Choosing Your First Guitar: Tips on Selecting an Acoustic or Electric Guitar for New Players

Learning to play the guitar at Fresh Music Aberdeen is an exciting adventure, and choosing your first guitar can feel a little bit daunting if you’re a beginner. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a guitar that suits your needs, playing style, and budget. I thought I’d write a guide that can help you decide whether an acoustic or electric guitar is the best fit for you to begin your learning!

Acoustic vs. Electric: What's the Difference?

Acoustic Guitars

Firstly the sound. Acoustic guitars produce sound through both the vibration of strings and resonance in the guitar’s body, which is why they will have a larger body and are hollow. Generally speaking, acoustic guitars have thicker strings and a wider neck, which sometimes can be a challenge for beginners getting to grips with learning chord placements. The benefit of an acoustic guitar is that you can play it anywhere, as there is no need for additional equipment like amps or cables. You can buy acoustic guitars with a pickup, so you have the option to plug in and record or amplify what you are playing.

Electric Guitars

With electric guitars, the sound relies on an amplifier, which is an additional cost. In terms of construction, the body is usually solid and has thinner strings, which can make it easier to play if you’re a beginner. Electric guitars, once you have the necessary equipment, are very versatile as they can produce a wide range of sounds and suit many styles, such as rock, jazz and blues.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Guitar

What do you enjoy rocking out to? The joy of learning at Fresh Music is that all genres can be taught and enjoyed. The type of music you enjoy listening to and want to learn how to play can absolutely influence your choice between an electric or acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are ideal for folk, country, and classical music, but you can create acoustic versions of your favourite rock songs. Electric guitars are perfect for rock, blues, and jazz. Have a think about the songs and artists that inspire you and choose a guitar that aligns with the genres you like most.

It's likely that you don’t want to be dropping thousands of pounds on your very first guitar, and it’s important to have a budget in mind when you go out to find your first one. Decent beginner acoustic guitars typically range from £100-£200, while electric guitar starter packs (which include the guitar, amplifier, and essential accessories needed) usually start around £200. If you invest in a good quality guitar, it will both can enhance your learning experience and make sure that it lasts for years. A lot of seasoned guitarists out there have kept their well-loved first guitar.

Reputable and well-known brands like Yamaha, Fender and Epiphone have some reliable and affordable options for beginners. Make sure to look for guitars made from quality materials and that have good reviews. I can absolutely help you with your choice and find some suggestions, but do your research, watch YouTube reviews and try to go and play some for yourself so you can hear them. I do recommend (budget permitting) to avoid the very cheap guitars, as they generally have poorer sound quality and don’t tend to last. You can also read my blog post on second hand guitars, that could be a great way to pick up a quality option at a lower cost.

Guitars come in various sizes, so choose one that fits your body size and feels comfortable to play for you, and this is a personal choice. Smaller players, especially children, might prefer 3/4 size or mini acoustic guitars. Full-size guitars are more suitable for adults, but there are many different size options to ensure that you don’t feel strained holding it trying to reach the frets and strings. Go to a music shop to try a few different sizes and styles to see what you prefer.

All in all, whether you go for an acoustic or electric guitar, the key is to find an instrument that feels comfortable, fits your budget, and inspires you to play – if you choose something you really love, you’re more likely to pick it up and practice.