Acoustic vs Electric Guitar Which to Learn First

People have argued about this for decades. The honest answer is short: start on the one that makes the music you want to play. Here is what is different about each so you can decide.

How they feel

An acoustic guitar has thicker strings and a bigger body. It takes more finger strength at first, and it builds that strength quickly. An electric guitar has thinner strings set closer to the neck, so chords take less pressure and the body is slimmer against you.

What you need to get started

An acoustic guitar is ready the moment you pick it up. No amp, no cable. An electric guitar needs an amplifier and a cable, which adds to the cost and to what you carry around. Starter packs solve this by putting everything in one box.

The sound you are after

If you picture yourself strumming and singing, playing folk, country or bluegrass, start on acoustic. If the music in your head is rock, blues or anything with a band and a drummer, start on electric. You will practice more when the guitar sounds like the songs you love.

A middle path

An acoustic-electric guitar is an acoustic with a pickup built in. It plays unplugged at home and plugs into an amp or a sound system when you need volume.

Skills carry over

Chords, scales and rhythm are the same on both. Whatever you learn on one moves to the other. Many players end up owning both, so this is a choice about where to begin, not a choice for life.

Either way, get it set up

The most common reason beginners quit is a guitar that is hard to play. Every guitar we ship is set up by hand on our bench in Athens, Tennessee first. More on that in our guide to what a guitar setup is.

Shop acoustic guitars or electric guitars, or call us at (423) 462-1894.