What is the difference between acoustic and electric

First and foremost, assuming that they are properly adjusted, electric guitars tend to be better received than acoustic in terms of playing. Less expensive acoustic guitars, i. This means that the strings on the guitar are further away from the fretboard which makes it harder to fret notes and establish accurate finger shapes.

Also, unlike an electric guitar, acoustic guitars have heavier strings which require firmer picking and fingering styles. As a beginner, you have not developed strength, flexibility, or muscle memory to play at the level of a more experienced player. In turn, this can prove to be extremely difficult for new players who have yet to master the dexterity needed to navigate the fretboard at ease. If we were to look at the the action on a decent electric guitar for beginners, it is much lower.

Electric guitars tend to have lighter strings, a smaller body, and thinner necks, whereas acoustic guitars have a heavier body and a thicker neck to to support the tension of heavier strings. In terms of sound, the pickups and amplifier of an electric guitar enhance the learning process as they project the sound. Because of this, a lighter touch along with the lighter gauge strings make the electric easier to play.

When it comes to playing electric guitar, the majority of parents are concerned about the noise levels of the instrument. They believe that by handing their child an electric guitar, it automatically turns them into Eddie Van Halen. No parent wants to have endless guitar riffs shaking the foundation of the house because of a loud guitar amp!

Believe it or not, that volume knob goes the other way as well. There is no way to turn down an acoustic guitar, but you can practice on an electric at low volume, with headphones, or even unplugged! Lastly, with an electric guitar, you have a more expansive array of sounds available to to you with each chosen effect. Because of this, the electric guitar is more versatile than the acoustic which could potentially be more inspiring to play depending on the user.

If a beginner has their heart on being the next Jimmy Page, then there really is no reason an electric can't be their first instrument. In many ways, it may simplify the learning curve and streamline the learning process. One thing you should keep in mind when choosing either an acoustic or electric guitar is that it is imperative to choose an instrument that has been fully inspected and adjusted for ease of play. There is no greater impedance to progress, developing proper technique, and the enjoyment of learning to play than an instrument that has not been set up and adjusted properly to suit the players needs.

In my experience, you will most likely start with one kind of guitar, and then in due time, transition to the other. As you grow as a musician, you will find that your inspiration, motivation, and drive will begin to evolve as well. This tends to occur naturally as your skills begin to develop and the desire to play becomes more tangible and conceptual. Find your inspiration. Whatever level of playing you are at, we have a course that is right for you.

After you read this guide, learn about all the different types of guitars in this guide. Some people say you should start on a classical acoustic guitar because the strings are easier on your fingers.

Other people say to start on electric guitar because the strings are easier on your fingers. Some even say that you should start on a steel-string guitar to toughen up your fingers. It is better to start with the type of guitar that suits the style of music you want to learn. Start with an acoustic guitar if you want to learn music that is best on an acoustic guitar.

Start with an electric guitar if you want to play electric guitar music. Pick the guitar that you will enjoy playing. If you want to play rock, you will hate learning on a classical guitar. Not only will it feel wrong, but it will sound terrible. Likewise, if you want to learn acoustic folk songs, you will hate learning on an electric guitar. What type of guitar suits the music you want to learn? Check out this guide on guitar types to find the exact type of guitar that is right for you.

The main difference between playing an acoustic and electric guitar is how they feel. Acoustic guitars are bigger and bulkier and the strings can feel tight. Electric guitars are typically smaller and easier to hold and the strings feel softer under your fingers. Take a quick look at the below photo and it will be clear how different the two types of guitars will feel to hold as you play:. Having the option to be in control of the volume will give the player more leeway in finding the right sound while also avoiding disturbing others around them.

The design of an electric guitar may be a little complex, but it also makes it easier to learn how to play it as well. Because the strings on an electric guitar are thinner, this makes it easier for the player to push down to play various tunes. The neck of the guitar is thinner as well, giving the player more room to position their fingers on the guitar to control the sound it makes. For anyone who is looking for a guitar that will provide a clear and concise sound every time you play it, an electric guitar would be the go-to instrument.

Through the amplifiers, the sound of the electric guitar will intensify and give off a forceful, powerful sound. This will capture the attention of not just the player but the people listening.

Electric guitars have many creative and flashy designs that can come in a variety of different styles and colors. It's not just about the sound that will set the tone for each electric guitar that will speak volumes, or pluck volumes! Knowing some of the best features and qualities that come along with an electric guitar will be enough to convince anyone that it is worth playing. So yes, I love acoustic guitars. Here is a list of cons that come along with playing an acoustic guitar.

Since there is not an option to use electronics with acoustic guitars, the variety of sound effects will be limited. Unlike electric guitars, the sound of acoustic guitars is only meant for a tune that is smoother and simpler. For people who are just starting on an acoustic guitar, expect your fingers to be numb with pain and a tingling sensation.

The strings on the guitar are thicker and harder to play, which can be rough for beginners. Often time though, you will form calluses. Most solos are meant for a dynamic and charismatic moment.

Electric guitars are slimmer and lighter in weight than acoustic guitars. Even though electric guitars are capable of producing an amazing sound with great features that are beneficial, it also comes with its cons as well. Because of the unique design of all electric guitars, that means that it is going to cost twice as much to afford one.

The guitar by itself is expensive enough, but because it comes along with other accessories, such as cables and amplifiers, the cost of everything all together is enough to empty your pockets. The set-up of every location you take your electric guitar equipment with will be different, making it harder to find a suitable, consistent place to practice or perform every time.

The tones from an electric guitar are not as smooth and tender as those of an acoustic guitar. So, the player may spend more time adjusting the sound of the guitar to get a better feel for it. For people who are looking to play a tune that revolves around music that is soft with a simplistic melody, an electric guitar should not be the first choice.

Even though these disadvantages may seem minor, down the road, it can become a bit of a burden.