Newbie: Have an electric.. want to play Acoustic

[wishicouldplay]

I have a background in music (played trombone... was in the band for years) and I've taken piano lessons off and on for 2 or more years.   I'm a pretty good trombone player but my piano skills are sub par.  I understand music but i can't seem to apply to it to my fingers.   I've played one song during church service and it went over well, but I struggled through it and it could have sounded much better.   

I was loaned an electric guitar and I want to see if i can pick up before I invest the money in my own equipment.   My questions are:

1)   I really want to play acoustic but all i have available to me is an electric.   Is there a drastic difference other than one is powered?

2)   With all things considered and things stated earlier, what are my chances that i'd be able to play efficiently?

3)   Can someone give me a link or site that has VERY beginnner stuff for guitars?

Thanks in advance everyone!   

[trackman]

Do a search for "Uriah". He has lots of helpfull stuff on this web site. Anyone from the beginner to advanced players can learn from his clips.

[wishicouldplay]

Uriah's the MAN!!!!    I've watched his beginner course on his site and the progression chords he's put on here.    I've learned a LOT from him so far. 

[Fenix]

Oh yes there is a big difference between playing acoustic and electric. Technique-wise they are quite different.

[wishicouldplay]

Can you explain this further?

Is it a good idea to start with an electric if I truly want to play acoustic?

[gtrdave]

Oh yes there is a big difference between playing acoustic and electric. Technique-wise they are quite different.

I couldn't disagree more. Electric and acoustic have much more in common than they have in differences.
If both guitars (a & e) are set up to play as well as they can play then the only real difference is the ability to use the soundbox structure of one and the ability to use pickups and amplifiers of the other to project what it is that you're playing.
As far as how they are played, there's little difference.

[JayP5150]

I couldn't disagree more. Electric and acoustic have much more in common than they have in differences.
If both guitars (a & e) are set up to play as well as they can play then the only real difference is the ability to use the soundbox structure of one and the ability to use pickups and amplifiers of the other to project what it is that you're playing.
As far as how they are played, there's little difference.

I think this comes from the misconception that an electric is strictly a lead instrument, and an acoustic is strictly a rhythm instrument--both of which just aren't true.

I hate when people ask me "so, do you play acoustic, too?"

I play guitar. Period.

There is a different feel to the two, and there is obviously a different sound, but the basics are the same.

[Gibby]

I hate when people ask me "so, do you play acoustic, too?"

I play guitar. Period.

YES!! That gets so annoying!! it's like asking a keyboard player can you play a real piano or just a keyboard?? 
Unless they transpose!!! 

[gtrdave]

I think this comes from the misconception that an electric is strictly a lead instrument, and an acoustic is strictly a rhythm instrument--both of which just aren't true.

I hate when people ask me "so, do you play acoustic, too?"

I play guitar. Period.

There is a different feel to the two, and there is obviously a different sound, but the basics are the same.

It also comes from the fact that a lot of people have never played a really nice playing acoustic but instead have played instruments that they've had to fight to get their hands to produce anything pleasing on it.
For them, the electric guitar is like an island oasis and the acoustic is like working in a non-air conditioned heat making factory on a 100 degree 99% humidity day.
As is the case with almost any guitar, a pro set-up on a nice acoustic can make it play easier than a nice electric.

[jlynnb1]

i personally feel like playing an acoustic is little bit more different than some of you guys do....but we are entitled to our opinions....and I respect what you guys have had to say.

[JayP5150]

i personally feel like playing an acoustic is little bit more different than some of you guys do....but we are entitled to our opinions....and I respect what you guys have had to say.

Yeah, maybe it's a bit more than a "different feel to the two" like I said above; but I have found myself technique-trading between the two over the past couple of years.

Of course, you're going to lean toward different styles and specific techniques on an acoustic, but if you can play an electric, you can pick up an acoustic and just play it.

I think the nuances of the instrument itself will lead you into the specifics of your acoustic technique.

So, I don't really disagree with your view, but I don't think one has to "learn the electric" then "learn the acoustic." It just happens over time with the instrument.

The reason I think this, is because I see acoustic players with styles like Dave Matthews, etc., and it throws all my rules out the window again. 

[Rown]

YEA;They are not the same.They are not even made to be the same.I like them both

[skit]

First I would like to say welcome LGM and you have a lot of talented guitar players
Second, who is this Roger Nelson that everybody keeps talking about!!! Just kidding
I am one that thinks he is a genius and enjoy his music and playing

Now, It is time to get down to business.
I would like to weigh in on the subject and give my personal experience.
I originally start with an cheap electric guitar and when I went for lesson. My teacher would
be playing or practicing a lot with an Acoustic and sometimes he played while we played together in class. I asked him about and he said that he just like playing with the Acoustic guitar. I had mentioned that I knew people stayed away from Acoustic because they were harder to play than Electric thought it a good thing to practice at times with an Acoustic. I bought a cheap Acoustic and have learned to enjoy playing it when I am trying to make sure that I not playing my electric sloppy and to challenge myself. The main reason that I enjoy the Acoustic that I can drag the Acoustic guitar from room to room with no electricity and just sit and play.
The other is a new found respect for a Capo and I just started to learn how it works. That is a subject for a later time
Be Blessed
Peace