Learning an instrument is always a challenging task, so you want to make it as easy as possible for yourself! With the guitar, it can be a bit of an uphill battle, so it’s best to go in well prepared.
In many cases, the traditional steel-string Acoustic guitar can be the hardest to play. The strings tend to have a heavier gauge which makes things harder when first learning.The metal strings also means that your fingers will ache after playing while new to the instrument. Eventually, callouses will form which removes this, but it can be off-putting at first.If you can get over the discomfort as your fingers toughen up, then the acoustic is a great avenue to go down when learning, but it can dissuade many new players.
Electric guitars tend to use fairly light strings compared to their acoustic counterparts. This means that they are a bit easier to play. With lead guitar playing popularising the use of bends and faster playing, having lighter strings makes this much easier.The problem with electric guitars are that they generally also require an amp, bringing the price up quite a bit.When you’re a younger learner, occasionally school teachers will favour acoustic instruments rather than electric ones. I would suggest starting on an electric guitar more if that is the route you would like to go down, even though the skills are transferable to acoustic instruments.
The easiest guitars to learn on, in my opinion, are classical guitars. They use nylon strings which are much easier on the fingers as they have less tension. This means you don’t have the barrier of building callouses to worry about, you can just focus on learning.The downfall of classical guitars is that they aren’t used as often in modern music. So, they don’t sound as close to what you would hear on the radio as other types.However, they are perfect for all ages. Readily coming in smaller sizes, as well as full size, they make great starter instruments.
FAQs
Overall Playability
Electric guitars are generally the easiest to play: the strings are usually thinner, the 'action' is lower and therefore the strings are easier to press down.
Which type of guitar is best for learning? ›
People all over the world have learnt on both electric and acoustic guitars but the more common way is to learn on acoustic guitar first. This will give you greater finger strength and force you to have the discipline to learn chords for songs with strumming in them.
What is the easiest method to learn guitar? ›
The 10 Best Methods For Learning To Play Guitar
- Find The Best Guitar For You. ...
- Create An Ideal Learning Environment. ...
- Build Skills By Learning Songs. ...
- Pick Up Songs By Ear. ...
- Learn With Other New Players. ...
- Practice, Practice, Practice. ...
- Be Patient With Yourself. ...
- Use A Guitar Lesson App Like Fender Play.
While some styles may be harder than others, hard work and dedication can help musicians master any style they choose to learn. Classical guitar style is arguably the hardest due to its technical demands, but with patience and persistence, anyone can learn it.
Which guitar is easier on the fingers? ›
In addition to playing mellow music, classical guitars will be the kindest to your fingers because they often have nylon strings. Electric guitars will be a little tougher on your fingers with their metal strings. But thanks to their pickups and amps, electric guitars require less pressure to play and produce volume.
Should a beginner get an acoustic or electric guitar? ›
Acoustic Guitars are Easier to Practice On
In terms of helping you to develop your ear and hear what a note is supposed to sound like, an acoustic guitar makes it easier to practice.
How to select guitar for beginners? ›
Steps to buying your first beginner guitar:
- Choose what type of guitar you want – acoustic or electric.
- See what style or shape stands out to you.
- Set a budget.
- Consider trying it in person before you buy.
- Buy accessories e.g spare strings, guitar maintenance.
While talent may provide a head start, anyone can learn to play the guitar with dedication, practice, and a genuine passion for music. It is through deliberate practice and perseverance that individuals can develop their skills and create beautiful music.
What is a good first guitar lesson? ›
The Basics!
I always start every first guitar lesson with: the body parts of the guitar, the open string names, basic fretting technique and basic strumming technique. These fundamentals are extremely important to get right in the beginning to then build upon later down the track.
Can I teach myself guitar? ›
If you are questioning whether you can teach yourself guitar, then the answer is an absolute yes. It could have been an issue a long time ago due to the unavailability of different learning resources we have today.
Someone looking to self teach guitar and play basic songs might achieve proficiency in a few months. However, mastering the instrument and playing complex pieces can take years of dedicated practice.
How long does it take to learn guitar perfectly? ›
If you practice consistently for 30 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week, you can learn to play beginner-level songs. This might take 1-2 months. After 3-6 months of consistent practice, you can tackle more complex songs. To become proficient in guitar, it takes about 300 hours of practice.
How long does it take to learn basic guitar? ›
On average, it can take a dedicated student several months to a year to develop a basic proficiency on the guitar. However, some students may be able to play simple songs within a few weeks of starting lessons, while others may take several years to reach a similar level of skill.
Is electric easier than acoustic? ›
The Design of Electric Guitar Makes it Easier to Learn On
The thicker construction of an acoustic guitar means that you'll have to hold your arm further away from your body – almost draped over the front of your guitar in order to strum.
Is it better to learn acoustic or electric guitar? ›
Electric guitars can have thinner necks and are overall smaller because they don't rely on natural acoustics to create the sound. The smaller size of the electric guitar can make it slightly easier to learn on as a starter guitar. The strings are lighter, the neck is thinner, and the body is smaller.
