Entertainment

Should I Learn How to Play Acoustic or Electric Guitar?

posted by Chris Valentine

Once you have made the decision that you want to learn how to play the guitar, you will have to make some important choices. What kind of guitar do you want to play?

Don’t make the mistake of not deciding what kind of music you want to play before purchasing a guitar. You need to decide if you want to play acoustic or electric to choose an appropriate guitar.

There is no right answer to which guitar you should play. Learn what the differences between the two are so you can make an informed decision.

There are major differences between an acoustic and an electric guitar, but they also have some simple things in common. They both have six strings that are strung on a long neck that is divided into sections of metal. These sections are called “frets”.

What Kind of Music do You Like?

If you like rock and metal music, you should probably consider learning to play an electric guitar. If you like classical, country, or folk music, start with an acoustic guitar.

Many guitar players develop skills on both the acoustic and electric guitar and enjoy playing a variety of musical styles.

Accessories

Whichever kind of guitar you buy, be sure to purchase at least one pack of spare strings. You will also want one or more picks.

There are many different types of picks. Standard is a triangular shape made of nylon or plastic. But they also come in a lot of different materials and shapes.

Learning Curve

Do you plan to learn to read music or only to play by ear? Many guitar players only read chords and not individual notes.

Will you hire a private teacher? Will you try to learn online? Or maybe you just have a natural ability to pick up a guitar and start playing.

Like anything important to you, taking the time needed to learn something will be well worth the effort.

Cost

Your decision on which guitar to start with should be determined by the kind of music you prefer. However, the cost may play a significant role. An electric guitar is generally more expensive because you need additional accessories like an amplifier.

You should check the prices for both guitars online to get a general idea of how much money you will need to spend.

If you have your heart set on learning how to play the acoustic guitar and want to know more about available styles and costs, for more information visit https://www.denverfolklore.com/denver-folklore-center-has-collings-guitars.htm

Acoustic Guitar Advantages

You do not need to purchase additional items like amplifiers and cables with acoustic guitars. Learning to play an acoustic guitar requires that you learn more technique and might make it easier for you to transfer your skills to an electric guitar.

The tone of an acoustic guitar is more soothing and calm compared to an electric guitar. It will be less disruptive to those around you while you practice.

Acoustic Guitar Disadvantages

The strings on an acoustic guitar are heavy and will be rough on your fingertips until you get used to it. This might affect how long you can practice when you first start learning.

The frets are wider on an acoustic guitar compared to electric guitars. This might present an initial difficulty when learning. Higher gauge strings can also make holding chords more difficult, at least until you get used to the feel of an acoustic guitar.

Electric Guitar Advantages

Electric guitars are physically easier to play than acoustic guitars. They have smaller bodies, thinner necks, and gauges that are lighter than on an acoustic guitar.

Although you will need to purchase an amplifier to hear your music on an electric guitar, this has the benefit of letting you use a headphone so you can practice silently.

Electric Guitar Disadvantages

Learning how to play an electric guitar will require your spending extra money on an amplifier. It is also a little more difficult to find a good tone which can discourage beginners. Skills are not as easily transferred from an electric guitar to an acoustic guitar.

Whichever guitar you decide to learn first, enjoy yourself and remember, you can always learn the other guitar at a later date.

You may also like