If you are considering choosing a guitar for yourself, you should not ignore this article. In fact, the most popular types of guitars are electric guitars and acoustic guitars. Both have their own advantages.
So, learning electric guitar vs. acoustic, which one is better for beginners? Let’s find out together.
Learning electric guitar vs. acoustic
If you do not know which guitar to start with, it is wise to learn them thoroughly first. Let’s learning electric guitar vs. acoustic by comparing them through the following aspects:
1. Appearance
At first glance, the appearance of an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar seems completely different. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that they do not have anything in common.
Similarities between acoustic and electric guitars
Electric guitars have six strings with varying thinness and tension. So do acoustic guitars. As a result, they can produce many tones of sound. Both use natural wood material to ensure sound quality as well as high durability when you use it.
Difference between acoustic and electric guitar
The acoustic guitars seem lightweight, and you can easily take them anywhere. As for electric guitars, they are quite heavy and difficult to carry far.
Electric guitars have solid bodies with no holes and come in a variety of colors. Any acoustic guitars have one hollow body, and it has a hole in the front of the body.
The neck of acoustic guitars is wider than an electric guitar. Therefore, it will be difficult for people with small hands.
Some acoustic guitars only have one pickup. As for electric guitars, they have about three pickups.
Acoustic guitar strings are mainly made of iron and nylon. Meanwhile, electric guitars have strings made from steel, nickel. It seems that electric guitar strings are lighter than acoustic guitar strings.
2. Sound
In fact, an acoustic guitar produces a louder sound than an electric guitar. However, it seems that the sound of the acoustic guitar is more melodious.
Acoustic guitar sound
The sound quality of an acoustic guitar is completely natural. In fact, they do not need an amplifier. The air inside the soundhole acts as the guitar’s amplifier.
Electric guitar sound
The electric guitar has many powerful sound effects. Therefore, it is suitable for music genres such as rock, jazz, blues, etc.
The electric guitar itself cannot sound like an acoustic guitar. Therefore, You must use it with an amp and cables to output the sound to the speakers. In particular, players can use headphones to amplify the sound without affecting everyone around.
3. Price
The acoustic guitar has a very affordable price segment. There are even very cheap guitars that are suitable for beginners. They range from $50 to $1,000.
As for the electric guitar, they cost about $200 on average. However, just buying an electric guitar is not enough. You have to buy extra cables and amplifiers. Therefore, playing an electric guitar will be very expensive.
Advantages and disadvantages of the acoustic guitar
In fact, any acoustic guitar has a hollow body and comes with a soundhole. The soundhole helps to amplify the sound when you play the guitar.
However, you can also amplify the sound by adding a pickup or microphone. Pickups are usually mounted under the bridge. When adding a Pickup to an acoustic guitar, you can call it an Electric – Acoustic Guitar.
1. Advantages
- Most acoustic guitars use metal strings. Therefore, they are relatively difficult to use.
- The sound of an acoustic guitar is natural, and you do not need to use an amplifier. The air in the soundhole acts as an amplifier.
- Since you do not need to buy an amplifier and cables, an Acoustic Guitar is less expensive than a portable guitar.
- You do not need an amplifier to play an acoustic guitar. Hence, you can take it with you wherever you go.
- Acoustic guitar’s melodious sounds are ideal for you to play and sing at the same time.
2. Disadvantages
- The acoustic guitar is quite difficult to play. In addition, its iron strings can make your hands callus.
- To be able to master the acoustic guitar, you need more persistence and practice.
- This guitar has a wide neck. Therefore, it makes it difficult for players to play for a long time.
- The strings are often broken.
Advantages and disadvantages of electric guitar
An electric guitar needs to use electronics to amplify the sound. Electric guitars have a solid body and no soundhole.
Therefore, they are usually thinner than acoustic guitars. However, they are usually heavier than acoustic guitars.
1. Advantages
- It is easier to play electric guitars thanks to lighter strings.
- You can plug headphones into your electric guitar to amplify the sound. Thanks to that, you can play the guitar without disturbing the people around you.
- By using the electric guitar, you can more easily play Barre chords.
2. Disadvantages
An electric guitar needs to come with an amplifier and cables. That means you will spend more money.
Its sound is not as smooth as Acoustic Guitar.
The electric guitar is quite heavy. Therefore, you will have difficulty in bringing them away from home. In addition, you also need to bring an amplifier and cables.
Which is better for beginners?
In general, electric guitars are not as loud as acoustic guitars. When playing an electric guitar, you will need an amplifier to make it easier to adjust the volume.
Electric guitars can produce a wider variety of sounds than acoustic guitars. Learning to play an electric guitar is also easier than learning to play an acoustic guitar.
If you are considering buying a guitar, you must determine what your preferences are. In addition, you also need to clearly understand your purpose. If you still can’t figure out which guitar is right for you, get the help of a professional.
Which option is suitable for those who want to save money?
The acoustic guitar is the perfect choice for you. You can easily find cheap guitars. They are a good choice for beginners.
Can electric guitars work without an amplifier?
The short answer is no. The amplifier has the effect of amplifying the sound of the electric guitar through the speaker.
Conclusion
Surely, the above article can help you better understand electric and acoustic guitars. To be able to choose the guitar that’s right for you, it’s important to know what your needs are.