[JessThrasher]

I started off playing electric, which I've been told is a bad start. OThers have told me it's just fine, as the same techniques apply to all types. Well there are acually some reasons why I started off on electric:

- Easier to hold and play, I started playing when I was 15 and even now, I'm quite short/little.

- Easier for me to hear my own playing. I'm hard of hearing and I have to turn my amp up to hear my play ing well.

- More comfortable to play. Doesn't poke you in the ribs. (Only electrics have the contour at the back, if you know what I mean).

- I listened to heavy stuff when I wanted to learn to play.

- I haave basicly no patience, as you know you have to work up to electric. I have no patience to wait.

Suggestions? Opinions? Comments? All appreciated.

[wjp01908]

They`re all valid reasons Jessica. In my opinion you should start with whatever style of instrument and music that you like. You`re more likely to stick with it through the rough beginner stages if you do.

As for "working up" to an electric - I think this idea was put about by non players to keep beginners as quiet as possible

Will

[skinnybloke]

Gotta agree with wjp01908, especially the bit re non players
You play whatever you want!

[Teddy Madison]

I had the same theory presented to me. I did start with acoustic and as it turns out, I prefer it. But, it's didn't turn me into a better electric player. That's a different style. Sure it's easier to fret etc... but the techniques/style I learned on acoustic don't really apply. Play what you enjoy, that's why your doing it in the first place.

Wayne

[karcey]

G'day Jess,
I know where you're coming from. I started on nylon because it was easy. Then I switched to electric because it was small and quiet. Then I went to steel acoustic because it sounded so beautiful. Then I realised I was nowhere in particular. Then the real truth dawned. I'd learned something different but valuable from each guitar type. So now I don't regret a single minute of the experience I've had. Actually now I'm concentrating on the nylon ... but I still pick up the steel sometimes ... and every so often I reach for the electric ...
It's fun, isn't it!
Rgds
Karcey

[cshude]

The differences between acoustic guitar and electric are very similar to those between a piano and an organ. I know how to play piano and I could make music on an organ, but I wouldn't be nearly as good on it as someone who made that their instrument of choice. In the same way, they would not be able to play the piano quite as good as one who made THAT their primary instrument.

Both acoustic and electric have different things to offer and I, for one, would never think of having a guitar collection without both examples in it. That being said, I spend most of my playing time on the acoustic because I am not rooted to wherever my amp is and I just love the sound and feel of it.

As far as the hearing part of it, you may also be able to get an acoustic-electric and plug it into your amp. I often play my a/e like that, and will throw on some headphones to boot to really shut out the world. When you throw in just a touch of reverb and delay, an acoustic sounds heavenly.

[allthumbs]

+1 chris.

[agent0064life]

I try to keep an even keel and play both equally. I play acoustic more because my folks get headaches from my playing. Not because of the playing but they just can't take the volume. I gotta try and find a 1/8th to 1/4th inch headphone adapter somewhere so I can plug in my nice phones and jam away.

[scott58]

I started on an electric also and it is still easier for me to play. Mine does have a fairly nice acoustic quality to it (for an electric) just not as pretty. You don't say what type of amp your using which is also important for the sound quality. For Example i don't like the sound of acoustic through a marshall, but it's really not bad through my peavey and great through my buddies GT1200 crate. Depends on the style of music also. settle into some blues for awhile or something that sounds good with your instrument. Electric is easier for me to play, but nothing beats a good acoustic for what I like to play.

[agent0064life]

Oh and here's something to keep in mind. Sometimes your favorite music to listen to turns out to be the kind you don't like to play. I have found music styles that are real interesting to play that I would never listen to.

[fireblade]

I started on an acoustic cos it was cheap and bought an electric when I was sure the guitar was for me. Bought a more expensive acoustic l8r on.
I play both as much as the other and quite enjoy playing diferrent styles on them, ie every now and then I finger pick on the electric or beat hell out of the acoustic with the odd set of power chords.
Quite often I play the electric unplugged as it allows me to practice playing without disturbing anyone. (Anyone else do this?)

[Europa]

Started on acoustic, to learn the basics. Then bought an electric just for fun. Am still concentrating on the acoustic, so I get the techniques that are needed for both types right.

I'd say do what you want, dont think it matters too much.

[Vic Lewis]

I don't think it matters what guitar you learn on - if your main focus of playing is going to be electric guitar, then it makes more sense to start electric. Sooner or later you might want to try something different - then that would be the right time to think about an acoustic.

I got rid of a 12-string 12 months ago - I'd always wanted one, but I never had the time to play it! I play a lot of electric, maybe 65-70 % of the time - the rest is split between acoustic, acoustic in open G and bass. When I'm recording my own songs, I usually add keyboards and drums (programmed via the keyboard). There's also harmonica - I'm still struggling with that - and while I can get a decent organ sound, I'm struggling with piano - different techniques entirely.

I'd say at least 70-75% of your practise time should be taken up with mastering your chosen genre/style of playing - in your case, Jessica, you're into metal, so for you playing mostly electric makes perfect sense.

Someday your tastes may broaden - I've known a few rockers who've goottem more into country and jazz aas they've got older. But till then, I'd say stick with what you've got....and good luck at mastering it!



Vic

[JessThrasher]

For alot of my playing, I often reach up past the 12th fret. No probs on electric.

[coldethyl]

I started out on a cheap acoustic and then upgraded to a more expensive and better quality acoustic. Eventually I found that I needed an electric guitar to play certain songs etc that just couldn't be done as effectively on acoustic, so I went out and bought an electric.

In my son's case though, he wanted to start on electric guitar and he's progressing quite well on that.