Classic vs. Electric Guitar: Which Should You Learn First?

Choosing your first guitar is a personal decision — one that can shape your musical journey for years to come.

Whether you're drawn to soulful acoustic melodies or electrifying rock solos, understanding the differences between a classic (nylon-string acoustic) guitar and an electric guitar is essential before you start learning. Both instruments offer unique advantages, but your decision should align with your goals, preferences, and learning environment.

Let’s dive into the key aspects that will help you confidently choose your starting point.

1. Sound and Musical Style: What Do You Want to Play?

Classic guitars produce a mellow, warm sound thanks to their nylon strings. They’re commonly used in:

• Classical and Spanish music
• Fingerstyle playing
• Flamenco
• Latin and folk genres
• Acoustic pop

Their softer sound is gentle on the ears and perfect for quiet practice sessions.

By contrast, electric guitars can be shaped by amplifiers and effects to suit virtually any genre. They’re the go-to for:

• Rock and metal
• Jazz and blues
• Indie and funk
• Punk and pop-rock

Their tone versatility allows players to experiment early on with distortion, reverb, delay, and more.

Listen to genre examples and see how instruments shape musical styles in this beginner’s guide to music genres and instrumentation.

2. Playability and Comfort: How Does It Feel to Play?

For new players, comfort and ease of use are often underestimated — but they can make or break your learning experience.

Classic Guitars:

• Wider neck = more space between strings (easier fingerpicking, harder for small hands)
• Nylon strings = gentler on fingertips
• Higher string action = more effort to press strings

Electric Guitars:

• Narrower neck = better for fast chord changes or soloing
• Steel strings = brighter tone, but tougher on fingers early on
• Lower action = easier fretting, less finger fatigue

Over time, your fingers develop calluses and strength, but in the beginning, some people find electric guitars easier to play. Still, nylon strings may be less painful during the initial few weeks.

Try these finger exercises and dexterity drills to ease the transition and make any guitar easier to play.

3. Cost and Equipment: What's Your Budget and Setup Space?

Classic Guitar Setup:

• One purchase: the guitar itself
• No amp, cables, or accessories needed
• Lower maintenance
• Great for travel or casual practice

Perfect for those on a tight budget or looking for a plug-and-play experience.

Electric Guitar Setup:

• Guitar + amp + cable = higher upfront cost
• May need accessories like a strap, tuner, or headphone adapter
• More parts to set up, but more room for creativity

Modern amps (like Fender Mustang LT25) offer built-in effects, rhythm loops, and headphone outputs for silent practice — making them beginner-friendly. Similarly, Yamaha’s THR series is compact and versatile for home use.

Explore beginner-friendly gear here or see Yamaha’s practice amp solutions.

4. Motivation and Learning Resources: What Keeps You Inspired?

Choosing a guitar style that motivates you is crucial. Your passion for a genre can fuel your practice and persistence.

• Love soft ballads or acoustic coffeehouse vibes? Classic guitar might be your calling.
• Dream of shredding solos or playing in a band? Electric guitar will probably light your fire.

Both types offer incredible learning tools online:

Learning Platforms:

• JustinGuitar – Free, structured courses for classic and electric styles
• Fender Play – Paid platform with song-based lessons
• Chordify – Auto-generated chords for your favorite songs

Apps and tutorials make it easier than ever to learn from home — no matter which guitar you pick.

5. Long-Term Growth and Flexibility

Some players start with a classic guitar, then transition to electric for more stylistic range. Others begin with electric and add an acoustic later for unplugged sessions.

• Classic guitars build strong finger technique, especially for fingerstyle and classical discipline.
• Electric guitars develop fast fretwork, bending, vibrato, and solo phrasing early on.

Many musicians own both. If you stick with the guitar, you likely will too.

Tip: Start with the type of guitar that matches the music you most enjoy listening to.

6. Final Verdict: Which Guitar Should You Learn First?

Choose a classic guitar if:

• You prefer acoustic music or fingerpicking styles
• You’re on a tight budget
• You want to avoid amps and gear
• You appreciate soft, warm tones and quiet practice

Choose an electric guitar if:

• You’re into rock, blues, punk, or metal
• You want easier playability and lower string action
• You’re excited by effects and amplified sound
• You plan to play with others or in a band

Ultimately, both are excellent starting points — there’s no wrong choice. The best guitar to start on is the one you’ll enjoy practicing daily.