Acoustic vs Electric Guitar: Which Should You Learn First?

Are you having a hard time deciding which guitar you should learn first: acoustic or electric? If so, you’re not alone. There are pros and cons to both, so it can be difficult to decide which one is the ideal choice. In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between the two instruments and offer our insight into which one is preferable for your needs.

In this post, we will delve into the popularity and advantages of acoustic and electric guitars as well as the necessary equipment required for enhancing their performance. Additionally, we will learn the different genres of music each type of guitar is more suited for. We hope that by the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of which guitar type is the right choice for you.

Popularity of Acoustic and Electric Guitars

The acoustic guitar is the most popular type of guitar for beginners, due to its portability, affordability, and versatility. It is often used in folk music, country music, bluegrass, jazz, and rock music, among others. On the other hand, the electric guitar has become increasingly popular over the last few decades and is typically suitable for rock, metal, jazz, pop, punk, blues, country, classical, and indie music.

Advantages of Learning Acoustic Guitar

The advantage of learning acoustic guitar is that it requires less equipment than an electric guitar. An acoustic guitar for beginners typically requires nothing more than the guitar itself and a set of strings. It does not require any kind of electric amplifier or pickup system, making it an affordable choice. Additionally, acoustic guitars generally feature a simpler design, which makes them user-friendly and easier to learn. If you’re new to guitar playing, an acoustic guitar could be an excellent choice for you.

Advantages of Learning Electric Guitar

The advantage of learning electric guitar is that it allows you to explore a wider range of sounds created by different amp settings and effects pedals. An electric guitar offers additional options when it comes to selecting string types and pickups that best fit your playing style. Furthermore, beginning your practice with an electric guitar may facilitate a smoother transition to other stringed instruments like the bass guitar or ukulele.

Necessary Equipment

Regardless of which type of guitar you decide to learn first, there are essential pieces of equipment that are required to ensure proper play. You will notice similarities as well as slight differences.

Equipment Required for Acoustic Guitars

• Tuning device (either electronic or manual)
• Extra strings
• Capos for raising the pitch
• Satisfactory set of guitar picks
• Guitar strap

Equipment Required for Electric Guitars

• Amplifier (at least 10 watts)
• Different cable sizes for connecting to amps/pedals
• Extra strings
• Guitar picks
• Guitar straps
• Tuner

Resources for Learning

Once you’ve decided which type of guitar you should learn first, the next step is to seek out reliable resources to enhance your learning journey! While numerous online tutorials offer step-by-step guidance for both acoustic and electric guitars, we have provided some additional recommendations to consider:

Purchase books with lessons and exercises specifically designed for improving your skillset
Listen to songs from experienced players for inspiration
Search for online videos that demonstrate different playing techniques
Join forums or online communities with fellow musicians for additional guidance
Search for music instructors who specialize in teaching either acoustic or electric guitar to beginners

In Conclusion

Regardless of the guitar type you choose to learn first, there are factors to consider that will make the process easier for you. Naturally, it may feel overwhelming to determine the right guitar for you as a beginner. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and find suitable resources tailored to your individual needs before committing to a specific type. Consider the music genres you aspire to play and the equipment required for each, and then seek out appropriate resources to assist with your learning. Whether you decide on acoustic or electric, playing the guitar can be a rewarding experience that can open up new avenues of creativity. Embrace the opportunity to explore the different types of guitars and discover the one that’s right for you!