Learning how to play the guitar (or any instrument) is easily one of the most satisfying artistic endeavors one can do in their life. But it's not easy. There will be times when you feel as though you want to give up or that you're just not able to learn. Luckily, that's not true. Anyone who is willing to give it the time required can learn. But depending on what type of guitar you begin your journey on, the initial path can be a bit different. Below are the pros and cons of learning on either an acoustic or electric guitar.  

Acoustic Guitar

An acoustic guitar is named after the fact that it projects sound acoustically, so there's no need for outside amplification (although acoustic guitars that have the ability to be amplified exist and are extremely popular).   Pros Of Learning On An Acoustic: • Learning to play with an acoustic guitar eliminates extra costs such as those of buying an amplifier or cables. • If you are able to play a piece on an acoustic guitar, you will more than likely be able to play it on an electric guitar as well due to the higher amount of technique required. This cannot be said for the electric guitar. • An acoustic guitar has a tone that is naturally soothing and calm compared to the distorted tone experienced on an electric guitar. This will even create a favorable environment for those around your practicing area.   Cons Of Learning On An Acoustic Guitar: • Acoustic guitars are designed with gauge strings that are heavy. This might give a beginner difficulty in fingering and will demand for a picking that is firm. This might cause pain on the fingertips and ultimately discomfort that will discourage beginners. • Acoustic guitars are considered to be more fragile compared to electric ones. • They tend to have fretboards that are wider than those on electric guitars, a feature that is not as beginner friendly. • Strings on acoustic guitars have a greater tendency to produce a buzzing sound due to their increased gauge. • Higher gauge strings also make it more difficult to hold barre chords when compared to typical electric guitar strings.  

Electric Guitar

These type of guitars are named for the fact that they require electric amplification in order to produce sound. They do so by using electromagnetic pickups to "pick up" string vibrations and turn them into electric signals that are then sent to the amplifier.   Pros Of Learning On An Electric Guitar • Electric guitars are physically easier to play than their acoustic counterparts. This is due to the fact that they have smaller bodies, thinner necks and have gauges that are lighter than those on an acoustic guitar. • Amplifier and the pickups project all the sound, this gives it a touch and strings that are lighter making it easier to learn. • Electric guitars have softer strings compared to those on acoustic guitars, this makes it friendly to hold barre chords and perform other techniques • Electric guitar amps tend to feature a headphone input, allowing you to practice in near silence. • While there are a number of effects available for acoustic guitars, they pale in comparison to those available for the electric. Incorporating effects with an electric guitar can keep things fresh.   Cons Of Learning On An Electric Guitar • You require to purchase an amplifier and this can be costly for most beginners. • It can be difficult to find a good tone, especially for beginners who have little to no knowledge of amps and guitars. The wrong tone might discourage them from continuing. • Learning to play on an electric guitar is not an automatic indication that you can play an acoustic guitar. Whether you start your journey on an acoustic or electric guitar, the most important thing to keep in mind is that no one was born a rock star. It takes years of dedication and hours upon hours of practice before you master your craft. And even after you've learned to shred like a madman, there's always room to grow. If you need suggestions on the best instrument for you or any other guitarist, don't hesitate to chat with one of our helpful PAL pros by using the contact us dialogue box below!    

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