Learning to play the guitar is easier to do now more than ever before. The biggest hurdle is you: that unspoken thought bubble that says “I wish I knew how to play” or the feeling that there isn’t enough time in the day. If you really love listening to music the guitar is a great way to start playing music yourself! My love of music as a listener was so great that I was compelled to become an active participant and I’ve found that to be the case for many of my customers. I’m inspired by music and what I listened to totally determined what I started playing as a beginner. So, when I’m asked, what kind of guitar should I start with-electric or acoustic? I always ask what music is playing in your head. What are you listening to? Because when I was a kid I could tell you exactly what I was listening to; the bands I liked were written all over my loose-leaf binder.
That’s me at 14 years old, a couple of years into a life-long love affair with the guitar and you know what? I sometimes think if all I had was an acoustic to start with I may not have learned it at all. I appreciate that not everyone has a choice in the matter and that I was fortunate to have a single-mom who did what she could to encourage me. These days, guitars are less expensive and have a higher build-quality than ever before. This makes an acoustic or an electric guitar with all the accoutrement within reach for many. So, what to do? How do you know what path is right for you and will your decision help or hinder your goal?
The first thing to realize is that there really is no wrong decision you can make here. The technique required for playing electric or acoustic guitar complement each other so what you learn on one you can apply to the other in the future. Here are a few things to consider starting out on the acoustic:
Minimal Investment, maximum return. You can get into a Fender FA-100 acoustic guitar that comes with gig bag for around $100. This is a great guitar that I set up for ease of play that has a value that goes way beyond its use for the beginner. If you get bit by the guitar bug you’re going to have more than one and some that can be quite expensive but this great beginner axe will always be a “keeper” because it’s the perfect “beater” guitar. This is the guitar that ends up being seasoned with wood smoke, suntan lotion, BBQ sauce and spilled brew. You leave the expensive guitars at home.
If you were like me as a kid and wanted to rock right out of the gate that’s absolutely ok too! Again, your inner muse will guide you here. It’s all about inspiration! Here are a few things to consider starting out on an electric:
Minimal effort, immediate gratification. Electric guitars come equipped with much lighter gauged strings than acoustics making them easier to fret for most. Starter packages like the Fender Squire Starter Pak have everything you need in one box, the amplifier and the works so you can get started immediately. When you play that first chord and it sounds and sustains with the amp loud enough to annoy others you’re doing it right. Kidding aside, keep in mind that this should be fun and if you feel an emotional connection to the music you listen to it will help with the music you play while learning. Just go for it!
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