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Guitar Lessons LBNY

Acoustic or Electric Guitar?

A lot of beginner guitarists start their journey with this simple question: "Should I get an acoustic or an electric guitar?"


Some well-meaning friends might weigh in and tell you that acoustics are the right choice to start; or that electrics are more fun. Well, here's the truth:


It doesn't matter.


It's the same instrument. The physical differences, while real, are minor and almost irrelevant. It is usually physically easier to hold and fret an electric guitar, but not by much. It's also easier to pick up and play an acoustic since it doesn't require amplification. With an electric guitar, you'll really want an amplifier to hear it better, but even that isn't totally necessary—you can strum and play an electric unplugged.



Guitar held upside down in the air with one hand
Acoustic or electric guitar—the choice is yours.


As you advance, there may be techniques that are easier to accomplish on an electric guitar, with a little bit of overdrive on your amp, such as sweep picking. Conversely, the resonance you get from each strum of an acoustic may make it easier for you to sing over. But, if either of these things is not what you're aiming for, then it's all up to personal preference.


The main factors in your decision making should really be:


1) Which guitar is affordable and accessible to me as a beginner?


2) Am I more inclined to learn music that uses an electric or an acoustic guitar?


If you like folk, country, singer/songwriter, or chiller indie rock, the acoustic is great (plus you can bring it to the beach). If you like hard rock, heavy metal, or classic rock, you probably want to plug in an electric (and you can play with a drummer friend and still hear yourself). Blues can go either way.


Regardless of whether you grab an acoustic or electric guitar, you're going to learn how to use those six strings and 20-something frets—and you can switch to the other option whenever you want. So don't worry about it.


Learn how to play, your way, at Long Beach Guitar Lessons. Contact us today for more information.

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