Choosing between Acoustic and Electric Guitar

Choosing between an acoustic and electric guitar for lessons often depends on the genre of music that a student wants to play.  In general, acoustic guitar is great for classical, folk, country, and rock.  Electric guitar is a great choice for learning pop, metal, and classic-rock guitar solos;  however,  any style of music can be learned on both the acoustic and electric guitar.

Electric and acoustic guitars isolated on white

It’s important to keep in mind that if you choose the electric guitar, you will also need to purchase an amplifier to have for practice at home.  By playing through an amplifier, you will be able to hear the guitar, control the volume and also take advantage of the various effects and sounds that an electric guitar can produce.

An acoustic guitar is a guitar that does not require the use of an amplifier.  It can be played anywhere and at any time producing a full guitar sound.  The strings for this type of guitar can vary depending on the style of music and sound that you want to get.  You can use either nylon or wire strings on an acoustic guitar

For young beginners, we recommend using a guitar that has nylon strings because they are easier to push down and play for smaller hands.  Young students also have the option of starting with a smaller size guitar that will better fit their hand and fingers.  Both electric and acoustic guitars come in a half size and ¾ size version.

The chords and strings on both guitars are exactly the same, so you are always able to play both types of guitars.  The only difference may be how you play the guitar.  The electric guitar is often played with a pick.  Acoustic guitars with nylon strings are played using your fingers, by plucking or strumming.  Acoustic guitars with steel strings can be played with a pick or by using your fingers.

For information about guitar lessons at the Altadena Academy of Music, please call  (626) 296-0799 or use our email contact form.