Electronic Drum Kit vs Acoustic Drum Kit: Which Should You Start With

I think a lot of people who know me would be surprised to hear me say this, but if you’re just starting your drumming journey, I’d actually recommend buying an electronic drum kit first. Eventually, though, you’ll want an acoustic kit as well...especially once you’re playing at an intermediate level.

This is the same advice I give many of my new students who come for drum lessons at Guildford Drum School in Perth or online. An electronic kit can make it easier (and a lot more fun) to build good practice routines, while an acoustic kit is where you’ll eventually want to end up.

When I first started drumming, I only had a practice pad for the first year. Eventually, I bought my first acoustic kit for $500. It was exciting, but it also became a nuisance to pretty much everyone in my life. The noise was a constant issue, and I had to limit my practice time.

After saving up from my first job, I picked up a used electronic kit for around $400. It was cheap and falling apart, but I absolutely loved it. Experimenting with the different sounds, swapping inputs (turning the snare into a bass drum, for example), and playing whenever I wanted really boosted my passion for drumming. Plus, it was small enough to fit in my bedroom.

Of course, I outgrew that kit quickly. The pads wore out, the sensors broke, and it eventually became useless. But by then, I was already advanced enough to get a lot out of my acoustic kit and, later on, practice rooms at university.

Buying your first acoustic kit can feel overwhelming. A lot of sets are sold as shell packs only (just the drums, without cymbals, hardware, or even a throne). If you buy used, you’re more likely to find a complete package, but the cymbals in cheap starter bundles usually sound terrible. Still, acoustic kits are where you’ll eventually want to be—they let you tune, upgrade, and customise endlessly.

So here’s how I see it:

Why electronic kits are great for beginners:

• You can practise longer without annoying the household

.• They’re compact and easy to play any time of day with headphones.

• The sound options keep practice fun.

Why you’ll eventually want an acoustic kit:

• You won’t be starting a band or playing shows on an electronic kit.

• You miss out on developing your “touch” (how your technique shapes your unique sound).

• Acoustic kits let you expand, tune, and personalise your setup however you want.

If you’re just starting out, an electronic drum kit is a fantastic way to get into drumming. It keeps things fun, makes it easier to practise consistently, and helps you build confidence. But sooner or later, you’ll want the real thing too.

If you have, let’s say, a relative or family friend offering an acoustic kit though, or you’ve found an amazing price on one, get it!

Interestingly, these days I have the luxury of having not only an acoustic kit for my practice, I also have what is called a “hybrid” setup. My hybrid setup involves using triggers to convert an acoustic kit into an electronic kit, but leaving the cymbals as low-volume cymbals. This allows me to more effectively simulate a “gig environment” while practising at a drastically reduced volume. It’s far from perfect, but it means I can play whenever I feel like it!

If you’re looking for drum lessons in Perth or online, I’d love to help you get started... whether you’re learning on an electronic kit, an acoustic kit, or both.

Photo by Amdo Photo at Scene Ella Fitzgerald