Electric vs Acoustic Guitar, Which Should You Buy as a Beginner?

Delving into the world of music is a magical experience in its own right, but with anything, you need the right tools to help get you started on your musical journey on the right track. When it comes to aspiring guitarists, the first question you have to answer is this: should you go for an electric or acoustic guitar?

Both types have their own sets of positives and negatives, so with that in mind, the article aims to help you discover what kind of instrument would best fit your goals as a budding guitarist.

Trying Your Hand at an Electric Guitar: What to Expect

As the name suggests, the electric guitar is an instrument that uses electromagnetic pickups to produce sound through the use of an amplifier.

The thing about electric guitars is that you don’t need to be in a band to be able to make use of them. As a matter of fact, they are often used in solo performances because of how versatile they are.

They can be used to churn out a variety of different genres and can produce tones that can range from soft and gentle to hard and aggressive. They can also be used to replicate the sounds of other instruments like horns, strings, or even the human voice.

In the hands of a skilled player, the electric guitar becomes a versatile and powerful tool. Electric guitars can produce sounds on their own, but they are often associated with a number of other instruments that help to enrich the sound they produce.

Not to mention, electric guitars offer a much wider range of sounds than their acoustic counterparts. These guitars are capable of delivering a wide variety of tones, and they can be easily manipulated with the use of pedals and amps.

This makes the electric guitar a great instrument for creative types, particularly those who look to expand their capabilities in terms of playing style and musical genres.

Trying Your Hand at an Acoustic Guitar: What to Expect

Acoustic guitars are instruments that take the use of six strings and a hollow body to create the sounds they produce. These instruments come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different varieties of wood. They are commonly made with spruce, which is a wood known to be relatively lightweight and firm and is, therefore, easier to work with compared to the heavier options.

Most of the time, the acoustic guitar is a standalone instrument, meaning that if you are planning on performing live and you don’t want to bring a band with you, then you’ll have to rely on your acoustic guitar and your skills.

But if you are just getting started and you are planning on playing in the comfort of your own home, then an acoustic guitar is the way to go. Acoustic guitars are the perfect accompaniment for parties and can be the perfect instrument for playing some of your favorite tunes.

Like the electric guitar, the acoustic guitar can produce a wide array of sounds, from soft and gentle to hard and brutal. What’s more, while they can be used to play a number of different genres, they are known to be particularly good at playing softer tunes and melodies.

The Bottom Line: Electric vs Acoustic Guitar: The Best Choice for a Beginner

If you love playing rock music and you are looking for a fast and fun instrument to rock out with, you’ll probably have an easier time adapting to the electric guitar. Just plug it in and start screaming an electric guitar riff. The sound will be loud and melodic, giving you plenty of room to play around with pedals and amps to create different tones and effects.

If, on the contrary, you don’t mind spending days trying to figure out how to play a certain song, or if you love acoustic music, then you’ll probably be more comfortable with an acoustic guitar. It will also be a bit cheaper and much more portable.

In the end, it all depends on your musical preferences. Both guitars will take time to master, but the electric guitar will make it easier for you to rock out and come up with new and exciting sounds, while the acoustic guitar will give you the opportunity to play sweet and soft melodies, which can be a welcome change of pace.

Which ever route you decide to go, you may consider a tutor or some supporting reading material such as Dan Throrpe's book which has some excellent tips to start you on your guitar journey

How Can We Help You?

Whether you're learning a new instrument or need to reach out to guitar specialists, you've come to the right place.

Musicstreet is a family-run, independent guitar shop that offers various electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers, pedals, and other guitar accessories. With our 5-point customer service, we can guarantee that we'll help you with your musical needs.

Looking for acoustic guitar parts? Reach out to us today!