Should I get an electric guitar or an acuostic guitar?

Question

I am not sure on weather or not I should get an acuostic or electric guitar. In my opinion I think I would be playing/learning more songs that were played with an acuostic, however there are some songs that I think would be fun to do with an electric.

I have not started playing so I don't need a highly expensive guitar. Which one should I pick?

Answer 1

I taught for several years and played professionally so here's what I would do if money is a factor. If you are just learning, I would get an electric guitar because the string tension is less. Acoustics have heavier strings and are rougher on your fingers. You can get a good cheap playable electric but a cheap acoustic is usually junk. The person that is learning gives up because they think they are making no progress when it is the guitar that is keeping them from progressing. If you start learning on an acoustic, don't go cheap. Trust me on this one. The strings on a cheap acoustic are usually higher off the fretboard than a better one. That makes the strings harder to push down. If you want to start on an acoustic, spend a little more and get a better quality guitar. Also, if you can, take an experienced guitarist with you because there is a GREAT deal of difference in guitars---even between two of the same model.

Answer 2

Both electric guitars and acoustic guitars have the same notes when tuned to standard tuning (E,A,D,G,B,E). Fingering the notes on an electric is usually easier, because the action (the distance the strings are away from the neck) is usually lower on an electric. Acoustic guitar strings are also thicker than electric guitar strings as well, which can make it somewhat more difficult to play. However, the transition from an acoustic to an electric is much easier than the opposite, making the acoustic my choice to learn on.

Answer 3

Honestly, just go for an acoustic. Don't buy it online though. Go down to your local music store and try out a few different ones. This way you play around with the feel and look (even better if they actually have a guitar person there to help you.) Usually with guitars (especially acoustics), you really get what you pay for (I do say usually, there are times where you can get an incredible guitar for a really good price). As for brands, Takamine, Ibanez, or even Epiphone can be really good at good prices. Don't worry about getting an electric acoustic unless you feel you are going to be performing soon. Other than that, have fun!

Answer 4

For someone just starting out, the easiest guitar to play is a nylon string acoustic, because the strings are not hard to hold down. Second easiest is an electric, because, same consideration, it uses lighter strings that are easier to hold down. A steel string acoustic, however takes some real hand strength, even if it is a good one and well set up.

As for what you should get... play a few of each kind and see where you are led. No one can answer that for you.

Answer 5

Well, if your playing mainly to learn and maybe for friends at a small party or one of their houses, go for the acoustic. If your going to be rocking out at a big party or learning seriously heavy-metal type rifts, go for an electric. Ibenez makes a good beginners electric. Just don't get a huge amp or you'll regret having to lug it around everywhere. A 12" amp or smaller will be sufficient to learn on. Honer or even Dunlop make good beginners acoustic guitars. Just get yourself a really good carry case for the acoustic.

Answer 6

If you think you would use and enjoy both, then look at both of them and see which you can find a better deal for. It makes more sense than completely eliminating the one.

I have an electric, but I play all heavy rock stuff, so acoustic would not be fit for me. You could get an electric acoustic guitar, which is an acoustic guitar you can hook up to an amp.

Answer 7

Since you are just starting out I would suggest a decent quality electric guitar starter kit. It will be less expensive and more versatile than acoustic because you can get some decent acoustic sounds out of an electric guitar.

Answer 8

I think you should get an acoustic first. If guitar playing is for you then eventually you can get an electric and jam out to all the songs you learned on the acoustic.

Answer 9

I play....and am self taught. I started on electric and now play acoustic only. My tastes changed over time......But I found that it is easier to learn on an electric as the action is looser and the strings generally lighter. But as most things it will come down to preference....

Answer 10

Personally, I would pick an acoustic guitar. It is good to learn that, then you can play what you want later on the electric, if you are still interested. The acoustic is far more versatile and lends itself to a broader skill range. Good luck - it is an awesome instrument.