I'm 11 and really want to play guitar. Should I get electric or accoustic?

Question

I love rock music so electric seems better, but isnt accoustic better for learning chords and all that?

Answer 1

In my opinion, you should learn on an electric.

Acoustic guitars and electric guitars are, basically, played the same way. The main reasons that I would suggest an electric are that the neck is smaller, and the strings are smaller and under less tension. These factors make it easier for younger, smaller hands to fret notes and finger chords more 'cleanly', something which is more difficult, and painful, to do on an acoustic, and this sometimes will dampen the spirits of beginning players.

Once you have developed wrist strength and finger coordination with the electric guitar then , if you desire, you can take what you learned on it and, with just a little more effort, apply it to the acoustic.

Good Luck...:-)

Answer 2

Acoustic is the best to start with. I have been playing guitar for the past 30 years and have had many many guitars and instruments as well. I started with a cheap acoustic and learned the basic chords and strums enough to get me started (you will need this for electric as well). Soon I learned to play whole songs and was jamming with other musicians absorbing more and more. One great thing about an acoustic, you can bring it anywhere because you do not need any electricity or amps. You will also find that it will attract a lot of positve attention as people will think that it is amazing that you are so talented. If you sing --even better--now you can show all the non-talented singers what real talent is about.
I have played for over 30 years now and have performed both in the US and internationally and have won many awards! Playing guitar has opened up many opportunities, allowing me to meet quite a few celebreties and has given me great memories to cherish forever.
This all started just with an acoustic guitar that I got a long time ago from my parents...

Answer 3

I have played guitar for 35 years (15 of them professionally), and I have taught guitar for 20 years. I recommend, for an 11 year old beginner, that you start off with an inexpensive Classical (nylon string) guitar. You don't want to spend too much until you know if you are going to stick with it or not. The nylon strings are not as hard on the fingers as steel strings. Soaking your fingers in hot salt water when they are sore is a good way to relieve the discomfort as well as harden callouses on the fingertips.

If you start off with acoustic (steel) strings, it can really be painful until you get some callouses built up, and if you start off with electric you will not develop the muscles necessary to play anything BUT electric. Also, if you go with electric you have to carry an amp and cord with you everywhere you go to play, and you also need an available power supply. Not always practical unless you play with a band or on stage.

Classical and Acoustic guitars are more versatile and basic, they build better skills and they have a full rich sound when played solo. Of the two, Classical is what I would get for a beginner.

All in all, I have loved playing guitar all of these years. It has opened alot of doors for me, made me alot of friends, and it has made me some good money, too! It is more fun than you would imagine, and I hope you stick to it. It's a great thing to learn! You GO!!! :)

Answer 4

You can learn chords just as easy on an electric. Actually electrics are a little bit easier to play. I learned on one, then years later bought an acoustic. Now I play it more than the electric! But, you can get a pretty decent electric for just over a hundred bucks. But, on the other hand, with an electric you have to buy an amp, too.
Tough choice. I say go with the electric!

Answer 5

Actually its easier to learn on electric. Its easier on the fingers. The strings are closer to the neck. I recommend you get light gauge strings. Leaerning chords will probably be easier on an electric.
If you are a girl, you cannot have long nails on your fretting (left) hand. You may want to start out on a 3/4 scale guitar, since at your age your finger span will be small.
An electric is "cooler" but an acoustic you can take anywhere. You don't have to worry about an amplifier.

Answer 6

I would start with an electric. The strings are lighter and easier to get used to. It is much easier to play. Acoustic guitars often take too much out of a musician, your fingers will not be very happy after just a little while.

Answer 7

I think that you should try playing an acoustic guitar first. It may be a bit bigger - but I'm pretty sure it is lighter than an electric one. And in case the lights go out - you can still play beautiful music. Ü

Answer 8

When I first began playing 6 or 7 years ago, I began on an acoustic. You can learn all you need to know with the acoustic and be prepared for the electric. But either one if fine to begin with. Just practice, practice, practice and you'll be GREAT! GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 9

Get a semi hollow body guitar. Its good to play in quieter surroundings accoustically and when you really feel the need to rock on out, plug it in and you are good to go. Also the neck is usually smaller and easier to learn on compaired to wide neck accoustics. good luck and enjoy.

Answer 10

any guitar with steel strings and a proper set-up will get you going whether acoustic or electric. learning songs that your parents like on acoustic guitar will give you higher chances of them buying you an electric too though!