Guitar Anatomy
Was it Slash’s solo in November Rain that got you interested in guitars? Or was it the energetic and soul-touching performance of B.B. King? No matter who or what got you interested in guitar, this is one of the best and most straightforward instruments to pick up on for kids and adults. It is one of the most-played musical instruments of all time after all! So, like countless others, if you also have signed up for guitar lessons, there are two things that you need to know – 1) Invest in a decent guitar and 2) Become a pro in guitar anatomy
Next is a guide to basic guitar anatomy or different parts of a standard guitar to ensure you are well-prepared for your first lesson. So, do keep on reading!
MUST-KNOW BASIC GUITAR ANATOMICAL TERMS FOR ALL BEGINNERS
As a beginner, you have 2 popular options: Acoustic Guitar or Electric Guitar. Both share a couple of differences regarding the different parts of a guitar besides some common parts that you can find on all types of guitar. So, for your better understanding, first, the common parts will be discussed followed by the special parts available in acoustic and electric guitar respectively.
So, here are the basic parts of a standard guitar that all beginners need to know (in vertical top-to-bottom order):
* Headstock
The first bit is the headstock after which the long neck starts. It holds the turning keys (tuners) around which all the guitar strings are wrapped at preferred tightness for creating the right sounds. Usually, the guitar’s brand logo will be imprinted on this part.
* Tuners
As mentioned before, the tuners are the turning keys on the instrument’s headstock.
* Nut
The area where the headstock is connected with the long plank-like structure (neck) of the guitar is known as the nut. Based on the type and brand of guitar you invested in, you will get a plastic, metal, or bone piece attached to where the neck or, more specifically, the fretboard starts.
* Neck
The long plank-like structure on which the guitar strings run is known as the neck. It contains the fretboard, frets, and position markers.
* Fretboard (Fingerboard) and Frets
You will be placing your fingers on the strings that are placed over the neck, hence, this section is known as the fingerboard. It also goes by the name fretboard as this section holds the frets. You will notice a metal string running down the fretboard (fretwire). The spaces found between the fretwire is called frets. In general guitar anatomy terms, Frets and Fretwire are the same thing.
* Position Markers
On most standard guitars, you will notice several dots imprinted or engraved on the fretboard. These dots are fret indicators and go by position markers. So, expect these dots on 12th (2 dots), 9th(1 dot), 7th(1 dot), 5th(1 dot), and 3rd (1 dot) frets.
* Body
The main section that is the broadest is called the body and it holds the bridge and strap pin.
* Strap Pin
Somewhere on the edge of a standard guitar’s body you will find the strap pin (looks like a button generally). Its placement will different from one manufacturer to another. Its purpose is to lock-in the strap for easy/comfortable playing.
* Bridge
If you consider the tuners to be the starting point for the guitar strings, then the bridge can be considered as the place/section where the strings end. So, this section will be the furthest from the nut and always found on the body. Usually, they are constructed with metal. At the time of changing the strings, the ball will go in this section.
SPECIAL PARTS AVAILABLE ON IN STANDARD ACOUSTIC GUITARS
The extra parts or bits that you will find in a standard acoustic guitar will be present on the body of a guitar only. The following are the common guitar parts seen in this type of guitar (a go-to choice for all beginners):
* Cutaway
The curved-out section of an acoustic guitar is called the cutaway and it ensures easy access to the upper frets.
* Soundhole
The hollow section through which you see the inside of your guitar is called the soundhole. It is crucial for the type of sound you want to produce with the acoustic guitar.
* Rose
The decoration around the soundhole is called the rose. Some brands may not feature this decorative section.
* Pick Guard or Scratch Plate
Only a small section around the soundhole where your hands will be placed for playing the strings is called the scratch plate. Its purpose is to protect the acoustic guitar from friction. Its design differs from one brand to another.
* Saddle
The saddle is the plastic or bone blot-like section on the bridge where the guitar strings are attached. Some electric guitars also feature this very part.
SPECIAL PARTS AVAILABLE ON IN STANDARD ELECTRIC GUITARS
Now, the following are the bits available in all standard electric guitars:
* Output Jack
The cable plug that will be connecting the electric guitar to the amplifier is called the output jack. If the cable is not connected properly the guitar will not produce any sound.
* Tone and Volume Knobs
Usually, there will be 1-2 tone knobs. They are used for accurately controlling high (treble) and low (bass) sounds. On the other hand, the volume knobs are used for controlling the volume that the electric guitar will be producing once you start playing.
* Pickup
Near the bridge, you will find 1 or more similar kinds of structures seen under the strings of all standard electric guitars. They are called pickups and they play a very critical role. They contain magnets for measuring the changes in the magnetic field created by the guitar strings once played. The two common types are humbucker and single coil.
* Pickup Selector Switch
You will find this if you have more than one pickup in the electric guitar you purchased for your guitar lessons. They make selection and switching of the pickups much easier.
* Scratch Plate
Electric guitars feature scratch plates as well. However, they cover more sections of a guitar than the ones seen in a standard acoustic guitar. They are usually for protecting all the electric guitar parts seen on the body.
TO CONCLUDE
There you have it; this was a detailed guide providing the basic idea of guitar anatomy. So, if you want to learn more about the different guitar parts or interested to find out the other parts not mentioned here, consider exploring this topic more. Do seek assistance from your music teacher for professional/guided help on this subject as well.