I want to learn to play guitar, and I was wondering if I need to start on regular guitar, or if I can just start taking lessons on an electric guitar?
And if someone could explain the differences between the two types of guitars that would help too.
Sure, acoustics are good to start out with.
but the thing is, if you really dig the sound of a electric guitar, and that’s the style you want to play. Then start on a electric.
Even though acoustic are better for building up the foundations.
I’ve been teaching guitar for a few years now, and I found that lots of people start on a acoustic because that’s what they are told they should start on.
The problem is, they won’t practice as much because they aren’t learning the songs they would like or the guitar doesn’t make the sound they want.
So if the sound you enjoy is the electric guitar sound, there’s nothing wrong with starting out on a electric guitar, you will have more fun and encourages practice.
I’d recommend starting on acoustic. You will build up calluses faster and since acoustic doesn’t have any effects, you’ll learn how to make the sound more clean.
The differences include but aren’t limited to:
Acoustics generally don’t have any wiring. There are electric-acoustics, but they sound pretty much the same
Electrics usually have a more exposed neck and it’s easier to go higher up
You can use more effects on electric
Acoustics (sans classical guitars) have thicker strings
Acoustic isn’t always played with a pick
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A "regular" guitar is called an "acoustic" guitar.
You don’t have to learn on acoustic first; it’s your choice.
One major difference is how the two guitars look: an acoustic is hollow and made of wood while an electric is made of several different materials, thus making it heavier to carry than an acoustic. The sound is different too because of the way they look.
In terms of portability you can take an acoustic guitar with you anywhere because it doesn’t need any extra equipment such as an amp, like an electric guitar does.
An acoustic guitar is harder to play because of the strings. You have to press down harder to produce sound, while an electric guitar requires not to much pressure.
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Guitar player who plays both
Most people I know would recommend starting with an acoustic guitar. They are less expensive, don’t require an amplifier or extra equipment, and you can carry it around the house and play it anywhere (even out under your favorite shady tree if you like). You play an acoustic and electric the same way. All the strings and notes are the same, so it really doesn’t matter which you choose to learn on. A decent electric guitar will be a little easier to play just because the strings are usually lighter and the action is lower (how high the strings are above the neck). This makes it easier to play the notes without getting a lot of buzzing. It also depends on the type of music you want to play. If you just feel like learning a few chords with a lot of distortion, then you’ll need an electric. If you really want to learn how to play guitar, I recommend an acoustic first.
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Electric guitar is a regular guitar. The other type is called an acoustic guitar. They are the opposite of electric, which means they aren’t electric and do not require any chords, power or amps to produce the intended sound.
You can learn on either one, but a lot of us recommed acoustic first, because it helps build strength and dexterity in your fingers.
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Many people do recommend starting on an acoustic, and in my opinion that recommendation is based on old and outdated information. It used to be very expensive to buy a good electric and amp, this is no longer the case. Also many instructors are just old school. The bottom line is to play which ever type you are interested in. Would you enjoy playing Taylor Swift or some other type of softer acoustic music, or had you rather play AC/DC or something like that? Obviously there is a long of ground in between but you see my point. The hardest part about learning guitar is just sticking with it, so buying an acoustic because someone said so, even though you prefer electric, will increase the chances of you giving up. Yes. playing an acoustic will make you fingers stronger and build calluses faster, but it will also cause more pain and discomfort, which again may push you more toward giving up. So just get which ever type of guitar that will motivate you to pick it up the most often.
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Sure, acoustics are good to start out with.
but the thing is, if you really dig the sound of a electric guitar, and that’s the style you want to play. Then start on a electric.
Even though acoustic are better for building up the foundations.
I’ve been teaching guitar for a few years now, and I found that lots of people start on a acoustic because that’s what they are told they should start on.
The problem is, they won’t practice as much because they aren’t learning the songs they would like or the guitar doesn’t make the sound they want.
So if the sound you enjoy is the electric guitar sound, there’s nothing wrong with starting out on a electric guitar, you will have more fun and encourages practice.
References :
You should get the type of guitar that fits the type of music you want to play. Don’t get an acoustic if you want to play metal and don’t get an electric if you want to play bluegrass. Get something that will allow you to play the music that you want to play.
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http://www.CutawayAcousticGuitar.com
You could start on electric but you should start on acoustic. It is easier to operate for beginners. That’s how I started.
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it wont matter in the long run. Callouses arent important unless you rub your fingers on cheese graters. I’ve been playing electric guitar first and its easier to move your fingers.
If your in high school they might have a class for it.
Kris has the best answer
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Start out on a acoustic first then after a few months switch to a electric. I recommend a squire stratocaster for a first electric they don’t cost very much but aren’t and to bad.
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3 years of playing
Acoustic guitar….
but it basically depends on what way you want to use the guitar..
there are 2 reasons a person buys a guitar… :-
No.1:just for fun:if u dig rock or metal and want to play master of puppets intro anytime you feel like… electric is your best bet..you will enjoy it…if u like led zeppelin/ finger picking or pop type chord songs (wonderwall)… even though you can play on electric, acoustic is a safer and less expensive bet
No.2:Musician cum guitarist: acoustic is recommended because you have to practice lots of stuffs, and believe me, you wouldn’t want to be paying high electricity bills as a beginner…the thick strings of acoustic will make your finger tips much tougher than in an electric ..
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the new age internet
I am a Guitar Salesman for Guitar Center and I will recommend an electric guitar first because it has lighter gauge strings which are easier to finger and it will keep you more interested because of the assortment of amplifiers, effects and guitars which you can choose from.
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