Guitars are a wonderful way to get your creative side to work. And choosing the right kind of guitar for your first-ever lessons is super important. When it comes to acoustic vs electric guitar, there are pros and cons to both.
Some people think that acoustic guitars are easier to learn than electric guitars, while others believe that electric guitars are more user-friendly.
In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between acoustic and electric guitars, as well as which one is easier to learn. Which is better for the average beginner and learner? We will also look at the benefits and disadvantages of each type of guitar.
Acoustic vs Electric Guitar Journey
Before we get to the real deal, it is very important that you know what you are dealing with in terms of the 2 types of guitars.
Understanding the features, similarities, and differences of each guitar is the first and most crucial step to choosing better. Take a look at the most basic feature of each type of guitar!
Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic. The name itself gives an idea that this instrument is able to make sounds without the use of electricity or an amplifier. An acoustic guitar is hands down one of the most popular and widely used guitars there is.
The acoustic guitar is a traditional six-stringed instrument that is typically played with a pick. It has been around for centuries and is often used in folk and country music.
It is a very basic and simple guitar in terms of construction and operation which is one of the many reasons why it is always the first choice for beginners and learners. Having said that, these bad boys aren’t anywhere near basic in terms of performance.
This type of guitar is usually less expensive than your electric or other types of guitars too so they make for an ideal guitar for beginners on a low budget.
Electric guitar
Electric, just from the name of it, gives away that it needs electricity and an amplifier in its operation.
Electric guitars are newer than acoustic guitars. They were first introduced in the 1930s and have since become popular among rock and blues musicians. Electric guitars are used in all genres of music, from rock to pop to jazz.
This guitar has hands-on of the most popular types of guitar there is and has pretty much revolutionized the guitar arena ever since its arrival.
Electric guitars use a transducer called pickups to converts the strummed string vibrations into electric signals. These signals are then sent to the speaker which amps up the signals. Those amped-up signals are what we hear!
Mind you, without the transducer and the amp, we wouldn’t be hearing much from an electric guitar at all. Why? Find out!
Similarities And Differences Between Electric And acoustic Guitars
This is where it gets very important for every reader: understanding the similarities and differences. The good news is that finding similarities and differences between the 2 types of guitars is very easy and obvious. Take a look!
Similarity
The first common thing between the 2 types of guitars is that both use 6 strings. Also, there are some other physical components like tuning pegs, fretboard, neck, bridge, guitar body, etc are similar and work the same way for both. Yeah, that’s pretty much it, really.
Differences
Now, let’s take a look at the differences between the 2 types of guitars which are far more evident and obvious. The first difference is the most eye-catching, and this is the construction. The acoustic guitar is a bit bulkier and boxy whereas the electric guitar is sleek and slender.
However, the most important difference in construction is that the acoustic guitar will have a hollow sound hole in its body. This allows the strumming and plucking to be automatically and self-amplified without the need for any amplifiers.
On the other hand, an electric guitar has no hollow in its body whatsoever. It would produce almost no sound output without its transducer and amp.
Construction
- Bulky and boxy in acoustic
- Sleek and slender in electric
Sound box
- Acoustic is self-amplifying thanks to its deep hollow body with a soundhole
- Most electric guitars have no soundhole; needs electricity, a transducer, and an amp to produce sounds
Overall difference in sound output
- Brighter and more vivid in acoustic
- High pitch, loud and sophisticated
Benefits Of Playing An Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitars are typically better for novice players because they are less expensive, more portable, and simpler to use. If you are looking for an easy-to-use guitar with a mellower sound, then an acoustic guitar is the right choice for you.
But before choosing your starter guitar, check out the benefits of playing an acoustic guitar for a beginner:
Less Expensive: When it comes to the cost of instruments, there is a lot more than just their price. You need an amplifier for example if you play electric guitar and that’s not required in your acoustic setup! Since acoustic guitars do not require an amplifier or other accessories, they are less expensive than electric guitars.
Portable: Acoustic guitars are smaller, easier to hold, and more portable than electric guitars. Why bother with all that hassle and worry when you can just take your acoustic on the go? It’s always in tow, so put away the bulky equipment needed for the electric guitar!
The benefit of requiring no extra equipment for playing makes acoustic guitars ideal for taking with you wherever you go.
Simpler to Use: Acoustic guitars are simpler to use because they do not require an amplifier or effects pedals to produce a sound. That’s why we see acoustic guitarists playing near a campfire or busking in the streets without any hassle.
No need to plug in with an amplifier or locate a power source to connect with your instrument gives you the freedom to play anywhere you desire.
More Focus on Instrument: Starting on an acoustic also helps beginners focus more than if they were playing with electric instruments. There is no distortion, cables, volume knobs, or pedals that can distract from your sound.
You can focus on playing and developing an understanding of the basics of the instrument rather than getting distracted by other factors like pedal effects which often make it difficult if not impossible at times.
Available Anywhere: You can purchase an acoustic guitar at any music store, making them more readily available than electric guitars.
Cons of Playing An Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitars have many advantages, but they’re not perfect either. Here’s a list of disadvantages that come along with playing an acoustic guitar:
Harder to Play: Acoustic guitars are generally harder to play than electric guitars. The strings are usually closer together, making it harder to reach all the notes.
Also, An acoustic guitar uses steel strings (heavier gauge strings) which is one of the hardest in terms of touch. These strings will make your fingers sore and uncomfortable for the first few days of learning.
However, there have nylon string guitars called classical guitars whose strings are softer among all these guitars.
Also Read: Difference Between Classical And Acoustic Guitar
Limited Sounds: Acoustic guitars are limited in the sounds they can produce when compared to electric guitars. They can be played with a pick or strummed with the fingers, but it is difficult to create different sounds without the use of electronics or pickups.
Less Forgiving: Acoustic guitars are less forgiving than electric guitars because they do not have amplifiers or effects pedals to cover up mistakes.
Bigger and Heavier: Acoustic guitars are bulkier and heavier in weight than electric guitars. Most guitar solos are meant to be dynamic and captivating with an electric guitar because those types can perform more stunts in one song than an acoustic.
What Is An Acoustic Guitar Good For?
An acoustic guitar is great for a wide variety of genres. It can play subtle and loud and can do head-banging rock too. At the end of the day, it depends on your expertise and talent.
Having said that keeping the construction and sound profile of an acoustic guitar in mind, it is specifically great for genres such as country, bluegrass, and folk.
When deciding what type of guitar to buy, you must consider the style and sound. For example, if your favorite music played by an artist or band uses steel-string acoustic guitars, then that will be your best bet.
In that case, you should start with an acoustic but don’t worry about finger pain that comes from tough acoustic strings.
Recommended Acoustic Guitar For Beginers
Benefits Of Playing An Electric Guitar
If you want a guitar that can produce a variety of sounds and is more versatile, then an electric guitar may be the better option for your guitar journey. For your better understanding check out some of the benefits of electric guitar:
- They are easier to play. The strings on an electric guitar are usually lighter than acoustic steel strings, which makes them easier to press down.
- You don’t have to worry about acoustic feedback as much. This is the loud, screeching noise that can happen when you play an acoustic guitar too close to amplifiers or speakers. It’s a common problem for beginners.
- Electric guitars are more versatile. You can play different genres of music on an electric guitar, whereas acoustic guitars are mostly used for country and folk music.
- Electric guitar allows users to control the volume. but in the case of acoustic guitars, the volume is controlled by acoustic sound.
- They can be plugged into an amplifier, which makes them louder. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences.
- Electric guitars have a more modern sound. If you’re looking to play rock or metal music, then an electric guitar is the way to go.
Cons Of Playing Electric Guitars
Electric guitars have a few advantages over acoustic guitars, but it’s ultimately up to the player to decide which type of guitar is right for them.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-play instrument with a modern sound, then an electric guitar may be the best choice. Check out some cons of playing electric guitars:
- They can be more expensive than acoustic guitars. You need an amplifier to play them, which can add to the cost of owning one.
- They require batteries or a power supply in order to work, so you’ll need to keep that in mind when you’re planning to practice or play live.
- At the initial stage, tuning an electric guitar or setting up the tone can be a little bit tricky. You may need to spend more time adjusting your sound on an electric guitar than you would with an acoustic.
What Is An Electric Guitar Good For?
It’s pretty darn cool and happening, we’d say. Your favorite rock stars are using it, and the most popular guys in school are using it. This instrument is genuinely fun and convenient to use. It is slender, lightweight, and far easier to take control of.
An electric guitar, thanks to its construction and sound profile, can provide a wide array of sound tones and output. It can be used to play subtly and softly but is ideal for rock, metal, blues, and modern country.
Recommended Electric Guitar For Beginners
So! Which one is easier to learn?
Alright! Now for the real showdown of Electric vs Acoustic guitar. Which one’s better? Which one’s easier to learn?
This is a question that has been asked by many beginners over the years and there is no simple answer. It really depends on your individual needs and preferences.
They are both great! And no guitar is superior to the other. One thing you have to know here is that each of the 2 guitars comes from different backgrounds and offers different sound profiles, so comparing the 2 in terms of performance is not just difficult, but it is also invalid and illogical!
They are both great guitars and the one you choose depends on the genre you’d like to play.
Acoustic guitars are those that have hollow bodies and are played unplugged. They typically have a mellower sound and are great for beginners because they are a bit easier to hold and control.
Electric guitars have solid bodies and are played with an amplifier. They produce a louder, more cutting sound and are better for more experienced players.
So, which one should you start with? If you are a beginner and you are not sure whether you want to commit to learning the guitar, then I would recommend starting with an acoustic guitar. It is less expensive and if you decide that you don’t want to learn how to play, you can always sell it without losing too much money.
If you are an experienced player and you are looking for a new challenge, then I would recommend starting with an electric guitar. It might take a little bit longer to get comfortable with the new instrument, but it will be well worth it in the end.
No matter which type of guitar you choose to start with, make sure that you take the time to practice regularly. The more you play, the better you will get.
Acoustic vs Electric: Which Guitar Is Right For Beginners?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Play an Electric Guitar Like an Acoustic?
Yes, you can play an electric guitar like an acoustic. In fact, a lot of electric guitar players use techniques that were originally developed for acoustic guitar. These techniques include fingerpicking and strumming with a pick.
If you want to learn how to play the electric guitar like an acoustic, we recommend checking out some online lessons or tutorials. There are plenty of resources available online that can teach you how to play the electric guitar using acoustic techniques. Just be sure to practice regularly and you will eventually get the hang of it!
Are Electric Guitar Chords the Same as Acoustic?
The chords for acoustic and electric guitars are the same. Also, the fingerboard for both guitars is the same. So all the chords and notes are the same as well if you are using the same tuning for both guitars. The only difference is that electric guitars need to be plugged into an amplifier in order to produce sound.
If you already know how to play acoustic guitar, learning electric guitar will be a breeze. The chords and techniques are the same, you just need to learn how to use an amplifier and effects pedals.
If I Can Play Acoustic Guitar, Can I Play Electric Guitar?
Yes, if you can play acoustic guitar, you can definitely play electric guitar. The basic chords and techniques are the same for both types of guitar.
Many guitarists play both types of guitar cause both instruments can be played using the same techniques. So anything you learn on one type of guitar can be applied to any other type of guitar.
Is it Harder to Play Electric Guitar or Acoustic?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a beginner, we would recommend you find out which type of music you want to play and find out the right type of guitar for your desired music style. Pick the type of guitar that suits your playing style and you will enjoy playing in the future.
That said, everyone is different and everyone’s learning process and ability are different. Some people may find acoustic guitar harder to play than an electric guitar. This is because electric guitars are typically easier to hold and have a thinner neck that is easier to fret.
Also, the opposite thing happens to some beginner guitarists who find the electric guitar harder. So, don’t emphasize only the matter of playability.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! We would once again like to clarify that both of these guitars are great stuff. At the end of the day, it is all about your choice of genres, commitment to learning, and sincerity towards the art that makes the learning easy or tough.
The right guitar can make all the difference in your ability to learn quickly and easily! You need to start with the right type of guitar that suits your style.
For example, if you’re going for a more acoustic sound and genres like folk or bluegrass, then an acoustic guitar should be perfect! Electric guitars are good at playing electric rock music or heavy metal, so picking one up will allow everyone in on this exciting ride together.
If you want to play rock and roll but choose to learn classical guitar, then it’s not the perfect instrument, and the sound will be terrible. And eventually, you will despise learning and playing a classical guitar.
Guitarists of all levels and styles need to find out the type of guitar that works for them. It doesn’t matter that one kind of guitar would be easier to play than another. If you can not play your desired style of music on a specific type of guitar, you would not enjoy playing.
With this said and done, it’s a wrap to our take on acoustic vs electric guitar. Hope you found all the help you needed. Good luck and have fun!