Ask a Guitar Teacher in Philly
Should you learn guitar on an acoustic or electric?
Beginning guitar players are often puzzled by what guitar they should start with, acoustic or electric. Advice can vary but most beginners will start with an acoustic. Acoustic guitars are now outselling electric guitars so that must mean something. A good guitar teacher in Philadelphia will often start his or her students with acoustic.
Even though acoustic guitars can be a little bit more difficult to play, they are simpler and easier to understand. They require no electronics, wires, dials or knobs. They have a tone that sounds good in almost any style of music and a timeless appeal. Most teachers will have you learn on an acoustic because once you master that, the electric guitar is a breeze and you will be ready to rock and roll!
Classical Acoustic Guitar
Nylon-string acoustic guitars, or classical as they are known, is a difficult guitar to master. Many beginners think this is a good guitar to learn on because the plastic strings are easier to work with than steel. However, in the hands of a beginner, the nylon string guitar will sound more like a toy than an instrument. Steel strings are more forgiving and will reward even beginners with sweet sounds.
Steel-string acoustic guitar
Steel strings tend to be thicker than nylon making them a little harder to play. However, when you are just beginning using light gauge strings will help to avoid discomfort. As the player advances, bigger strings can be used. The steel-string acoustic guitar is the most common guitar to learn on and one recommended by most teachers.
Electric guitar
There is nothing more amazing than the sound of an electric guitar. To master this style of guitar, however, it’s important to know the basics by learning on an acoustic guitar first. An electric guitar allows you a wider range of techniques and is much easier to play than acoustic. Electric guitars are used to play every style but especially blues, funk, rock and metal, which use specialized electric guitar techniques and effects.
When you are unsure about which guitar is right for you, consult with your guitar teacher. Once you begin to learn, follow your passion and choose whichever guitar you are most interested in. Acoustic guitars are by far the most common instrument for beginning guitar players to use. If you have a strong interest in learning electric guitar or you find playing acoustic guitar notes to be too difficult, consider an electric guitar instead. If you are new to the guitar and you still aren’t sure, get an acoustic.
Find a great guitar teacher in Philadelphia to help you understand exactly what you should be learning on based on your interest and ability to play. Learn on what they instruct because a great guitar teacher will have your best interest in mind and know what you are capable of. With a little luck, you will eventually end up learning to play both guitar styles.