Buying a Guitar: Should You Choose an Electric, Acoustic, or Classical?
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Acoustic, Classical, and Electric Guitars?
Almost every beginner guitarist grapples with the decision: Should I start with an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar (Western guitar), or a classical guitar (concert guitar)? At Guitar Studio, we often encounter beginners who purchase a guitar before seeking our advice and end up with a classical guitar. This choice is often based on the misconception that one must learn classical guitar before moving on to electric guitar. This is a common misunderstanding, often held by those with limited musical experience or even by classically trained musicians unfamiliar with contemporary music.
There is also a mistaken belief that electric guitars are only for rock enthusiasts with long hair, or that they are more expensive than acoustic guitars. In reality, a high-quality acoustic guitar can be much more expensive than an electric guitar.
Classical or Spanish Guitar
A classical guitar features a large body and nylon strings. It is typically played using the fingers rather than a pick and has a sound that is often described as warm but relatively subdued. This type of guitar is primarily used for classical music but is also suitable for jazz, flamenco, and campfire songs. The neck of a classical guitar is relatively wide, which can make it challenging to play chords, especially barre chords. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with smaller hands or shorter fingers.
A classical guitar does not require an amplifier, making it easy to start playing right away. However, for amplification in a band or orchestra setting, a pickup can be installed, or a microphone can be placed in front of the guitar to connect to a PA system (usually via a DI box) or a guitar amplifier.
Acoustic (Western Folk) Guitar
An acoustic guitar features a large body similar to a classical guitar but uses steel and nickel strings, which produce a much louder and sharper sound. For those with nickel allergies, copper strings are available, offering a warmer tone but often at a higher price. The neck of an acoustic guitar is thinner than that of a classical guitar, making it more suited for playing chords.
Acoustic guitars are versatile and can handle a broad range of musical styles, including classical, folk, jazz, country, blues, pop, and acoustic rock. Like classical guitars, acoustic guitars can be played without an amplifier, and their natural volume is quite high—something to consider if you have close neighbors!
When connected to an amplifier, acoustic guitars can utilize various effects such as modulation (chorus, flanger, phaser), echo (delay), and reverb. These effects can enhance the sound, making it warmer and more spacious. Additionally, many acoustic guitars come equipped with built-in pickups, allowing them to be easily plugged into an amplifier and integrated with guitar effects.
Electric Guitar
An electric guitar typically features a thin, solid, or semi-solid (semi-acoustic) body, making it more compact compared to acoustic and classical guitars. The neck of an electric guitar is considerably thinner, which can be more accessible for players with smaller hands. Semi-acoustic guitars are slightly larger but still maintain a relatively compact profile.
Electric guitars produce minimal natural sound and require a guitar amplifier to be heard. One of their significant advantages is the ability to practice quietly; many amplifiers include a headphone output, and there are even compact pocket amplifiers that only connect to headphones. This feature is particularly useful if you want to avoid disturbing your neighbors at late hours or need to practice on the go, such as while traveling or waiting in public places. Many of our guitar students report practicing silently behind the TV or in other discreet locations to avoid conflicts with housemates.
In terms of versatility, the electric guitar is the most adaptable of the three types. It can handle a wide range of musical styles, including classical, folk, jazz, pop, country, flamenco, rock, metal, grunge, blues, and more. Guitar effect pedals further expand its range, allowing for a myriad of different sounds. Additionally, electric guitar strings are thinner and easier to press, which can make playing more comfortable, especially for beginners.
The distance between the frets and the strings (action height) is generally smaller on an electric guitar, though this can be adjusted based on personal preference. Many beginners believe that an electric guitar is easier to play and learn compared to acoustic or classical guitars. However, this notion is misleading. Regardless of the type, a guitar is a challenging but rewarding instrument to master.
The term “easier to play” in the context of electric guitars often refers to the reduced physical strain on joints and muscles. Electric guitars typically have a lower action height, which can make pressing the strings less taxing, especially for players with joint or muscle issues. Despite this, the learning process for an electric guitar is fundamentally the same as for acoustic or classical guitars.
In summary, while an electric guitar may be gentler on the fingers and joints, all guitars require dedication and practice to master. For those with physical concerns, an electric guitar may be a more comfortable option, but it doesn’t necessarily simplify the learning process.
Match Your Style and Find the Perfect Fit
Before heading to a music store to buy a new guitar, consider what styles of music you want to play. If you’re interested in classical music, jazz, or campfire songs, a classical guitar might be the best choice. For unplugged pop and rock, along with a bit of jazz, folk, country, and campfire tunes, an acoustic guitar would be suitable. If you’re a versatile music lover looking to explore a wide range of styles, including funk, rock, metal, or grunge, then an electric guitar is likely the best fit.
When you visit the music store, take the time to try out different guitars. You’ll quickly discover that no two guitars are exactly alike—variations in neck shape, body style, feel, sound, frets, and wood types make each guitar unique. Don’t rush into a purchase or let salespeople pressure you into buying something immediately. Take your time to find a guitar that feels right and fits within your budget.
Remember, a guitar is a reflection of your personality. Choose one that resonates with you and makes you excited to play!