Should I Get An Acoustic or Electric Guitar?

Electric vs Acoustic Guitars

Your child has decided they want to start music lessons and picked the guitar. Should you get an electric or an acoustic guitar? This decision has the potential to make a big difference in your child maintaining interest in guitar lessons. Here are a few things to keep in mind while making this decision.

Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitars have strings that are heavier and sometimes take longer for beginner’s fingers to get used to. The neck and body of an acoustic guitar are also usually bulkier than their electric counterpart. This can make it a bit awkward for a beginner to handle and play.
The acoustic guitar does have a steeper learning curve, but makes a unique sound that can’t be accomplished by an electric! Classical guitar playing for example cannot be done on an electric guitar and needs an acoustic to play.

Electric Guitar

Electric guitars have lighter stringers, smaller necks and a thinner body than an acoustic guitar. This makes is easier to press down the strings and handle the guitar. One of the biggest drawbacks to guitar lessons for young beginners can be sore fingers, but this isn’t as much of a problem on the electric guitar. An electric guitar usually has a fun factor that an acoustic guitar doesn’t have. However the electric guitar is slightly more limited in the amount of genres that can be played and performed.

The electric guitar does need an amplifier and a cable to be played, but thankfully at Surf City Music School you don’t need to bring an amp or chord with you.

Your Style of Play Helps You Decide

One additional consideration is the style of guitar playing that will be learned.  Acoustic guitars are generally used for strumming, “sing-along” around the campfire and often serve as the rhythm guitar. The electric guitar is usually the lead guitar and you’ll need access to electricity to get a sound.  Beginners will generally learn the same repertoire on either instrument since everyone needs to know the same basics of how to play chords. It is good to keep these different styles of guitar playing in mind when making your decision.

Lastly, consider Ukulele lessons for those students who show interest in playing the guitar. It can be a great first instrument for a young beginner. Learn more about Ukulele lessons here.