In this lesson
Solid-body, semi-hollow and hollow-body describe broad types of electric-guitar construction. They help explain what is inside the body, but they do not give a complete description of the guitar’s sound, weight or feel.
Solid body
A solid-body electric has a mainly solid body, with cavities for components such as pickups and controls. Some designs also have weight-relief chambers. “Solid body” does not mean that every part of the body is one uninterrupted block.
Semi-hollow body
A semi-hollow electric combines hollow areas with a substantial solid section. A common arrangement has a centre block beneath the pickups and bridge, with hollow areas at either side. Designs vary, so check the model’s construction rather than relying only on visible soundholes.
For a documented example, Gibson’s ES-335 specification describes a solid maple centre block. It illustrates one construction rather than defining every semi-hollow guitar.
Hollow body
A hollow-body electric has a hollow resonating body without the continuous central block found in a typical semi-hollow design. It still has bracing and support for its hardware. Body depth and size vary; a hollow electric need not be as deep as a large acoustic guitar.
“Acoustic-electric” describes an acoustic guitar equipped for amplified use. It is not another name for every hollow or semi-hollow electric.
What photographs can tell you
These photographs show different body outlines, openings and hardware. A front view cannot establish whether an internal centre block or hidden chambers are present. Use the manufacturer’s specification to confirm construction.
Comfort and playability
Compare the actual instrument’s weight, body depth, balance and reach to the neck. Try it sitting and, with a correctly fitted strap, standing. Body construction alone does not establish which guitar is lightest or easiest to play. Neck shape, string height and the way the body rests against you also matter.
Sound, sustain and feedback
The body affects the instrument’s behaviour, but pickups, strings, hardware, setup and amplification contribute too. “More wood means more sustain” is not a useful prediction for comparing complete guitars. Listen to individual instruments with comparable settings.
Hollow bodies can be more susceptible to acoustic feedback at amplified volume. A centre block can reduce this tendency, although a semi-hollow or solid guitar can still feed back. Volume, gain, position relative to the speaker and other resonances matter. If unwanted feedback begins, lower the volume and change position before increasing gain.
For a fair comparison, play the same short passage through the same clean amp setting at a comfortable level. Then compare the pickup positions and controls separately.