The document discusses the physics behind how electric guitars produce sound. It explains that strings vibrate at different frequencies when plucked or picked, producing a harmonic series of notes. The tension and thickness of the strings, as well as the scale length of the guitar neck, determine the pitch. Magnetic pickups under the strings detect these vibrations and convert them into electrical signals that are amplified. Techniques like bending strings, using the whammy bar or dive-bombing alter the pitch to create special guitar effects.

1. From
to
The Physics
of the
Electric Guitar
@dylanbeattie

2. A Note on String TheoryA Note on String Theory
BOTTOM STRING
(nearest your chin)
TOP STRING
(nearest your toes)

3. TWANG.TWANG.
(also know as “simple harmonic motion”)

4. WHY IT SOUNDS NICE.WHY IT SOUNDS NICE.
(also know as “upper harmonics”)

5. TUNING 1: TensionTUNING 1: Tension

6. TUNING 2: Scale LengthTUNING 2: Scale Length

7. 0.9438743126816982...0.9438743126816982...

9. Temper, TemperTemper, Temper
http://www.truetemperament.com/

10. TUNING 3: String GaugeTUNING 3: String Gauge
0.048” 0.038” 0.028” 0.018” 0.014” 0.011”
Regular Electric Guitar
Four-String Bass Guitar
0.105” 0.085” 0.065” 0.045”

11. Fleming’s Right Hand RuleFleming’s Right Hand Rule

12. Fleming’s Left Hand RuleFleming’s Left Hand Rule

13. Van Halen Just Plain RULESVan Halen Just Plain RULES

14. Vibrations and Coils and Magnets,Vibrations and Coils and Magnets,
Oh My!Oh My!

15. It Goes Up To ElevenIt Goes Up To Eleven

16. The Power ChordThe Power Chord
(aka “non-linear harmonic transforms”)
http://images.mix.com.au/2010/07/27/436366/Angus-Young.jpg

17. The BendThe Bend
http://www.thefrontloader.com/2009/02/11/gratuitous-guitar-face-
76/

18. See Also: The Whammy BarSee Also: The Whammy Bar
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Floyd_rose_principle.png

19. The Dive-BombThe Dive-Bomb
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43908441@N00/119125211/

20. The Bad HorsieWailThe Bad HorsieWail
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43908441@N00/119125211/

21. http://www.last.fm/music/The+Edge/+images/520607

22. The Big Finish.The Big Finish.