Acoustic or Electric First? What Beginners Should Start With.
A simple, straight answer for parents and new guitar players from a local Canadian Music Shop.
Most beginners can start on either acoustic or electric — but the better choice depends on comfort, age, musical interests, and hand strength.
Here’s the exact advice we give parents and new players in the shop.
⭐ Electric vs Acoustic: Quick Recommendation
Electric is easier to play.
Thinner neck. Softer strings. Lower action. Less finger pain.
Acoustic is more traditional.
Louder (on its own). Simpler. No amp needed. Feels “classic guitar.”
If comfort is the priority → start with electric.
If simplicity is the priority → start with acoustic.
Both are valid. Neither is “wrong.”
The real difference is what keeps a beginner motivated.
⭐ Pros & Cons Breakdown
🎸 Electric Guitar — Best for Comfort & Early Success
Pros
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Lower string tension (less sore fingers)
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Easier to press notes and chords
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Slimmer necks for smaller hands
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Quieter when unplugged
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Great for rock/pop music
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Kids often stick with it longer because it feels “cool”
Cons
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Needs an amp
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More pieces to manage
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Not as “grab and go” as acoustic
🎸 Acoustic Guitar — Best for Simplicity & Portability
Pros
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No amp needed
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Classic “guitar sound”
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Good for singer-songwriter styles
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Stronger technique foundation
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Usually cheaper to get started
Cons
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Harder on fingers
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Bigger body size for kids
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Higher action
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Takes more hand strength
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Beginners may get discouraged faster if the guitar is low quality
⭐ Age-Based Recommendation (Parents Love This)
This is exactly what we use in-store:
Ages 6–8: Electric or ¾ Acoustic
Electric is easier. ¾ acoustic is fine if they love that sound.
Ages 8–12: Electric or Full-Size Acoustic (depending on size)
Electric is almost always more comfortable.
Acoustic is fine for confident or taller kids.
Ages 12+: Either one
By this age, most kids can choose based on preference.
⭐ Musical Style Matters (More Than Parents Think)
If they like: Taylor Swift, folk, singer-songwriter
→ Acoustic
If they like: rock, metal, pop, indie, video game music, anime
→ Electric
If they have no preference:**
→ Electric (comfort advantage)
⭐ Beginner Packages: What You Actually Need
👍 Electric Starter Package
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Guitar
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Small amp
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Cable
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Strap
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Picks
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Gigbag
Typical total: $399–$699 in Canada.
👍 Acoustic Starter Package
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Guitar
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Gigbag
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Strap (optional)
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Picks
Typical total: $199–$499 in Canada.
(Electric is more pieces, but not necessarily “way more expensive.”)
⭐ What We Tell Parents in the Store
“The best first guitar is the one they’re excited to pick up every day.”
If a child is begging for an electric, forcing an acoustic will backfire — and vice versa.
Comfort + excitement always win.
⭐ Recommended Beginner Models
Best Beginner Electric
Best Beginner Acoustic
⭐ Common Beginner Mistakes
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Starting on a cheap acoustic because “you’re supposed to”
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Choosing a guitar that’s physically too big
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Picking by colour only (this is a factor but shouldn't be the MAIN factor - there are lots of "cool looking" poor quality guitars out there.
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Buying the cheapest online bundle
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Ignoring setup quality
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Assuming electrics are “harder” (they’re easier)
⭐ FAQ
Is it harder to learn on an acoustic or electric?
Acoustic is physically harder. Electric is easier on fingers and hand strength.
Is acoustic better for beginners?
Not necessarily. Acoustic is traditional, but electric often keeps beginners motivated longer.
Do kids need an amp with an electric guitar?
Yes, but a small 10–20 watt practice amp is more than enough.
Is switching from electric to acoustic difficult later?
Not at all. Many players start electric and move to acoustic comfortably.