Electric vs Acoustic Guitars 101
Oct 6th 2025
Electric vs Acoustic Guitars: Choosing the Right One for You
Choosing between an electric and acoustic guitar can shape your musical journey from day one. Each type offers unique advantages in tone, feel, versatility, and style. Whether you’re chasing searing rock solos or warm, unplugged melodies, the right instrument will enhance your experience and expression.
At Eddie’s Guitars, we help guitar players of all levels find their perfect match, be it electric, acoustic, or a hybrid.
About Electric Guitars
Electric guitars use magnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals, which are then amplified. They lack the large resonating body of an acoustic, relying instead on electronics for sound projection. Key guitar parts unique to electrics include pickups, selector switches, output jacks, tone/volume knobs, and often a whammy bar or tremolo system.
Tonewoods & Sound Quality
Common tonewoods include mahogany, alder, ash, and maple. Mahogany offers warmth and sustain, while alder and ash provide clarity and brightness. Maple necks and fingerboards add snap and definition.
Electric guitars offer a wide range of tonal possibilities, from clean jazz to heavy distortion. Players use amplifiers and effects pedals to further shape their sound.
Playing Style & Genre
Genres like rock, metal, blues, jazz, and pop often favor electric guitars. They’re popular for lead and rhythm roles due to their comfortable body shape (especially the thinner necks), low action, and smooth playability.
Maintenance
Maintenance includes cleaning electronics, checking intonation, and replacing strings more frequently due to bends and aggressive playing.
Popular Brands
Popular makers of electric guitars include:
About Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars use a hollow body and soundhole to amplify string vibrations naturally. Unique parts include the bridge plate, internal bracing, and a soundboard for acoustic resonance. Accessories typically include capos and picks.
Tonewoods & Sound Quality
These instruments feature a solid or laminated top, back, and sides, often made from tonewoods like spruce, mahogany, rosewood, or cedar. These woods shape the guitar’s tone: spruce provides brightness, for example, while mahogany adds warmth.
Playing Style & Genre
Acoustics are great for genres like folk, bluegrass, country, classical, and unplugged rock. They offer portability and expressiveness, making them popular picks for songwriters.
Maintenance
Acoustic guitars require regular string changes, humidification, and occasional neck adjustments.
Popular Brands
Popular makers of acoustic guitars include:
About Acoustic-Electric Hybrid Guitars
Acoustic-electric guitars combine the natural tone of an acoustic with built-in electronics for amplification. These hybrids feature under-saddle pickups, internal mics, and onboard preamps with EQ controls and tuners, all of which are not found on either standard acoustic or electric models.
Tonewoods & Sound Quality
Tonewoods for hybrids often mirror those of standard acoustics; spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and cedar are common. Their sound retains the warm, organic character of a true acoustic while giving players the option to plug in for live performance or recording.
Playing Style & Genre
These instruments are ideal for gigging musicians, worship leaders, and singer-songwriters who need stage-ready instruments with minimal feedback and versatile tone control. Guitarists who favor pop, folk-rock, country, and acoustic blues generally enjoy them.
Maintenance
Maintenance items include both traditional acoustic care (like humidity control) and keeping electronic components clean and functional.
Acoustic vs Electric Guitars: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between an acoustic or electric instrument can be a difficult choice. You can make a more informed decision by keeping the following factors in mind.
Playing Style & Genre
If you love soloing, bending notes, or using effects, electric may be your match. For strumming chords, fingerpicking, or songwriting, acoustic might suit you better.
Genre matters too, of course; rock and metal lean electric, while folk and country favor acoustic.
Sound Quality
Electric guitars deliver a wide tonal range through amp settings and effects. Acoustics offer warm, natural resonance with organic overtones. Your desired tone (clean, distorted, or pure) can guide your choice.
Appearance
Electrics come in diverse shapes, colors, and finishes, from sleek modern designs to vintage styles. Acoustic guitars offer classic aesthetics, often with natural wood finishes, ornate rosettes, and elegant craftsmanship that highlight traditional beauty.
Experience
Beginner guitar players may prefer the lighter string tension and smaller bodies of electric guitars. However, acoustic guitars build finger strength and encourage clean technique. Your goals (e.g., learning basic chords or exploring tones) can shape your choice.
Maintenance
Electric guitars require more attention to electronics and setup (intonation, action, pickups). Acoustics need humidity control and occasional neck tweaks. Consider your willingness to maintain and store the guitar properly while making your decision.
Price Points
Acoustic guitars generally offer more value at lower price points due to their simpler build. Electrics require amps and accessories, adding to the cost. (However, both types are available at budget, midrange, and pro levels at Eddie’s.)
Electric vs Acoustic FAQs
Is it easier to learn guitar on electric or acoustic?
Electric guitars are often easier for beginners due to their lighter strings and lower action. However, acoustics help develop finger strength and precision. Both are valid starting points, depending on your preferences and goals.
Which guitar sounds better, acoustic or electric?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Acoustics sound warm and full unplugged, while electrics provide versatile tones when paired with amps and effects. One isn’t better than the other. It’s about what suits your musical style and environment.
Can I play electric guitar if I don’t play acoustic?
Yes, absolutely. Electric and acoustic guitars are different tools with overlapping fundamentals. You can start on either.
What are the disadvantages of acoustic guitars?
Disadvantages of acoustics include that they can be harder to play due to thicker strings and higher action. They’re also more sensitive to humidity and don’t offer the tonal flexibility or volume control of electrics when performing live.
Is an acoustic guitar harder to play than an electric guitar?
In general, yes. Acoustic guitars require more finger strength and precision due to their heavier strings and lack of amplification. However, they build strong foundational techniques for new players.
What are the differences between acoustic and electric guitar?
Electric guitars rely on pickups and amps, while acoustics project sound naturally. Electrics offer more tonal control and effects, while acoustics are portable and organic-sounding.
Which guitar is best for beginners?
The best guitar for a beginner depends on musical interests. Those interested in rock or blues can start with an electric. Those who prefer folk or unplugged styles might be better suited to an acoustic.
Can electric guitars be played without an amplifier?
Yes, people can play electric guitars without amps, but they’ll be incredibly quiet. You can practice unplugged, but to hear their full tone and volume, an amplifier is essential. Headphone amps or practice amps are great low-volume solutions to practice with electrics.
Can I use electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar?
No. Electric strings are typically made for magnetic pickups and may not provide the right tension or tone on an acoustic. Use strings specifically designed for acoustic guitars to avoid damage or poor sound.
What are the differences between learning to play guitar on acoustic vs electric guitar
Learning on acoustic builds hand strength and clarity, while electric encourages experimentation with effects and easier fretting. Both teach the fundamentals, but the experience and tone shaping differ.
How do electric and acoustic guitars differ in terms of maintenance?
Electric guitars need electronics upkeep and setup adjustments. Acoustics require humidity control and fretboard care. Both benefit from regular cleaning and string changes, but electrics involve management of more mechanical components, making them more difficult to maintain for some people.
Do electric guitars and acoustic guitars require different playing techniques?
Yes, to some extent. Electric players often use more bends, slides, and effects-based techniques, while acoustic players focus on fingerpicking, open chords, and rhythm. The core skills are transferable, however.
What factors should I consider when choosing between an electric and an acoustic guitar?
Consider your preferred music genre, desired tone, playing environment, budget, and maintenance willingness. Comfort, sound, and inspiration matter most. Try both at Eddie’s and trust what feels right.
Pick the Right Type of Guitar at Eddie’s
Whether you’re chasing crystal-clear acoustic tones or gritty electric leads, Eddie’s Guitars in St. Louis has the perfect instrument waiting for you. Our expert team will guide you through the differences, help you try a variety of models, and match you with an instrument that fits your goals, budget, and style. Explore our wide selection of electric and electric guitars from trusted brands.
Visit us today and let your next great musical chapter begin with the right instrument in hand.
Expert Insight From: Matthew Chulka – Acoustic & Electric Guitar Expert
Matthew has over two decades of experience in the music retail industry and a detailed knowledge of acoustic and electric guitars. His first-hand experience helps ensure our knowledge and insights are grounded in real-world expertise.
