Acoustic or Electric Guitar - Which Is Best For The Beginner

Having played the guitar for a considerable number of years, I am often asked this query by enthusiastic learners - Effects pedals"Should I start learning with the acoustic or electric guitar?" In this news story, I'll talk a bit about both so you can come to an informed decision.

Initially, let me get something straight. The actual notes & fretboards work the same for both, so in case you start with either, its always interchangeable, although the playing techniques might differ.

Most more youthful players would gravitate towards the electrical guitar thanks to MTV & the "cool factor". The acoustic guitar seems to have a more "folksy" picture to it. Both sound different, with the acoustic relying purely on natural acoustic principles to generate the sound, using the body of the guitar as an "amplifier". The electrical guitar on the other hand needs an electric amplifier to generate sound. There's of coursework hybrids, but that is not relevant in this news story.

Cost
Both are about the same, you can get pricey custom built electric of acoustic guitars. However, the electrical can start to get more pricey because of the tempting options & accessories like amplifiers, pre-amps, effects pedals, volume pedals, etc. The acoustic on the other hand might be simpler to start with. It plays right out of the box!

So, which is better for the beginner? I'll cover three aspects below - cost, convenience & playability.

Convenience
Again the acoustic wins as you can take it  in every single place without worrying about a power socket. There's personal practice devices obtainable for the electrical guitar which lets you practice with headphones.

Playability
My personal preference here is the electrical guitar. I find it simpler to play, with the strings being softer & thus less hard work to play.

Either way, they both ought to be respected & used for what they are & any lovely guitarist ought to be skilful at both. For the beginner, I would prefer the acoustic as it helps a lot in ear training as you get accustomed to the vibrations of the body making the tuning of the strings are simpler to detect.

My final piece of advice is to don't get obsessed along with your device while you are learning but focus on the music in lieu. One time you start to get better at it you'll know instinctively what kind of 'ax' you'll need. I have met my fair share of musicians who are so in to the gear but have not improved in their skill much & on the other hand, have heard some brilliant, soul-stirring music from blues masters that have played the same guitar all their life!