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Answers: I'm about a month or so into playing and I have a pretty nice Epiphone Les Paul Copy electric guitar. It rocks actually and I've been getting pretty good with it. I decided to trade my buddy guitars for a week or so cause he has an acoustic. I feel like I suck again. It's tougher to get a crisp sound and seems like the strings are harder to push down on.

Has anyone run into this? Should I have been learning on an acoustic to begin with? I'm getting better on this, but man it kinda surprised me.

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Dont sweat it, electrics and accoustics are two totally different things. The reason the strings are rougher to push down is because accoustic strings are wound, or "made", of copper and your electric strings are nickel. The different wrapping process between an accoustic vs an electric are different and when alls said and done, the accoustic strings are rougher feeling.

If it feels too hard to push down, try checking the action. The strings might be further away from the fretboard, causing you to push further on the strings to make it touch the board. The only way to lower the strings would be to shave the bridge, but you want to consult your friend first because you cant go back if you mess up.

Dont trip, youll get used to it in a few hours or days depending how much you play

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yes, acoustics are harder because the string tension is higher and the strings are usually a heavier gauge.
But it could be a crappy acoustic guitar ; many cheaper ones have the action way too high which makes it difficult to play.

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the two guitars were made to be different and make a different sound. using acoustic gives you a more "airy" sound, its warmer and so really works well when strummed...getting a crisp sound from an acoustic is like playing the keyboard for a while then trying a piano...just takes practice

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it is harder with the acoustic, do both. when you can.

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Hey there!

Yeah. I learned how to play on a Fender Concord Steel String Acoustic, and about 10 years later, got my own Fender Stratocaster Electric. I learned quickly that Electrics have much easier action (the distance between the fret board and strings is generally lower) and they also aren't usually wound as tight, or they use lighter gauge string. Acoustic steel strings are the opposite: higher action, tighter wind or heavier gauge strings. It could also be that your friend's particular guitar is maybe not as well made as it could be and so it is tougher on the fingers. It can be harder to play on an acoustic if your first experience is with electric, but...

Keep at it. In time, you'll develop those finger pad calouses, and your grip will get stronger, and you'll start getting the crisp sound you are looking for. It is totally worth it to learn to handle both! Then your music will really come through!

Let us all know how it's going!

Peace!

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If you get serious, I think you'll eventually want at least one of each!

But there are lots of variables with guitars. Lighter gauge strings might be easier on your fingers. Adjusting or changing out the bridge might reduce how far you need to push the strings down. The neck on your buddy's guitar might just be too thick for you. And so on ...

Go to a guitar store and try some different acoustics. You'll get a feel for one you like.

Even if you're a rocker, it's great to have one to lug around to parties, campfires, impromptu jam sessions, whatever ...

Good luck!

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