Comments on: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND STARTING ON ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC GUITAR FOR SOMEONE WHO IS LEARNING GUITAR?

By: ddrum

ddrum — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 01:17:45 +0000

Based on what you just said, don’t even consider an acoustic. Sticking with guitar is very hard in the beginning. If you are playing acoustic when your passion is electric you will be more likely to quit. Yes you need an amp for electric, but guess what, you can get an electric and a small amp for less than an acoustic that plays as well as the electric. Many $200 – $300 electric guitars play very well. I have never played an acoustic in that price range that wasn’t crap. In my opinion you need to spend $700 – $800 on acoustic for it to play as well as a $300 electric.

By: Norm Jones

Norm Jones — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 01:16:15 +0000

Hello there,

You answered your own question. You said you are really into electric guitar and not so much into acoustic. Why learn what you are not into?

Learning is enough of a challenge without having to force yourself to learn something that is not really of interest.

If I may, I would suggest you look for a good quality used guitar for a starter. You can get a used good quality guitar for about the price of a new lesser quality guitar. More bang for your buck. Also, the new guitar loses value the moment you take it home. If in 6 months you decide you really do not want to bother learning to play, you are out less money.

By good quality, I do not mean top of the line guitars. Good quality starter guitars. Squier by Fender is fine. Epiphone by Gibson is also fine.

You can check your local want ads, Craig’s List, the Trader and the like. Even look on eBay. Pick up the best you can afford. However plan on spending about 1/2 of your money on the guitar. The amp is a big part of your sound. A great guitar played through a lousy amp sounds lousy. A mediocre guitar played through a great amp sounds decent. Don’t underestimate the amp when you are shopping.

Later,

By: LedZepChick

LedZepChick — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:42:52 +0000

Honestly man, you should just go with the electric guitar because that’s the one you feel most passionate about. Otherwise playing an instrument you don’t feel as passionate about could affect the way you feel about playing the guitar in general.

If your really determined to learn the electric guitar then it doesn’t matter how hard it is. But you gotta put time and effort into it. However learning the electric guitar is more expensive because of the equipment. Anyways, good luck and most of all, have fun!

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:27:22 +0000

Electric is easier because it takes less physical strength, but if you start on acoustic and build skill and strength, you will be amazed how easy electric will be when you make the switch. There are some techniques though that are specific to electric guitar. Pinch harmonics, muting, stuff like that. Good luck!

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:56:54 +0000

I think it’s much easier, being a guitar teacher. It will roughen your fingers and allow for more dexterity when you choose to switch to electric. The strings are thicker and the frets are wider.

Another thing…Guitar Hero. It gets a bad rap, but if you play a few songs before picking up an electric, your fingers should feel looser. That way, I guess it makes sense to skip an acoustic. But…an acoustic guitar + a few minor chords = sure shot of getting laid. Factor that in

By: Txff

Txff — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:05:03 +0000

At your age you should find a guitar you are comfortable with at a low cost. Remember an electric guitar needs the additional expense of an amplifier and a decent cable. The most important thing is find an instructor that someone you know has used and will recommend plus the instructor should be comfortable teaching the style you are interested in. You should consider a personal instructor for at least 10 lessons to find out if you really want to play the guitar or if you just like the looks of the guitar in your room looking cool collecting dust.

By: ⌡Machine Head⌠

⌡Machine Head⌠ — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:50:31 +0000

I do not agree that one must start on an acoustic. I think starting on electric is fine. Do not get one with a vibrato tailpiece (whammy bar). Learning to tune will be challenging enough. Stick with a small amp (I like the classic “Pignose”, but there are other good brands, Headphone amps are good.) Both Squier and Epiphone have good beginner guitars at good prices.