A pickup is the heart of an electric or electro-acoustic guitar, converting the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal that can be amplified. Most electric guitars use magnetic pickups, which come in two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coils offer bright, clear tones with sharp attack, while humbuckers use two coils to cancel noise and deliver a thicker, warmer sound. Acoustic guitars often use piezo or microphone-based pickups to capture their natural resonance. The choice of pickup has a huge impact on tone, making it one of the most important parts of a guitar’s personality.