Electric Acoustic - Is it possible to play fast riffs on electric acoustic guitar?

Question

Also, I would welcome any recommendations for a mid- to high quality acoustic guitar to purchase for my girlfriend.

Answer 1

First question first. The answer is yes--you CAN play fast riffs on an acoustic-electric guitar. However, it must have 'fast' action and it needs to be strung with the lightest gauge acoustic strings you can find. There is also the matter of Technique. Hand strength and motor skills are vitally important to playing fast riffs on ANY instrument. I am not an advocate of the traditional appproach, which is to practice scales and other exercises until they are forever engraved in your brain. Rather, I think it is more effective and enjoyable to balance formal practice with playing what you WANT to play.

Question#2
How much do you want to spend? A typical mid-to-high quality acoustic guitar could run you anywhere from $1,500 to $!!!!!. Guild, Martin, and Gibson have guitars from the mid-to-high range. Also, there is Taylor, Breedlove, Cruz, and others, some of them makers of fine custom-built guitars.
It is impossible to recommend specific brands and models because everyone has different tastes. WARNING: If your gf doesn;t know how to play guitar, DON'T waste the money. Most gutiars that are bought as gifts quickly become shadowcatchers, dustcatchers, or worse. If she DOES play guitar, be sure to TAKE HER ALONG. For her to really appreciate what you're doing, she needs to LOVE THAT GUITAR! This ain't no diamond ring, but to a guitar girl, it's d*mn close.

Best of Luck!

Answer 2

Sure its possible, espeically if you have a guitar with a narrow neck and the action is set pretty low...
As for your girlfriend, well I had a Fender Montana acoustic/electric, narrow neck, easy to play, great tone, wish i hadnt sold it! Good guitar!