Piano or guitar? How to choose your first instrument
The two are great entrance gates to music. We compare initial curve, cost, portability, reading and styles to select what goes with you.
If one of them draws you more, start with that: motivation weighs more than any comparison. If you are really in doubt, the piano will be more gentle in the first few days and let the theory be clear and the guitar will be more portable and easier to get and allow to come with songs soon, though at first the fingertips will be a little resient.
None of them are bad choices. What you learn at one, as rhythm, ear, reading and discipline, will serve you for the other and for any instrument that will come after.
To sum up
- He chooses the instrument of music that you listen to and get excited about: that motivation holds up practice.
- The piano has a simpler entrance because every key sounds as you press and the theory looks tidy onto the keyboard.
- The guitar allows with few chords, it's portable and usually costs less but fingers require a few weeks to get used to.
- For young children the piano is usually easier to start with and guitar is best recommended at about 7 or 8 years old with an appropriate size.
- If both of them call you, there are many other gates: singing, violin, percussion, low or wind.
Piano vs. guitar: side by side comparison
| Aspecto | Piano | Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Initial curve | Soft: sound goes out clear from the first day. The challenge comes by coordinating two hands that do different things. | A little more steep: you have to press the strings and change them from time to time. Overcome that, the advance feels fast. |
| First few weeks | Simple melodies are soon touched and the independence of hands takes time. | The yolks have been damaged a little while and with few chords we have been with songs. |
| Portabilidad | Low. An acoustic piano does not move and a keyboard is moved but with an effort. | Travel with you to meetings, walks or high school. |
| relative costs of the instrument | An acoustic piano is one of the most expensive instruments and a digital piano or keyboard is a far more accessible alternative. | A studio guitar is usually one of the most accessible options to start with. |
| Space and noise at home | A digital piano allows them to practice with hearing aids. | It does little. The acoustics have a moderate volume and the electrical can be performed with hearing aids. |
| Music reading | It's read in two pentagrams (sun and fa key). It's a great basis for theory and harmony. | It can be started with chords, cipher and tablature and the pentagram is useful but not necessary at first. |
| Estilos | Classic, pop, ballads, jazz, film music, salsa and accompaniment of voices. | Pop, rock, boleros, Colombian music, Bossa nova, Flemish, classical and copyright song. |
| Suggested age to start with | Since I was 5 or 6. | From age 7 to 8 with a small guitar. |
The ages are oriented. If you want to see the complete picture, check our guide about how old to start studying music.
Do you choose piano if...
- You're attracted to classical music, movie music, jazz or ballads.
- You want to understand how music works: on the keyboard, the scales and chords are seen with great clarity.
- It's for a boy of 5 or 6 years old who's still got no force on his or her fingers for his or her ropes.
- You're interested in composing or making arrangements later.
- You have an established place at home for the instrument.
At [piano classes]](/clases/piano) Posture, reading, co-ordination and repertoire adapted to your tastes from the start.
Choose guitar if...
- They dream about accompanying songs, singing while you play or playing with friends.
- You listen to pop, rock, boleros, Colombian music or copyright.
- You want an instrument that you can get anywhere.
- You'd rather start with an ear and chord before reading score.
Acoustic or electrical guitar?
It's up to the music that moves you. [acoustic guitar]](/clases/guitarra-acustica) No amplifier and it's ideal to come with them. If you choose a nylon string, as the classical guitar, you will be more gentle with your fingers than a metal string. The electrical has more thin strings and a comfortable mast, but you need an amplifier and if you like rock or blues, it can be your best entrance door.
What do you need to start with each
For piano
- An acoustic piano or a digital piano with full-size keys.
- If it's digital, ideally high and weight sensitive keys, similar to those of a piano.
- A bench or chair at the right height with his forearms parallel to his keyboard.
- Hearing aids, if you live in an apartment or practice at quiet times.
For guitar
- A guitar with a size suitable for your body or your child's.
- A tuner, that can be a free mobile application.
- A support or attril for scores or chords.
- A short fingernail in his hand that presses his strings.
Before you buy, check with your teacher: it can help you avoid tools that are difficult to play, such as guitars with very high strings or keyboard with too small keys.
What if it's both of us?
Sometimes the question "piano or guitar?" hides another: what music do I want to do? If you think about it that something different moves you, these are other good entrance doors:
- [Singing]](/clases/canto)Your instrument's with you and you can start without buying anything.
- [Violin]](/clases/violin): ideal if you are moved by orchestral music, by the folklor or by the sound of rubbed ropes.
- Percusion: That's perfect if your rhythm's your thing and you want to understand the base of cumbia, salsa or rock.
- Under electrical: for those who enjoy holding a band's groove.
- Tipple or Andean bandola: if you are called by Colombian Andean music.
- Winds such as traverse flute, clarinet, saxophone or trumpet, for those who dream about a band or orchestra.
See all available tools at [class]](/clases).
How to decide if you're still in doubt
- Check your music: make a list of ten songs that you love and check out what instrument they have.
- Test both if you can, at a friend's or relative's place. See what makes you feel like playing again.
- Think about your space and your routine: where are you going to practice and what schedule?
- Talk with a teacher before you buy. Tell him your tastes and your goal makes his decision clear. A medio tono you can also write us by WhatsApp and we help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What's more difficult, piano or guitar?
No one's more difficult in absolute terms. The piano's easier to start and gets complicated by coordinating both hands. The guitar costs a little more at first by pressure on the strings but allows to accompany songs with few chords.
Can I learn piano and guitar at once?
It can be, but for a beginner it's usually better to focus on one during the first few months. When you have a stable practice routine, adding the second is easier.
Do you serve a keyboard to learn piano?
That's right, to start with. The best thing to do is to have full-size keys and, if possible, intensity sensitive. Over time, a digital piano with weight keys will help you better develop the technique.
Is it normal for them to hurt their fingers while they're training guitar?
Yeah, a little bit at the yolks for the first few weeks while we form the cello. What's unusual is pain in his wrist, arms or back: if his face appears, check his posture with his teacher.