Acoustic vs. Electric: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Guitar
Having spent countless hours in my garage band, I have some thoughts on where I would begin if I was starting again. The first question, and the one that shapes a huge portion of your guitar journey is acoustic or electric? In this guide, we’ll go through all the differences between acoustic and electric guitars so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your first one.
Easy To Play
First things first, a beginner’s main concern is how long it will take them to learn to play. Acoustic guitars tend to have higher action, which can make playing them more difficult for beginners. Additionally, the strings on an acoustic are heavier which means you’ll need stronger fingers to press down on them. Electric guitars on the other hand typically have lower action and lighter strings, making them easier to play overall. When you’re just starting out and building up the callouses on your finger, you’re going to be in a lot more discomfort with an acoustic. That said, that extra discomfort is going to get you to your destination much faster! There’s no question that acoustics help you build up your finger strength and callouses much faster than electrics do.
Sound
The sound produced by a guitar is its most important aspect after all it’s a musical instrument! Acoustic guitars usually produce a warm and natural tone that works great with folk, country or singer-songwriter styles. Since the body of an acoustic guitar is hollow it amplifies the sound made by the strings giving chords or fingerpicks a nice rich sound.
Solid bodies and electronic pickups are what give electric guitars their range of sounds along with their versatility. When plucked, these pickups convert the vibrations into electrical signals which can then be adjusted using effects pedals and amplifiers creating endless possibilities of sound variation. From clean jazz tones all the way to heavy metal screeching, there isn’t much you can’t do with an electric guitar. At the end of the day, the sound that you’re chasing is a personal question so you should consider what songs and musical genres you most want to learn.
Versatility
When deciding between whether you should get an acoustic or electric guitar think about what kind of music you plan to play…. If you’re into soft acoustics, then you’ll probably enjoy an acoustic guitar. The authentic sound it produces is perfect for solo shows or small gatherings.
If you’re more interested in exploring multiple genres and sounds, then electric guitars are the way to go. Additionally, this type of guitar tends to dominate band settings because it’s easier to cut through the mix and be heard.
Cost
Unfortunately, we all have budgets and that applies to beginners too. You can find both acoustics and electrics at all price points, from $50 to $50,000 so there isn’t really an inherent advantage to one over the other, but you should consider one thing. If you get an electric, you’ll need to invest in either an amplifier and some effects pedals or some amp modeling software like Guitar Rig. Those add ons quickly start to pile up and can cost a small fortune on their own, which is a problem most acoustic only players get to avoid.
There’s still plenty of affordable options out there for both types of guitars. I recommend looking around first before settling on the cheapest one available in order for you not to compromise on quality.
Here Are Some Tips on How to Choose Your First Guitar
1. Think about what you want to do with your guitar, the style of music you like to play, and choose a guitar that fits that.
2. Go to a store. Try out different guitars. Pay attention to how they feel and how easy it is to play.
3. Check for used ones. You can get great quality guitars at cheaper prices on sites like eBay and Reverb.
4. Invest in a good setup: a professional setup only costs about $50-$100 and makes a world of difference in your playing experience.
5. Start simple: If you’re just learning, starting from the bottom isn’t a bad idea. When you’ve learned enough guitar skills, you can start thinking about upgrading your guitar.
Ultimately, it’s your choice whether you go electric or acoustic, it all comes down to personal preferences and budget constraints! Both have their own unique sounds that can make any music experience enjoyable! Happy strumming! — Daniel Aronowitz
