Even before you figure out whether you want to play electric guitar or acoustic, learning to play guitar is an incredibly fun journey that can begin as a hobby but turn out to be a long-life career.
While following your interests should guide you in picking the instrument you want to learn, research is also essential. Both acoustic and electric guitars are awesome and the path you choose should depend more on your passion.
You can learn to play both electric and acoustic guitar but you have to start with one instrument. In this article, we have details on both instruments which should guide you in making a good decision.
Is Electric Guitar Easier Than Acoustic (Quick Answer)
The electric guitar is easier than the acoustic, especially for beginners. This is because electric guitar has more sustain, strings are lighter, and it is easy to hit high notes. The acoustic guitar is unforgiving, and it displays mistakes made when playing more than the electric guitar.
While the electric guitar is easier, it all depends on the player and their interests. An acoustic guitar can be challenging because of the string gauge and how unforgiving it is. However, nowadays, acoustic guitars are manufactured with friendly features to make it easy for beginners to play.
Electric Guitar vs. Acoustic for Beginners
For beginners, one factor that contributes to learning guitar is the playability of the guitar. Acoustic guitars have heavy strings which make them harder to get used to when playing. Also, electric guitar bodies are easier to work with.
Before you choose which guitar to play, you should try both guitars so that you identify which one you are most comfortable with. The music genre you want to play is an important factor in deciding which guitar is easier to work with.
Sometimes, learning to play might be hard at first, but it gets better with more practice and as you progress with guitar lessons. If you are more interested in acoustic guitar, it will be easier to play than going for an electric guitar because it is easier.
Electric Guitar and Acoustic Guitar Prices
Both electric and acoustic guitars have different prices depending on the quality. One cannot truly compare the two in terms of price because they vary in the quality of materials used to make the guitar, the brand, and the design.
Comparing the two on an entry-level basis, you can find a good beginner acoustic guitar for $100, whereas a beginner to intermediate-level electric guitar could cost you $300.
5 Reasons Why Electric Guitar Is Easier to Play
As highlighted above, the electric guitar is easier to play than the acoustic guitar. Below are detailed reasons why it is easier to play the electric guitar:
Adjusting
When playing guitar, some adjustments are required, especially on the strings to enhance playability. Electric guitars are easy to adjust and straightforward. For instance, you only need a screwdriver to adjust electric guitar strings. Acoustic guitars on the other hand mostly have wood and plastic bridges that are harder to make adjustments to.
Electric Guitars Can Be Played Quietly
When you need to practice quietly, you can do it with an electric guitar. This helps beginners identify and rectify their mistakes without being loud. Acoustic guitars are loud and one cannot practice quietly, especially in small spaces.
Electric Strings Are Easier to Press
If you want to use less strength to press the guitar strings, the electric guitar is perfect for you. If you choose an acoustic guitar, you need more physical muscle to play because acoustic guitar strings are harder to press against the fretboard.
Guitar Body
Electric guitars feature thin bodies that are friendly to hold and put the arm around when playing. This makes it easier to play. The acoustic guitar has thicker bodies that are less comfortable to hold compared to electric guitar bodies.
Lower Action
Electric guitars have low action which makes them easier to play because you do not have to press the strings too hard against the fingerboard. Acoustic guitars on the other hand have a high action that makes them more physically indulging when playing.
FAQs
Is Acoustic or Electric Guitar Better for Beginners?
The electric guitar is easier for beginners because it is more forgiving and has a thinner body that is easy to hold for beginners.
Can You Learn Electric Guitar before Acoustics?
It is fine to learn electric guitar before acoustic. Furthermore, the electric guitar is easier to learn and helps you to get used to playing before you move on to learning acoustic guitars.
How Long Do You Need to Learn Electric Guitar?
Learning to play electric guitar depends on the consistency and amount of time dedicated to practice. For instance, if you sign up for 30-minute lessons at the guitar center, you can learn to play beginner-level in two months.
