Choosing Between an Acoustic or Electric Guitar

It is not uncommon for a guitar newbie to be a little confused whether an acoustic or electric guitar is most appropriate for him.

Making the choice between these two instruments is never an easy decision for most beginners. Aside from their limited knowledge and skills, there are also a lot of misconceptions and myths floating around even among experienced guitarists.

In reality, the answer to this age old question largely depends on the preferences of the individual himself. For example, the musical genre closest to the player's heart should be a major deciding factor. Those who are mostly into bluegrass, country, and folk music will find acoustic guitars to be more satisfying. On the contrary, aspiring musicians who like alternative, metal, punk, and hard rock will agree that nothing compares to the versatility of an electric. Guitar tutors and expert players agree that allowing the musical taste to dictate the choice of instrument will motivate a learner to practice harder and improve quicker.

There are other important factors to consider, too - especially since both instruments have distinct pros and cons.

To illustrate further, an acoustic guitar is much more convenient to carry around. It's always possible to bring it during outdoor activities such as going to the beach and hanging out at the park. Playing with friends can also be done even without needing amplifiers or electricity. In short, no additional equipment is necessary to enjoy an acoustic.

As far as electric guitars are concerned, guitarists are allowed greater freedom to dabble with different sounds and styles to their hearts' content. Using various distortions and effects can be very fun.

When it comes to playability, an electric guitar is the easier instrument. The strings are naturally close to the frets and so they require lesser pressure to play. Amplifiers and pickups also help a player produce a cleaner sound even without much effort. The same couldn't be said about acoustics since the thicker strings are more difficult to press and bend.

Finally, the buyer's budget range should be included in the decision, too. Depending on the brand and model, acoustic guitars are usually less expensive. Electric guitars, by comparison, can cost bigger amount of money because purchasing cables and amplifiers is compulsory.

Upgrading the equipment by getting effect pedals may seem like additional expenses but this idea can be particularly attractive for guitarists who want to explore further in terms of playing and making music.

Learning the guitar is so much easier if you work with a good teacher. If you are from Australia, you can always check out MSOM for guitar tutor Melbourne.