Guitar Dictionary | A-Z
- E-String
The highest or lowest string on a guitar. Named so because they are both tuned to E in standard tuning.
Synonymous With: 1st String, High E-String, 6th String, Low E-String
Full Article on: string labelling
- Earth
To connect an electrical circuit to the ground. All components of guitars, amplifiers and effects units are earthed.
- Ebonol
A man-made material that fretboards can be made out of.
- Ebony
Dark, exotic hardwood used for fretboards and bridges.
- Echo
A single reflection of sound that is heard after the direct sound. Any extra distance the sound has to travel adds to the time delay. An echo is a distinct reflection of sound and is not to be confused with reverberation.
- Economy Picking
- A picking style that combines sweep picking and alternate picking. Alternate is picking is used when playing consecutive notes on the same string but sweep picking is used when changing between strings.
- Another term for sweep picking.
Full Article on: sweep picking
- Effects
Devices that use sound processors to achieve a desired sound.
- Effects Unit
A device that incorporates sound processors to produce effects.
- Eighth Note
A note that lasts for the duration of an eighth of a bar.
Full Article on: note duration
- Electric
Refers to an electric guitar as opposed to an acoustic guitar.
- Electric Guitar
A guitar that relies on electrical amplification instead of the natural resonance of the instrument. Because there is no need for the resonance of the body, electrical guitars commonly have a solid body instead of a hollow body.
Synonymous With: Electric Lead Guitar, Lead Guitar, Guitar
- Electric Lead Guitar
A guitar that relies on electrical amplification instead of the natural resonance of the instrument. Because there is no need for the resonance of the body, electrical guitars commonly have a solid body instead of a hollow body.
Synonymous With: Electric Guitar, Guitar
- Electric Tuner
A device that displays the pitch of a note to allow accurate tuning. Electric tuners are typically battery powered but can be incorporated into mains-powered effects units.
Full Article on: tuning your guitar
- Electro-Acoustic Guitar
An acoustic guitar that has a pickup mounted in the sound hole.
- Electron Vacuum Tube
A component of tube amplifiers that alter the signal by controlling the flow of electrons.
Synonymous With: Tube, Valve
- End Block
A piece of wood found inside an acoustic guitar. The block is located at the tail end of the guitar and provides both structural support and somewhere to attach the end pin.
Synonymous With: Tail Block
- End Button
A round piece of metal located at the tail end of the guitar to which the strap is attached.
Synonymous With: End Pin
- End Pin
A round piece of metal located at the tail end of the guitar to which the strap is attached.
Synonymous With: End Button
- Equaliser
A piece of equipment that can reduce or enhance sounds that lie within a certain frequency band. The tone control on a guitar or amplifier works on the same principle.
Synonymous With: EQ, Tone Control
- European Spruce
A wood that can be used to make soundboards.