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

So, you’ve decided to learn guitar. Great choice!

Now comes the first big question: Should you start with an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar?

There’s a common idea that every beginner should start on acoustic guitar. But that isn’t necessarily true. Both acoustic and electric guitars are excellent choices for learning, and either one can help you become a confident, well-rounded guitarist.

The best guitar for you is usually the one that makes you want to pick it up and play.

Let’s look at the differences so you can decide which one makes the most sense for you.

Starting with an Acoustic Guitar

An acoustic guitar is often the simplest way to get started. You don’t need an amplifier, cables, or any additional equipment. Just pick up the guitar and play.

Why beginners like acoustic guitar

It’s simple. There’s no setup involved. Your guitar is ready to play whenever you are.

It’s easy to take anywhere. Acoustic guitars are great for playing at home, around a campfire, at a friend’s house, or while travelling.

It’s great for learning the basics. Chords, rhythm, strumming and basic fingerstyle techniques can all be developed on an acoustic guitar.

It’s perfect for singing and playing. If you’d like to accompany yourself while singing, acoustic guitar is a natural fit for folk, pop, country and singer-songwriter music.

You’ll recognize plenty of acoustic guitar in modern music. Acoustic guitar continues to be used in songs across pop, rock, country, folk and many other styles.

Is acoustic guitar harder for beginners?

It can be, especially during the first few weeks.

Steel acoustic guitar strings can feel uncomfortable on your fingertips when you’re just starting out. Your fingers will gradually get used to them, and developing calluses is a normal part of learning guitar.

Acoustic guitars also have thicker strings and generally require a little more pressure to play notes and chords. Bending strings can be more difficult as well.

That doesn’t mean acoustic guitar is a bad choice for beginners. In fact, many students enjoy the challenge and like the straightforward feel of the instrument.

Acoustic guitar may be right for you if:

• You want a simple, portable instrument.
• You enjoy acoustic, folk, country or singer-songwriter music.
• You want to sing while you play.
• You like the natural sound of an acoustic guitar.
• You don’t want to worry about an amplifier or other equipment.

Starting with an Electric Guitar

Electric guitar might seem more complicated because you need an amplifier and cable, but there’s a good reason many beginners actually find electric guitar easier to play.

Electric guitars typically have thinner strings and lower action, which means you don’t have to press down as hard to play notes and chords.

Why beginners like electric guitar

It can be easier on your fingers. The lighter strings and lower action can make it more comfortable when you’re first learning.

It’s easier to bend notes. String bends, vibrato and other techniques are often easier on an electric guitar, which makes it a great choice for learning riffs, solos and expressive playing.

You can explore lots of sounds. With an amplifier, you can experiment with clean, distorted, crunchy and many other tones.

You can control the volume. Many modern amplifiers and headphone setups make it possible to practise without filling the entire house with sound.

It can be very motivating. If your goal is to play the guitar parts from your favorite rock, blues, pop or metal songs, starting on an electric guitar lets you work toward those sounds right away.

Are there disadvantages to starting with electric guitar?

The biggest difference is that you need a little more equipment.

Along with the guitar, you’ll need an amplifier and cable. You may eventually want pedals or other effects, too.

That can be a lot of fun, but beginners can sometimes get distracted by equipment instead of focusing on learning the guitar itself. Your first priority should still be developing good technique, rhythm, chords and musical skills.

Electric guitar may be right for you if:

• You love rock, blues, metal, pop or indie music.
• You want a guitar that feels comfortable on your fingers.
• You’re interested in riffs, solos and string bending.
• You enjoy experimenting with different guitar sounds.
• You’re excited about using an amplifier and exploring effects.

Is Acoustic or Electric Guitar More Affordable?

The answer depends on what you buy, but acoustic guitar usually has the advantage when it comes to simplicity.

With an acoustic guitar, you can buy the instrument and start playing. An electric guitar requires an amplifier and cable as well.

That said, there are plenty of affordable beginner electric guitar packages that include the guitar, amplifier and basic accessories. You don’t need expensive equipment to get started.

If you’re choosing your first guitar, playability and the type of music you want to play are usually more important than whether one option is slightly cheaper.

Do You Have to Start on Acoustic Guitar?

No!

This is probably the biggest misconception beginners hear.

There’s no rule saying you have to learn acoustic guitar before electric guitar. If you’re excited about playing electric guitar, starting with acoustic simply because someone told you it’s the “proper” way to learn may actually make learning less enjoyable.

Think about it this way: If you love the music you’re learning to play, you’re more likely to practise.

And regular practice is far more important than whether your first guitar is electric or acoustic.

Can You Switch from Acoustic to Electric Later?

Absolutely.

The skills you develop on one type of guitar can help you when you pick up the other. Chords, rhythm, scales, reading music, picking technique and musical understanding all transfer between acoustic and electric guitar.

Many guitarists eventually play both.

You might start with acoustic guitar and discover that you love electric guitar. Or you might begin with electric and eventually add an acoustic to your collection.

There’s no need to make the decision feel permanent.

So, Which Guitar Should a Beginner Choose?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Choose acoustic guitar if you:

• Want something simple and portable.
• Enjoy folk, country, pop or singer-songwriter music.
• Want to sing while playing.
• Like the natural sound of an acoustic guitar.
• Prefer not to worry about an amplifier.

Choose electric guitar if you:

• Love rock, blues, metal, pop or indie music.
• Want something that may feel easier on your fingers.
• Want to learn riffs, solos, bends and vibrato.
• Enjoy experimenting with different sounds.
• Want to use an amplifier and effects.

The Best Beginner Guitar Is the One You’ll Play

If you’re still unsure, don’t worry. There really isn’t a wrong answer.

The most important thing is choosing a guitar that inspires you to practise. If you’re excited to pick it up every day, you’re already on the right track.

And if you’re looking for guitar lessons in Kelowna, your teacher can help you learn on either an acoustic or electric guitar and build your skills around the music you actually enjoy.

At the end of the day, the best beginner guitar isn’t necessarily the one someone else says you should buy. It’s the one that makes you want to play.

So choose the guitar that excites you, learn some songs you love, and enjoy the process. That’s what learning guitar is all about.

– Noel Wentworth is a Guitar Instructor with over 25 years experience teaching Acoustic Guitar Lessons and Electric Guitar Lessons at the Upbeat Music Academy in Kelowna