Which type of guitar for a beginner? Acoustic or semi-acoustic?

Question:I'd like to eventually play a semi-acoustic like bands that I see but I don't know if it'd be better to start with an acoustic. I play viola and I'm in a band. I've been looking at Gretsch and Epiphone for semi-acoustic and Takamine for acoustic. What do you think? I guess we play what people would call alternative.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'd like to eventually play a semi-acoustic like bands that I see but I don't know if it'd be better to start with an acoustic. I play viola and I'm in a band. I've been looking at Gretsch and Epiphone for semi-acoustic and Takamine for acoustic. What do you think? I guess we play what people would call alternative.

I would suggest you start with an acoustic as you suggested. Eventually you will decide on what kind of music you want to play and if you buy the one that you think is ideal now, you may find it totally inappropriate once you learn a bit about guitars. Electric guitars generally have the strings closer to the neck and to each other making them easier to play, but until you have had some good lessons and are looking at playing the high end of the neck, I would stick with the acoustic. Most guitar players end up with two or more guitars and it is always good to have a good acoustic around. What to look for, if you have large hands, you'll want a guitar with a longer scale (distance from the "nut at the top of the neck" to the bridge) like 25.5", if you have small arms and hands a much shorter 23.75" would be more comfortable for you. I would get an acoustic wit a cut out so that you have some access to the upper neck, and definitely ask the music store to properly set it up before you take it home. They will adjust the action (height of strings above the neck) and several other things that will take an otherwise difficult to play guitar and turn it into one that you WANT to play all the time. Hope this helps.

It doesn't really make a difference what you play... I was going to say classical at first, so that your fingers would not hurt so much in the beginning... but if you play the viola it won't matter. Also, classical is nice because the strings are farther apart as the neck is wider. But, being that you play the viola already that probably won't be a problem either. For a beginner what type of guitar you learn on does not really matter. My first guitar was a classical one we got a garage sale. Once I knew I could actually play pretty well, I bought an acoustic with an electric plug in. I love it. I would just recommend Elixer Guitar strings. They are easiest on the fingers and have a really great sound... good luck and have fun.

I teach classical and acoustic....and for beginners I always recommend acoustic.....electric doesn't sound good until you know how to play. As far as a guitar brand goes, play what sounds good to you, if it sounds good and has good action then go for it , good luck !!!!!!!!!!!