Congratulations, you’ve decided to learn to play guitar and begin a musical adventure. This article intends to set you off on the right path. Along with giving you guidance on your options and asking you some questions that you might not even know to ask yourself.
First things first, ask yourself what kind of music you enjoy listening to. Most people that decide to learn to play guitar are inspired by the music they already love. And for most people, this aligns with what type of music they intend to play on the guitar. For example, if you love the blues, then you may choose to learn how to play blues guitar. Of course, if you’re really into heavy-metal and you’re only learning guitar so you can serenade your sweetheart with a love ballad, that’s OK too!
There is a reason why reflecting on which type of music you love is important. Along with considering which type of music you would like to make on the guitar, these factors may have an impact on the type of guitar gear you end up purchasing with your hard-earned dollars.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…
The first and most important decision you will make is whether to buy an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar. Both instruments are wonderful and will provide you with endless joy and challenge. But there are some significant differences too. Let’s dive right in so you can start your guitar journey in the best way possible.
Choosing to Learn to Play Acoustic Guitar
The sound that resonates from an acoustic guitar carries an unparalleled warmth and authenticity. The vibrations of the strings interact with the hollow body, producing a natural tone that’s a cornerstone of genres like folk, country, and singer-songwriter music. The acoustic guitar is an intimate instrument that can hold its own in solo performances, offering a pure and unaltered representation of your playing. Playing an acoustic guitar creates a deep connection between the player and the instrument. There are no outside influences on the sound you make. There are no fancy electronics that you are not in full control of. Only your own two hands and the guitars ability to amplify string vibrations.
The best example I can think of when a musician has demonstrated a meaningful and deep-rooted connection to their acoustic guitar is country legend Willie Nelson. He has been playing the exact same Martin N-20 model acoustic guitar (named Trigger) since 1969. This is despite the fact that he has worn a sizable hole right in the soundboard. Willie has plenty of money to buy a new guitar, but nothing could separate him from his trusted companion. “When Trigger goes, I’ll quit”, Willie once said.
Simple is Good
Another great thing about the simplicity of an acoustic guitar is its portability. Nothing to plug in! So you can easily take it to a park, a beach, a campground or anywhere your musical inspiration might strike. You can also simply lay on your couch and strum chords. Or practice your scales while you’re watching the game on TV. And because frequent rounds of short practice are more effective than occasional marathon sessions, the acoustic guitar makes learning easy.
One of the challenges of learning to play an acoustic guitar, especially when compared to an electric guitar, is the relatively high tension in the strings. This is a result of the strings on an acoustic guitar generally being of a higher gauge (thicker). These help to accentuate the vibrations and thus the beautiful acoustic sound you hear when played. What this all means is that when you press thicker and higher tensioned strings down against the fretboard to play a note or a chord, it will require more finger strength. It will also cause more friction against the finger tips, causing them to be a little sore at first. Bryan Adams expressed this sentiment perfectly:
Fortunately, for the overwhelming majority of new guitar players, you’re not going to play for several hours every single day. So really this is no big deal and you can put the band-aids away.
Simple Doesn’t Mean Limited
Acoustic guitars can be played to make a tremendous variety of great music. Whether you’re a fan of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran, an acoustic guitar can make beautiful music across many genres, including pop, country, blues, and folk.
Check out my recommended acoustic guitars under $400 and under $800 for new players at different budgets.
Choosing to Learn to Play Electric Guitar
Are you ready to rock? Head bang? Get your funk on? Play your blues away? Because there is nothing better to get your mojo workin’ than an electric guitar plugged into a guitar amplifier. This classic combination provides any up-and-coming guitar hero with an incredible assortment of sounds to choose from. From clean, bright tones characteristic of country music, to lightly overdriven sounds of the blues, to fully overdriven sounds of rock, to distortion sounds of metal, an electric guitar can often cover all of these musical styles with just a turn of a dial or the flip of a switch.
Easy on the Fingers
One advantage to starting to learn to play electric guitar is the relative ease of fretting the strings when playing notes and chords. It’s basically the opposite story described above how acoustic guitar strings are a bit more difficult to play for beginners. Electric guitar strings are thinner than acoustic guitar strings. So they do not need to be tensioned to the same degree when tuned. Bottom line…. it’s relatively easy for your fingers to press the thinner and looser strings down to the fretboard when playing notes and chords.
And unlike acoustic guitars, whose sound chambers amplify the sounds of vibrating strings themselves, electric guitars don’t really make much noise when you pluck the strings alone. They require a guitar amplifier to make them come to life. Brand new guitar enthusiasts might be a little nervous about having to buy not only a guitar, but an amplifier and guitar cable just to get started and see if they like it. But trust me, once you feel and hear the sonic magic of a well-strummed chord, you’ll know you picked the right instrument.
Fortunately, there are a number of moderately priced electric guitars and amplifiers on the market that will allow a new player to begin their guitar journey without breaking the bank.
Check out my recommended electric guitars and amplifiers for new players at any budget.
Learn Love Guitar Final Thoughts
In the grand journey of learning and loving to play music, the choice between acoustic and electric guitar is a pivotal one that guides your path. As you consider the factors mentioned in this guide—sound, musical preferences, playability, cost, learning curve, and versatility—remember that this decision is not set in stone. Many guitarists find themselves exploring both acoustic and electric guitars as their skills evolve. Ultimately, the right choice for you is the one that resonates with your heart, aligns with your goals, and fuels your passion for making music. Whichever path you choose, remember that the joy of learning and creating music is the true essence of the journey.