Should you choose an acoustic or electric guitar when you’re learning?
Let’s answer a classic beginner question:
Should you start learning with an acoustic or an electric guitar?
Spoiler alert—the best guitar is the one you are excited to play.
If a Hello Kitty guitar inspires you, then that’s the perfect guitar for you.
But let’s explore this topic in more detail.
The Basics Are the Same
The basics of playing guitar are the same, no matter what type of guitar you choose. Think of it like motorcycles: road bikes and dirt bikes operate in different environments but share the same basic mechanics. Similarly, the way you apply your guitar skills might vary depending on the style or genre, but the foundational skills are universal.
Match the Guitar to Your Goals
Ask yourself: What kind of music do you want to play?
If you’re drawn to artists like Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran, an acoustic guitar might be a great fit. If you dream of shredding Guns N’ Roses solos or Metallica riffs, an electric guitar will better serve your goals. While you can learn on any guitar, choosing the right one for your style will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Debunking the “Acoustic First” Myth
In the past, I thought beginners should start on an acoustic guitar to build strong hands. But that’s not the case. You’ll develop strength and dexterity no matter what guitar you choose.
Acoustic guitars often have heavier strings, which some say makes them “harder to play.” Electric guitars have lighter strings, but pressing too hard can push notes out of tune. Both have their quirks, and neither is objectively easier—it’s all about your personal goals and preferences.
Acoustic Guitars: Steel String vs. Nylon String
When choosing an acoustic guitar, you might consider whether you want a steel-string or nylon-string guitar.
Steel-string guitars are great for most modern music styles but can be tougher on your fingers initially. Nylon-string guitars are softer on your fingers and easier to press, but they often have wider necks, which can make certain chords more challenging to play.
Most importantly, if the artists whose music you want to play don’t use nylon-string guitars, you might end up feeling like your performances never sound quite right.
Budget Considerations
Budget often plays a role when you’re buying your first guitar.
Acoustic guitars are typically more affordable since you only need to buy the guitar—no amp, cables, or effects required. Electric guitars might cost more initially because of the additional gear, but beginner packs and virtual amps make them accessible too.
The Importance of Inspiration
Ultimately, your guitar should inspire you. Whether it’s the color, the shape, or the way it sounds, choose one that makes you excited to practice. Having said that, you don’t necessarily need to love everything about the guitar. I once bought a guitar I didn’t love the look of, but its feel and sound won me over. Over time, I also started to love how it looked!
Try Before You Buy
Don’t be afraid to visit your local music store and try out some different guitars. Hold them, feel the neck, and compare their weight and comfort. While you might not know exactly what you want as a beginner, you’ll develop a sense of what feels right in your hands.
Should you start with an acoustic or electric guitar?
Yes.
The answer is whatever inspires you to pick up the instrument and practice. You’ll learn the fundamentals on both, so there’s no wrong choice.
A guitarist who has learned all the notes on the fretboard: Can more effectively learn scales and chords; Has a better understanding of keys, intervals, and scale degrees; Is able to more easily memorise songs; Has a greater capacity to understand music theory; Is more effectively able to develop their aural skills; Gets ‘lost’ far less frequently when they are improvising on the guitar.