What kind of music do you like? Classic rock? Folk? How about jazz? Classical? Country? Hip-hop? New age? Music has always been one of the most beloved pastimes enjoyed almost universally, but some people do not know how many similarities exist among these styles. For example, did you know that virtually all the genres listed above make use of at least one electro acoustic guitar?

The versatility of the guitar is evident in instruments such as the electro acoustic guitar. This type of guitar allows you to play many different types of songs, anything from the most quiet and soothing lullaby to a frenetic and invigorating rock anthem. While you can use this instrument as an acoustic guitar for a more low-key effect, you can also take advantage of its electric capabilities to really grab someone's attention.

Acoustic guitars and electric guitars differ primarily in that the acoustic is able to be played using no cables or amplifier. The acoustic has mellower and more soothing sound than the electric, so it has generally been used for music genres requiring a more quiet and calming sound. It can be played by strumming with fingertips or using a guitar pick.

The electric requires an amplifier and cable to connect it to the guitar. It is almost always played with a pick. The electric can arguably be used to create a greater range of sound styles than the acoustic, because it has one important advantage: it can be used with an effects pedal.

These pedals, which are connected to both the guitar and the amplifier, enable the musician to dramatically change the sounds his guitar produces. For example, he can use an echo effect to delay the emergence of sound from his instrument, or he can use a pedal to create the effect called "distortion" that is widely popular in rock music today.

The electro acoustic guitar combines aspects of both acoustic and electric guitars into one versatile package. This guitar may look like a traditional acoustic, but it also has a pick-up which allows the guitar to be plugged into an amplifier. An electro acoustic guitar offers the different effects and volume options of an electric guitar, while retaining the more mellow tone of an acoustic. This type of guitar is a particularly good option for a guitarist who is looking to bridge genres.