Choosing between Acoustic or Electric Guitars
If you are thinking about learning to play the guitar and have already been looking at Austin TX guitar stores, one of the first questions you must answer is whether to buy an acoustic or an electric guitar. Besides their obvious difference in appearance, there are other factors to consider when deciding between the two. Though you may be tempted to choose a guitar based on shape, finish, or image, it is most important to choose a guitar by how much you will enjoy playing it. What good is a nice guitar if you never feel like playing it? Here are a few things to think about when deciding on the right guitar for you.
Electric guitars are considered easier to play than acoustic guitars, in regards to pressing down the strings, picking, strumming. This is largely due to that fact that electric guitars have a much lower “action,” or distance between the strings and the frets. Because of the lower action on most electric guitars, it requires less strength to cleanly press the strings to the fret board. Also, electric guitar strings are closer to each other, requiring less of a reach for particular chord patterns. The fact that pickups and an amplifier produce the dynamic sound of the electric guitar also means it requires slightly less precision when holding the strings to the frets, picking, or strumming. Minimal contact is all that is necessary to create a nice, clean sound.
Acoustic guitars are somewhat more difficult to play in terms of finger strength and reach. Because the vibrations of the wooden body produce the actual sound of an acoustic guitar, heavier gauge strings must be used. This causes the action to be slighter higher and the strings to be farther apart so that the strings do not accidentally vibrate against each other or against the wrong fret. These heavier gauge strings are also somewhat more difficult to bend, requiring more strength to cleanly press them to the fret board.
The size of guitar is also a valuable consideration. Most electric guitars are far smaller than acoustics. They do not require a wide neck or body, whereas acoustics need more space for the size of vibrations needed to produce an acoustic sound. Regardless if you choose an acoustic or electric, be sure to pick a guitar that fits your own body size. One that is too large or even too small can affect your posture, which will ultimately impact your ability to improve as a guitarist.
When it comes to picking a guitar based on its sound, many people have differing opinions. Some will say that the acoustic sound is far superior because of the all natural vibrations and projection from the cabinet, but others will say the electric has a better sound because it is far more adjustable due to the development of various electronic devices. This includes effect petals, amplifiers, and various enhancements. However, the right sound should be chosen depending on an individual’s taste. You must enjoy the sound you are producing or it will be quite unmotivating to practice.
One last major consideration when choosing between an acoustic and an electric is the equipment needed and the convenience of use. Obviously, all of the setup required for playing an acoustic guitar is to take it out of the case. The acoustic guitar can stand completely on its own, while the electric guitar will require a small amount of additional setup. You will need an amplifier and whatever pedals you need to create your desired sound. You will also need cables to connect your electric guitar to these devises. Plus, you will have to have a power source for plugging everything in. That is why an electric guitar might not be best choice for playing around the campfire.
About the Author: Clint Strait is a third generation owner and assistant manager of the Strait Music, Austin Music Stores, the best in Austin TX guitar stores. For more information please visit www.straitmusic.com.
Electric guitars are considered easier to play than acoustic guitars, in regards to pressing down the strings, picking, strumming. This is largely due to that fact that electric guitars have a much lower “action,” or distance between the strings and the frets. Because of the lower action on most electric guitars, it requires less strength to cleanly press the strings to the fret board. Also, electric guitar strings are closer to each other, requiring less of a reach for particular chord patterns. The fact that pickups and an amplifier produce the dynamic sound of the electric guitar also means it requires slightly less precision when holding the strings to the frets, picking, or strumming. Minimal contact is all that is necessary to create a nice, clean sound.
Acoustic guitars are somewhat more difficult to play in terms of finger strength and reach. Because the vibrations of the wooden body produce the actual sound of an acoustic guitar, heavier gauge strings must be used. This causes the action to be slighter higher and the strings to be farther apart so that the strings do not accidentally vibrate against each other or against the wrong fret. These heavier gauge strings are also somewhat more difficult to bend, requiring more strength to cleanly press them to the fret board.
The size of guitar is also a valuable consideration. Most electric guitars are far smaller than acoustics. They do not require a wide neck or body, whereas acoustics need more space for the size of vibrations needed to produce an acoustic sound. Regardless if you choose an acoustic or electric, be sure to pick a guitar that fits your own body size. One that is too large or even too small can affect your posture, which will ultimately impact your ability to improve as a guitarist.
When it comes to picking a guitar based on its sound, many people have differing opinions. Some will say that the acoustic sound is far superior because of the all natural vibrations and projection from the cabinet, but others will say the electric has a better sound because it is far more adjustable due to the development of various electronic devices. This includes effect petals, amplifiers, and various enhancements. However, the right sound should be chosen depending on an individual’s taste. You must enjoy the sound you are producing or it will be quite unmotivating to practice.
One last major consideration when choosing between an acoustic and an electric is the equipment needed and the convenience of use. Obviously, all of the setup required for playing an acoustic guitar is to take it out of the case. The acoustic guitar can stand completely on its own, while the electric guitar will require a small amount of additional setup. You will need an amplifier and whatever pedals you need to create your desired sound. You will also need cables to connect your electric guitar to these devises. Plus, you will have to have a power source for plugging everything in. That is why an electric guitar might not be best choice for playing around the campfire.
About the Author: Clint Strait is a third generation owner and assistant manager of the Strait Music, Austin Music Stores, the best in Austin TX guitar stores. For more information please visit www.straitmusic.com.
Labels: acoustic guitars, austin electric guitars, Austin TX guitar Stores
posted by Strait Music at
2:28 PM
0 Comments
