Electric vs. Acoustic Guitars


A new guitar player is often faced with the choice between learning to play guitar on an electric or acoustic guitar. Though some may already know what they want, or what they have available to them, a larger number of guitar players who are just starting out will need to make a decision. By examining some of the key differences between the two instruments, a list of things to consider when choosing which guitar to begin with can be compiled and considered.

The biggest difference between an electric and an acoustic guitar is the method of amplification. With an acoustic guitar, the guitar does all the work of amplification. Acoustic guitars are designed specifically so that their sound is produced without the use of an outside device--the acoustics of the guitar create the sounds. Electric guitars, on the other hand, require outside amplification. They are built with electronic components that communicate with an amplifier, and are capable of making only low levels of sound without the assistance of the amplifier and speakers.

Another difference between electric and acoustic guitars is the preferred gauge of string to be used. Electric guitars normally use a lighter gauge of string than their acoustic counterparts. This lighter gauge of strings means that it will usually be easier to press down on the strings of an electric guitar, while the heavier strings used on an acoustic guitar make it a bit more difficult to press down the strings sufficiently to get clear sounding notes and chords out of an acoustic guitar.

Finally, in relation to the difference in method of amplification, there is a difference in the body construction of electric and acoustic guitars. Electric guitars can have a hollow body, but more often are built with a solid body. Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, must have a hollow body in order to work properly. The difference in body construction means that while most acoustic guitars will have the same basic shape, in order for the acoustics to work correctly, electric guitars can be made in a much wider variety of shapes.

When it comes to choosing whether you want to play an acoustic or an electric guitar, there are many things to keep in mind. However, there are some questions that you can ask yourself when making this decision.

What kind of music do you want to play? While it is possible to play nearly any style of music on an electric or acoustic guitar, some styles of music are better suited for one or the other. Most rock music and metal sounds better on an electric guitar, while folk or lighter genres of music sound better on an acoustic guitar. There are notable exceptions to this rule, and there are certainly some heavier acts that use acoustic guitars, while some lighter sounding bands might use electric guitars. Traditionally, however, the sounds of certain genres are closely linked to one variety of guitar.

How much money do you have to spend? Guitars come in a wide range of prices, and most serious guitar players will find a way to have the equipment that they want or need. But generally speaking, an electric guitar, along with the necessary gear, is going to be slightly more expensive than an acoustic guitar. This is, in large part, because of the need for an amplifier and cables for the electric guitar. If money is a factor in your decision, it may be cheaper to start with an acoustic guitar.

How much volume are you going to be able to use? Electric guitars are loud. Yes, you can control the volume on an electric guitar easily, but most people prefer to play their electric guitars at a higher volume than most people would play an acoustic guitar. If you have family members or nearby neighbors that might be bothered by loud music, you may want to start with an acoustic guitar which, even at its highest volumes, is not going to get too loud. If you are lucky enough to have a practice space that will not cause you to bother other people, then this point can be disregarded.

The final consideration in the choice between an acoustic and an electric guitar cannot be easily formed into a question, but it gets back to the point made about electric guitars having lighter gauge strings. With lighter gauge strings, you will not need as much hand strength to form the notes and chords, which means that you will start playing music more quickly. On the other hand, with an acoustic guitar, it will take some time to build the hand strength necessary to press down the heavier gauge strings, but once you build that hand strength, it will make playing either type of guitar much easier, as you will have more than enough hand strength to depress the strings on an electric guitar.

Regardless of which type of guitar you choose, or ultimately grow to prefer, it is worthwhile to know about the differences between the two. You never know when you may find yourself in need of the sound of the other type of guitar, or will have an opportunity to play around with the other type. Ultimately, it is always possible to flip back and forth between electric and acoustic guitars with some minor adjustments to your playing style and gear.