Should I start learning on an acoustic guitar or an electric?

Question

I get asked this question a lot, and the truth is, its a lot simpler than you might think!

Answer 1

Doesn't matter really but electrics are easier to fret. If learning on an acoustic you want very low action and I always recommend starting with lighter gauge strings, maybe .009s, .010s at most. (gauge references the bottom string thickness of the set). The cheaper the guitar, the more likely it will be harder to play.

Answer 2

It really comes down to what type of music you are wanting to play. I would so however that learning on an acoustic gives you an advantage because they strings are actually stiffer than on an electric. So if you decide later to play an electric than you have already done the heavy lifting by getting your fingers used to the stiffer acoustic strings.

Answer 3

My answer would be , the one that draws your most interest. The good news is you can always learn to play your second choice also.

Answer 4

As with many good questions, the answer is "It depends." I've spoken with students who are absolutely enthralled with the electric guitar. They may have been inspired to pick up guitar by listening to the great blues and rock guitarists who have favored the electric instrument. To those people, I'd say go ahead and get an electric! Enthusiasm is an asset when learning a new skill, and it is certainly possible to start out on an electric.

There may also be prospective guitarists out there who happen to have an old strat and amp gathering dust in the garage. Perhaps these people would need to walk right by it on their way to Guitar Center to shop for an acoustic guitar just because some teacher told them they needed to get one. To them, I'd say ignore that teacher and dust off your electric. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and the most important thing is to just start playing the guitar.

Still, for just about everyone else, I'd recommend an acoustic. For one, it's a simpler instrument. You pick up the guitar, pluck a string and (ta-da!) a decent sound comes out. It requires little or no training to produce such a sound. The same can't be said for an electric guitar. Depending on the specific axe, the electric can produce little or no sound when unamplified, which creates the need to purchase an amp and cables and find a place to play within reach of an outlet and hey, what do all these knobs do? and what about effects pedals? and and and…

In my estimation, it's simply not productive for a beginner to concern himself with these questions, or to spend money on the expensive gear that is often associated with the electric guitar. If your goal is to play the guitar, you'd better start playing the guitar. Play it at home. Take it to the park and play it there. Stash it in the trunk for your next road trip. You get the picture. The acoustic guitar gives you the flexibility to play any time, anywhere.

My second argument in favor of starting on acoustic has to do with the long-term view of a guitarist's development. The electric guitar offers players an impressive range of sonic possibilities. With the twist of a knob or the press of a button, you can alter your guitar's volume, its tone, and its timbre. The acoustic guitarist, on the other hand, must learn how to affect her instrument's sound with only her bare hands. After a few years of playing acoustic guitar, she's likely to have a more pleasing tone and a greater command of dynamics than someone who has been able to use knobs and buttons as "crutches."

Everyone's situation is unique. I'm always up to consult with students about the optimal choice for their situation. I do believe, though, that the majority of beginners will benefit from starting on an acoustic guitar.

Answer 5

Great Question! The most important factor is not whether it is acoustic our electric.

You need a guitar that is easiest to play. The best way to determine that is to have a guitarist play it. No matter if you are playing your first chord or hired in a Nashville studio, you need strings that are close to the neck. The strings can still buzz a little bit.

Most guitars can be adjusted by someone that knows how to change strings and turn the truss rod or bridge saddles. A lot of guitarists are good at making these adjustments and you do not always have to pay someone to do it. If you bought it at a local music store, they will usually adjust it for free.

Answer 6

The answer is, neither. You should start learning on a classical guitar! Learning good technique, a little music theory, and some classical guitar repertoire (you might just fall in love, honestly) will prepare you perfectly for a lifetime of guitar playing.