When looking for buying a guitar, think about what inspired you to get one in the first place. Think about the sound, the look and the technique. Focus on what it is that made you want to start learning guitar. That’s a good starting point for figuring out what you want.
It can be overwhelming to read about guitars. There is so much information everywhere. It is hard to figure out where to start. After all, there are several choices and words that you may not understand. It is a better idea to start with the basics.
Let me break this down for you.
Acoustic guitar
It has been around for hundreds of years and has only evolved with time. The first evidence of these guitars dates back to the 1800s. There have been several modifications since then.
The design is simple. It can be divided into the body and the neck. The construction style of both of these matters. The style decides the sound, tone and feel. Some acoustic guitars come with pickups.
Mostly, it’s an acoustic instrument. Which means that it does not have electric pick-ups. The dimensions of the body decide the sound to a great extent.
There are two types of acoustic guitars-
- Classic guitar: wide fretboard, nylon strings, light, quiet and mellow sound
- Steel-string guitar: thinner fretboard, Large, heavy and loud sound
Electric guitars:-
Electric guitars usually have larger bodies than acoustic guitars. Like the acoustic guitar, the body and the neck influence the sound. The materials that make it change the tone and feel of the guitar. Maple and Ashwood are commonly used to make the neck.
The curvature of the frets also has a role to play in technique. The pick up is the most distinguishable part of the electric guitar. This sets it apart from an acoustic guitar. It essentially serves as a microphone. Some guitars will also allow you to pick a different pick up system.
There are mainly three types of pickups:-
- Single-coil: Uses only one magnet. It allows for less distortion so can be used for clean sounds
- P90: allows more distortion and are louder
- Humbuckers: great for high gain and distortion
Types of electric guitars:-
- Stratocaster: most popular, easy to hold and play. Beginners usually start with this style. It is pretty versatile. Can be used in multiple genres. Can play metal, rock, funk and many more.
- Les Paul: large, thick-bodied and multi-humbucker. It is known for its iconic design. It has a warmer sound.
- SG: It is quite similar to Les Paul. The aesthetic and feel are different. Used for heavy metal and hard rock.
- Telecaster: lesser-known out of the others. The neck is thin and light. It has a twangy sound.
Differences between acoustic and electric guitar:-
There is a difference in the technique when playing acoustic guitar from that of an electric guitar. Electric guitars have lighter strings in comparison to acoustic guitars. These thin strings allow for more experimentation.
You can get a better vibrato. You can create a distortion more easily.
An electric guitar has more controls, knobs and switches to change the kind of sound produced.
What should you start with?
Acoustic and electric guitars are more a less the same when it comes to tuning. The approach to the chords is also similar. However, people tend to start to learn an acoustic guitar because it has fewer controls, switches and knobs that you have to work.
An electric guitar is more technical for a beginner as it is hard to manage all the settings at once while learning to play the guitar. The acoustic guitar is also louder when strung in comparison to an electric guitar (unplugged).
What is better?
There is no better or worse guitar. It’s all about finding your sound so you have to see what kind of music inspires you. When you start out learning to play an acoustic guitar might be more forgiving. Your mistakes or accidentally tapping the guitar don’t sound as loud as they would in an electric guitar.
It’s time for you to start! What better place to look for a guitar than at Bootlegger Guitar? They offer a variety of guitars. They also do customizations and All kinds of add-ons. Get all this at an affordable price.
Recommended: Ultimate Buying Guide – How To Choose An Electric Guitar