So you want to learn to play the guitar but don’t have one yet? Now you’re stuck between choosing an acoustic guitar or an electric one – or even classical if you’re into that type of music (but we’ll save that for another time). So which one is right for you?
Firstly there is no right or wrong answer. The right guitar is the one that’s right for you. There are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration though. We’ll take a quick look at the different types of guitar so you have a basic understanding of them.
Acoustic Guitar
An acoustic guitar is hollow, has 6 strings made of steel and when you strike the strings it produces a loud sound. This type of guitar is often associated with more mellow music, although this is not always the case and it doesn’t have to be that way. Acoustic Guitars are often confused with Classical Guitars by novices as they look similar in nature. The easiest way to tell them apart however is that classical guitars normally have three strings made of nylon. The neck is also much broader which can sometimes be an issue for those with little fingers and a godsend for those with larger hands.
Electric Guitar
Electric guitars are synonymous with rock and modern music styles. They are not hollow, so when you strike the strings the sounds is almost non-existent, hence you require an amplifier and lead to produce sound. This can add to the start-up cost for a beginner. They also have a few extra knobs to play around with which can complicate things for the untrained. Electric guitars though by their design are easier to learn on and play. They have a lower action (the strings are closer to the fret board) and the strings are lighter.
What to take into consideration
What type of music do you like? Do you like to listen to hard and fast rock music, or do you like the sort of songs everyone can sing along with at a family gathering? If you’re lean one way or another then it can make the choice a bit simpler. If you simply love rock then electric is the only way to go. Learning to play the music you love is far more appealing and rewarding to most and can give you the drive to continue playing the guitar. So be sure to ask yourself what type of guitar is used in the music I love before making any decision.
What’s your budget? If you’re on a shoestring budget then the added costs of an electric guitar might put you off. If you’re keen on one though be sure to check out guitar classifieds to see if you can afford a used one though. Just be sure not to get scammed. Also be sure not to pay too much for your first guitar of any variety. Save your pesos for when you know for sure you want to continue playing as many people have given up soon after starting. By this stage you should also have a greater appreciation for the sound and you’ll know better what really appeals to you.
How quickly do you give things up after starting if you don’t get results? Does a little bit of pain put you off? If you answered pretty quickly and yes it does, then you might want to consider an electric guitar. Most beginners find playing an electric less stressful on the fingers and easier to pickup.
At the end of the day the choice is yours and hopefully we’ve given you a bit of food for thought.
