I want to learn guitar...should I buy an Electric or Acoustic?

I want to learn guitar...should I buy an Electric or Acoustic

This is a very common question when considering to play guitar. It commonly 

arises after your first trip to the music store, staring at that array of 

beautiful natural wooden acoustic guitars lining the walls. You picture yourself 

strumming soothing bright and glistening chords. But then, you hear the rocking 

rumble customer testing out a shiny sunburst painted electric guitar. He is 

shaking the walls with the distorted "Whole Lotta Love" riff. Cool! So, Where do 

you start? Is there a passage way or rule?

 Well, there really isn't a straight forward answer. When talking with other 

musicians and instructors, you will find there are plenty of opinions that can 

cause indecision. The best approach is looking at some advantages and 

disadvantages of both.



Acoustic guitar:

Advantages:

1. No amp needed. You can pull it out of the case anytime anywhere and play.

2. You can transpose any style song to a cool sounding "unplugged version"

3. Less money to spend on equipment amps and cables.

4. Produces a consistent nice tone. Most beginners have trouble setting good 

tones on amps. Your family may not enjoy hearing uncontrolled buzzy distorted 

feedback.



Disadvantages:

1. The Neck is a bit wider which makes it tougher to fret some chords.

2. Strings are thicker on acoustics so it takes some more push to produce clear 

notes.

3. Can't use it to play in a band or with a drummer.



Electric guitar:

Advantages:

1. The Neck is a bit smaller which can make it easier to fret and produce 

chords.

2. Strings are thinner, which can help make lead guitar parts using those 

wailing bends easier.

3. You can plug into an amp and play along with a band or ensemble.

4. If your main musical influence is rock or metal, you can reproduce the tones 

of your favorite artists.



Disadvantages:

1. Have to lug an amp around with you. You can bring acoustics anywhere, out of 

town, or to a friends house.

2. Have to spend more money on equipment.

3. Due to smaller neck and strings, your fingers may not develop as strong or 

fast as an acoustic beginner. 



My opinion is a beginner should learn the basics on acoustic guitar. I think 

it's the best way to build good finger strength early, develop good rhythm and 

strumming habits, and people tend to enjoy the sound of a acoustic guitar around 

the house..even if your just starting out.



If you are a rocker, and you really want to approach that electric style, I 

would say start on acoustic and after a few months then maybe switch to 

electric. Here at the Music Factory in Costa Mesa, we have some electric house 

guitars available to try. So once you get the basics down, your instructor can 

have you do a few lessons on the electric to get you prepared and consider 

before buying one.

 

In the end it's up to you. Do your research and follow you're instinct. If you 

have your heart set on a shiny new electric cause you envision yourself rocking 

out with your friends, go for it! That might just be the motivation you need to 

practice more and improve. 



When you come to the The Music Factory for a free trial lesson, it's a great 

opportunity to talk to a professional, weigh out your options and try out both 

types of guitars. 

Bryan Karijanian is an accomplished guitar player and instructor at the Music Factory School of Music in Costa Mesa ( Orange County) California.

www.themusicfactoryoc.com

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