Top 3 Takeaways
1) Choose the guitar that excites you — While each type of guitar has it's pros and cons, you need to choose the one that is going to make you want to play it
2) Acoustic guitars are more accessible — Acoustic guitars are playable as they are, no extra accessories necessary and much more portable
3) Electric guitars are more versatile — If you want to plug in, turn up and experiement with tones via amps, pedals and other gear, you may want to go electric
The Big Question: Electric or Acoustic?
One of the most common questions new players ask is, “Should I start with an electric or an acoustic guitar?”
It’s a fair question—and the truth might surprise you.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll be learning the same fundamentals: how to hold the guitar, how to strum, how to fret clean notes, and how to play chords and scales. Both types will build your ear, strengthen your fingers, and train your sense of rhythm. So in the end, the best guitar to start with is the one that excites you the most.
The most important thing when you’re just starting out is motivation. If you love the sound of the instrument you’re holding, you’ll want to pick it up every day. That consistency—not the type of guitar—is what determines how fast you improve.
That said, acoustic and electric guitars each have their own feel, advantages, and challenges. Let’s break down what makes each one great (and what to keep in mind before buying).
Why Start With an Acoustic Guitar?
If you’re drawn to the warm, natural tone of an acoustic guitar, there are plenty of perks—especially for beginners. Acoustic guitars are simple, versatile, and self-contained. You can just grab one, sit down, and start playing—no cables, amps, or setup required.
This makes the acoustic guitar perfect for spontaneous practice sessions. You can strum a few chords on the couch, bring it to a campfire, or take it to the beach without worrying about batteries or power outlets. There’s a certain organic charm to the acoustic guitar—it’s music in its purest form.
Easy Setup, Anywhere Inspiration Strikes
One of the biggest benefits of starting with an acoustic guitar is convenience. There’s no need to plug in, adjust settings, or manage gear. You simply tune up and play. This makes it great for beginners who don’t want to deal with cables, amps, and tone controls right away.
Because it’s portable, you can practice more often and in more places. Keeping your guitar nearby and visible encourages daily playing, and that consistency helps you progress faster.
Affordable and Accessible
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. Many high-quality beginner acoustics are available for under a few hundred dollars. Brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone make excellent starter models that sound great and last for years.
Since you don’t need to buy an amp or cables, your initial investment is lower than with an electric setup. This can be ideal for anyone testing the waters to see if guitar is a long-term hobby.
Perfect for Songwriting and Singalongs
The acoustic guitar has long been the go-to instrument for songwriters. Its balanced tone and natural resonance make it ideal for accompanying your voice. Whether you’re strumming simple chords or fingerpicking gentle melodies, it provides a full, satisfying sound all on its own.
There’s a reason you see acoustic guitars at every bonfire and open mic night—they’re social instruments that invite connection and creativity.
Things to Watch Out For
Of course, acoustic guitars have a few downsides for beginners. Steel strings can be tough on your fingers at first. You’ll develop calluses over time, but the initial discomfort can be discouraging if you’re not prepared.
Acoustics also come in different body sizes—from small “parlor” models to large dreadnoughts—and finding one that feels comfortable in your hands and against your body is key. A guitar that’s too big can make it harder to form chords cleanly.
Finally, while acoustic guitars sound beautiful, they’re less flexible when it comes to tone variety. You can’t easily switch from a bright, jangly sound to a heavy, distorted one without effects or amplification. And some advanced techniques—like wide bends or sustained vibrato—are physically harder to pull off on thicker acoustic strings.
Why Start With an Electric Guitar?
Now, if the sound of an electric guitar gets your blood pumping, that’s where things get really fun. There’s nothing quite like plugging in, hitting a chord, and feeling that note sing through an amp.
Electric guitars open up a huge range of tones and genres—from clean and jazzy to crunchy rock, fuzzy blues, or screaming metal. With just a few twists of a knob (or the help of a pedal), you can completely transform your sound.
Easier on the Fingers
Electric guitars are often more comfortable for beginners to play. They use lighter strings and have lower action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard), which means you don’t have to press as hard to get clear notes. This makes it easier to learn chords and develop proper technique without finger fatigue.
Techniques like bending, vibrato, and slides are also much easier on an electric guitar. You’ll have more control and can explore expressive playing styles sooner.
Practice Quietly—or Crank It Up
One underrated benefit of electric guitars is volume control. With the right setup, you can plug in headphones and practice quietly without disturbing anyone around you. This is great for late-night playing or apartment living.
On the flip side, you can also crank up your amp for that exhilarating, full-volume experience when you want to feel the energy of your playing. Electric guitars are incredibly versatile in this way—you can go from silent practice to stage-ready in seconds.
Endless Tone Possibilities
Electric guitars are a sound designer’s dream. By experimenting with amp settings and effects pedals, you can shape your tone in infinite ways. Whether you want to sound like Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, or John Mayer, there’s a tone path waiting for you.
That variety keeps learning exciting. You can explore different genres, from blues and classic rock to punk, indie, or metal, without needing a new instrument.
What to Consider Before Buying
Of course, there are a few tradeoffs. To get the most out of an electric guitar, you’ll need additional gear—an amp, cables, and possibly pedals. This can increase your initial cost compared to starting with an acoustic.
There’s also a small learning curve when it comes to dialing in your tone. Beginners often spend time adjusting knobs and switches before finding the sound they like. While this can be part of the fun, it can also feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Electric guitars can also weigh more than acoustics, depending on the model and body style, so make sure to try one in person to see how it feels when standing or sitting.
The Bottom Line: Follow Your Excitement
At the end of the day, both acoustic and electric guitars lead you down the same musical path—learning chords, scales, songs, and self-expression. The difference lies in how you experience that journey.
If you’re inspired by singer-songwriters and love the idea of strumming anywhere, go acoustic. If you’re captivated by rock solos, blues licks, or crunchy riffs, go electric. There’s no wrong answer—just the one that keeps you coming back to play.
Try visiting a local music store and play a few guitars in person. Notice how they feel in your hands, how easily you can reach the frets, and which sound makes you want to keep playing. Your first guitar doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to inspire you.
And remember: you’re choosing your first guitar, not your last. Most players eventually own both an acoustic and an electric because each offers something unique. Start with the one that excites you most, and let your musical curiosity guide where you go next.
FAQ: Electric or Acoustic?
Which is harder to play, electric or acoustic guitar?
Electric guitars are typically easier to play due to lighter gauge strings and lower action and have thinner, narrower necks which can help in the beginning stages of learning guitar.
Should I learn acoustic guitar first before electric?
While the order does not matter, learning on an acoustic guitar first typically gives you greater finger strength and enforces good chord fingering habits due to heavier gauge strings and higher action. Transferring these skills to an electric guitar should feel easier after having learned on an acoustic guitar.
Can you play an electric guitar without an amp?
Yes, you can play an electric guitar without an amp, but the body lacks the resonance that an acoustic guitar has, so it won't produce a very loud sound. It's good for quiet practice and working on technique in situations where you can't make too much noise.
Can you play an acoustic guitar through an amp?
Yes, if your acoustic guitar has a built-in pickup, or you mount a pickup in the soundhole, you can play an acoustic guitar through an amp. However, due to the resonance of an acoustic guitar, it is much more prone to feedback, so you'll need to be careful with volume and EQ settings. The best results come from using an amplifier designed for acoustic-electric guitars.
