It really depends on what you want to play.
Most people say you have to learn the acoustic first, which is a complete lie!
Actually, learning the electric guitar, is far easier to start on, because the strings are smaller and easier to push down.
If you really want to play the acoustic guitar, play the acoustic, but keep in mind it will be much harder. I would recommend putting smaller strings such as Martin extra lights on any acoustic guitar. This will make it much easier to push down the strings.
I usually recommend the electric guitar to everyone starting out, just because it is a lot easier to play. When you’re just starting out with guitar, it’s hard enough just learning how to switch the chords and memorized the positions. A really cheap acoustic guitar with high action and thick is very difficult to play and you will probably end up quitting. I’ve seen it happen again and again after teaching years of private lessons.
One more thing about the electric guitar, you need to make sure it is set up properly.
One time I had a kid start taking private lessons from me that brought in a guitar where the strings were about a half inch off the fretboard! This is really high, and will make it extremely difficult to play.
If you don’t know to set up a guitar, take it to your local music store and they will set it up perfectly for a small fee. You won’t regret it.
If you want to see my take on learning beginner guitar, check out my ebook and video package.
Very good advice, I wish I saw something like this before selecting my first guitar.
I ended up selecting an acoustic guitar; which I by no means regaret… However I did end up fustereted after a while and put it to the side…
A few months from then, I did end up buying an electric setup also… I used it to learn some basics (and yes, electric guitar strings are so much easier to manipulate than acoustic strings! remember everyone acoustic guitar strings have a lot more tension on them!!!)
Anyway, after a bit I went back to Acoustic and all is fine. I still pick up the electric once in a while, but I like how acoustic guitars sound… :-)
Hey, so I am just starting out on the guitar. I have been told many a time that an acoustic is easier than electric. Thanks to this, I have been putting off buying a guitar for nearly three years. Thankfully, I saw this post n will now be buying my first electric guitar ad will continue learning. I have always been more inclined to heavy music, and will finally play it after a while. Thank you!!!
I think the real issue here is whether the guitar is set up or not and the gauge of the strings on the guitar