So, you’ve finally decided to learn to play the guitar! But what next? You’ll need a guitar to get started, and another fundamental choice you’ve got to make is the type of guitar to pick. There are fundamentally two that you can select from: acoustic and electric.
Firstly, there’s no right or wrong choice here. It just comes down to preference. Both have six (mostly) strings, play the same notes, and the scales and chords that you learn on one can be applied to the other. All in all, the basics stay the same, but a few techniques and approaches to playing vary.
Nevertheless, let’s get to understand the key differences between the two.
Exploring the playability and feel
The overall feel of playing the instrument is where the primary difference between the two guitar types is evident. The electric guitar, somewhat, feels easier to play.
There are many reasons for this. For instance, electric guitars have thinner strings. The magnetic electric guitar pickups turn the vibrations of the metal guitar strings into a voltage, subsequently producing the sound. Therefore, the instrument does not need heavier strings to fill out the sound, unlike an acoustic guitar.
On the other hand, an acoustic guitar generates the sound by amplifying the string vibrations throughout the instrument’s body. The guitar resonates, and its tone is then released from the soundhole. You would probably get a tinny and weak sound if you used acoustic guitar strings with a super-light gauge as on an electric guitar.
Nevertheless, the string gauges significantly impact playability. The tension increases as you bring the guitar up to pitch, making it tougher to bend a string which is not a pleasant experience for inexperienced fretting hands. The discomfort, though, goes away with time. But, this is still a reason why many techniques applied to the two types of guitars differ.
An electric guitar also has a thinner neck, making it easier to get your hand around it. In addition, the bigger frets require a lighter touch and encourage string bending. The ergonomic shape, especially on most beginner electric guitars, makes holding the instrument a more comfortable experience. However, an electric guitar is considerably heavier than an acoustic guitar.
Which one is easier to learn?
From a playability perspective, an electric guitar may seem like a clear winner, but that doesn’t make it easier to pick up the skills required to play the instrument. The ease of playing and learning the instrument are two very different things.
The acoustic guitar is a standalone instrument, whereas an electric guitar requires a whole package. All you need with an acoustic guitar is the guitar and a pick, which also might become useless if you move towards a fingerstyle approach. This makes an acoustic guitar super-portable, fuss-free, and a trusted performer.
With the electric guitar, you surely need to develop the skills to play the guitar, but you also need to learn how to manage and get comfortable with high volume, effects pedals, amplifier types, and other peripherals.
Understanding your music preferences
This is one of the most crucial variables. There’s no point picking up a particular guitar type or any instrument rather if it doesn’t inspire you. Start by looking at what your favorite artists or idols play. An electric guitar is an obvious choice if emulating Jimi Hendrix is on your mind. If Ed Sheeran’s phrasing and pop hooks appeal to you, then an acoustic guitar is a better bet.
When learning a new instrument as a beginner, it is always better to take the path of least resistance and follow your inspiration. Setting goals of being able to play some of your favorite music will feel extremely rewarding and push you to get better to eventually start creating your music.
While making this decision, you’ll come across thousands of recommendations and even myths online and countless opinions of people around you. However, it all boils down to just one idea – choose the type of guitar you are excited about playing!
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