electric guitar
B1Neutral to informal; technical in music contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A guitar that uses electromagnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals, which are then amplified to produce sound.
A cultural symbol of rock, blues, and popular music; an instrument associated with amplified performance, distortion effects, and lead/solo playing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Contrasts with 'acoustic guitar'. Often implies amplification, effects pedals, and genres like rock, metal, blues, or jazz fusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling: 'guitar' is same. Possibly more frequent use of 'lead guitar' vs. 'rhythm guitar' distinctions in US music discourse.
Connotations
Similar cultural connotations (rock rebellion, youth culture). Slight UK association with 1960s British Invasion bands; US with blues-rock and heavy metal.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] plays electric guitar[Subject] strums/picks the electric guitar[Subject] tunes the electric guitarThe electric guitar [verb: wails, screams, distorts]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shred on the guitar”
- “Play a mean guitar”
- “Guitar hero”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Sales of electric guitars increased by 15% this quarter.
Academic
The electric guitar's development in the 1930s revolutionized popular music.
Everyday
My brother is saving up to buy a new electric guitar.
Technical
The humbucker pickups on this electric guitar reduce 60-cycle hum.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He electric-guitared his way through the solo.
- They're electric-guitaring in the garage again.
American English
- She electric-guitared the national anthem at the stadium.
- The band electric-guitared the entire set.
adverb
British English
- He played electric-guitar-style.
- The piece was performed electric-guitar-loud.
American English
- She sang electric-guitar-heavy.
- They jammed electric-guitar-fast.
adjective
British English
- The electric-guitar sound was too loud for the venue.
- He has an electric-guitar background.
American English
- The electric-guitar riff defined the song.
- She teaches electric-guitar lessons.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I want to learn electric guitar.
- The electric guitar is loud.
- He has a red electric guitar.
- She played an electric guitar solo during the concert.
- My electric guitar needs new strings.
- Do you prefer acoustic or electric guitar?
- The invention of the electric guitar transformed modern music genres.
- He adjusted the tone knobs on his electric guitar for a cleaner sound.
- Many legendary musicians are known for their distinctive electric guitar playing.
- The Fender Stratocaster became iconic due to its versatile electric guitar pickups.
- Jimi Hendrix pioneered innovative electric guitar techniques like feedback and wah-wah.
- The electric guitar's cultural impact extends far beyond its function as a mere musical instrument.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ELECTRICity powers the amp, GUITAR has six strings. Electric guitar needs a plug to rock.
Conceptual Metaphor
The electric guitar is a weapon ("axe"), a voice ("screaming guitar"), or a machine ("shredding").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'электрическая гитара' – standard term is 'электрогитара'.
- Don't confuse with 'bass guitar' (бас-гитара).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'electric' without 'guitar' when meaning is unclear (e.g., 'He plays electric' – could be bass).
- Misspelling 'guitar' as 'guitter' or 'guiatar'.
- Confusing 'electric' with 'electronic' (which implies synthesizers).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary difference between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, an amplifier is essential to hear the electric guitar properly, as it produces very little sound acoustically.
Key parts include the body, neck, fretboard, pickups, tone/volume controls, output jack, and bridge.
You can practice silently, but the sound will be very faint. You need an amp for performance volume.
It depends. Electric strings are often lighter, making fretting easier initially, but techniques like bending and using effects add complexity.