A common tough decision to make when deciding to learn the guitar is between the two types of guitar: electric and acoustic. There is no one correct and universal answer as to which is better to learn between these two. It’s almost the same as choosing between immersion chillers for your beer or going for Styrofoam coolers instead. Although many people, who are not familiar of the guitar world, may think that the only difference between the two is the quality of their sound—this is actually not true at all.
Electric and acoustic guitars have many characteristics which are unique to both. These characteristics also serve as advantages and disadvantages. Let us look into the advantages and disadvantages of acoustic guitar first.
Acoustic Guitar
Advantages
- It fits acoustic songs better.
- It produces a softer and calmer type of sound compared to electric guitar and therefore, it is less noisy.
- Being able to play an acoustic guitar means you can easily play an electric guitar as well.
- With acoustic guitar, there is no need for amplifier, wires and cables for playing.
- It is more natural to sing with an acoustic guitar accompaniment.
Disadvantages
- The strings of an acoustic guitar are much tougher on the fingers compared to those of the electric guitar. Barre chords and power chords, therefore, are much harder to play especially for beginners.
- Unfortunately, acoustic guitars’ frets are spaced wider than that of an electric guitar. This usually gives beginners a tough time.
- An acoustic guitar is also more fragile and brittle than electric ones.
Electric Guitar
Advantages
- Rock songs are best played using this guitar.
- In order to not set the house blasting, headphones can be plugged in the amplifier.
- Almost all chords are much easier to do in electric guitars since electric guitars have shorter necks compared to acoustic ones.
- The strings are definitely much lighter as well and so even difficult chords are not as painful as when you do it on acoustic guitars.
Disadvantages
- The guitar is much heavier and so it needs a strap for you to play it easier.
- Aside from the guitar, itself, you will also have to carry an amplifier, wires and cables.
- Getting an amplifier and all other necessary accessories for your electric guitar means extra costs—therefore, it may be more expensive.
- Just because you can play the electric guitar does not mean you can also play an acoustic one as well.
The Better Choice
Now that we have laid out all the pros and cons, you might have a better idea as to which you think is a better choice for you to learn. The most important thing, however, is for you to determine, right from the start, what type of songs or pieces you want to play or you are into—this will definitely guide you in choosing between the two types of guitar. At the end of the day, the choice is yours to make and that choice will be anchored mostly from your music interest.
For great Manchester based guitar teachers, you can check out Bidvine’s directory list of trusted guitar teachers in the area. Good Luck in your lessons!