The idea of transitioning from acoustic guitar to electric can be daunting. Sure, you’ve got the technique down, the chords and the strumming patterns and the scales, but what do to do with all those knobs and cables? Fear not, the evolution need not be intimidating or difficult. All it takes is a bit of time learning about new gear and practising and you’ll realize that a solid base in acoustic guitar is more than half the battle.
Learn the basics
The most obvious – and first – component of going electric is navigating how to use amps, pedals, pickups and other essential gear. But the internet is a great resource for learning the basics, and a few tried and true methods go a long way. You can either purchase some starter equipment or just borrow a friends gear. Spending a few days at home with a friends amp and guitar, and maybe even the pedal board can help you to get through the initial confusion. Just sitting and playing open chords while you twist and turn the tone, reverb, and gain knobs are one of the best ways to figure out what exactly each new electrical parameter is doing, and how to combine them to get the sound you want.
Watch the pros
One sure-fire way to get a better grip on electric techniques, styles, and set-ups, is to learn exactly the same way you learned acoustic: by watching how the musicians you admire do it. Once you’re at the point where you want to buy some gear, look at what the guitar gods use. Mimicking the pedals, guitars, and amps of respected musicians is a great way to get your sound closer to theirs. Try watching live performances and watching how the masters subtly manipulate their rigs to get the best sound out as they play.
Try some new techniques
Most techniques transfer pretty easily from acoustic to electric, but there are plenty of electric styles that you simply can’t pull off with an acoustic guitar. Trying them out can be a great way to build your skills and grow as a guitarist. Whammy bars, pinch harmonics, and tapping are just three examples, but there are many more.
Commit to your new style
Once you’re starting to get the hang of electric guitar, you’ll be that much better of a guitarist. It’ll make it easier to jam with friends and strangers and open up a whole new world of tones, genres and textures. Spending just a little bit of time learning and practising will go a long way at making you a better overall player.
Courtesy of Sally Collins
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