In the end, I want to be able to play an electric guitar. However when I look at a preview of all the guitar DVD lessons, they are all played by acoustic guitars. If the teachers play with an acoustic guitar, and i follow along and practice with an electric guitar, will it be the same thing other than the quality of sound? Are they the same coords? Should I buy an acoustic guitar first if im just beginning, and then upgrade to an electric if i get better? Keep in mind i do want to end up playing electric. Also i'm in need of what the best DVD lesson to buy is. So far ive been looking at LearnAndMasterGuitar (http://www.learnandmaster.com/guitar/) and GuitarMasterPro (http://www.guitarmasterpro.net/) only because that guy on youtube that played Canon Rock had it in his link. Is there any others I should look into? Thanks in advance.
There's no reason you shouldn't start on electric, if that's what you want to play. A lot of music purists insist acoustic is the best way to learn, since an acoustic guitar requires more finger strength and dexterity, which makes the transition to electric a breeze. But the thinner necks and lower action (distance between the strings and the fretboard) on electrics make them easier to play, which can be advantageous.
I've been playing both acoustic and electric for more than 20 years (mostly electric, since I played in bands), but decided a few months ago that I needed to become a much better guitarist. I found a DVD set at Musician's Friend that has beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons, as well as a book to accompany each DVD. I'm completely floored by how great it is, since I've mostly played by ear. And it's specific to electric players, so it's probably perfect for you. The DVDs will teach you everything from how to tune your guitar to how to play complicated leads. Given that the entire set only costs $40, I'm a little embarrassed that I've played like such a hack for so long. Here's a link:
http://books-videos-music.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rock-House-Learn-Rock-Guitar-Beginner-Intermediate-Advanced-Package?sku=942719
The lessons are geared toward metal players, but it's ideal for anyone wanting to play guitar. I figure metal guitarists play the most intricate, complicated leads I've ever heard, so I can benefit from any knowledge they have, even if I never aspire to be a metal guitarist.
Acoustic and electric guitars are played exactly the same way, so you'll be able to play either once you've learned to play. It will be tougher to switch to acoustic from electric, since you'll be accustomed to thinner guitar necks. But you'll probably learn faster on an electric, since it will be easier on the hands. Good luck!