Which is Better for Beginners Acoustic or Electric Guitar?

Who else wants to know which is better for beginners acoustic or electric guitar?

Figuring out which is better for beginners acoustic or electric guitar can be a challenge.

It really comes down to the preference of the beginning guitarist though.

If you’re looking to play metal or only electric guitar, then go ahead and buy an electric guitar.
You’ll be much happier and won’t get frustrated that your acoustic won’t make the tones you’re after.

If you’re interested in learning to play the guitar and you don’t have a preference then start with a classical guitar.

The nylon strings will be easier on your fingers and the wider, flat fretboard will help you to learn proper finger and hand placement.

You’re much less likely to develop problems later on if you start off learning to keep your hands in proper form.

Otherwise, an acoustic guitar is a solid first guitar.

We’ve gone over the pros and cons to try to help you understand which one is better for you.

Check it out!

Which is Better for Beginners Acoustic or Electric Guitar: Electric Guitar

No matter what, no acoustic or classical guitar can compete with the sound and experience of playing an electric guitar.

If you’re a beginner, it can be a great choice since electric guitar strings have a lower string tension than an acoustic.

This means that the strings are easier on your fingers than on an acoustic guitar.

Also, the string gauges are usually lighter than an acoustic guitar which makes it even easier to play.

However, electric guitars have some drawbacks for beginners.

The radius of their necks is often shaped for playing lead guitar.

This means that it can be harder to play chords near the nut which is a must for beginners to learn.

Also, you need an amplifier to really take advantage of playing an electric guitar.

You can play “unplugged” and a lot of guitarists often practice that way, but it can cause you to develop some pretty bad habits.

For instance, if you play “unplugged” you can develop the habit of playing your strings too hard.

It’s an unconscious response to the very low volume you get from playing an electric guitar without an amplifier.

What ends up happening is, when you do plug your guitar in and play, you end up getting buzzing and extraneous noises that are caused by playing too hard.

This is something you’ll end up having to unlearn.

It’s also a bit of a hassle to have to set up your amp to play for a few minutes.

But, if you’re looking to play heavy metal or anything strictly requiring an electric guitar, there is no substitute.

Best Overall

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

Are you looking for a beginner guitar that’s very high quality, recreates the style and performance of a vintage Strat, and has classic playability? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster.

It has a pine body in the classic Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish so it’s very comfortable to play, has an attractive look, and a tone that’s resonant and warm.

The maple neck has a “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ so it feels comfortable in your hand, delivers a very vintage playing feel, and adds a classic tone to your sound.

With 21 narrow-tall frets, black dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple fretboard has the vintage look and feel of a classic guitar, enhances your resonance and tone, and delivers a first-class playing experience.

The 3 Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups are controlled by a 5-way switch, along with a master volume knob, and separate tone knobs for the neck pickup, and the bridge and middle pickups. As a result, not only do you have full control of your sound, but you have a wide range of tones to choose from.

Finally, the vintage-style tuners and 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo produce the vintage looks and tones of a classic Stratocaster while providing modern tuning stability.

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster has the looks and sounds that have made Stratocasters timeless guitars that are perfect for beginners.

When asked what type of electric guitar is best for beginners, the answer most often is a Stratocaster.

We think you’ll agree it delivers versatile tones and a truly vintage playing experience that beginners will enjoy.

Why wait another day? Click here and get yours.

Best Budget

Jackson Dinky JS11

Are you looking for a very affordable beginner’s guitar that has solid looks, versatile tones, and easy playability? Then check out the Jackson Dinky JS11.

It has a Dinky-shaped body made of poplar with a bolt-on neck and a gloss finish so it’s comfortable for a beginner to play, is lightweight, and has plenty of resonance and sustain.

The maple neck features graphite reinforcement, a scarf joint, and a radius of 12″. As a result, it has excellent stability, has a natural feel in your hand, and allows for some very versatile playing.

With 22 jumbo frets and small dot inlays, the amaranth fretboard adds a simple look while making bends and chording easier. 

The two Jackson High-Output humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver crisp full tones with plenty of low-end and clear mids, so they’re great for a wide range of musical styles.

Finally, the 2-point fulcrum tremolo allows you to add vibrato to your playing, and ensure easy intonation, as well as solid tuning stability.

As you can see, the Jackson Dinky JS11 is a quality guitar that has the features, tones, and playability beginners need at a very budget-friendly price.

We think you’ll find that its simple controls, straightforward design, and contemporary looks make it an excellent choice for a beginner’s electric guitar.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

Acoustic Guitar

An acoustic guitar is an excellent choice for a beginner.

It’s a good path to start by learning guitar on an acoustic and eventually moving on to an electric.

If you go this route, you’ll gain a lot of hand strength since the strings on an acoustic guitar are usually thicker and at a higher tension than an electric guitar.

This can make playing electric a lot easier once you’ve got the basics down.

However, an acoustic is no substitute for an electric guitar.

It can be very frustrating to try to get the tones and sounds of an electric guitar from an acoustic.

Plus, there are a lot of techniques and tones that you can only get by playing an electric guitar.

Acoustic guitars can’t handle distortion very well and the action on an acoustic just doesn’t match the low action you can get on an electric.

This can make playing distorted, fast leads an exercise in frustration.

Not to mention the fact that acoustic guitars only have about 20 frets and often they aren’t designed to be played past the 11th or 12th fret.

But, you can’t really toss your electric guitar in your backseat and take it to the beach.

The portability of an acoustic and the ability to play it just about anywhere is definitely a plus for a beginner.

Starting off playing acoustic guitar is probably the most common way guitarists start their guitar journey.

An if you’re really only interested in playing folk music, or acoustic guitar, it’s a great choice.

Best Overall

Yamaha FG800

Are you looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar that’s easy to play and perfect for a beginner? Then check out the Yamaha FG800.

It has a traditional dreadnought-shaped body composed of a solid spruce top and nato/Okoume back and sides. As a result, it delivers bright, crisp tones with plenty of volume, powerful projection, and plenty of bass and mids.

Additionally, the FG800 features a new type of bracing that gives you a punchier tone and better projection overall.

The neck is also made of nato with a slim shape, rounded edges, and a radius of 15.75″. As a result, it’s very comfortable in your hand, has a natural feel, and is easy for beginners to learn on.

With 20 frets and small dot inlays, the walnut fretboard has a simple, solid look and adds warmth to your tone.

Finally, the walnut bridge and chrome tuners warm up your sound and help ensure solid tuning stability.

As you can see, the Yamaha FG800 delivers a traditional acoustic guitar that sounds amazing and is available at a very affordable price.

We think you’ll agree its straightforward design, quality features, and wonderful tone make it the perfect acoustic for a beginner.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

Best Budget

Jasmine S35

Are you looking for a quality acoustic guitar that has quality tonewoods, quality construction, and is very easy on your budget? Then check out the Jasmine S35.

It has a dreadnought-shaped body composed of a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides. As a result, it has a warm, full sound that’s clear, bright, and has great projection.

The nato neck has a slim profile and a radius of 12″ so it feels natural in your hand and is versatile enough to play chords or leads on, while also adding warmth to your tone.

Plus, with 20 frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard delivers a classic look and adds a classic tone to your sound.

Finally, the bridge is also composed of rosewood and features a compensated saddle that improves intonation while also adding extra
warmth and resonance to your sound.

All in all, the Jasmine S35 delivers quality construction, desirable tonewoods, and easy playability at a very affordable price.

We think you’ll find it’s an excellent guitar for a beginner or anyone on a budget.

Don’t hesitate! Click here and get yours now.

Which is Better for Beginners Acoustic or Electric Guitar: Classical

Starting with a classical guitar is probably the best bet for a beginner who wants to “properly” learn how to play the guitar.

The wider fretboard of a classical guitar helps beginners learn how to fret properly and gives beginners plenty of room for their fingers.

The nylon strings of a classical guitar are a lot easier for a beginner to learn on since they’re thicker than steel strings and at a much lower tension.

This means that beginners will have an easier time getting past the initial pain of gaining callouses and building hand strength.

Plus, classical guitars come in a variety of sizes so younger players can easily have a guitar that’s perfect for their size.

Having said all that, a classical guitar is not without its drawbacks when it comes to beginners.

First of all, some people with smaller hands may not like playing a guitar with a wider fretboard.

Charlie Byrd notwithstanding, classical guitars have their own unique sound that may not lend itself to all styles of playing.

Plus, the majority of classical guitars aren’t meant to be played above the 12th fret.

Having said all that, most of the positives of an acoustic guitar also apply to a classical guitar and overall they’re the easiest guitar for a beginner to learn on.

Best Overall

Ibanez GA3

Are you looking for a classical guitar that’s perfect for a beginner? Then check out the Ibanez GA3.

It’s got a very traditional classical guitar body composed of a Spruce top and meranti back and sides which give it a very warm and natural tone.

The GA-shaped nyatoh neck has a flat radius and provides a rich mid and low end, plenty of stability, and a neck that’s easy to play.

The nandu wood fretboard has 19 frets with no inlays and dot markers on the side. As a result, it has the timeless look and sound of a classical guitar.

Finally, a classical water decal around the soundhole is the only decor on the body, while the maple bridge is paired with chrome classical tuners to provide easy tuning and a warmer tone.

As you can see, the Ibanez GA3 is an excellent choice for a beginner looking for a classical guitar.

We think you’ll find its traditional design and quality tonewoods deliver a guitar that’s very enjoyable to play.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

Best Budget

WINZZ 39 Inches Classical Guitar

Are you looking for a full-size classical guitar that’s friendly for your budget? Then check out the Winzz 39 Inches Classical Guitar.

It has a classical guitar-shaped body made of basswood so it has a warm, and smooth tone and it’s comfortable to play.

The neck is made of birch wood in classical guitar shape so it’s flat, and easy to play arpeggios on.

Plus, the richlite fretboard has 19 frets so it’s got a great tone, and playing feel.

Finally, the richlite bridge and golden plated tuners will keep your tuning stable, and secure.

All in all, the Winzz 39 Inches Classical Guitar is a great classical guitar perfect for beginners.

This is the classical guitar you’ve been looking for. It has traditional looks, and feel at an affordable price.

Now is the best time! Click here and get yours today.

Which is Better for Beginners Acoustic or Electric Guitar: Conclusion/FAQ

At the end of the day, it’s not which is better for beginners acoustic or electric guitar, it’s which guitar will suit the individual beginner best?

If they’re interested in learning the guitar and don’t have any specific musical preferences, it’s better to start with a classical guitar.

If they don’t like the feel of a classical guitar or are more interested in playing things like folk music, then an acoustic guitar is the way to go.

If they have their heart set on playing metal or sounding like AC/DC, then an electric guitar is the way to go.

• Is it better to learn acoustic guitar first?
  • Not necessarily. Most of what you learn on an acoustic can be transferred to the electric guitar without any hassle. But the benefit of having an acoustic guitar is that it’s very portable, and you don’t need to plug it into anything in order to play. See this post on Best acoustic guitars for the money
• Is electric guitar easier to play than acoustic?
  • In some ways, yes. The string gauges are usually lighter which makes it easier to fret and bend strings. But! There are a lot of techniques that are more difficult to pull off on an electric guitar.
• Which is the best guitar for beginners?
  • A classical guitar is probably the easiest for a beginner to start with but the biggest thing for a beginner is they have a guitar that they enjoy playing.
• Is it better to start on electric or acoustic guitar?
  • Neither is better or worse, but the advantages of an acoustic guitar include not having to plug anything in, and being very portable. See this post on What do you need to play Electric guitar?