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The Tuner / Tuning Machines
The tuning keys are used to tune the strings. Turning
the winder clockwise loosens the string and anticlockwise
tightens it. If this is not the case on your guitar
then there is a good chance your strings are put on
wrong. This will not damage the guitar it just means
that your guitar is not conformed to all others. |
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Acoustic Tuner / Tuning
Machines
The tuning keys are used to tune the strings. On this
guitar there are 3 on the top a 3 on the bottom. Strings
are wound from the inside out on all machines. Turning
the winder clockwise loosens the string and anticlockwise
tightens it. If this is not the case on your guitar
then there is a good chance your strings are put on
wrong. This will not damage the guitar it just means
that your guitar is not conformed to all others. |
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The Head Stock
The head stock is the top of the guitar holds that holds
the tuning keys |
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The Nut
The Nut consists of six grooves that hold the strings
in position over the neck. It is usually made from plastic
but some are made of graphite, steel or brass. |
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Frets
Frets are spaced down the neck of the guitar, strings
are pressed on the frets therefore shortening the length
on the string and producing a higher note. |
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The Neck & Fretboard
The Neck holds the frets, usually 22 on electrics. Some
guitars have as many as 24 (2 octaves) and as few as
17. The top of the neck is the area that the string
is pressed to create a note. They usually have a dot
or inlay that is used as a point of reference for moving
your fingers along the fretboard. |
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The Body
The body holds the scratch plate, bridge, pickups, input
socket, and tremolo bar, tone & volume pots. |
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Acoustic Body
The acoustic guitar body is hollow and it transfers
the vibrations of the bridge to the air that surrounds
it which produces the sound. The body also contains
the scratch plate sound hole & bridge. |
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The Bridge
The bridge is located on the body and also contains
the saddle which is used in conjunction with the nut
to hold the string in place over the fretboard (neck).
The bridge transfers sound from the strings to the body
of the guitar. This can be held in place by screws or
string tension. |
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Acoustic Bridge
A plate of wood or other material attached to the soundboard
of a guitar, below the soundhole. The bridge anchors
the strings and in conjunction with the saddle conducts
the vibrations or energy from the strings into the soundboard
and body. |
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The Neck Pickup
The neck pickup is found closest to the neck on the
body of the guitar. Because of it position it receives
a round full tone from the string. The neck pickup is
usually used for jazz and blues styles. You can select
the different pickups by using the pickup selector switch. |
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The Middle Pickup
The middle pickup is found in the center of the outer
two pickups on the body of the guitar. Because of it
position it receives a slightly more of a twang tone
from the string. The middle pickup is generally used
in conjunction with the neck or bridge pickup. You can
select the different pickups by using the pickup selector
switch. |
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The Bridge Pickup
The bridge pickup is found next to the bridge on the
body of the guitar. Because of it position it receives
a high twang tone from the string. This pickup is used
mainly for distortion, rock and country. You can select
the different pickups by using the pickup selector switch. |
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The Input Socket (Jack)
The receptacle the guitar cord is plugged into on the
guitar and on the Amp. |
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Pickup Selector Switch
This is a 5 way selector switch, the 1st position (pushed
all the way down) selects the bridge pickup, 2nd position
selects the bridge & middle pickup, 3rd position
selects the middle pickup, 4th position selects the
middle and neck pickup and 5th position selects the
neck pickup. |
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Tremolo Bar or Whammy Bar
Used to stretch or loosen the strings on a tremolo or
vibrato system. This bar is attached to a tremolo bridge.
By pushing it down you loosen the strings therefore
dropping the tone of the string. It is mainly used in
Rock or Country but was over used in 80’s glam
rock bands like Whitesnake, Shid Row, Poison, Quiet
Riot & Twisted Sister. |
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Volume And Tone Pots
These adjust the volume and tone of pickups. |
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Soundhole
The soundhole is a large hole in the soundboard, usually
directly under the strings, designed to increase sound
projection. |
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Scratch Plate or Pick Guard
A scratch plate or pick guard is a very thin plate (usually
made of synthetic material) glued to the soundboard
below the thin string of the soundhole. It is there
only to protect the finish from scratches and gouges
(some manufacturers put pickguards on both sides of
the soundhole). |
