This is a step-by-step guide to playing the electric guitar, shown in over 600 photographs, illustrations and exercises. It shows you how to master a range of diverse musical styles, such as funk and disco, heavy rock, indie rock, electric blues, country guitar, jazz, lounge and reggae. It includes a beautifully illustrated directory of over 250 electric guitars from the 1930s up to the modern day. It discusses the complete history of the electric guitar, from the early archtops and lap steels up to the latest developments, including the Fender stratocaster, the Gibson Les Paul, the electric bass and the superstrats. It contains boxed features on influential electric heroes, such as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Allan Holdsworth, B. B. King, Jimmy Page, and many more. The electric guitar is arguably the most important musical instrument of the modern age. This book explains how to buy the right instrument and set it up, and how to play. It demonstrates basic techniques and chords, and introduces genres such as rock 'n' roll, jazz, heavy rock, metal and blues. A history section explores the first electric guitars, and how the great rivalry between Fender and Gibson led to an explosion in the popularity of the instrument. With expert step-by-step instructions, an illustrated directory of over 250 guitars, and over 600 photographs and musical exercises, this comprehensive manual is an essential guide for all electric guitarists.