For any beginner starting to play guitar the question is often raised whether you should start on acoustic guitar or electric guitar. For some, this will be a simple choice as they will be drawn to one or the other based on the type of music they like.
But the question still stands about which provides a foundation in technique that will form a basis for improving guitar skills? If you are going to teach yourself guitar then which guitar type does not hide your faults?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both at different stages of a guitarist learning so any assessment needs to take into account the short and long term benefits of each. Over the years I have taught other guitarists using whatever guitar they had to hand. I noticed that you can nearly tell from a guitarist’s technique whether they started on electric or acoustic just by watching them play.
So here are the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Starting On Electric Guitar
Pros
* Narrower gauge strings and guitar neck make it easier to play.
* Easier to develop a subtlety of playing as amplification of what you play permits various effects and nuances in your play.
* Practicing using earphones is possible (neighbors will appreciate this).
Cons
* Muscle strength in the fingers does not build up as strongly as when playing acoustic.
* Using effects hides faults (string buzz, poor left hand placement).
* Strong tendency for incorrect placement of the left thumb on the guitar neck.
Beginning On Acoustic Guitar
Pros
* Lower startup costs.
* An amp is not required, which allows you to play and practice anywhere.
* Builds up finger muscle strength.
Cons
* Temptation is there to strum through all songs. Beginners should take the time to learn finger picking styles.
* Guitar solos can get ‘lost in the mix’ if playing in a group which may put off some beginners.
* No option to play using earphones.
Guitarists who start out on electric build up speed of playing solos and chord changes which is admirable, but it is often at the cost of proper playing technique. Playing the electric guitar hides faults such as incorrect placement of the thumb and not holding down strings solidly. This results in strings buzzing or being muted during play.
By comparison, starting out on acoustic builds up finger strength, nurtures better hand placement on the frets and fosters clear sounding play.
Of course, if you can take the cost of purchasing both electric and acoustic guitars then you could balance out the beginners training on each instrument and they will benefit from both approaches.
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