Semi-hollow electric guitars are a type of electric guitar that combines the tonal characteristics of a hollow-body guitar with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid-body guitar. Semi-hollow electric guitars feature a hollow or semi-hollow body with one or more sound holes, typically with a solid wood top and back. This design provides a warm, resonant tone with plenty of sustain and projection, making them ideal for a wide range of musical styles, from jazz to blues to rock.
Semi-hollow electric guitars were first developed in the late 1940s as a way to address the feedback issues associated with hollow-body guitars. The addition of a solid wood top and back helped to reduce feedback while still allowing the guitar to retain its natural resonance. Semi-hollow electric guitars quickly became popular with jazz and blues guitarists, who appreciated their warm, mellow tone. In the 1960s, semi-hollow electric guitars were adopted by rock guitarists, who were drawn to their sustain and feedback resistance. Today, semi-hollow electric guitars are used by guitarists of all genres, from jazz to blues to rock to country.
