Can you learn to play guitar on an electric guitar or is it better to learn on an acoustic?

Answer 1

I think learn on an Acoustic and then the electric is easier

Answer 2

As long as the guitar is set up correctly, you should be able to use either. An acoustic guitar will normally have heavier gauge strings (i.e., "folk" guitars - not classical guitars) than electric guitars, so it is physically easier to play the electrics - usually. An advantage of acoustic guitar is that you don't need an amplifier. Electric guitars have an advantage in that they are usually easier to play, and if you are trying not to bother people while you are practicing, can be hear through a set of headphones with the right amplifier set up. However, if you really want to MASTER the guitar in the long run, take classical guitar lessons from a QUALIFIED teacher - it has the greatest level of control and you will learn to read guitar music in the process as well.

Answer 3

I'm voting for "Better to learn on an acoustic" for two reasons:

1. The higher action of an acoustic will help you build finger/hand strength quicker.

2. Playing an electric guitar through an amp with distortion can cover up the buzz of mis-fretted notes. So you might end up thinking you're progressing faster than you really are.

If you're just playing an electric through an amp with no distortion that kind of throws my number two out the windows, but reason 1 should be good enough.

Answer 4

The two are different in this way: The finger pressure needed for an electric is very light compared with an acoustic.

People who learn on an acoustic often make the mistake of playing with too much pressure on the fretboard when they switch to an electric.

That's the major difference. If you can keep that in mind, it shouldn't matter which one you learn first.

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Answer 5

Acoustic guitar allows the development of greater hand strength and requires more physical dexterity which is great for beginners. Plus you don't have to have an amplifier to play, making practice time and location more flexible. However, DO NOT buy a cheap guitar for a beginner to learn on. If it has poor action (distance of string to fretboard) or doesn't stay in tune, in all likelyhood the student will get frustrated and quit, defeating the whole purpose.

Answer 6

Start with acoustic. The strings on an acoustic are generally thicker than the strings on an electric and therefore harder to press down and bend. If you start on acoustic, electric will be a breeze.

Answer 7

Short answer- electric is easier.
Longer answer- once you learn on acoustic your technique will be better for both instruments. So start with acoustic.