| Having played the guitar for a number of years, I am | | | | acoustic on the other hand might be simpler to start |
| often asked this question by eager learners - "Should I | | | | with. It plays right out of the box!ConvenienceAgain the |
| start learning with the acoustic or electric guitar?" In this | | | | acoustic wins as you can take it almost everywhere |
| article, I'll talk a bit about both so you can come to an | | | | without worrying about a power socket. There are |
| informed decision.First of all, let me get something | | | | personal practice gadgets available for the electric |
| straight. The actual notes and fretboards work the | | | | guitar which allows you to practice with |
| same for both, so if you start with either one, its | | | | headphones.PlayabilityMy personal preference here is |
| always interchangeable, although the playing | | | | the electric guitar. I find it easier to play, with the strings |
| techniques might differ.Most younger players would | | | | being softer and thus less effort to play.Either way, |
| gravitate towards the electric guitar thanks to MTV | | | | they both should be respected and used for what |
| and the "cool factor". The acoustic guitar seems to | | | | they are and any good guitarist should be adept at |
| have a more "folksy" image to it. Both sound very | | | | both. For the beginner, I would prefer the acoustic as it |
| different, with the acoustic relying purely on natural | | | | helps a lot in ear training as you get accustomed to |
| acoustic principles to generate the sound, using the | | | | the vibrations of the body making the tuning of the |
| body of the guitar as an "amplifier". The electric guitar | | | | strings are easier to detect.My final piece of advice is |
| on the other hand needs an electric amplifier to | | | | to don't get too obsessed with your instrument while |
| generate sound. There are of course hybrids, but that | | | | you're learning but focus on the music instead. Once |
| is not relevent in this article.So, which is better for the | | | | you start to get better at it you'll know instinctively |
| beginner? I'll cover 3 aspects below - cost, | | | | what sort of 'ax' you'll need. I've met my fair share of |
| convenience and playability.CostBoth are about the | | | | musicians who are so into the gear but have not |
| same, you can get really expensive custom built | | | | improved in their skill much and on the other hand, have |
| electric of acoustic guitars. However, the electric can | | | | heard some amazing, soul-stirring music from blues |
| start to get more expensive simply because of the | | | | masters that have played the same guitar all their |
| tempting options and accessories like amplifiers, | | | | life!Al Tan tries to be a guitarist when he's not building |
| pre-amps, effects pedals, volume pedals, etc. The | | | | websites. |