How to Use an Acoustic Electric Guitar

Playing an acoustic-electric guitar can open up a whole new world of possibilities for musicians. Whether you're jamming at home, gigging, or recording, this versatile instrument offers the best of both acoustic warmth and electric amplification. We're going to talk about the ins and outs of using an acoustic-electric guitar, covering everything from setup to performance tips.

What Makes an Acoustic-Electric Guitar Special?

At its core, an acoustic-electric guitar is just like a regular acoustic guitar, but with a twist. It has built-in electronics that allow you to plug into an amplifier or PA system. This setup gives you the rich, resonant sound of an acoustic guitar with the added benefit of amplification. No more struggling to be heard over the rest of the band!

But, how does it actually work? Inside the guitar, there's a pickup—usually piezoelectric—that picks up the vibrations from the strings and body. This signal is then sent to an onboard preamp, which boosts the signal so it can be sent through a cable to an amp or PA system. Some models even include EQ controls to tweak your sound on the fly.

The beauty of an acoustic-electric guitar is its versatility. You can play unplugged and enjoy the pure acoustic tone, or plug it in and get a sound that can fill a room. It’s ideal for live performances, especially in venues where a purely acoustic guitar might not cut through the mix.

Setting Up Your Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Before you can start rocking out, you'll need to set up your guitar properly. Here’s a quick rundown of what you should focus on:

• Tuning: Start by tuning your guitar. An electronic tuner or a tuning app can make this process quick and painless.
• Check the Battery: Acoustic-electric guitars usually require a 9V battery for the onboard preamp. Make sure it's fresh to avoid any unpleasant surprises mid-gig.
• Adjust the Action: The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. If it’s too high, your fingers will tire quickly. Too low, and you'll get annoying buzzes. Adjust truss rod and saddle height as needed.
• Test the Electronics: Plug your guitar into an amp and test the volume and tone controls. Make sure everything is working smoothly.

Once your guitar is set up, you’re ready to start experimenting with your sound and playing style.

Getting Comfortable with Plugging In

For those used to playing unplugged, connecting to an amp can feel a bit like going from driving a car to piloting a spaceship—suddenly, there are a lot more buttons and knobs. Here's how to ease into it:

• Choose the Right Cable: Use a good quality 1/4 inch cable to connect your guitar to your amp. Cheap cables can introduce noise and degrade your sound.
• Set Your Amp: Start with the amp’s volume and tone controls at a moderate level. You can always adjust them once you get a feel for the amplified sound.
• Find the Sweet Spot: Experiment with different amp settings to find the tone that best suits your style. Some players prefer a more natural sound, while others might want something more processed.
• Practice Feedback Control: Acoustic-electric guitars can be prone to feedback at high volumes. Stand at an angle to the amp and use the guitar's EQ controls to minimize unwanted noise.

With a bit of practice, you'll get comfortable with your setup and start to enjoy the new dimensions it adds to your playing.

Dialing in Your Tone

The tone controls on your guitar and amp are there for a reason: they let you shape your sound to fit the music you're playing. Here's a basic guide to getting that tone just right:

• Use the EQ Controls: Most acoustic-electric guitars have built-in EQ controls for bass, mid, and treble. Adjust these to complement the natural sound of your guitar.
• Experiment with Effects: Reverb and delay can add depth to your sound. Try out different effects pedals to see what works best with your setup.
• Mind the Volume: Keep your guitar's volume at a level that balances well with the rest of the band. No one likes a guitarist who drowns everyone else out!
• Consider Your Environment: The acoustics of the room you're playing in can affect your tone. Be ready to tweak your settings based on where you're performing.

Finding the perfect tone is often a matter of trial and error, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments as you go along.

Techniques for Playing Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Playing an acoustic-electric guitar opens up a range of techniques that might not be as effective on a purely acoustic instrument. Here are a few to try:

• Fingerstyle Playing: The clarity of an amplified guitar makes fingerstyle techniques shine. Use your fingers instead of a pick for a softer, more nuanced sound.
• Strumming Patterns: With amplification, even subtle changes in your strumming can have a big impact. Explore different patterns to add variety to your playing.
• Harmonics: Natural and artificial harmonics can ring out beautifully when amplified. Practice these techniques to add some sparkle to your sound.
• Palm Muting: This technique can be used to create percussive sounds and control resonance, especially useful when playing rhythm parts.

Each technique offers something unique, so take time to explore them and see how they fit into your playing style.

The Art of Performing with an Acoustic-Electric

Performing live with an acoustic-electric guitar can be a thrilling experience. Here are some tips to make sure your performance goes off without a hitch:

• Sound Check: Always do a sound check before going on stage to make sure everything is working and sounding good.
• Monitor Your Levels: Keep an eye on your volume and tone throughout the performance. Adjust if needed to ensure your sound stays consistent.
• Engage the Audience: Make eye contact and interact with the crowd to create a connection that goes beyond just the music.
• Be Ready for Anything: Things can go wrong during a live performance. Stay calm and have a backup plan for technical issues.

With these tips, you can focus on delivering an unforgettable performance.

Recording with an Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Recording an acoustic-electric guitar can be a bit different from recording a purely acoustic one, but it offers great flexibility. Here’s how to get the best results:

• Direct Input: You can record directly from your guitar's output, capturing a clean signal that's easy to work with in post-production.
• Mic Placement: Consider using a microphone to capture the natural acoustic sound of the guitar. Combine this with the direct input for a fuller sound.
• Layering: Record multiple takes and layer them to create a rich, textured sound.
• Post-Production: Use EQ, compression, and reverb to refine your recordings and make them sound professional.

Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for the sound you want to achieve.

Choosing the Right Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Picking the right guitar can make a big difference in your playing experience. Here are some factors to consider:

• Body Style: Different body styles produce different sounds. A dreadnought, for example, offers a full, bass-heavy sound, while a concert model might have a brighter tone.
• Electronics: Look for a guitar with quality electronics that suit your needs. Some models offer more advanced features like onboard tuners and EQ controls.
• Playability: Make sure the guitar feels comfortable to play. Check the neck profile and body size to ensure it suits your playing style.
• Budget: Acoustic-electric guitars come in a wide range of prices. Determine your budget and find a guitar that offers the best value within that range.

Once you've found the right guitar, you'll be well on your way to creating the sound you’ve been dreaming of.

Maintaining Your Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Like any instrument, an acoustic-electric guitar requires regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. Here’s what you should do:

• Change Strings Regularly: Old strings can sound dull and be difficult to play. Change them every few months, or more often if you play frequently.
• Clean the Body and Neck: Use a soft cloth to wipe down your guitar after playing to remove sweat and dirt.
• Check the Electronics: Regularly test the electronics and replace the battery as needed. If you notice any issues, have a professional take a look.
• Store Properly: Keep your guitar in a case when not in use to protect it from humidity and temperature changes.

Keeping up with maintenance will ensure your guitar sounds great and lasts for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Using an acoustic-electric guitar can greatly expand your musical capabilities, from live performances to recording sessions. It's a versatile tool that combines the warmth of acoustic sound with the power of amplification. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from top metal guitarists to help you master this instrument and many others, ensuring you have the skills to tackle any musical challenge.