If you’re just starting out on your guitar journey, or thinking of starting, you’re probably wondering whether it is best to pick up an acoustic or electric guitar for beginners. Both have their perks, and the right choice depends on your musical taste and how you want to play. Let’s break down the key differences to help you make the best decision!

Honestly? When it comes to making this decision, if you pick the one you are more interested or excited by, you can’t go wrong. Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense (no music theory knowledge required!).

Acoustic or Electric Guitar: What’s the Difference?

Before we choose sides, here’s what sets them apart:

• Acoustic Guitar
  • Acoustic guitars are generally simpler to learn and play, as there is no need to play around with amplifiers or effects pedals, making them ideal for those who are just starting out. 
  • Generally an acoustic has heavier strings, which means a little more finger strength is needed – but building up hand & finger strength early is great in the long term.
  • Often cheaper for beginners, especially since you don’t need to buy extras like an amp or cables.
  • More portable, and easier to ‘pick-up-and-play’ – something which is important in making sure you keep practicing.
  • The acoustic guitar offers the versatility to adapt to nearly any musical style, but an electric guitar with the amp turned up brings its own fun!

• Electric Guitar:
  • Needs an amplifier to be heard properly – which can make it slightly more complex.
  • Usually has lighter strings and a sleeker build, which can make it easier to play chord grips and get a good sound out of.
  • With electric guitars, you have endless sound possibilities to shape your tone through amps, pedals, and digital effects. This allows for unique sounds, from clean and crisp to distorted and fuzzy.
  • If you’re diving into genres like rock, metal, or punk, the electric guitar provides the aggressive tones and sharp sounds that are characteristic of these styles.

Each one feels different to play—and that can seriously shape your learning experience.

Learning Is Transferable – So Start Anywhere

Whether you choose an acoustic or electric guitar for beginners, the good news is that there are lots of free lessons, tutorials, and song tabs available online for both. Whether you start with an acoustic or electric guitar, most of what you learn will carry over. Chords, scales, riffs, and strumming patterns are fundamentally the same on both types of guitar. You might find certain techniques easier on electric (like fast riffs or bends), while acoustic helps you build finger strength and rhythm early on. But the skills are totally interchangeable.

That means you can start on the one that fits your current vibe or budget, and switch or add the other later without feeling like you’re starting over. Tons of guitarists play both!

So… Should You Choose Acoustic or Electric for a beginner?

Honestly, there’s no wrong answer. Many guitarists start on one and switch later – what you learn on one will largely translate to the other. What matters most is that you’re excited to pick it up and play.

If you love rock music, and want to dive into distortion-heavy solos, powerful riffs, or experiment with different tones, the electric guitar might be the way to go. It’s perfect for genres like rock, metal, or punk, where the guitar’s role is front-and-center & amplified to its fullest.

If you want to play a wide range of music from folk to rock or pop but prefer a more stripped-back, the acoustic guitar can handle it all. You can still play your favourite rock songs, but the acoustic gives them a more raw, organic feel. It’s an incredibly versatile instrument that allows you to explore a wide range of genres with its natural, unplugged sound.

In the end, it’s all about what excites you the most. Whether you start on an acoustic or an electric guitar, the journey of learning and playing music is what counts!

Still Not Sure? Try Before You Buy

If you’re still stuck deciding, try visiting a local music shop and testing both. Even just holding each guitar can give you a feel for what you’re more drawn to. Ask to try out a basic chord or two—don’t worry about sounding perfect! You might be surprised at how quickly one of them feels more “right” to you. And remember, many shops offer beginner bundles, making it easier (and cheaper) to get started with everything you need.

Final Thoughts

Again, there’s no right answer to whether it’s best to buy an acoustic or electric guitar for beginners. It all comes down to your personal preferences and what excites you. Whether you choose an acoustic or electric, what really counts is getting started. Be patient, practice regularly, and make sure you have fun playing.

Also, once you start playing, be sure to check out our resources aimed at helping beginner guitarists!