If you are thinking of learning to play the guitar, one of the first questions you are probably asking yourself is whether you should learn to play the acoustic guitar or the electric guitar first. The truth is, both are perfectly fine instruments for beginners, and both offer distinct advantages. In the end it really depends on your personal preference and the style of music you want to play. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between the two instruments, and that should help you make your decision. Acoustic Guitar The acoustic guitar is the most popular choice for a first-time guitar player. One of the biggest advantages of acoustic guitar is that it doesn’t need to be plugged in in order to produce sound. That makes it really easy to just pick up and start playing. Acoustic guitar is also the instrument of choice for many different styles of music, including pop, folk, country, and fingerstyle/singer-songwriter. The strings on an acoustic guitar tend to be a little bigger and heavier, which means finger pain will happen sooner, and your fingers will also develop calluses faster.
Electric guitar is probably most associated with rock and roll, the blues, and modern music. Most people find electric guitar easier to play than acoustic because the strings are lighter and the neck is smaller. That makes it much easier to press the strings down and to change chords, especially if you have small hands. The drawback to electric guitar is that you need an amplifier in order to hear what you are playing, but it also offers you the ability to play with different tones and effects. Acoustic Guitar vs Electric Guitar The styles of music played on acoustic and electric guitar can be very different, which will be reflected in lessons. Acoustic lessons will focus more on chords and strumming patterns and rhythm playing. Electric guitar lessons will focus more on riffs, lead playing, and solos. But, the very basics of guitar playing, such as chords, timing, finger independence, etc. are all the same no matter what type of guitar you are playing.
Acoustic vs Electric Guitar: Which One Is Better for Beginners? Acoustic guitar is a great choice for a first-time instrument because you can practice anywhere. It’s also easier to just pick up and play because you don’t need an amplifier. If you want to play rock and roll, riffs, and solos, you might enjoy playing electric guitar more. But, if you learn to play one type of guitar, it is very easy to switch to the other later on.
So, there is really no wrong answer here. The best guitar for a beginner is the guitar that you are most excited to play and practice. Once you commit to regular practice, and a good method, you will be able to play proficiently in either style. Eventually, most guitar players play both instruments, and play many different styles of music.