What Is Resonance?

Resonance refers to the ability of a guitar to vibrate freely and efficiently, allowing the sound to carry and fill a space. It’s what makes a guitar ring out and project its tone. In simpler terms, resonance is how well your guitar amplifies the vibrations of the strings.

How to Evaluate Resonance

1. Play Open Chords: Start by playing open chords on the guitar. Pay attention to how well each note rings out. A resonant guitar will have a clear, vibrant tone with a good sustain on each note. Listen for any muffled or dead spots where the sound doesn’t carry as well.
2. Tap Test: Hold the guitar by the neck and gently tap the body with your knuckles. A resonant guitar will produce a lively, resonant sound, while a guitar with poor resonance might sound dull or muted. This simple test gives you a quick idea of how well the guitar vibrates.
3. Check the Body Construction: The type of wood and the body shape play a significant role in resonance. For example, solid wood guitars generally offer better resonance compared to laminated wood guitars. The size and shape of the body can also impact how well the guitar resonates.
4. Listen to the Overtones: Pay attention to the overtones that ring out when you strum or pluck the strings. A guitar with good resonance will have a rich tapestry of overtones, creating a fuller, more complex sound.

What Is Sustain?

Sustain is the length of time a note continues to sound after it’s been played. It’s all about how long the guitar can keep a note alive before it fades away. Sustain is important for both rhythm and lead playing, affecting everything from power chords to solo licks.

How to Evaluate Sustain

1. Play Single Notes: Play a single note and listen to how long it sustains. Good sustain means the note will continue to sound clearly and steadily for a longer period. If the note dies out quickly, the sustain might be lacking.
2. Try Different Techniques: Use techniques like bends and slides to test the sustain. When you bend a note, it should maintain its tone and clarity throughout the bend. If the sound weakens significantly during the bend, the sustain might not be ideal.
3. Check the Setup: Sometimes, the setup of the guitar can impact sustain. Ensure that the action is properly adjusted and that the guitar is well-maintained. A properly set-up guitar will usually have better sustain.
4. Consider the Material: The type of wood and the neck construction can affect sustain. Guitars with a neck-through or set-neck design often offer better sustain compared to bolt-on necks. Also, harder woods like maple and mahogany tend to provide more sustain.

Why Resonance and Sustain Matter

1. Sound Quality: Good resonance and sustain contribute to a richer, more dynamic sound. They allow the guitar to produce a fuller tone and maintain it over time, enhancing the overall quality of your playing.
2. Playability: A guitar with excellent resonance and sustain can make playing more enjoyable. You’ll find that your notes sound more expressive and that you have more control over your sound.
3. Musical Expression: Sustain is particularly important for expressive techniques like long bends and held notes. With better sustain, you can add more emotion and nuance to your playing.

In Conclusion

When evaluating a guitar’s resonance and sustain, remember that these factors are crucial to its overall sound quality. By playing open chords, performing tap tests, and listening to the overtones, you can gauge how well a guitar resonates. Similarly, by testing sustain through single notes and different techniques, you can determine how long a note will stay alive. Ultimately, a guitar with good resonance and sustain will offer a richer, more enjoyable playing experience.