Choosing your first guitar is an exciting step for any aspiring musician. One of the initial hurdles many beginners face is deciding between an Acoustic Or Electric Guitar. This question sparks endless debates among guitarists, and while some may advocate for one over the other, the truth is both types offer unique advantages and cater to different musical journeys. While the ultimate answer might just be “get both!”, let’s delve into the nuances to help you make an informed decision for your starting point.
Like many, my own guitar journey began with an acoustic. I’d heard the common wisdom that learning on a steel-string acoustic builds stronger fingers, making the electric guitar seem easier later on. The logic was appealing: conquer the “harder” instrument first, and the rest will follow. Plus, an acoustic guitar offered immediate portability and didn’t require the additional investment of an amplifier and cables. It was a self-contained musical companion, ready to play anywhere, anytime.
What truly captivated me about the acoustic guitar was its inherent resonance. Strumming a chord, you feel the vibrations deeply – through your arm, the guitar’s body, and resonating within your own body. Each acoustic guitar possesses its own unique voice, a distinct character shaped by its size, wood, and construction. My own dreadnought-sized Guild, a beloved red beauty, exemplified this. Its resonance was captivating; each time I picked it up, it seemed to sing with a voice uniquely its own. Even as a complete beginner, before I could even form a proper chord, simply plucking a single string on the acoustic produced a rich and beautiful sound. This immediate gratification was incredibly encouraging. Finding the right acoustic is a deeply personal experience. It should feel comfortable in your hands and, most importantly, its sound should resonate with your ear and inspire you to play. If you’re a singer, the right acoustic guitar can even complement your vocal tones, creating a harmonious blend.
After a period of joyful exploration with my acoustic, an electric guitar – a stunning cherry red Fender Stratocaster – arrived as a birthday gift. Suddenly, the dream of emulating my guitar heroes seemed within reach. Holding that Stratocaster felt like holding a key to a new world of sound. Its sleek design and vibrant color promised sonic adventures. However, the initial excitement quickly met with a practical reality: an electric guitar is silent without an amplifier. Unplugged, it produces only a faint sound. Fortunately, I already owned an amplifier, initially purchased to amplify my acoustic for jam sessions with louder instruments. I plugged in, and the electric guitar sprang to life.
Immediately, the difference in playability was apparent. The Stratocaster’s “action” – the height of the strings above the fretboard – was much lower than my Guild acoustic. This made fretting notes and chords significantly easier and kinder to my developing calluses. However, as I played, I noticed the absence of that rich, physical resonance I loved in my acoustic. Electric guitar enthusiasts will point out that resonance in an electric guitar comes from the amplifier, but achieving that requires volume, which might not always be practical, especially if you have neighbors! I found myself missing the intimate, vibrating feedback of the acoustic. For solo practice or accompanying my singing, I instinctively reached for the acoustic.
However, the electric guitar’s strengths became apparent in different contexts. When playing with others, particularly with drums, saxophones, and other electric instruments, the acoustic guitar’s unamplified voice could easily get lost. Amplifying an acoustic guitar solves this volume issue and is essential for playing in ensembles. Amplification also offers a valuable learning tool: it allows you to clearly hear every nuance of your playing, helping you identify areas for improvement in your technique.
The turning point for my electric guitar journey came when I started playing gigs with my kids’ school band. The thought of my prized Guild acoustic getting knocked over on a crowded stage filled me with dread. I’d heard horror stories, like my guitar teacher’s Guild which never sounded quite the same after a similar accident. Protecting my acoustic became a priority, so I designated the Stratocaster as my gigging guitar, reserving the Guild for home practice and quieter settings.
Playing the electric guitar more frequently led to a deeper appreciation of its unique sonic palette. The three pickups on the Stratocaster offered a range of tonal colors, from bright and twangy to warm and mellow. Experimenting with an effects pedal opened up even more possibilities, unleashing the iconic “dirty” sound of rock and blues with a simple stomp of my foot. I also discovered the ease with which electric guitars facilitate smooth, fast playing. While mastering riffs still requires dedicated practice, the electric guitar’s design inherently makes bends, slides, and rapid transitions more fluid compared to an acoustic.
The electric guitar is undeniably a voice in its own right, distinct from the acoustic. While it may lack the immediate physical resonance, it compensates with a vast sonic versatility, thanks to electronics. With effects pedals and amplifier settings, an electric guitar can mimic countless sounds and styles. Furthermore, with MIDI adapters, some electric guitars can even emulate instruments like pianos or saxophones, expanding their sonic horizons even further.
Beyond purely acoustic or electric, there’s also a middle ground. “Hybrid” guitars, like Ovations, utilize composite materials instead of traditional wood. While they often require amplification to reach their full sonic potential, they can be suitable for practice or casual playing. Their amplified sound leans towards an acoustic character, but electronics can further shape their tone. Acoustic-electric guitars are another popular option, essentially acoustic guitars equipped with built-in electronics for amplification. These instruments offer the best of both worlds: the natural resonance of an acoustic with the option to plug in and play louder.
My initial, somewhat flippant advice to “buy both” guitars wasn’t entirely without merit. While not always financially feasible for beginners, many guitarists who stick with the instrument do eventually acquire both acoustic and electric guitars. As Randy Bachman of Bachman Turner Overdrive famously sang, “Get a second hand guitar, chances are you’ll go far.” Starting with a used guitar can be a budget-friendly way to begin your musical journey.
Ultimately, the best choice between an acoustic or electric guitar depends on your individual preferences and musical aspirations. If you envision yourself primarily as a singer-songwriter, an acoustic guitar that complements your voice might be the ideal starting point. Consider acoustic-electric models for added versatility if you anticipate performing or playing with others. If the idea of singing doesn’t appeal, or if you’re drawn to genres like rock, blues, or metal, an electric guitar could be your perfect voice.
Regardless of your initial choice, the most important thing is to play regularly and explore the sonic possibilities of your instrument. Playing any guitar, whether acoustic or electric, is a rewarding and enriching experience. So, pick one up and begin your musical adventure!
Note: This article is part of a series dedicated to female musicians, but all musicians are welcome to read and contribute to the discussions. Join the conversation in our forum section. We welcome your topic suggestions and stories – please feel free to share them!
