Electric vs. Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
A common question from beginner guitar students is regarding the choice between the electric and acoustic guitars. As a parent, it can be the difference between whether your child maintains his or her interest in their guitar lessons. Here are a few things to keep in mind while making this decision.
The acoustic guitar is easily transportable, and doesn’t require an amplifier. But the strings are heavier and take longer for beginners fingers to get accustomed to. Also, the neck and body of the acoustic guitar is bulkier so it can be more awkward for children. The acoustic guitar essentially has a steeper learning curve, as it takes a bit more persistence.
Electric guitars have lighter strings and smaller necks which make it easier on the hands and fingers. The sore fingers that many beginners experience when learning on an acoustic guitar generally aren’t nearly as much of a problem when learning on the electric guitar. It also has more of a ‘fun’ quality since most famous rock guitarists use the electric guitar, and games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero have electric guitars. However, the need for an amplifier and a chord to connect the guitar and amp (not to mention the proximity of electricity) are downsides.
One other consideration is the role of the two guitars. Acoustic guitars are generally used for strumming, and often serve as the ‘rhythm guitar’, while the electric guitar is usually the ‘lead guitar’. Beginners will generally learn the same repertoire on either instrument, since everyone needs to know the same basics of how to play chords, but it is good to keep these different roles of the guitar in mind.
One final note is that it is okay if during lessons, your child uses an electric while the teacher has an acoustic, or vice versa.
If you are interested in finding a guitar teacher in the DC, MD or VA area, contact B&B Music Lessons for further information on our hand picked guitar instructors. We are the premier provider of in home music lessons in the DC area.
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Comments (2)
Awesome Information, thanks for the fine Post. I will come back later , Great information about learning guitar playing!
[...] types of guitars to choose from. Electric, steel string acoustic, and nylon string acoustic.  Electric guitars have the lightest strings of the three types, although nylon strings are soft and easy on the [...]