This is one of the most common questions we hear in our store. Many beginners wonder if they should start with an acoustic or an electric guitar. The truth is, there’s no right or wrong answer.
The most important thing is to follow your gut. If you’re drawn to the look, sound, and feel of the electric guitar, chances are you’ll stay motivated and learn faster. If you love the sound of acoustic and picture yourself playing songs around a campfire, then that might be the better fit.
Why Start With Acoustic Guitar?
If you don’t feel a strong pull toward one or the other, we usually recommend starting with an acoustic guitar. Here’s why:
• Simplicity. No amps, pedals, or cables required. Just grab your guitar and start playing.
• Cleaner technique. With no effects hiding your mistakes, you’ll naturally develop better accuracy and control.
Why Start With Electric Guitar?
Electric guitars can be easier to play because they usually have lighter strings and slimmer necks. That makes pressing chords and notes less demanding on your fingers.
If you choose electric, here are the essential accessories you’ll need:
• Amplifier
• Instrument cable
• Guitar strap
• Picks
• Tuner (clip-on or pedal)
• Gig bag or case
The good news is that beginner amps today are better than ever. Many models come with built-in effects and presets to make your learning experience fun and inspiring. Two great options are the Positive Grid Spark and the Boss Katana Mini. Both give you great tones right out of the box.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
We’ve put together a selection of excellent entry-level guitars we believe are perfect for beginners. Visit this page to see our beginner guitars.
We also make it easy to order online. We ship free on orders over $500 to every Canadian province and territory:
Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.
In most cases, the same applies for orders in the US. Read our full shipping policy here.
Want to know more about how we handle online orders? Click here to learn more.