented electric guitarist.
• Amplifier (Amp) (n): an electronic device used to increase the power of the signal from an electric guitar.
  • He plugged his guitar into the amplifier.
• Acoustic Guitar (n): a guitar with a hollow body that projects sound acoustically without electronic amplification.
  • He owns both an acoustic and an electric guitar.

Synonyms

• Solid-body guitar: A common type of electric guitar with a solid wood body.
• Electrified guitar: A less common term emphasizing the electronic aspect.

Related Phrases

• To plug in (a guitar): to connect an electric guitar to an amplifier or sound system using a cable.
  • The guitarist plugged in and began tuning.
• Guitar solo: a section of a song featuring an extended melody played on the guitar.
  • The concert featured an incredible electric guitar solo.

Related Idioms

• "To crank up the guitar": to increase the volume or intensity of the electric guitar sound.
  • For the final chorus, the band decided to crank up the guitar.
• "Air guitar": the act of mimicking playing an electric guitar without holding an actual instrument.
  • He played air guitar along to his favorite song.

Noun

1. a guitar whose sound is amplified by electrical means