Second Electric Guitar or an acoustic guitar

[seanwright4]

Hey there!

Obviously a lot of perspectives on this but I’ll give you mine.

I was in the same boat as you when I started learning. Learned on an electric then debated what my next guitar should be. I chose an acoustic and couldn’t be happier that I did.

It’s such a different experience of playing guitar and I think it creates a nice balance learning on both. Even if it’s not for the long haul, I think it’s worth getting some time in on it. You’ll develop even more finger strength, its sound is a different palette to play your songs with, and you’ll learn lots of different techniques on it like percussive hits.

Sure you can do a lot of the same things on electric but it’s not a competition, both are guitars ultimately. And if you’re really worried about losing the electric sound, buy an electric acoustic. Add a couple pedals and you can get it sounding pretty metal if you wanted to

[kimlodrodawa]

@Svalbaard

Honestly life is just too short and fleeting for this type deliberation . If the question is “do I need a new guitar?” The answer is always… YES!!! Even my lovely wife agrees with me on this - and she is never wrong (apparently).

@Svalbaard - I just luv your answer. Exactly, life is too short, live life while its here. Just get on the highway and the pedal to the metal

[Socio]

@andreschiavon

Do you see any benefit of buying a second guitar

Yes.

@andreschiavon

Talking about getting an acoustic guitar instead, does it make the learning process more complex?

No.

@andreschiavon

I struggled playing the C chord and realized that it would be easier for my fingers to reach the right place when playing with an Squier or a Fender at the Music Store.

Learn to play the c chord on all instruments. It’s just practice and patience. It will come in time.

@andreschiavon

I started practicing music that is normally played on an acoustic and not on an electric

Then get an acoustic. To be honest I’d have an electric and acoustic as a minimum if I had the funds.

[J.W.C]

@andreschiavon

Do you see any benefit of buying a second guitar more on the cheap side to alternate with my Les Paul, like a Squier?
They are much lighter compared to mine, which has about 10 lbs…I don’t know how much the fact of having a heavier and sturdier guitar vs. something lighter and with a narrower neck like an Squier would help me on this learning process.

Personally, I think I’d stick with the Les Paul. I don’t think the weight or the neck/nut width of a Squier would matter that much, as far as the learning process goes. With that said, if you just want a Squier (or a lighter electric with a narrower neck, in general), then I’d say go for it. The most important thing while you’re learning is to have an instrument that you want to pick up play. So even if your reason boils down to “hey, I like that guitar and I just want one,” then that is a valid reason in my book.

@andreschiavon

Talking about getting an acoustic guitar instead, does it make the learning process more complex? I mean, would I be introducing another variable to my learning process that could make confuse a beginner?

I don’t think it makes things more complex. Actually, I think having both is beneficial. Again, if you want an acoustic, then go for it.

As for “should I get a second electric or an acoustic” I’d say there’s no wrong answer, but my advice would be to get the acoustic so you have one of each. You’ll end up getting a third guitar later, anyway…

[Svalbaard]

Indeed. When I get to the gates of Oblivion and Mr Satan asks me if I’ve made productive use of my time, I don’t want to have to look back on things I didn’t do because I overthought them.

“Yessir”, I’d say as I start to riff on Hells Bells and Highway to Hell on my low slung Tele that has improbably managed to pass into the somewhat surprisingly tropical looking Netherworlds with me.

“Oh! Come on in…” he’ll growl. “You’ll fit right in”

[andreschiavon]

I would like to thank very much each one of you. You all have provided very good comments with interesting point of views. Some of them were funny as well and put a smile on my face which is always appreciated specially at the end of a stressful week at work.

Who guessed this is GAS and buying a second guitar was inevitable…you were right. Today I went to a Music Store and played with dozens of guitars, Les Pauls, Fenders, Squier, things within and outside my budget. Just for fun.

I then realized some interesting stuff:

1. I don’t really need a new guitar. But I want one.
2. I want a lighter guitar. Not to replace my LP because I love it, but to allow me to switch between guitars in a practice session. And because I want a new one!
3. I found out that I “need” a red guitar. Not available in the store…

Based on that I I’m proud to say I just ordered online my second electric guitar. It will be a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster - Candy Apple Red.

Hopefully it will be a nice experience to have a Stratocaster in addition to my Les Paul and to try different things on both. For sure in the future I might be talking about a third guitar lol

Thanks once again and have a good weekend!

[LesPaulMoreRay]

Thomann ST Style Guitars

[Jamolay]

I wonder what the average time is between posting a “should I get a new guitar” thread to the actual buying of a new guitar?

This one was only 2 days!

It is is always inevitable. I have learned that when I find myself deciding I am absolutely not buying a guitar, it means I am about to buy a guitar.

[rorystrat]

Yes. Even before the C chord has been mastered the unending search for the perfect guitar has begun. That will soon be followed by the equally unending quest for tone. A few pedals are bound to follow shortly…

[LunaRocket]

@andreschiavon

It will be a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster - Candy Apple Red.

I’ve seen that on the Fender website. Very pretty guitar!

[murphybridget]

@RobDickinson

I mean, do you want to play acoustic? I think its a great idea and would help build out your skill but ultimately if you never want to play acoustic stuff its a waste of time and effort when you can learn **it all on an electric.

An acoustic would typically have a longer scale length than your les paul (usually 25.5 like fenders) and heavier gauge strings so are ‘harder’ to play.

fret width/radius etc all depends

** there are many acoustic skills you wont be able to fully do on an electric there are different play styles etc but vice versa

LP’s are often heavy , IMO there is an argument for having a typical HH Les Paul/PRS/SG/335 style guitar and something with singecoil pickups like a strat or tele.

Having a versatile electric guitar, such as a Les Paul-style guitar with humbucker pickups, along with a guitar with single-coil pickups like a Stratocaster or Telecaster, can provide you with a diverse range of tones and playing experiences. This setup allows you to explore different genres and techniques without limitations.

[murphybridget]

@TRJ

Hi, in my language the accelerator in a car is called ‘het gaspedaal’ (The gas pedal). Which has a bearing on the Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, I think.

New gear will not accelerate your learning to play the guitar, in my humble opinion. You will probably end up playing equally bad (or good) on both guitars.

A new guitar may help you if it re-invigorates a failing desire to play guitar and get you to practice to play better. It would be a lovely reward for finishing grade 1 for instance…

In other words, if you are totally satisfied with your LP, but have problems playing that C chord, buckle down and get it right on the LP.

If on the other hand you already fell in love with that Thinline Tele, because of whatever reason, (weight, neck, tone) grab it and find out which of the two guitars you end up playing more.

On the acoustic front, you’ll inevitably get there when you are good and ready…

By the way, in my country the brake pedal in a car is called ‘de rem’. That has a meaning too in guitarworld : (the Remove Excessive equiMent challenge), i.e. letting go of the gear that you rarily use. For you to judge the risk there.

The idea of rewarding yourself with a new guitar for reaching a milestone, like completing grade 1, is a great way to stay motivated and celebrate your progress.