In this lesson, we are going to answer the question, What's the difference between an acoustic and electric guitar? There are a few things that are different. What’s great about the guitar is that you have many choices to choose from.
#1: A hybrid of the two
Think of a semi-acoustic guitar as kind of a hybrid of an acoustic and an electric. The way it works is that the acoustic guitar has a pickup in it (which allows the vibration from the strings to be heard from the amp that it’s plugged into) and if you are playing with a band or accompanying musicians you can control your volume to be heard over say a drummer or electric guitar or bass.
When you just have an acoustic guitar, your volume is controlled by just your playing ability. How soft or hard you strum or pick the strings. And this is fine for just playing solo. But if you want to play on stage (especially with a band), you might need to up the volume.
#2: Control the volume and tone
Plus, with a pickup in the guitar, you usually can control not only the volume but also the tone with a 3-band equalizer that usually comes with a semi-acoustic. This is beneficial because it allows you to shape your sound more to your liking.
If you are interested in performing on stage or playing acoustic in a band or some kind of ensemble, I’d recommend a semi-acoustic. These kinds of guitars are very versatile in their abilities and can sound nice once plugged into an amp. If you need a place to find one, you can shop here.
#3: No need for an amp
And what’s great about, is you don’t have to get an amp right away, like say playing an electric guitar, because you can just play it unplugged until you get one. So a semi-acoustic gives you.
1.) Opportunity to play plugged-in or unplugged
2.) Opportunity to be heard playing with a band
3.) Opportunity for more volume if needed when plugged in
4.) Opportunity to shape your tone with built-in equalizer
5.) Opportunity to always have a tuner on hand, as most have this feature built-in.
#4: Volume increase is needed
Before electric guitars, you had the standard acoustic. These were great except if you played with a drummer and horn section. These instruments can naturally be quite loud. When the acoustic guitar was played next to them, they couldn't be heard. So it was necessary to figure out a way to make them louder. Hence, the electric guitar was invented.
First, it was the acoustic guitar with a pickup in it, like what I've been talking about in this lesson. But problems with feedback were occurring when it was turned up too much. So another solution had to be invented. This is where the solid-body electric that we are so familiar with today came in.
Similar to the semi-hollow body, but with more control over the volume and feedback. This was a revolutionary instrument for the time. Now the guitar volume could be increased, and the tone could be controlled.
#5: Find what's right for you
It doesn't matter what kind of guitar you choose; just find the one that is right for you. Once you do, learn how to play it, and it will bring a lot of goodness into your life. But that would only be if you commit to the instrument. If you need help at this point, I suggest you check out one of my method books I authored and self-published on how to play guitar.
This is how I learned many years ago, before the wonderful world of the internet. This type of approach is great because it gives you a chance to learn at your own pace and schedule. Along with learning to play the guitar, you also develop patience, discipline, and time management. These are all great skills that can help you in other areas of your life. You can find these and all my other method books on Amazon.
Acoustic Guitar 101
Electric Guitar 101
#6: Step-by-step method
Both of these books are a great way to get started on either guitar. They provide full-color photos, diagrams, and notation that are easy to understand and make learning fun. Designed in an easy step-by-step method that will get you up and running very quickly.
You will learn all the basics. Holding the instrument, tuning it up, forming chords found in many popular songs, strumming, arpeggiating, theory, and much, much more. So, if you are serious about learning to play the acoustic or electric, either one of these two books will get you there.
#7: Private instruction is also available
In addition to authoring method books, I also offer private guitar instruction. Customized lessons that cater to the interest and skill level of the student. These are a great way to learn as they provide experienced insights, quicker results, and an enjoyable way of learning to play the guitar. If you feel this option might work for you, just contact me at my website, and we'll set up a time to talk.
Thanks for your time, and remember to have fun learning.
Until our next guitar lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
