When it comes to learning how to play the guitar, many beginners find themselves faced with a common dilemma: should they start with an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar? While both types of guitars have their own unique qualities, there are several reasons why electric guitars are often considered easier to play, especially for beginners. In this blog post, we will explore 10 reasons why electric guitars are a great choice for those who are just starting their musical journey.
1. Smaller Body Size
Electric guitars typically have a smaller body size compared to acoustic guitars. This makes them easier to hold and maneuver, especially for individuals with smaller hands or those who are not yet accustomed to the size and weight of a guitar.
2. Thinner Neck
The neck of an electric guitar is generally thinner and narrower than that of an acoustic guitar. This makes it easier for beginners to reach and press down on the strings, allowing for faster and smoother chord transitions.
3. Lower String Action
String action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Electric guitars typically have lower string action, meaning the strings are closer to the fretboard. This requires less finger strength to press down on the strings, making it easier for beginners to produce clear notes and chords.
4. Lighter Gauge Strings
Electric guitars are often equipped with lighter gauge strings compared to acoustic guitars. Lighter gauge strings are easier to press down and bend, reducing finger fatigue and making it more comfortable for beginners to practice for longer periods of time.
5. Amplification
One of the biggest advantages of electric guitars is the ability to amplify the sound. By connecting the guitar to an amplifier, beginners can instantly hear their playing at a louder volume, which can be motivating and help them identify areas for improvement.
6. Built-in Effects
Many electric guitars come with built-in effects such as distortion, reverb, and delay. These effects can enhance the sound and add depth to the playing, making it more enjoyable for beginners and allowing them to experiment with different tones.
7. Versatility
Electric guitars offer a wide range of musical styles and genres to explore. From rock and blues to jazz and pop, the versatility of electric guitars allows beginners to find their preferred style and learn songs that resonate with their musical taste.
8. Easier on Fingertips
The lighter gauge strings and lower string action of electric guitars make them gentler on the fingertips. This is especially beneficial for beginners who are still developing calluses on their fingertips, as it reduces the discomfort and soreness often associated with playing the guitar.
9. Easy to Tune
Electric guitars are generally easier to tune compared to acoustic guitars. With the help of electronic tuners or tuning apps, beginners can quickly and accurately tune their electric guitars, ensuring that they are always playing in tune.
10. Access to Online Resources
Thanks to the popularity of electric guitars, there is a wealth of online resources available specifically tailored to beginners. From video tutorials to interactive lessons, beginners can easily find guidance and support to kickstart their electric guitar journey.
While acoustic guitars have their own charm and appeal, electric guitars offer several advantages that make them easier to play, especially for beginners. The smaller body size, thinner neck, lower string action, and lighter gauge strings all contribute to a more comfortable playing experience. Additionally, the ability to amplify the sound, built-in effects, and versatility of electric guitars provide beginners with endless possibilities for exploration and creativity. So, if you're just starting out on your guitar journey, consider picking up an electric guitar and enjoy the ease and excitement it brings to your musical endeavors!
When it comes to learning how to play the guitar, many beginners find themselves faced with a common question: should they start with an electric or an acoustic guitar? While both types of guitars have their own unique qualities, electric guitars often prove to be easier for beginners to learn on. In this blog post, we will explore 10 reasons why electric guitars are easier to play than acoustic.
1. Smaller Body Size
Electric guitars typically have a smaller body size compared to acoustic guitars. This makes them more comfortable to hold, especially for players with smaller hands or those who are just starting out.
2. Thinner Neck
The neck of an electric guitar is usually thinner than that of an acoustic guitar. This makes it easier for beginners to wrap their hands around the neck and reach the frets without straining their fingers.
3. Lower String Action
Electric guitars have a lower string action, which means the strings are closer to the fretboard. This makes it easier to press down on the strings and produce clear notes, especially for beginners who may not have developed finger strength yet.
4. Lighter String Gauge
Electric guitars typically use lighter string gauges compared to acoustic guitars. Lighter strings require less finger pressure to fret, making it easier for beginners to play chords and notes without experiencing finger fatigue.
5. Amplification
One of the biggest advantages of electric guitars is that they can be easily amplified. This allows beginners to hear themselves more clearly, making it easier to identify mistakes and improve their playing technique.
6. Distortion and Effects
Electric guitars offer the ability to add distortion and effects to the sound. While this may not be necessary for beginners, it can make playing more enjoyable and inspiring, motivating them to practice more.
7. Easier to Bend Strings
Electric guitars have lighter string tension, making it easier to bend the strings and achieve expressive techniques like vibrato. This can add depth and emotion to a player's performance, even at the beginner level.
8. More Forgiving on Mistakes
Due to their amplified nature, electric guitars are more forgiving on mistakes. Small errors in technique or finger placement are less noticeable when playing through an amplifier, allowing beginners to focus on learning without feeling discouraged.
9. Versatility
Electric guitars offer a wide range of tones and styles, allowing beginners to explore different genres of music. This versatility can keep beginners engaged and motivated as they discover their own musical preferences.
10. Access to Online Resources
With the rise of the internet, there are countless online resources available for learning how to play the electric guitar. From video tutorials to interactive lessons, beginners can easily find guidance and support to help them on their musical journey.
While acoustic guitars have their own charm and beauty, electric guitars provide a more accessible and beginner-friendly experience. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch from acoustic to electric, the ease of playing an electric guitar can help you progress faster and enjoy the learning process.