Electric vs. Acoustic Guitar: Which One Should Beginners Choose?

So you’ve decided to learn guitar—awesome choice! 🎸

But now you’re stuck at the very first crossroads: electric or acoustic?

Both are great instruments, both can take you far, and neither choice will “ruin” your chances of becoming a solid guitarist. The best option really depends on you. Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps beginners decide.

The Acoustic Guitar: Simple and Straightforward

Why beginners love it

• No extra gear needed – Just grab the guitar and play.
• Portable – Easy to take anywhere without worrying about amps or cables.
• Great for fundamentals – Builds finger strength and rhythm fast.
• Perfect for singing – Ideal for campfire songs, folk, pop, and songwriting.
• Relavent for many songs on the radio and streaming

Things to consider

• Harder on the fingers at first – Steel strings can feel tough early on until calluses.
• Less volume control – What you play is what everyone hears.
• Difficult to bend strings
• Limited sound variety – You get one main tone unless you change technique.

Best for you if:

You want something simple, enjoy acoustic music, or plan to sing while playing.

The Electric Guitar: Flexible and Beginner-Friendly (Yes, Really)

Why beginners choose it

• Easier on your fingers – Thinner strings and lower action.
• More sound options – Clean, distorted, crunchy, dreamy—you name it.
• Easier to bend strings and create vibrato for expression, soloing and playing riffs.
• Volume control – Practice quietly with headphones.
• Motivating – Playing your favorite rock or pop riffs early feels amazing.

Things to consider

• More gear – You’ll need an amp and a cable.
• Less portable – Slightly more setup involved.
• Can distract beginners – If you get into pedals and effects. Effects are fun, but fundamentals still matter.

Best for you if:

You love rock, metal, blues, or indie and want to experiment with sound.

Cost: Is One Cheaper Than the Other?

• Acoustic: One purchase, usually cheaper overall.
• Electric: Guitar + amp, but beginner bundles are common and affordable.

Price shouldn’t scare you—there are solid beginner options on both sides.

The Biggest Myth (Let’s Clear This Up)

❌ “You should always start with acoustic.”

Not true.

If you’re excited about electric guitar music and start on acoustic, you might lose motivation. The best beginner guitar is the one that makes you want to practice.

Quick Decision Guide

Choose acoustic if you:

• Want simplicity
• Like folk, pop, or singer-songwriter music
• Plan to sing while playing

Choose electric if you:

• Love rock, metal, blues, or indie
• Want easier finger comfort
• Like experimenting or tinkering to get the sound your after

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice—just your choice. Many great guitarists play both, and switching later is totally normal. What matters most isn’t whether your guitar is electric or acoustic, but whether you pick it up and play it regularly.

Whichever you choose, welcome to the guitar world—you’re going to have fun 🎶

– Noel Wentworth is a Guitar Instructor with over 25 years experience at the Upbeat Music Academy in Kelowna