-- Posted by Faoiseamh at 10:44 am on July 4, 2009 While I'm predominantly a classical guitarist, I'm looking to expand my horizons into electric guitar and bass. Not as part of a conventional band, I'm trying to record non-lyrical arrangements that are based on the principles of classical guitar. However, he one thing I'm not quite sure about is the tonal quality of an electric guitar - I'm not looking for the distorted sound that is used in rock music, I'm looking for a clear, ambient timbre that comes up in these videos: Melody Harmony My question is what affects the tonal quality of an electric guitar? Is it the strings? The amp? The guitar itself? My brother has an electric guitar he doesn't use anymore, but I suspect it's not suited to the job. -- Posted by Complex Kid at 10:45 am on July 4, 2009 The amplifier for the most part. -- Posted by RayOrama at 10:47 am on July 4, 2009 It's a combination of the guitar, the strings, the amp, and the effects you pick. -- Posted by GlassHearts at 10:48 am on July 4, 2009 Quote: from Complex Kid at 6:45 pm on July 4, 2009 The amplifier for the most part. pretty much. its just the settings on the amp mainly, and a few of the settings on the actual guitar can sometimes change it slightly, but not that much. Also, some guitars naturally have a better tonal quality than others. Ask around at your local guitar shop x -- Posted by Faoiseamh at 11:04 am on July 4, 2009 Thank you.