Beginning your journey as a guitarist will bring you to this exciting point in your life, where anything is possible, from strumming your favourite songs or playing with friends, to one day actually performing on stage. The one question that every new guitarist asks is, “Should I learn an electric or an acoustic guitar?”
You will hear many opinions about which type of guitar instrument is best, including some from your friends, from YouTube, and even the 3-chord-cousin who thinks he is a professional musician. Just kidding. The only real answer for your question is that there is no right or wrong answer. It depends only on your interest. Whether you’re exploring electric or acoustic guitar online classes, here are a few similarities and differences that you must know and go with your options accordingly.
How are Acoustic and Electric Guitars Similar?
There are many obvious similarities between electric and acoustic guitars, they are:
- Both guitars have six strings.
- Both have tuning pegs that help you change the pitch of every six strings
- Electric and acoustic guitars have frets which are small metal strips that show sound intervals.
Please note one of the most important similarities between these two guitars are they both require dedication and practice to learn.
Differences Between Acoustic and Electric Guitar
Now we have outlined the similarities, so, if you go to buy acoustic or electric guitar online, let’s see the actual difference between these two guitars:
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How they project sound
The body of an acoustic guitar is made of wood with one area hollowed out (called a sound hole) to amplify the sound of strings when strummed. The hollow area of an acoustic guitar amplifies sound naturally and requires no other equipment.
On the other hand, an electric guitar does not contain a hollowed-out body. Instead of having a sound hole, the strings of an electric guitar vibrate through guitar pickups, which convert the vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are sent to an amplifier, which produces sound.
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Variety
In general, acoustic guitars have a bulkier or thicker design than electric guitars. It may be uncomfortable to strum the strings of an acoustic guitar unless your arms can rest comfortably on the back of the guitar body.
Electric guitars have a thinner design that allows you to play them closer to your body than an acoustic guitar would. The extra weight of electric guitars can be additional drag on your wrist while standing.
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String Differences
The profile of an acoustic guitar is specific to the manufacturer. The necks of most acoustic guitars are larger than those on most electric guitars.
When a player presses down on an acoustic guitar’s strings with their fingers, they typically press harder than they do on the strings of an electric guitar. This can be very difficult for most beginning musicians’.
Players should consider their experience level before making a decision about which type of guitar to play:
- A thicker neck and wider string spacing means more of your finger will need to apply more pressure to produce a sound.
- The thinner neck and closer string spacing require less finger pressure.
That’s why many beginners find electric guitars easier on the fingers, especially for fast playing or solos.
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Size and Portability
An acoustic guitar is a pretty easy instrument to move around with, you just need a case and you’re ready to go.
For electric guitars, it’s a little more complicated. You will have the guitar, amp, cables (possible pedals), but you can still move it around with relative ease.
Types of Music: What Are Your Favourite Genres/Styles?
You likely aren’t aware of the significance that you put into your musical taste. If you play an acoustic guitar, you might be passionate about:
- Folk
- Flamenco
- Singer-songwriter
- Country
- Blues
- Classical
If you play an electric guitar online, you probably prefer:
- Rock/Hard Rock
- Blues/R&B
- Punk/Grunge
- Funk
- Indie/Alternative
There’s lots of crossover or overlap here . Your preferred genre is probably an indicator of what you love!
So, Which Guitar Fits You?
The most honest answer is that the guitar you like best. If you are looking for something that feels natural and pure, go acoustic. If you are more interested in expressing yourself musically with strong riffs and solos, try an electric guitar.
While you may want to learn both of these types of guitars in the future, you don’t have to start with both at the same time. Many musicians learn both as they develop their skills.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the most important part of learning either of these guitars is to find the right lessons. Spardha School of Music provides students with structured lessons, beginning at the beginner level. At Spardha, you will develop strong fundamentals and have the opportunity to develop as a professional guitarist. Whether you want to learn electric or acoustic guitar online, you can enrol to Spardha’s courses, they are online still you can turn your passion into skill.