Buying a guitar- Electric or Acoustic?

Which is easier to learn? Which one is better to start with? What should I get?

Design

I have been asked these questions many times. Electric is the easier of the two to play. The guitar body is smaller so getting your arms around it isn’t difficult. The string tension is lighter causing less pressure on your fingers and less strain on the players’ hand muscles. And often electric guitars have a slimmer neck. The trade off is it is heavier and an amplifier makes it complete.


For the acoustic, there are two string types - steel string acoustics and nylon string (classical) acoustics. The nylon stringed guitars have smaller bodies, wider necks at the nut and depth with a shorter scale (neck length) and often a flatter fret board than steel string acoustics. The nylon stings are softer on the fingers making it more comfortable for beginners. The strings create a softer, mellower tone. Steel stringed guitars require the most strength from your hands and often have a larger body although there are different sized acoustics available.

All three guitar types come in child sizes (half or ¾ sizes) however, some of the smaller electrics don’t tune properly and some are built to be just toys. That’s not a bad thing for a child who is interested in playing but maybe not ready for lessons yet.



Starting

Most people recommend starting with a steel stringed acoustic. Many parents endorse of this advice as well. I have to disagree with this recommendation and look at what the player would like to play and what she listens to. If you or your child enjoys acoustic guitar, aren’t sure about how far it will go and enjoy time at the cottage whenever possible then yes, an acoustic is perfect. It’s mobile, easy to transport and most are quite durable. If you listen to Black Sabbath, Sum41 or Billy Talent then an acoustic won’t encourage practicing or dedication. Always select the instrument that will make you happy. I know parents like to start off with the acoustic and then move to the electric but I have seen this back fire a number of times. Their child loses interest and finds passion for learning difficult. I also don’t understand the reasoning. Is it advice from someone else “somewhat qualified”? Or is it because parents don’t want to listen to a highly distorted guitar tone? I started out with an electric bought for me, by my father, when I was 13. I found it intriguing and liked that it was quieter than an acoustic (unplugged- yes, an electric works without amplification). The downside is that you don’t truly get the full impact of the instrument without an amplifier. But amps are so cheap these days and every single one of them have a headphone jack. (yay for parents!).

In terms of price you can get acoustics or electrics at affordable prices. Acoustics are a little less as there is no need for an amp but starter electric packages can be $150-$200. Very reasonable! Rental is also an option here in Toronto. It’s a good way to start too.


What should I get?

Adults-Get what you want to get and don’t listen to the salesperson. Yes, there are very helpful salespeople at music stores, but there is also staff driven by commissions. The guitar that’s the best is the one that sounds the best- nothing more. Don’t let your lack of qualification deter you form the guitar you like the sound of (INCLUDING electric guitars unplugged) If you can’t play ask the salesperson to play it for you and ask for them to play at different frets of the guitar-not just in one place. If you like the sound of it, buy it. If you can’t afford it wait until you can then buy it. Settling often breeds regret.

Parents- Research what guitars that are in your price range and what you’ll be willing to pay. Rental might be the best option. If your child wants an electric guitar or a bass guitar I would get that. If music lessons become a battle of proving one’s worth (IE getting an acoustic first to see if she will stick with it) there is the definite possibility that your child will lose interest in music-fast. Think about it this way, do you settle for your choices? An instrument is an investment in your child. This doesn’t mean you buy the $1600 Taylor or $2000 Parker Fly. But listening to your child can bring you and your child a good return on the investment (IE interest and pleasure in playing it).

You get what you pay for- almost always TIPS for buying

1. Solid top acoustics sound the best and will sound better as they get older.


2. Cheap Costco guitars and guitars in toy stores are just that and most won’t tune properly.

• There are good quality instruments at these stores so check with the staff

3. Play the guitar before you buy it- if it’s an electric plug it in but listen unplugged too.

4. Spend more if you want it! Don’t feel you aren’t worth it. A good quality guitar is a good investment.

5. Get the colour you like and the one that looks the best to you! You have to look at it every day (you are going to practice every day, right?) so it’s gotta look cool.

6. You will regret making a pressured choice instead of your choice. Stick with what you want.