A guitar has five basic components; any electric model will have all of these parts:

1.A body 2.A neck 3.A head stock piece 4.Electrical pick ups 5.A bridge

Of course, you'll also need an amplifier if you are to hear what you're playing on an electric guitar. You play an electric guitar like you would an acoustic guitar, that is, by strumming and/or plucking the strings. However, with an electric the vibration if the strings is taken up by the pickups (think of them as a sort of microphone for your guitar) and then carried to the amplifier.

The top two things most people look for when shopping for a guitar are price and sound quality.

Electric guitars can run as low as $99 up to as much as $20,000. Quite a price spread, isn't it? The differences are material, construction and pick up quality. Beginners can get starter kits that include the guitar, an amplifier, picks, and a strap and most even include some type of instruction booklets.

In general, the body of a guitar is solid wood, which is why the pickups are necessary to carry the sound. The amplifier is similar in function to a stereo receiver - it controls the volume of the signal from the guitar. Solid body guitars are the most popular variety, especially among beginning players.

The neck joint is an important part of the guitar and has some bearing on the sound of the instrument (more on this in a minute).

You should be pleased with the way the instrument looks if you are to enjoy playing that guitar. The most popular brands are the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster. Other manufacturers, B.C. Rich for instance, make guitars in unusual shapes and color schemes. All of these makers mentioned so far have lower priced models, meaning a Fender or Gibson guitar can be had for $300 or less. B.C. Rich guitars are a little cheaper, even those with custom paint jobs.

Back to the neck joint: this is the way the neck and body of the guitar are joined together. The cheapest type is bolt on, which is easy enough to understand - the neck is literally bolted on to the body of the instrument. This is the most common style of neck joint.

The set neck is set into the body of the guitar by means of a tongue set into a groove in the body of the guitar and secured by glue. These are a little more expensive, but give the guitarist more sustain and resonance.

Neck through is exactly what it sounds like - the neck is all one piece which extends the entire length of the instrument. This is the most expensive type of neck joint, but these guitars have a great sound.

Do your homework before you buy an electric guitar - there are so many different makes and models that you'll want to try many out before you decide (but trust me, you will know when you've found the right one). Visit guitar stores, try out guitars and most importantly, ask questions! Happy playing!

When you find the right one, you WILL know it! Happy strumming!