Obviously a lot of perspectives on this but Iāll 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 couldnāt be happier that I did.
Itās such a different experience of playing guitar and I think it creates a nice balance learning on both. Even if itās not for the long haul, I think itās worth getting some time in on it. Youāll develop even more finger strength, its sound is a different palette to play your songs with, and youāll learn lots of different techniques on it like percussive hits.
Sure you can do a lot of the same things on electric but itās not a competition, both are guitars ultimately. And if youāre 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
Personally, I think Iād stick with the Les Paul. I donāt 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 Iād say go for it. The most important thing while youāre learning is to have an instrument that you want to pick up play. So even if your reason boils down to āhey, I like that guitar and I just want one,ā then that is a valid reason in my book.
I donāt 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 āshould I get a second electric or an acousticā Iād say thereās no wrong answer, but my advice would be to get the acoustic so you have one of each. Youāll end up getting a third guitar later, anywayā¦
Indeed. When I get to the gates of Oblivion and Mr Satan asks me if Iāve made productive use of my time, I donāt want to have to look back on things I didnāt do because I overthought them.
āYessirā, Iād 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.
āOh! Come on inā¦ā heāll growl. āYouāll fit right inā
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 inevitableā¦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:
I donāt really need a new guitar. But I want one.
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!
I found out that I āneedā a red guitar. Not available in the storeā¦
Based on that I Iām 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
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 shortlyā¦
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.
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.
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60 is a fantastic guitar with a rich, sturdy build and a classic sound. While it may not be whatās typically labeled as a ābeginnerās guitar,ā itās wonderful that you enjoy playing it.
Hi andreschiavon,
Iām coming late to this thread but just to throw into the mixā¦
get one of each .
I have a Gibson LP special btw no idea whatās āspecialā about it, looks like most other LPās.
A fender Strat MIM (my go to guitar) and a Epi something (forgot model. Iām old ) acoustic.
I found that even though I am no where near what would be called proficient,
having options helped keep me interested.
One last thought, I found it helps with finger dexterity. ( different scale lengths etc)
Enjoy your guitar journey.
cheers,
Mike
The SG sounds like an interesting option, especially if I enjoy the tone of the Les Paul.
Iāll keep in mind the difference in playing position and the feel of the neck when trying one out. Trying before buying definitely seems like the way to go. Appreciate the advice!
My thoughts on the original topic is that the LP isnāt going to get any lighter over time so if thatās an issue then swap itā¦ itās exactly what I did and got an SG instead which is definitely lighter.
I hate the term beginner guitar. I know what it means and itās probably not sensible spending thousands of dollars on a first guitar but the irony is that a lot of cheap guitars are hard to play because theyāre mass produced with lower QC standards (generally). Sadly itās when youāre starting out that you need as much help as is available so thereās many ābeginnerā guitars that ensure the player never progresses beyond beginner.
On the matter of second guitars in a general Iād say get an acoustic and electric unless youāre dead set on shredding in a metal band or similar. I started with electric, thatās the music I love, but I then bought an acoustic as a second guitar and thatās what I mostly play now because itās what I enjoy playing.
I suppose the difference I notice between my SG and my acoustic is when theyāre sat on my knee in their most comfortable position, if I look down at the guitar, Iām looking at a different position on the fretboard. Once Iāve got my bearings then itās ok but if you handed me my SG and asked me to put my finger on the 6th fret without looking, Iād probably be at least a couple frets away (Iām sure if I played both guitars equally then this would sort itself out). In relative terms, the nut (fret 0) on the SG seems quite a long way away (I donāt think this unique to the SG, more reflects my acoustic has a short scale and sits differently)
Nice way to go, theyāre a great guitar and should give you plenty of happy hours with it. The only thing I would add is that if your LP gets less attention because itās heavy trade it for a SG, more or less the same sounds with quite a bit less weight!
Thatās awesome to hear about your progress with the electric guitar! The Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60 is a solid choiceāitās great that you like it.
Exactly, life is too short, live life while its here. Just get on the highway and the pedal to the metal 
) acoustic.