Differences between Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar

Differences between acoustic and electric guitars

An acoustic guitar produces sound naturally through the vibration of its strings, which are amplified by the instrument's hollow body. In contrast, an electric guitar uses magnetic pickups to convert the string vibrations into an electrical signal, which must be sent to an amplifier to produce audible sound. This core difference in sound production leads to significant variations in construction, components, and playing characteristics between the two instruments.

Construction and sound

The body of an acoustic guitar is hollow, which allows sound to resonate and be projected acoustically through a sound hole. The choice of wood for the top (soundboard), back, and sides directly influences the guitar's tone and volume. Most electric guitars have a solid body, which does not amplify the sound acoustically but contributes to the instrument's sustain and tonal character when amplified.

Electric guitars are equipped with pickups and control knobs for volume and tone, allowing for extensive sound modification through the amplifier and effects pedals. The sound of an acoustic guitar is primarily shaped by its construction and the player's technique, with volume controlled by how hard the strings are strummed or plucked.

Strings for each instrument are also different. Acoustic strings are typically made of bronze or phosphor-bronze alloys to produce a bright, resonant tone. Electric guitar strings are made of ferromagnetic materials like nickel-plated steel, which are necessary to interact with the magnetic pickups. Electric guitar strings often have a lighter gauge and lower tension, which can make techniques like string bending easier to perform.

Comparison table

Feature	Acoustic Guitar	Electric Guitar
Sound Production	Natural resonance from a hollow body and soundboard	Magnetic pickups convert string vibration to an electrical signal
Amplification	Not required for basic function	An external amplifier is required to produce sound at performance volume
Body Type	Typically hollow and larger	Typically solid or semi-hollow and thinner
Strings	Bronze or phosphor-bronze alloys; generally higher tension	Nickel or steel alloys (ferromagnetic); generally lower tension
Tone Control	Limited to playing dynamics and technique	Onboard volume/tone knobs, pickup selectors, amplifier settings, and effects pedals
Sustain	Shorter, more percussive decay	Longer sustain, controllable via amplification and effects
Neck Profile	Often thicker and wider	Often thinner and narrower

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar

Playing style and technique

The physical differences between the guitars influence how they are played. Acoustic guitars often have thicker necks and a higher string action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard), which may require more finger strength to fret notes cleanly. Electric guitars typically feature thinner necks and lower action, facilitating faster playing and techniques such as string bending and tapping. While foundational skills are transferable between the two, certain styles of music are more associated with one type of guitar. For example, rhythmic strumming of open chords is common in acoustic folk music, while amplified solos with heavy distortion are a staple of rock and metal music played on electric guitars.