Acoustic v/s electric guitar for beginners: Which one should you choose?

So, you’ve decided to learn guitar – awesome choice! But now comes the big question: Should you start with an acoustic or an electric guitar? It’s one of the most common dilemmas for beginners, and if you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

Both acoustic and electric guitars have their unique appeal, and choosing the right one can make your learning journey smoother (and way more fun). 

The main difference between an acoustic and an electric guitar is that acoustic guitars produce sound naturally through their hollow bodies, while electric guitars need an amplifier to be heard properly.

In this guide, put together by expert tutors at Wiingy, we’ll break down the pros and cons, bust a few myths, and answer the most common questions beginners ask – so you can pick the right guitar with confidence and start strumming your first chords in no time!

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

Similarities and differences between acoustic and electric guitars

Aspect	Acoustic guitar	Electric guitar
Sound production	Sound amplified naturally through the hollow body.	Requires an amplifier and pickups to project sound.
Sound & tone	Warm, natural, resonant tone; ideal for unplugged, folk, country, or singer-songwriter styles.	Wide range of sounds from clean to distorted; ideal for rock, metal, blues, jazz, and more.
Playability	Thicker strings and a wider neck; may require more finger strength.	Thinner necks and lighter string tension, making it easier to play, especially for beginners.
Portability & setup	No extra gear needed – easy to grab and go.	Requires an amp, cable, and other gear (effects pedals).
Look & feel	Traditional, earthy look, often with wood finishes.	Sleek, modern designs with various shapes and finishes.
Music theory	Same tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), chords, scales, and progressions apply.	Same tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), chords, scales, and progressions apply.

Similarities 

Despite their differences in sound and setup, acoustic and electric guitars actually share more than you might think – especially when it comes to learning the basics.

Both types also use the same tuning system (standard tuning being E-A-D-G-B-E), so once you learn to tune one, you’ll know how to tune the other. Plus, music theory applies equally to both – things like notes, chords, progressions, and scales don’t change depending on the guitar.

And let’s not forget: both guitars can be incredibly rewarding and fun to play, giving you the power to express yourself through music – whether you’re into classic rock, indie folk, blues, or pop.

Differences

The main difference between acoustic and electric guitars is how they produce sound. 

Acoustic guitars have a hollow body that naturally amplifies the sound of the strings – no amp required. You just pick it up and play. 

Electric guitars, on the other hand, rely on pickups and an amplifier to project their sound, giving you more control over volume and tone. 

Sound & tone

If you’re into something cozy and unplugged, an acoustic guitar’s warm and natural tone might be your thing. Think about playing around a campfire or in a living room with friends – the sound just flows out of the guitar. 

Acoustic guitars are perfect for those singer-songwriter moments, or if you love a folk or country vibe. 

Now, if you’re craving variety and want to experiment with different sounds, an electric guitar gives you endless options. 

Whether you’re into clean, jazzy melodies or want to crank up the distortion for some rock or metal, an electric guitar lets you create the perfect tone for whatever mood you’re in.

Playability

This is where size really matters. Electric guitars usually have slimmer necks and lighter strings, which means they’re easier on your fingers – especially if you’re just starting out or have smaller hands. 

Let’s say you’re a teen or adult with petite hands – chances are, an electric will feel more comfortable to play at first.

On the flip side, acoustic guitars tend to have thicker necks and higher string tension. So yes, your fingers might get sore in the beginning, and it could feel like a bit of a stretch (literally) when reaching for chords. 

But many people adjust quickly, and it builds finger strength fast.

Portability & setup

Let’s say you’re hanging out with friends, and you just want to pick up your guitar and play a tune – the acoustic guitar’s perfect for this. It’s super portable, no cables or amps needed. Just grab it and go. 

But if you’re ready to dive into a deeper sound world, electric guitars open up a ton of possibilities. Yes, you’ll need an amp and cable to get the sound out, but that also means you can play with effects pedals, adjust your tone, and explore more creative options.

Look & feel

Acoustics have a classic, natural vibe – think warm wood tones, earthy finishes, and vintage charm. If you like that rustic, singer-songwriter aesthetic, it’ll speak to you.

Electrics come in all kinds of bold, modern designs – sleek bodies, cool colors, wild shapes. Whether you want something edgy or minimalist, there’s probably an electric guitar out there that feels like “you.”

Genres that suit acoustic and electric guitars

One of the coolest things about learning guitar is how it opens up a world of music – but different guitars do shine in different genres. Knowing which styles each guitar tends to be used in can help you decide which one fits your vibe best.

Acoustic guitar

Acoustic guitars are perfect for stripped-down, organic sounds. They’re often used in:

• Folk – Think fingerpicking and storytelling lyrics.
• Country – Bright, twangy chords and melodic picking.
• Pop – Acoustic ballads and catchy chord progressions.
• Singer-songwriter – Ideal for solo artists accompanying their voice with rich, warm strums.
• Indie – Lo-fi, earthy tones that match the raw feel of the genre.

You’ll often find acoustic guitars in live performances or campfire sessions, where portability and a natural sound are key – just think of Ed Sheeran looping live on stage with “Photograph,” or Taylor Swift stripping it back with an acoustic version of “All Too Well.”

Electric guitar

Electric guitars are all about versatility and tone control, making them favorites in genres like:

• Rock – From classic riffs to modern solos, electric is the backbone.
• Metal – Heavy distortion, palm muting, and fast shredding.
• Blues – Smooth bends and expressive solos.
• Jazz – Clean tones with complex chords and improvisation.
• Funk – Crisp, rhythmic strumming and percussive playing.
• Punk & alternative – Raw energy, power chords, and loud dynamics.

Thanks to amps and effects pedals, electric guitars can shape-shift their sound, giving you total creative freedom – like Jimi Hendrix redefining tone with “Purple Haze,” or The Edge from U2 layering effects in “With or Without You.”

That said, these aren’t hard rules – many artists mix it up, and genre-blending is more popular than ever. But if you already have a musical style in mind, this can definitely help steer your decision.

Is electric guitar easier than acoustic for beginners?

This is one of the most common questions new players ask – and for good reason. The short answer? Yes, electric guitars can feel easier to play at first, but that doesn’t mean they’re automatically the better choice for every beginner.

Let’s break it down with some pros and cons for both:

Electric guitar

Pros:

• Easier on the fingers: Lighter strings and lower string tension make it less painful for beginners.
• Slimmer neck: Great for smaller hands or faster finger movement.
• Versatile sound: With the right amp and effects, you can explore tons of styles – from clean jazz to distorted rock.
• Quieter practice: You can play with headphones if you don’t want to disturb others.

Cons:

• More gear required: You’ll need an amp, cable, and possibly a few accessories to get started.
• Can be overwhelming: With tone knobs, pickups, and effects, beginners might get distracted from just learning to play.
• Less portable: Not as easy to grab and play on the go.

Acoustic guitar

Pros:

• Simple setup: No amp or gear needed – just pick it up and start playing.
• Great for building finger strength: The slightly tougher strings can help develop strong technique early on.
• Ideal for songwriting and solo playing: Its natural sound works beautifully on its own.
• More portable: One instrument, no cords – perfect for practice anywhere.

Cons:

• Harder on fingers initially: The thicker strings can be uncomfortable for beginners at first.
• Less tonal variety: You’re limited to the sound of the guitar itself – no effects or distortion.
• Wider neck: Can be a challenge for smaller hands or younger players.

So, which is easier?

Electric guitars are often easier for beginners in terms of physical comfort.

Many users on reddit mentioned that the lighter strings, slimmer necks, and lower action on electric guitars make them more comfortable to play, especially for those who are starting out.

Hector Olea, a star tutor from Wiingy, explains that while many beginners feel more motivated when starting on electric guitar due to its softer strings and modern appeal, those who begin with acoustic guitar often build stronger foundational skills, such as finger strength and precision, which can benefit them in the long run.

If you’re looking for comfort and versatility, electric might be your pick. If you want to build solid skills from the ground up, acoustic is a great place to start.

Common myths while choosing acoustic v/s electric guitar 

1. You need to learn acoustic guitar before you can move on to electric

This is one of the most common misconceptions among beginners. While acoustic and electric guitars share the same basic principles – notes, chords, scales, and techniques – they each have their own feel and sound. 

You don’t need to “graduate” from acoustic to electric. In fact, some legendary musicians started with electric guitars and stuck with them their entire careers! 

For example, Eddie Van Halen, known for his revolutionary electric guitar playing, began with electric guitars from the start. Even Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, who became a symbol of grunge rock, played electric guitar from the beginning.

Electric guitars often have lighter strings and lower action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard), which can actually make them easier for beginners to play.

What matters most is the style of music you’re interested in. If you’re drawn to rock, metal, or blues, starting on electric might keep you more motivated. Likewise, if you love folk, pop, or singer-songwriter vibes, acoustic might be the better match.

2. Electric guitars are only for rock music

It’s true that electric guitars helped shape rock music, but they’re not just for rock stars. You’ll find electric guitars in all kinds of music – pop, blues, jazz, funk, country, and more. They’re super flexible and can sound soft and smooth or loud and powerful, depending on how you set them up.

And yes, you can play acoustic songs on an electric guitar! The chords and melodies are the same. It might sound a bit different – more “electric” and less “woody” – but you can still enjoy strumming your favorite acoustic-style songs on an electric guitar. 

If you want it to sound more like an acoustic, just use a clean, simple sound without a lot of effects.

Many famous musicians have performed acoustic-style songs on electric guitars. For instance, Ed Sheeran has played “Thinking Out Loud” on electric, adding a fresh twist, while Eric Clapton has occasionally performed “Tears in Heaven” on electric, offering a new feel to the classic.

3. Buying expensive gear will make you a better player

Whether you’re playing acoustic or electric, it’s not the gear that makes you a better guitarist – it’s practice and passion. Sure, high-end guitars, amps, or pedals might offer nicer sound or feel more comfortable, but they won’t magically improve your playing.

For acoustic players, you might be tempted by pricey tonewoods, built-in electronics, or brand names. But a well-made beginner acoustic guitar at a reasonable price can sound great and be more than enough to learn on. What really matters is that it’s comfortable to hold and easy to play.

For electric players, it’s easy to get caught up in expensive guitars, amps, or effect pedals. But even a basic electric setup – a starter guitar with a small amp – can sound fantastic in the hands of a player who knows how to use it. Instead of spending big on gear early on, focus on learning your chords, rhythm, and technique.

How to choose between acoustic and electric guitar?

Choosing your first guitar can feel overwhelming – but it really comes down to your personal goals, music taste, and budget. Here are two key things to think about:

1. Your music preference

Think about the music you love to listen to and imagine yourself playing it – that’s a huge hint for choosing the right guitar.

If you’re into pop, folk, indie, singer-songwriter vibes, or country, an acoustic guitar could be your perfect match. It’s perfect for strumming, fingerpicking, and you can play it anywhere – no amps or extra gear needed.

But if you’re all about rock, blues, metal, punk, jazz, or funk, an electric guitar might be more your style. It’s easier on the fingers, fantastic for solos, and lets you get creative with amps and effects for all sorts of sounds.

2. Cost and gear

When it comes to getting started, acoustic guitars are usually the more budget-friendly option since you only need the guitar itself to begin with.

For beginners, you can find a solid acoustic guitar in the $100 to $300 range. If you’re looking for something with better build quality or electronics, you’ll be looking at mid-range options that range from $300 to $700.

For high-end acoustic guitars, brands like Martin, Taylor, or Gibson typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the model and materials.

On the other hand, electric guitars tend to come with a bit more gear to buy, which can drive up the cost.

Beginner electric guitars are typically in the $150 to $300 range. For something mid-range from big names like Fender or Gibson, expect to pay $500 to $1,500.

For top-tier electric guitars, especially premium models from PRS or Gibson Les Pauls, you’re looking at $2,000 to $5,000+.

And don’t forget, with electric guitars, you’ll need extra gear:

• Amplifiers: Beginner amps usually go for $50 to $150, but if you’re aiming for something more high-end, that can jump to $300 to $800.
  
• Pedals and effects: These can range from $50 to $200+, depending on what you’re looking for.

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

Bottom line 

So, when you’re deciding between acoustic and electric, it’s not just about the style of music – it’s also about your budget. Acoustic guitars are simpler and typically easier on your wallet, especially for beginners. 

But if you’re after a wider range of sounds and styles, electric guitars come with a bit of extra gear and a higher overall cost.

The good news? You’re never locked in. You can always switch later once you’ve gotten the hang of playing.

Additional reading

How to learn guitar – Our guide for aspiring guitarists

FAQs for acoustic v/s electric guitar