Acoustic vs Electric Guitar: What Are the Differences?

by

Adam Harkus
,
Acoustic vs Electric Guitar: What Are the Differences?

Today, as many as 72 million people play the guitar. It’s an instrument sure to make people swoon, and if you’re a great multitasker, you can sing as you play as well!

As a music fan, the guitar’s simply irresistible to you. So you want to pick one up and learn to play some tunes on it. You’ll certainly impress your friends!

But for acoustic vs electric guitar, what are the differences? And which one should you get? Keep reading to find out more.

What Is an Acoustic Guitar?

An acoustic guitar is usually made of wood and has a hollow body. This allows the strummed strings to vibrate and resonate to make the sounds you hear!

The acoustic guitar is seen as a “portable” instrument since you don’t need to plug it into anything; it’s not powered by electricity. So you can whip it out and play it wherever you want, without any extra equipment!

What Is an Electric Guitar?

As the name suggests, an electric guitar is powered by electricity. It plugs into an amplifier, which then creates sounds when you strum the strings.

Because of this, it doesn’t need a hollow body like an acoustic guitar. The body is narrower as well.

Acoustic vs Electric Guitar: The Differences

While you play both acoustic and electric guitars by putting your fingers down on the frets and strumming the strings, that’s where the similarities end.

As we’ve mentioned before, acoustic guitars are more portable while electric guitars are more of a hassle to set up. And because they have complicated electric parts and need amps to function, electric guitars are much more expensive as well.

Also, the 2 instruments produce different qualities of sound. This makes acoustic guitars more suitable for classical pieces while electric guitars are more suitable for rock and modern pieces.

It’s easier to learn an electric guitar since it’s more forgiving and can mask your mistakes better.

But if you want to have a solid musical foundation, it’s better if you start with an acoustic guitar. That way, it’ll be easier to play an electric guitar. Plus, you can focus solely on learning to play, rather than having to learn how to set up amps.

If you’d like to get an acoustic guitar, then check out these 11 classical guitars for beginners.

Pick the Right Type of Guitar for You

Now you know the differences between an acoustic vs electric guitar.

Both have their own pros and cons, but we recommend starting with an acoustic guitar before trying an electric one. Because it’s a much simpler instrument and less forgiving for mistakes, you’ll be able to hone your musical skills first. Also, you won’t have to spend much money to start either.

When you decide to move on to an electric guitar, it’ll be much easier to play!

Keep browsing our blog page to find more music articles!

By Kathleen Zara.

Comments

2 responses to “Acoustic vs Electric Guitar: What Are the Differences?”

  1. Marina Teramond @ NMPL avatar
    Marina Teramond @ NMPL

    To tell the truth, when you want to become a professional guitarist you need to realize all the differences between acoustic and electric guitar. Of course, each of these guitars has a wide range of advantages, but it is really important to have a serious approach to choosing a guitar, weighting the pros and cons. I absolutely agree with you that it is the smartest decision to start with an acoustic guitar before trying an electric one because it will be more effective and productive for you at the beginning. From my point of view, If you have never played any stringed instrument before, it will be a little more difficult for you to master the electric guitar, but only at first. Actually, I really like electric guitar because you can have a great opportunity to practice almost in silence with such a guitar. You can use headphones and a processor, or just play an unplugged instrument. I think that both guitars are a great investment and you just have to choose the one which would be most comfortable for you to play.

    Reply
  2. L.W. Mason avatar
    L.W. Mason

    For we mere mortals, I feel acoustitic is necessary to be a well-rounded guitar player. The notes are more pure, and I feel it just helps you be a better player. You have to play it differently than an electric, and there is no compressed wall of fuzz and feedback to hide behind when you play. I think that’s why 60s and 70s guitar heros are different than what we have now. Stones, Who, Kinks etc, acoustics were an integral part of the music and sound. I like a Les Paul and wall of glowing Marshall’s a much as anyone, but when I look for that jaw dropping technique, finesse and purity, I always go back to the acoustic masters for inspiration. One is visceral, one is cerebral. It’s great to have both.

    Reply

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