Should you begin on Acoustic or Electric Guitar

As a guitar teacher, a question I often get asked is which type of guitar should I buy to start playing on.

So, here are my thoughts-

Steel string acoustic guitar is not as easy to finger and is a more physical instrument compared with an electric guitar.

Electric guitar is usually softer on the fingers and easier to play, with less fatigue.

However, nylon string, Spanish or classical guitars are not taxing on the fingers, but are not usually used for rock, pop and contemporary styles of music.

So, if you are not playing contemporary styles of music, a good bet is a nylon string acoust

ic guitar. You also don't need an amplifier, which is a bonus.

If you like contemporary styles of music, (rock, pop, blues, jazz, funk, etc) and you fancy an acoustic guitar, going for light strings on your guitar would be my tip. They are easier to play as a beginner and you also dont need an amplifier. You could always up size to thicker strings in the future, when you feel ready. You will get a better tone with thicker strings on a steel string acoustic guitar.

If you want to groove like Jimi Hendrix, play rhythm like Keith Richards or want to rip up lead guitar like Eddie Van Halen, then get an electric guitar. They are great fun!

You will need to get an amplifier at some point, but you can get small plug in amplifiers to plug headphones into, which are great for practice and your neighbours will like you more for it!

I hope this has helped, or given ideas to any new, budding guitar players. Please feel free to comment, or if you think I've missed anything.