History

• The first pickups made were single coil pickups and tended to pick up stray radio-frequency signals that created a buzzing sound through amplifiers. If two pickups were placed next to each other with the wires connected to the pickups oriented in opposite directions, the interference from each pickup would cancel out. This is why double-coil pickups, or humbuckers, were created. The term "humbucker" comes from "bucking the hum," or the humming disturbance picked up by the amplifier.
  
  

Single Coil Pickups

• Single Coil pickups are used in guitars such as Fender Stratocasters. Single coil pickups have been described to have more of a chime, bell or twang. Some guitarists prefer single coil pickups when playing clean guitar, though it is a matter of taste and preference.
  
  

Double-coil or Humbuckers

• Humbuckers create a much louder signal than single coils because a larger magnet is used, and there are two coils of wire. Many guitarists find humbuckers more suitable for distorted playing. Humbuckers are often found on Gibson guitars.