A guitar that requires external amplification in order to be heard at typical performance volumes. It uses one or more pickups to convert the vibration of its strings into electrical signals, which ultimately are reproduced as sound by loudspeakers. The sound can be shaped or electronically altered to achieve different timbres or tonal qualities, making it quite different from an acoustic guitar. Often, this is done through the use of effects such as reverb, distortion and overdrive. 

Invented in 1932, the electric guitar was adopted by jazz guitar players, who wanted to play single-note guitar solos in large big band ensembles. During the 1950s and 1960s, it became the most important instrument in popular music. It has evolved into an instrument that is capable of a multitude of sounds and styles in genres ranging from pop and rock to country music, blues and jazz. It served as a major component in the development of electric blues, rock and roll, rock music, heavy metal music and many other genres. 

Electric guitar design and construction varies greatly in the shape of the body and the configuration of the neck, bridge and pickups. It may have a fixed bridge or a spring-loaded hinged bridge, which lets the player bend the pitch of notes or chords, or perform vibrato effects. The sound of an electric guitar can be modified by new playing techniques such as string bending, tapping and hammering-on. 

There are several types of electric guitar, including the solid-body guitar and various types of hollow-body guitar. The most common variety has 6 strings (usually tuned EADGBE), but 12-string electric guitars are also widely used and there are other variants including 7 and 8 strings.

In pop and rock music, the electric guitar is normally used in one or both of two roles: as a rhythm guitar, playing chord sequences or progressions and setting the beat (as part of a rhythm section); and as a lead guitar, providing instrumental melody lines, melodic instrumental fill passages and solos.