1. Solid Body: Unlike acoustic guitars, electric guitars feature a solid body made from wood like ash or maple. This design allows for better sustain and clearer tones.
2. Pickups: Electric guitars have pickups, usually coils with magnets, that convert the vibrations from the strings into electrical signals. Different pickup designs, like single coils and humbuckers, influence the sound.
3. Controls and Electronics: Electric guitars typically have knobs for volume, tone control, and a pickup selector switch. Variations include push/pull pots, coil splits, tone capacitors, and active electronics.
4. Bridge and Tailpiece: The bridge holds the strings in place and is vital for proper intonation. Different bridge types affect sound and sustain. The tailpiece, if present, further enhances sustain by anchoring the other end of the strings.
5. Neck: The guitar's neck is usually made from a different type of wood than the body, often mahogany or maple, and it supports the strings until they reach the headstock. Different neck profiles affect playing comfort.
6. Frets and Inlays: Frets are metallic barriers on the neck that divide the strings into different notes. Inlays are decorative markers on the neck to identify the frets, typically made from materials like mother-of-pearl, plastic, or metal.
7. Headstock: The headstock is where the strings are anchored and tuned with tuning machines. Different headstock designs contribute to the guitar's appearance and playability.
8. Strings: Electric guitar strings are typically made of nickel-plated steel or stainless steel. The gauge (thickness) and material affect the guitar's tone and feel.
9. Tremolo or Vibrato System: Some electric guitars feature a tremolo (or vibrato) system, allowing players to create pitch variations by moving the bridge back and forth.
10. Pickguards and Control Plate: Pickguards protect the body's finish from scratches, while control plates house the knobs, switches, and input jacks for connecting to an amplifier.