I have a 9 yr old son and I would like him to learn the guitar. What should I buy him an acoustic or electric?

Question

I hear that it's easier to learn on an electric rather than acoustic guitar? Need an informed answer so I can buy either one as a Christmas gift for my son, thanks. :-)

Answer 1

I would start with an acoustic. If you can play an acoustic guitar then you can play an electric. I would say an acoustic is a little tougher to play b/c of the wider body and the strings sit a little higher off the neck meaning fingers will be more sore before the callus's develop. An electric is a lot heavier and to get all these rock sounds you need the extras ie, effects and pedals. Most music stores (if not all) carry what they call starter packs and you can get an acoustic, an electric, or a bass pack. They come with a guitar, a soft shell case (or a gig bag), picks, a strap, a cheap but decent tuner, string winder, etc. you know all the essentials. If you get the electric then you will get a small amp too. I was in my local music store today and I noticed that these starter packs were b/w $150 and $300 with the acoustic being cheaper. They also make "junior" guitars. Most major guitar makers have them. I started with a Fender acoustic starter pack and it was the best decision I made...still playing after 10 years. If it were my son I would go the acoustic route and stick with light gauge or extra light gauge steel strings b/c the are smaller in diameter. Just stop buy a guitar or music store and the guys there will be glad to help you.

Answer 2

Acoustic is harder to learn upon. I have and do teach kids of this age. It is important to remember that a key to a child's learning success is their level of commitment which is enhanced by their enjoyment of what they are doing.

If they find the going too tough on the acoustic it's likely they'll lose interest pretty fast.

All previous comments re acoustic I agree with. However you can buy cheap starter packages with electric guitar/amp which will be suitable.

I would recommend electric simply because I find that there will be more interest shown due to it's relative ease in learning compared with an acoustic. He will still develop callouses. He will get his hand around the neck more easily. Just because it's electric doesn't mean he's only going to learn/play rock. You can then buy a cheap acoustic when he had progressed.

I would also recommend that you speak with some of your local guitar tutors to hear their thoughts on the matter.

Answer 3

what is the interest level of your son? what is your price range? how serious is your son? what styles of music is your son interested in? these are all essential questions.

also tips when buying, the guitar should be comfortable in the players hands, you should be able to play the f chord barred all the way up the guitar and you should be able to play all the way up without buzzing sounds and muted notes. Another key is to inspect the guitar closely when buying to look for damage the neck being straight and the distance from the strings to the frets being fairly close.

the best bet is to play the instrument in the store.

if you go with either electric or acoustic look at the wiring within them, electrics have 2 pickup styles ( single coil ) ( Humbuckel or double coil) this is a personal preference choice.

there is also the acoustic electric hybrid. they have a unique pickup that it crystal and required a pre amp. most models have one built in. (this is a great choice if you are undecided)

remember with an electric model an amp is required also a chord and other musts are a tuner that is electronic and an electronic tuner. most models should come with a case and this is also essential. other nice things is a strap so one can play while standing. picks of varring thicknesses and shapes and sizes are nice because this is a personal prefrence thing. so choice is great.

Answer 4

I would think an acoustic would be better to get him. That is what I chose for my brother when he was about 11. We had an electric guitar but he didn't do as well learning on it. I went and bought him an acoustic guitar that came with a learner's kit. It had a dvd and many other guides to help him. You can also go to the music store and tell the worker what you're trying to do. They'll be able to lead you to exactly what will be best. Have a Merry Christmas...

Answer 5

I would start out with acoustic. It's good to start out with. You can just start playing at any given time. With an electric, you have to worry about the amps and everything else. An acoustic is probably the best way to go. But I'd definitely go to a music store/guitar shop and ask some more experiencesd people for their opinions.

Answer 6

Well, I'm a 14 year old girl (big difference I know) and I play acoustic. It's really hard, but it feels good when I get new songs. Your son might like electric because it has the more 'rockstar' vibe to it and that may appeal to him more.

My mom's sitting here, contradicting me and saying to go acoustic because it's more portable and you don't need an amp to play loudly.

Since you're getting it for a gift, I'd bring up the topic of guitars maybe at dinner one night and see what he thinks about which kind. I got my acoustic for Christmas last year and I absolutely love it. Good luck!

Answer 7

A nylon string acoustic guitar is a good place to start. The strings are easier on the fingers and will give him a chance to develop the calluses that you need to play comfortably. Make him learn the basics on that before you let him wake up the neighbors with un-musical noise that he will surely produce as an untrained kid with an electric guitar.

Answer 8

I would say you should buy the acoustic guitar because even though its harder to learn he'll be good at it at a young age then if he wants to play the electric guitar think of how easy it will be for him. i would really go for the acoustic because that kinda music is better anyways. :)

Answer 9

Acoustic. In fact, try to find a student teacher ... a student teacher may have a spare/cheap used model that they will give you a deal on along with some lessons. And if your 9'er doesn't like the guitar, you've tried and you're not out too much green.

Answer 10

I would say considering he is a teen they would think electric is cooler, but I would think otherwise acoustic would be more fun to learn. At least first. It is cheaper for the acoustic and you can carry it around with you everywhere so including that information I hoped I helped.

Good luck