One question that’s probably never going to be answered to anyone’s satisfaction is whether electric or acoustic is better when dealing with guitars. While it’s largely a matter of preference, there’s still a bit to think about in terms of which goes into your live music performance, especially if you’re a beginning musician.
Electric guitars are, on the whole, far easier to learn on. Since the amp is doing much of the work, players don’t have to press on the frets or strum as hard as on an acoustic instrument. Similarly, the thinner neck is usually easier for beginners to deal with, since it allows for a more relaxed grip.
For someone who’s new to putting on a live music performance, the electric guitar is easily the “safer” option. It’s easier to look good on one and, ultimately, they’re capable of a wider range of sounds – although they’ll never recapture that crisp feel of a wooden guitar.
On the other hand, electrics are also considerably more expensive to own and maintain, especially when you factor in the needed speakers, amps, and hookups, as well as various other toys like effects pedals. You can’t just “pick up and play” on an electric guitar in the same way you can when you’re on acoustic.
Plus, acoustic sets at a live music performance impress people for a reason. Being able to go ‘unplugged’ and rock a set with nothing but your bare hands is always a great way to get the crowd pumped up, as well as a great chance to show off your skills. Few electric guitarists will be able to hold a crowd’s interest like a good performer on an acoustic guitar.
Acoustic playing is always going to be a bit more laid-back than electric, giving the audience a chance to rest a bit before moving on to the next heavy section. Moving back and forth is a great way to vary the pace of your show.
Either way, whichever you choose, guitars have been a staple of live music performances for centuries, and it’s unlikely to change any time soon!
I am a songwriter & I use both electric & acoustic for recording my songs but I love the old wood box, it adds a nice twist to what ever type music you are playing
If you are a guy that sits in the corner on a bar stool banging on a 12 string while staring at the guitar, you may be right, but to “hold the audience” it doesn’t matter what kind of guitar you have. You have to be an ENTERTAINER. Check out an old Roy Clark video. After telling a couple jokes he makes faces while playing like it’s the hardest thing any human could attempt…even though he could do it one handed while eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the other. ,,,, Same with Steve Martin. or Cheech Marn. All use hollow body electrics on stage, And on that subject the last guy I know of that had a crowd singing along and really being into it with an UNPLUGGED flat top box was me,,,,at a beach party,,,, when I graduated high school in 1966,,,,,and everybody was stinking drunk.
You will never find someone even in a coffee house playing an unplugged standard or singing without a PA. (With reverb and God knows what other effects) ,,,,, The average person likes the LOOK of a flat top, but without seeing it can’t tell the difference between a Gibson ES355 and a guitarrón argentino (look it up)