This is geared towards beginners & parents.
So you are going to get a guitar (acoustic or electric), and finally learn how to play the thing. Which type will you buy? How many types are there? Should you start on an acoustic, and then move to electric?
Or, is your child asking for a guitar and you aren’t quite sure which type to buy to get them going?
The ideal situation is to get both (an acoustic and an electric) within the first year, or few months. Make your choice for the starter, and then acquire the other type after the student has demonstrated some ‘stick-with-it-ness’.
Big Point: typically an electric is a bit easier to press the strings down. It isn’t necessary to build up strength on an acoustic, and then move to electric. Learning on an electric first, is perfectly fine. Strength can be built on either. The important point is that you &/or your child are comfortable and stay fired up.
It makes sense for many parents to start on acoustic (whether half or three-quarter size), then get an electric after their child has learned a few chords, melodies, and songs. [Note: half and three quarter size classicals typically play better and stay in tune better than mini-steel strings].
Sticking with guitar is related to the level of excitement about playing which often translates into playing the electric guitar (especially for kids).
When considering whether to buy an acoustic or electric first, always consider what sparked the interest to begin with? Was it a Dave Matthews or AC/DC video? This conceptual and emotional link to a favorite player or type of music can a great indicator.
The blanket idea that you should start on an acoustic, then get an electric is outdated and inaccurate. Situations often call for the opposite.
The guitar (whether acoustic or electric) is great for many reasons. It’s diversity in use is astounding. It can be used to play melody, harmony, and both at the same time, much like a piano.
It is also a percussive instrument. It is catalogued as a chordophone (instruments with strings), yet it is also an idiophone (instruments with are scraped or hit – without a skin membrane). The guitar is a chordophonic idiophone, or a idiophonic chordophone.
Another point of greatness is that it is portable (acoustic or electric). It can be carried to gigs, like a keyboard, yet unlike a piano. An acoustic can be played anywhere – in a park, the woods, or a friend’s living room – without the need for electricity. The electric has the need for some type of amplifier. Portable, yet multiple hands or loads necessary.
Another reason the guitar is great is that is extremely popular. Dare we say the most popular instrument on earth? It is standard equipment in many households across the globe. Yet, some cultures ban the thing.
Two Types of ‘Acoustics’
The term acoustic in the broadest sense means ‘non-electric’, or ‘doesn’t have to be plugged in’. In its more specific common usage, the term means steel string guitar. The other type of ‘acoustic’ is a nylon string (plastic) guitar, also known as a ‘classical’ or ‘classic’ guitar.
Both acoustic and classic guitars can be plugged in if they have been modified or built with a pickup. The term acoustic-electric applies to an acoustic guitar which can be amplified via a built in pick-up, or applied to the guitar (soundhole or stuck onto the sound board typically with putty).
Adult Beginners
Which type of guitar should an adult beginner purchase (acoustic or electric)? This relates directly to what type of music they are intending to play. Acoustic versions exist of many rock songs, so the acoustic in this way, can ‘do it all’.
If a student just needs to get going, either type of guitar, including classical, works fine. When you start to venture into styles, the type of guitar will dictate your success in emulating a particular sound. Generally, if you know now what will keep you interested, get the guitar that matches that style and tone.
Some adults really only need an acoustic. They are great at parties, church, or gatherings. They are extremely versatile, without the need to carry an amp and to find a power socket. They are also more universally ‘social’.
If you intend to gig eventually with an acoustic, you will need an acoustic-electric (internal pick-up), or a soundhole pick-up. An internal pick-up is ultimately the way to go. Many acoustics now come with electronics from the factory. Electronics can also be installed later.
If you plan to rock out, you know you need an electric. If you plan to play AC/DC songs, the way they sound on a record, you definitely should invest in a good amp as well as an electric.
When you amplify, the amp is half of the equation. First, is you and how you play, then there’s the guitar, and finally the amp. They all carry important dimensions of tone.
Children Beginners
It is very common to hear parents say, “first, my child needs to learn on the acoustic, then they can get an electric.” This does work in some situations quite well. Yet, it doesn’t work in every situation.
Sometimes, depending on the age, size and attitude of a student, an electric is a better first purchase.
For the very young (2-4), a ukulele is recommended, rather than a ‘toy’ guitar with questionable craftsmanship. Many of the small ‘toy’ guitars have sharp parts and edges and should be avoided. Toy guitars in general, beyond the plastic button type, should be avoided. Once we move into actual strings, these ‘toys’ are dangerous.
The best first choice for kids ages 5-12 is the three-quarter size classical (plastic strings). Generally the craftsmanship on these are far superior than a steel string three quarter size. [A good small classical should cost around $120.]
Small steel strings are harder to play and are difficult to stay in tune, often creating a bad playing experience.
Electrics are fine for this age, yet this should be based on how a child approaches a guitar. [An electric guitar and amp package should cost between $150-250.]
Ask: will my child treat it like a toy, or are they careful and aware of how to treat it? If they seem to ‘just know’ how it all works, by all means, get them what they are asking for, watch the process, and trust it. Some kids just know to keep the volume low and to keep the cables in order.
For teens, it is whatever is ‘coolest’. Acoustics and electrics carry a lot of cool. It is recommended to go with the flow on this. Buying an acoustic when a child is asking for an electric can backfire.
The goal is enjoyment and building happy memories. A little perspective in this regard can go a long way. The acoustic, in many regards, has become just as ‘cool’ in American culture.
If there are cultural issues (such as religion or family history) involved with guitar, an acoustic is often less likely to create tension within a given context. The electric carries a lot of stigma, whether rightfully suited to it or not.
Criteria for buying a guitar
When buying a guitar, the 3 basic criteria for any type of guitar are always:
1. Price
2. Feel
3. Tone
First, you shop within your price range. If your price range is 200-400 dollars, know this going into the store. Find the guitars in that range, play as many as you can. Be aware of what you are drawn too.
Second, does the guitar feel good? Is it playable? Does it feel comfortable? Easy to press? Fit your body?
Third, does it sound good?
When these 3 things align, and you have tried a number of models, possibly at a few stores, make your purchase.
Music, as a life-long activity, is a great way to grow as a person. The guitar being diverse, portable, and popular, has a rich history of delivering the experience of music with tremendous rates of return, when your investment is patient and smart. Stay smart.
Which will you buy first? Acoustic or electric?
