Electric Or Acoustic?
Introduction:
If you’re looking at purchasing your first guitar, you might be trying to decide whether to go for an electric or acoustic. Here, we’ll have a quick look at the differences between the two types and also how they will affect your learning in the early stages of guitar.
Before we get started, you might like to have a more in depth look at our advice for your first guitar here.
Electric Guitars:
Most new students who want to learn “electric guitar” usually mean they want to learn rock songs. An electric guitar is essential to get that true rock sound, but electrics are used in all styles of music – pop, jazz, dance, blues, funk, and country.
Electric guitars tend to be skinnier and more easier to play than acoustics. The body is skinnier, the neck is more narrow, and the strings easier to press down. Having that said, some students don’t like the skinny body, and prefer acoustic guitars.
Aside from being more expensive in general, you’ll also need to purchase a lead and amplifier, which adds to the cost.
Acoustic Guitars:
Acoustics come in two types; classical, and steel-string.
Steel String
These have metal strings and are usually quite tough to get started on, however most people prefer their bright, shiny sound over that of a more mellow classical guitar. Their metal strings often feel like they’re cutting through your fingertips, so it’s usually a more painful start to developing your callouses.
They’re also a little more pricey than classicals, but still quite inexpensive for a musical instrument.
Classical (Nylon String)
Also referred to as Nylon String Guitars, Classicals have plastic strings, which produce a mellow sound. They’re softer on the fingertips, and the fretboards are quite wide, which gives you plenty of room between strings.
These are the cheapest starting point for guitars, and brand new classicals can be found for under $150.
Beginner Guitar Content:
Whilst the guitar itself can vary, most beginner guitar lessons are exactly the same regardless of what type of instrument you have. It’s not uncommon for students to purchase an electric guitar wanting to learn rock songs, but also ended up being taught acoustic-pop songs.
Likewise, students with acoustic guitars are also often taught rock riffs like Eye Of The Tiger, Smoke On The Water, and Seven Natino Army.
So whatever style you end up choosing, it’s best to be prepared to learn a wide range of music so that you can develop good skills and technique.
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