What's The Best Beginner Guitar? Electric, Acoustic or Classical?

Summary

In this video, Justin explains why starting with an electric guitar is often better for beginners. He highlights the ease of playability, noting that electric guitars generally have lower string action, which reduces finger pain and frustration. Additionally, electric guitars are more comfortable to hold, quieter for practice without an amp, and versatile with modern tech like iPads and computers. He also discusses when to opt for acoustic or classical guitars, emphasizing personal preference and the importance of setup for easier playing. Ultimately, he encourages beginners to choose an electric guitar for a smoother learning experience.

Takeaways

• 🎸 Electric guitars are generally more beginner-friendly due to lower string action, making them easier to play.
• 👍 Electric guitars cause less finger pain for beginners compared to steel-string acoustic or classical guitars.
• 💡 Beginners don't need an amplifier to practice on an electric guitar since it produces enough sound acoustically.
• 🏠 Electric guitars are quiet enough for nighttime practice without disturbing neighbors.
• 📱 Modern technology allows electric guitars to connect to devices like iPads or computers for sound effects and recording.
• 🎶 If you want to play classical music, a classical guitar with nylon strings is a better option, but the wider neck can be challenging.
• 🔊 Steel-string acoustic guitars offer a distinct sound suited for folk or acoustic music, but cheap ones are hard to play and may require a professional setup.
• 🛠️ Getting a setup done on either an electric or acoustic guitar can greatly improve playability, especially on cheaper models.
• 💰 It's better to spend more on a well-set-up guitar rather than opting for the cheapest one, especially for acoustic guitars.
• 🎯 Your first guitar is not your last—it's more about learning and finding what suits you as you improve.

Q & A

Why does the speaker recommend starting with an electric guitar for beginners?

The speaker recommends starting with an electric guitar because it generally has lower action, meaning it's easier to press down the strings, which reduces finger pain and frustration for beginners.

What does 'action' refer to in the context of guitars?

'Action' refers to the distance between the strings and the frets on a guitar. A lower action makes it easier to press down the strings and produce clear notes.

How does the size and shape of an electric guitar contribute to its playability?

Electric guitars are usually smaller and have a more ergonomic design with contouring, making them more comfortable to hold and play, especially for beginners.

Do beginners need an amplifier to play an electric guitar?

No, beginners don't need an amplifier. An electric guitar is loud enough to be heard for practice without one, and it's also quiet enough not to disturb others.

What are the advantages of using technology like computers or iPads with an electric guitar?

Technology allows beginners to plug their electric guitar into devices like computers or iPads for effects, recording, and practicing without needing a traditional amplifier, offering more flexibility and creativity.

When should someone consider starting with a classical guitar instead of an electric guitar?

Someone should start with a classical guitar if they are specifically interested in playing classical music, such as Bach or Villa-Lobos. Classical guitars have softer nylon strings but a wider neck, which can be harder to play for beginners.

What are the drawbacks of learning on a budget acoustic guitar?

Budget acoustic guitars often have high action, making them difficult to play and leading to frustration. The speaker advises avoiding cheap acoustic guitars because they can cause beginners to struggle and give up.

What is the role of a guitar setup, and why is it important?

A guitar setup involves adjusting the height of the strings, the neck bowing, and other elements to make the guitar easier to play. It is crucial for both acoustic and electric guitars to ensure better playability, especially on cheaper models.

Why is it important to try out different guitars before purchasing one?

It's important to try out different guitars because each guitar feels different in your hands, and playability is personal. Choosing a guitar that feels comfortable is key to enjoying the learning process.

How should beginners approach buying their first guitar?

Beginners should view their first guitar as a learning tool, not a lifelong investment. It's more important to choose a guitar that is comfortable and easy to play, understanding that they will likely upgrade after gaining experience.

Outlines

00:00

🎸 Why Electric Guitars Are Best for Beginners

In this paragraph, Justin introduces the main idea of the video: why he believes most beginners should start with an electric guitar. He acknowledges that opinions on this vary but makes a strong case for electric guitars, primarily citing better playability. He explains that the lower action on an electric guitar, especially budget models, makes it easier to press the strings down, which reduces finger pain—a common complaint among beginners. Justin warns against starting with cheap acoustic guitars, which can be difficult to play and lead to frustration and eventual disinterest in guitar learning.

05:00

🪕 Advantages of Electric Guitars Over Acoustic Guitars

Justin expands on the advantages of electric guitars, emphasizing their smaller size, ergonomic design, and how they provide a more comfortable experience for beginners. Electric guitars tend to be less cumbersome and easier to hold, while acoustic guitars require more effort, especially for beginners who might struggle with neck craning and arm positioning. He also points out that electric guitars can be played without an amplifier, making them quieter for personal practice sessions without disturbing others, yet loud enough for the player to hear.

10:01

🎛 Do You Really Need an Amplifier for Electric Guitars?

In this section, Justin addresses the common question of whether beginners need an amplifier for electric guitars. He clarifies that an amplifier is not necessary when starting out, as electric guitars can be heard clearly enough without one. He also discusses how modern technology allows guitarists to plug into devices like iPads or computers for sound manipulation and recording. Furthermore, practicing on an electric guitar without amplification is quiet enough for late-night sessions, allowing players to avoid disturbing others while still hearing their own performance.

🎼 When to Choose a Classical Guitar

This paragraph explains when a classical guitar might be a better choice. Justin notes that classical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers but come with their own challenges, such as wider necks that may be uncomfortable for beginners. He mentions that people with larger hands might find the wider neck beneficial, but overall, classical guitars are best suited for those specifically wanting to play classical music. He contrasts his experience of starting on a classical guitar with his later discovery that electric guitars are easier to play.

🎶 When to Choose an Acoustic Guitar

Justin discusses the situations where a steel-string acoustic guitar is the best choice. He highlights that acoustic guitars have a unique sound, especially suited for folk and acoustic styles. However, he cautions against buying cheap acoustic guitars, as they can be hard to play. For those interested in playing in informal settings like parties or barbecues, an acoustic guitar may be ideal, as it doesn’t require an amplifier. He emphasizes the importance of getting the guitar properly set up to ensure it's playable, as many inexpensive models can be difficult to play without adjustment.

🛠 Importance of Guitar Setup and Budget Considerations

This section delves into the importance of having a guitar set up properly by a professional. Justin explains how a setup, which adjusts string height and neck curvature, can significantly improve the playability of a guitar, especially budget models. He suggests that a cheaper guitar with a good setup can often be better than a mid-range guitar without one. This advice applies to both electric and acoustic guitars, but he notes that cheaper acoustic guitars are particularly challenging to play without proper adjustments, making it worth investing in a setup service.

🎤 Final Thoughts on Choosing Your First Guitar

In the final paragraph, Justin reassures beginners that their first guitar doesn’t have to be their last. He advises them to choose a guitar that will make learning easy and enjoyable, rather than a lifelong instrument. After some experience, players will have a better sense of their musical preferences and can make more informed decisions about future purchases. He stresses that the goal of a first guitar is to help beginners overcome early challenges, such as finger pain, and to find an instrument that they enjoy playing.

Keywords

💡Electric guitar

An electric guitar is a type of guitar that requires electrical amplification to produce sound. In the video, the presenter argues that an electric guitar is better suited for most beginners because it is generally easier to play, with lower string action and less finger pain. Additionally, it offers flexibility in sound manipulation through amplifiers and digital devices.

💡Action

The action refers to the distance between the strings and the frets on a guitar. In the video, the presenter highlights that electric guitars typically have lower action than acoustic or classical guitars, making it easier to press the strings and play without as much finger pain. This lower action is a key reason why electric guitars are recommended for beginners.

💡Playability

Playability refers to how easy or comfortable it is to play an instrument. The video emphasizes the superior playability of electric guitars compared to acoustic and classical guitars, particularly for beginners. This includes aspects like the lower action, smaller body size, and overall comfort when playing, making electric guitars a better choice for new players.

💡Finger pain

Finger pain is a common issue for beginner guitar players, caused by pressing down on the strings to form chords. In the video, the presenter explains that electric guitars cause significantly less finger pain due to their lighter string tension and lower action, making them more comfortable for beginners to practice on.

💡Amplifier

An amplifier is a device used to increase the volume and alter the sound of an electric guitar. While many might think an amplifier is necessary, the video clarifies that beginners don't need one right away. Electric guitars can still be heard acoustically at a low volume, and modern technology allows players to plug into computers or mobile devices for sound output.

💡Acoustic guitar

An acoustic guitar produces sound through the vibration of its strings and resonance in its hollow body. In the video, the presenter explains that while acoustic guitars are popular, they tend to have higher action, making them harder to play, especially for beginners. However, acoustic guitars are ideal for those who want to play folk or perform at gatherings like parties and barbecues.

💡Classical guitar

A classical guitar is a type of guitar with nylon strings, commonly used for playing classical music. In the video, the presenter mentions that classical guitars are easier on the fingers due to softer nylon strings, but their wider neck makes chord shapes more challenging for beginners. Classical guitars are best suited for those specifically interested in playing classical music.

💡Setup

A setup refers to the adjustment of a guitar's components, such as string height and neck bowing, to improve its playability. The video emphasizes the importance of getting a setup for both acoustic and electric guitars, as it can make a cheaper instrument much easier to play. A good setup is particularly crucial for beginner-level guitars, especially acoustics.

💡Nylon strings

Nylon strings are softer and more flexible than steel strings, commonly used on classical guitars. In the video, the presenter points out that while nylon strings are easier on the fingers, the wider neck of classical guitars can make chord playing more difficult for beginners. Nylon strings are primarily associated with classical music.

💡Budget guitars

Budget guitars refer to low-cost instruments aimed at beginners. In the video, the presenter warns that budget acoustic guitars can be difficult to play due to poor construction and high action. Conversely, budget electric guitars tend to offer better playability out of the box, making them a more suitable option for those starting their guitar journey.

Highlights

Electric guitar is a better option for beginners due to easier playability, especially in comparison to budget acoustic guitars.

The action (distance between strings and frets) is generally lower on electric guitars, making it easier to press down the strings and reducing finger pain.

Electric guitars are smaller and fit better to the player's body, making them more comfortable to play compared to acoustic guitars.

Electric guitars can be played without an amplifier, offering a quieter practice option that won't disturb others, especially in apartments.

Technological advancements allow electric guitars to be plugged into computers or mobile devices, offering more options for sound effects and recording.

Classical guitars, with nylon strings, may seem easier on fingers but often have wider necks, making it harder for beginners to form chords.

Steel-string acoustic guitars are ideal if you want to play folk or Neil Young-style music, as their unique sound cannot be replicated by electric guitars.

Acoustic guitars are more practical for playing in casual settings, like parties or barbecues, without the need for amplifiers.

Cheaper acoustic guitars often have poor playability, making it harder for beginners to progress and increasing the likelihood of giving up.

A professional setup for any guitar, acoustic or electric, can make a huge difference in playability, even for cheaper models.

A setup involves adjusting string height and neck bowing to make the guitar easier to play, and can transform a cheaper guitar into a more playable instrument.

Electric guitars are more likely to be playable right out of the box, whereas budget acoustic guitars often require setup adjustments to be playable.

Beginners should not feel pressured to buy an expensive guitar initially, as their first guitar is often just a learning tool to understand preferences.

Thinner strings on both electric and acoustic guitars can make a significant difference in playability, especially for beginners.

Choosing a guitar is a personal decision, and beginners should physically try out different guitars in stores to find one that feels comfortable.

Transcripts

hi how you doin Justin here and in this

video I want to explain to you why I

think it's better for most people to

start off on an electric guitar now you

might have heard different there's a lot

of people a lot of different opinions

but what I want to explain to you is the

reasons why I think an electric guitar

is better for most people and the cases

where it isn't where you would be better

off starting off with a steel string

acoustic guitar or a classical guitar

but I think for the majority of people

an electric guitar is a much better

option now the first reason that I think

this is important is for overall

playability okay on an electric guitar

usually the action is a lot lower now

the action is the distance between the

strings and the frets how far you have

to push the strings down to get the

notes nice and clear on electric guitar

particularly budget electric guitars

it's generally a lot easier to press the

strings down than it is on a steel

string acoustic guitar or a classical

guitar particularly budget acoustic

guitars it can be really really

difficult and one of the things that I

hear from beginners all the time is all

my fingers hurt when's the finger pain

gonna go away oh it's so painful I can't

practice every day and this kind of

stuff and on an electric guitar because

you have to press a lot lighter to get

the notes nice and clean in your chords

you don't get anywhere near as much

finger pain as you will on an acoustic

guitar now really high-end acoustic

guitars if you've got several thousand

pounds to spend on an acoustic guitar as

a beginner which I don't think is a

particularly good idea you might get one

that plays really easily with a really

great setup and all of that sort of

stuff but most acoustic instrument

beginner level instruments especially

the really cheap acoustic guitars and

nearly impossible to play I did a review

recently ever really cheap acoustic

guitar and I couldn't even play the

chords you know I was really struggling

I mean playing guitar for more than

thirty years and it I couldn't do it so

I wouldn't expect a beginner who's

taking their first steps on trying to

play guitar to be able to play chords

like that or and it's so easy for that

to lead to frustration you know and then

giving up or not playing as much and

then the fact that you're not playing as

much means it takes longer and then it's

just like it ends up gathering dust in

your living room you know so playability

I think is really the key factor now

electric guitars are also a bit smaller

usually you can get bigger ones but they

you

a bit smaller so they fit into your body

nicer there's less craning of the neck

if you've got an acoustic guitar you

have to look over the fingerboard which

you've got to try not to do but most

people are going to have to look at

where their fingers are going an

acoustic guitar that much further away

it's you know they're usually a bit

sharper most electric guitars they've

got a little bit of contouring here at

the back so they they feel a little bit

more comfortable acoustic guitars

sometimes you have to rest your arm up

quite high not that high probably but

you know high enough for it to start to

feel uncomfortable whereas electric

guitars it's a little flatter you know

so the overall comfort level on an

electric guitar is a lot better than for

an acoustic guitar or for a classical

guitar a pretty common question when I

say that people should start off on an

electric guitar is about an amplifier do

I need to buy an amplifier are they

going to be too loud and the answer is

no you don't need an amplifier if you're

just starting out okay the electric

guitar is plenty loud enough to be heard

and to practice on and to play without

an amplifier you can hear it's not very

loud it's got a nice personal zone so

[Music]

you can hear it plenty good if you're

just playing it without any it's not

plugged in to anything at all now

technology's come very far these days

and you can now plug into like iPads and

all sorts of stuff to be able to get

electric guitar sound you can plug

directly into your computer so you don't

need an amplifier really at all and if

you go plug it into a computer there's

all sorts of possibilities for recording

and different sounds and effects pedals

and all of these sort of toys that can

distract you for many hours that you

don't really need but are loads of fun

and that's you know that's part of the

electric guitar journey now as well as

being an advantage that you can hear it

acoustically without plugging into an

amplifier it's also quiet enough that

you could practice at night without

disturbing your neighbors so you could

be I could quite comfortably be playing

this in an apartment strumming

I can hear it fine I know what I'm doing

but the neighbors downstairs wouldn't

hear it at all they'd hardly hear it you

know I think that probably wouldn't hear

at all okay now that's an advantage

that's a way of being able to do you

practice when you want without

disturbing the family or friends or

neighbors or anyone else

but you can still hear it enough

perfectly clearly enough to be able to

hear if you're doing stuff right or not

and if you want to plug into your phone

or your to your computer or whatever

then you can start playing around with

effects and have proper electric sounds

like distortion and all of that sort of

things so that's already quite a few

reasons why I think the electric guitar

is better but when should you consider

getting an acoustic guitar or a

classical guitar so a classical guitar

I'll start off with because pretty

simple if you want to play classical

guitar the style classical guitar ie

bark or villa-lobos or whatever that

kind of thing then you probably going to

want a nylon string classical guitar now

I just said there the key difference in

nylon strings a lot of people think all

nylon strings they're nice and soft so

they're easier for beginners and there

is a little true the strings are softer

on the on the tips of your fingers when

you start out so in that way it's a

little easier personally I started out

on a classical guitar okay my first

guitar was a yamaha GT 100 I think it

was called or GA 100 something like that

and if it was fine but there are

problems with it as well so the strings

are softer great but the neck is a lot

wider okay now my only seem like less

than an inch for sure but it feels a lot

lot wider under your fingers when you're

playing it so when you're trying to get

a C chord or a G chord I remember really

struggling to play a G chord on that

guitar and I remember when I first got

my electric guitar it was like wow this

is amazing it's so easy to do that you

know usually the action isn't so much of

a problem on classical guitars but it's

often a lot higher than electric guitar

the one advantage within this aside from

the soft strings with the wider neck

some people that have got very very

large hands find it a little easier to

get the chord shapes under their fingers

on a slightly wider neck okay there are

various neck width within the electric

guitar category as well so again you

want to be gone to the store and try and

a few different guitars and fear

feel what feels comfortable in your hand

but for if you've got a very very large

hand you might find a classical type

guitar a little easier but that's that's

not the case for most people most of the

time I think if you're going to get a

classical guitar you get one because you

want to play classical music that's

really the answer when it comes to steel

string guitar steel string guitar has a

particular sound a particular quality

about it that you don't get from an

electric guitar and if you really want

to play like the focusing and Neil Young

acoustic stylee stuff or whatever you

know a folky style acoustic music then

you're not going to be an acoustic

guitar to start off with because that's

the thing you know that's where that

sound comes from you can't get that

sound from an electric guitar it just

doesn't happen

they're also obviously better if you

imagine yourself playing at parties or

barbecues regularly where you don't want

to have to lug around an amplifier and

that we did it's not the right thing if

you want to play at parties and

barbecues you want to get yourself an

acoustic guitar however you don't want

to buy a really cheap acoustic guitar

because you won't be able to play it'll

just be horrible so if you're going to

get an acoustic guitar you need to spend

a little bit more money probably twice

what you'd spend on a cheap electric

guitar so one thing that can make a

really big difference on acoustic

guitars is having a setup done now our

setup is usually done in a store or buy

a guitar luthier where they adjust the

height of the strings where the strings

are the bowing of the neck and a few

other little things that they'll tweak

to make the guitar easier to play and it

can make a huge difference you have

really huge difference so if your local

store has a setup service you might find

that it's better to buy a cheaper guitar

and have it set up than to buy a mid

price or an expensive guitar that's not

set up often the chief of guitar with a

good setup will be better will sound

better play better feel better will be a

better all-round instrument so really

that's something that you want to

explore it works the same for electric

guitar electric guitars can also be set

up for most of mine get set up you know

every couple of years or so but in the

beginner market for electric guitars

they usually find kind out of the box

they you can usually make them better

with a set up but they'll be playable

out of the box where as a cheaper

acoustic guitars they just really they

don't work

'chief acoustic guitars there's too many

things if their actions too high it's

too easy to get disheartened and give up

some you know my my really strong

opinion is that if you if you're just

starting out on guitar you're not really

sure what you want to do get an electric

guitar because it'll serve you well to

start off with if you really want to

play classical guitar by a classical

guitar if you really love the sound of

acoustic guitar you love acoustic music

and you think you're gonna might be

playing at parties or barbecues or

whatever then an acoustic guitar is

probably the way to go however you want

to buy not buy the cheapest cheapest

acoustic guitar that you can find buy

one slightly above that and spend some

extra money on getting a set up it's one

of those things again where shopping

online is not as good as shopping in a

local store so just so you know this is

not the I'm gonna do a whole video about

what to look for when you go to buying a

guitar but guitars are really personal

you really want to like it you want to

feel good about the guitar so you want

to like the look of it

wants to feel nice in your body don't

buy one because you think it's the right

one to get okay

go yourself to a music store pick them

up play them so you're gonna find some

feel better in your hands than other

ones and that's really something that's

important and again you're much more

likely to find a set up a nice setup on

a guitar if you go to a music store

they've usually got a house guy that can

do a good setup either that we just have

a look at you're on the internet for a

local luthier near you and see if you

can get a setup done that way maybe call

them first to find out how much it is so

you've got that in mind when you go to

the store to pick out a guitar you like

definitely thinner strings will make a

difference on the acoustic guitar makes

a difference on electric guitar but

again not as necessary on acoustic

guitar you probably want thinner strings

on there as well for a lot of people

buying their first guitar is a very big

decision but one thing that you ought to

bear in mind as well is that your first

guitar is not likely to be your last

guitar okay so if you get into playing

guitar you're probably not going to

stick with the same one after a year or

two so you can often think of the first

guitar as like that's what you're going

to cut your teeth on that's where you're

going to get over your finger pain and

learn a bit about what it is that you

like because it won't be your first

guitar and if you think of it that way

buy the best guitar for being a beginner

on and then after that in a year's time

you're going to know a lot more about

what music you like what sound you like

what things you couldn't do you

played some of your friends guitar you

have a more informed opinion when you go

to the music store because you will have

been playing a bit you've got some songs

under your finger so you can go and play

a few more different guitars in the

store and see what it is that you feel

the most comfortable with so I think

that's a really important thing to

remember as well you're not buying a

guitar that you're gonna be stuck with

forever okay you're buying a guitar

first of all to learn on okay and to

learn on you want something that's nice

and easy that's not going to force you

to give up because it's too painful on

your fingers right it's it's really

really important this stuff I think and

this is why I'd recommend that you start

off with an electric guitar hopefully

this will help you on your debate and if

you want any more information all of

this stuff i've talked about in this

video and a bunch more is over on the

website so that go and check it out it's

in the first part of the beginners

course hopefully you'll enjoyed this and

I'll see you for plenty more very soon

you take care of yourselves bye bye