Guitar Anatomy – Understanding the Different Parts of the Guitar

Table of Content

What parts do all guitars have?

1. Headstock
2. Neck 
3. Body 
4. Strings
5. Bridge 
6. Pickguard

Differences in parts between Acoustic Guitar vs Electric Guitar

1. Body and Construction 
2. Pickup Devices 
3. Controls 
4. Differences in Strings  
5. Bridge Features

Introduction

It is often said that the guitar’s sound can paint a thousand different emotions. But have you ever wondered how a piece of wood and some strings can create such music? The secret lies in its design, and understanding how all the parts connect is key for anyone wanting to learn guitar—be it through online guitar classes, an online guitar course, or simply practising on your own. Learning about the different parts of guitar can help you play better and can also help you take better care of your guitar, whether it’s acoustic or electric. In this blog, we’ll dive into the names of guitar parts and their functions, and explore the differences between these two wonderful types of guitars!

But before that…

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What parts do all guitars have?

Guitars started as simple stringed hunting bows, but slowly, over time, an acoustic chamber and multiple strings were added. The additions increased exponentially with the rise of culture, and even though the modern guitar is much more complicated, all guitars have the same basic parts. Here is a list of all guitar parts names that you need to know to play it correctly.  

1. Headstock

Located at the top of the guitar, the headstock holds the tuners, which are used to tighten or loosen the strings to adjust the pitch. The nut is a small piece at the end of the headstock that keeps the strings in place.

2. Neck

The neck is the long part of the guitar where the fretboard (or fingerboard) is located. The frets are thin metal strips that divide the fretboard into sections, helping you play different notes. Inside the neck, a truss rod keeps it strong and straight. Some guitars also have dots or markers on the fretboard to guide your fingers.

3. Body

The body is the large main part of the guitar that produces the sound. In acoustic guitars, the body is hollow and has a soundhole that naturally makes the sound louder. But on electric guitars, the body is often solid and uses pickups to send sound to an amplifier.

4. Strings

All guitars have strings, usually six, with each string playing a different note. These guitar string names are E (6th), A (5th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and E (1st). Some guitars, like 7-string and 12-string models, have additional strings for a richer or more versatile sound.

5. Bridge

The bridge is located on the guitar body and holds the strings in place. It also helps transfer string vibrations to create sound. On electric guitars, adjustable bridges allow players to fine-tune intonation, while acoustic bridges are designed for maximum sound projection.

6. Pickguard

The pickguard is a flat piece on the body of the guitar. It protects the guitar from scratches when you strum or pick. Pickguards are usually made from durable materials like plastic or acrylic, and some high-end models feature decorative designs or even custom artwork.

Differences in parts between Acoustic Guitar vs Electric Guitar

If you are looking to buy a guitar, then you might wonder which type of guitar is best for you: acoustic or electric? Both are great options, but they differ in design and features. Here’s a simple explanation of the key differences in their guitar parts:  

1. Body and Construction 

Acoustic guitars have a hollow body with a soundhole that naturally amplifies the sound when you strum the strings. Electric guitars, on the other hand, usually have a solid or semi-hollow body, and since they don’t produce much natural sound, electric guitars need an amplifier to be heard clearly.  

2. Pickup devices

One major difference is that only electric guitars have pickups. Pickups are small devices that capture the vibrations of the strings which are then sent to an amplifier, which produces the sound. Acoustic guitars don’t have pickups unless they include built-in electronics.

3. Controls  

Electric guitars come with additional controls, such as volume knobs, tone knobs, and a pickup selector switch. Acoustic guitars usually don’t have these features, but some acoustic-electric models may include basic volume and tone controls.  

4. Differences in Strings  

The strings used on acoustic and electric guitars are also different. Acoustic guitar strings are thicker, which gives them a rich, full sound. However, this also means they can be harder to press down, especially for beginners. Electric guitar strings are thinner and lighter, making them easier to press and bend, which is helpful for playing lead parts and solos.  

5. Bridge Features  

The bridge on acoustic guitars is simple and designed to transfer vibrations to the hollow body for natural sound projection. On electric guitars, the bridge may have extra features like a tremolo bar, also called a whammy bar, which lets you create special effects by changing the pitch of the strings while playing.  

Conclusion

Now that you know the different parts of a guitar, you’re one step closer to strumming your favourite songs. To master this amazing instrument, read our blog on “The Complete Guide to Learning Guitar for all Skill Levels.” 

As you get more comfortable and familiar with this amazing instrument, you will find that the guitar is not just an instrument, it’s a gateway to creativity and expression. 

To nurture this creative expression, we at Artium Academy have designed the best online guitar lessons in collaboration with guitar legend Raju Singh. Along with teaching you in detail about guitar anatomy, our one-on-one courses also have in-depth sessions on sight reading and staff notations. From rudimentary exercises for picking, strumming and fretting for beginners to mastering the application of key performance techniques for advanced levels, our courses cover every aspect of guitar learning, all from the comfort of your own home. So book our trial guitar class today and step and get one step closer to understanding and utilising your guitar perfectly.