Electric Guitar Anatomy

You need to be familiar with the instrument you are going to play. In this article, we are going to provide detailed information on all the parts that make up the electric guitar anatomy. Understanding the functions of these parts will help you to have more control over your instrument. They may seem complex, but you will get used to them as you keep practicing.

Electric Guitar Headstock Anatomy

Tuning Pegs. These are the small tools that are wrapped with your strings. There will be one tuning peg for each string on your guitar.

Truss Rod Access. This is the part, where the neck of your electric guitar is slightly bent. It is important to protect this part well, otherwise, it can easily break.

Electric Guitar Fretboard/Neck Anatomy

Nut. This part makes sure that strings are kept in their place and do not touch the fretboard. It is generally glued at the top of the fretboard.

Frets. These parts are made of metal wires or strips and ensure the resonating of the notes. They are placed across the neck and their number may vary according to the model of your guitar.

Strings. These long strips allow you to create the sound with your guitar. You may need to change them from time to time and pay attention to their cleaning.

Electric Guitar Body Anatomy

Pickups. These electromagnetic parts allow the guitar to convert the vibrations of your strings into the electric signal so that you can hear them from your amplifier.

Bridge. As the name suggests, this part connects the fretboard and body. Strings are also attached to this part. Its form can vary according to the model of your guitar.

String Saddles. This part is located on the bridge and keeps the strings above it. The type and form of this part may vary in different guitar models.

Strap Peg. As you can understand from the name of it, this part keeps the straps connected to the body of the guitar.

Cable Jack. This is the part that allows you to connect your guitar to PA systems or amplifiers.

Volume & Tone Knobs. This small button allows you to configure the signal that is sent to amplifiers. It allows you to adjust the tone of your guitar.

Pickup Switch. It allows you to switch between the pickups of your guitar. You can switch between neck, middle, and bridge pickups.

Tremolo or Whammy Bar. This part allows you to adjust the tension of your strings. In this way, you can create different effects while playing your guitar.

Pickguard. This part protects your guitar from any possible damage such as scratches. In general, they are made of plastic or vinyl.

Conclusion

If you are determined to learn how to play electric guitar, then it is important to be familiar with its anatomy. Reading this guide a few times a day can easily help you to understand and memorize these terms and what they do. If you practice regularly, you will not need to check this guide anymore after a week.