which is easier to learn on acoustic or electric guitar?

Question

i want to learn to play the guitar but which is easier to learn on the acoustic or electric guitar. also should i buy one of those cheap guitar packages or a nicer guitar.

Answer 1

Im a guitar player of 17 years, I started out on electric, learning "power chords." on an electric. This was, to me the wrong way to go. Electric guitar strings, are much lighter on the fingrs than that of an accoustic guitar. Ive always been told Accoustic is the way to start out, the reason being is that your fingers will become much more stronger playing an accoustic, then once you have comfort with an accoustic, and go an play electric, it is almost like your finger just "glide" on an electric. I don't even play electric anymore, Accoustic is a lot easier to work with, less gear to carry around and more of a pure, natural sound.
As far as buying one of those cheap guitar packages, Id suggest maybe hitting up a "pawn shop" pick up a cheap accoustic and maybe some beginner books. Start playing and see how you like it, see if you are really interested in it. If you do start really enjoying it, then start to upgrade. I wouldnt purchase the best untill I knew I was going to stick with it.

Answer 2

Neither one is any easier to "learn" on. The notes will be in the same place on either. Some people will tell you an electric is easier on your fingers and hands in general, but I would disagree. There are just as many unplayable electrics as acoustics in the world. This is not a matter of opinion... just go to any music store and see for yourself. ANY guitar should be set up properly by a trained technician to work best for YOU.

"Cheap" vs. "nice" also does not matter. I play everything from $60 used electric crap to $3000 premium acoustics. They all have their place.

Interestingly enough, you will find that many (possibly "most") of today's great guitar players started on a Silvertone purchased from Sears, or Mom's old guitar from college. It simply doesn't matter. What matters is what you put into it and how much you are willing to make do with whatcha' got!

If you are buying, buy what you can afford. It can always be replaced later.

Good luck! I hope this makes it easier for you.

Kabum

Answer 3

I'd start out cheap-just in case you should loose interest. If you can learn on a cheapo then you will stick with it. The strings on my first guitar were so high off the neck I had huge blisters, until they turned into callouses. I knew then I would stick to it. Sometimes the Pain is worth the pleasure. I love the acoustic guitar-that was my first-I bought a nicer one after I knew I wanted this for real. The electric is easier too me. It's different with everybody I know I prefer the acoustic- that's my first love. Everyone is different though-Try them both and see what you feel comfortable with and what kind of music plays a big role also.

Answer 4

An electric guitar is much easier.

1. Electric guitars uses strings that are way thinner. Easier on your soft finger tips.
2. Electric guitars have larger frets and narrower fretboards. You'll soon learn to hate the chord F, 'cause it requires your finger to hold down all 6 strings. MUCH easier on an electric 'cause there's less to cover.
3. Electric guitars have generally looser tension of strings. Much easier to do bends, hammer ons, pull offs, all that trick.
4. Electric guitars offer more options. You can plug it in, switch out pickups, experiment with different pedals, etc.

The only down side is that it'll cost you more. A lot more if you really want to get into it.

Those are just my opinions. FYI, I started with the acoustic, unfortunately.

Answer 5

My son takes guitar lessons, and his teacher told me that if you learn the basics, like fingerings, reading music, and simple techniques, on an acoustic, it will later make you a better electric guitar player down the road. Just make sure the action is low on the acoustic you play on. It's a lot easier to play that way.

Answer 6

Buy a guitar that fits you and the style you are most interested in learning. There are many good ones for not a ton of money these days. Guitars are very personal and the neck shapes can have a big impact on your playing. In the early days, if the neck is a poor fit, you may even give up.
Necks can be V or C shaped, compound. more square shouldered, thick, thin, have different sized frets, different fingerboard material and fingerboard radius.
Some are made for nylon strings, others are better with bronze, steel, or nickel.
A little trick for beginners....your fingers get sore on the tips where you press down the strings and you need to build up some calluses. Try a small amount of rubbing alcohol on your finger tips each day. It drys and toughens the skin quicker.

Answer 7

mmm I dunno if any of these people actually play guitar, but it's much easier to play an electric. You need less strength to hold down the strings and the strings bend more.
It's because of this reason that I usually learn a song on the acoustic first, because then it's easier to play on the electric. If you want to learn easily and quickly, get an electric. If you want a challenge, but overall you'll have more strength, get an acoustic.
You can get a Fender Stratpack (electric guitar, bag, practice amp, etc.) for about $200 maybe? It's a good price for a starter.

Answer 8

start off with an acoustic
i got mine for about $100 dollars which is cheaper than my electric ($350)
i started off w/ acoustic and then went to electric. I think acoustic's easier to learn new music on too.

Answer 9

Many people (including me) start out on acoustic then move up to electric. Acoustic is cheaper too.

Answer 10

start out w/ acoustic, but then move on 2 electric.