10 Best Electric Guitar for Beginners in 2024 (Reviews)

Are you looking to buy your first electric guitar? If so, you may be wondering where to start. There are a lot of different electric guitars on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

In this article, we will recommend some of the best electric guitars for beginners. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right guitar for your needs. So let’s get started!

The best electric guitars for beginners

Squier Affinity Stratocaster

Beginners who want to learn how to play their first electric guitar need to get an easy-to-play guitar to inspire them to keep playing. Of course, if you have a better guitar, chances are, you’ll play even more. This is what you’ll get when you’ll start playing with Squier Affinity Stratocaster.

Probably one of the beginner guitars in the market, this axe is of great help to kickstart your musical journey. The one thing I especially like about it is the C-shaped maple neck. The poplar body is lightweight, yet, giving enough support while surfing up and down the laurel fretboard.

With the standard 25.5-inch scale length and 21 narrow-tall frets, it’s more fun to play with this guitar. It comes with humbucking bridge pickup, single-coil middle, and neck pickup, and the 5-way blade pickup switch to give you more tonal options.

Pros

• Stays well in tune and has an excellent tone when properly set
• Plays pretty well and that the construction is of quality
• Lightweight “C” shaped maple neck
• Lightweight with the C-shaped neck profile for more comfort and playability

Cons

• No case is included
• Ideal for beginners
• Slow tuning at first try

 

Epiphone SG Special

Of course, everyone wants to have a real Gibson SG. But, not all can afford it. So, Epiphone made a version that comes at an affordable price— a stripped-down — yet, still delivers some qualities you are longing for in the classic SG. Epiphone SG Special helps you get the real SG tone without breaking the bank.

At first glance, you’ll think that it’s the original Les Paul, one of the most iconic guitars that ever existed. But, if you look closer, it’s just the more affordable version of the expensive model. The solid guitar body with the double-cutaway will surely keep you playing this one.

There’s more to the looks that make it a stunning guitar. It has two open-coil humbuckers with master control and master tone control with KillPot switch. The Tune-o-Matic bridge/stopbar tailpiece combo provides more sustain and ease when changing the strings.

Pros

• Affordable SG version
• Frets are smooth and shiny, no sharp edge
• Dual performance of Tune-o-matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece
• Guitar is lightweight and comfortable to play even for longer hours
• Pickup sounds good and works well for clean and distorted tones

Cons

• Output jack is placed in an awkward way
• You need to adjust the intonation of the strings before it becomes playable
• Tuning pegs seems cheap, though they do their job, it’s better to be replaced upfront

 

Ibanez Gio GRGM21M

It’s undeniable that the Ibanez Gio GRGM21M has a different aura that invites you to pick it up and play. The Transparent Red Burst finish looks stunning and makes you think it’s an outstanding guitar.

The top wood has a beautiful quilted Maple art grain pattern. Not only that, it has a very playable neck made of maple. Since it’s slim and smooth it supports fast-playing way better than other guitar brands in this price range. The neck and the medium-sized frets help you play chords effortlessly.

Now, the beauty of this guitar lies on the pickups. Though they aren’t the best pickups on the market, they do what they are designed to do.

The ceramic-magnet humbucking pickups help you get high output without distortion, while the middle single-coil pickup offers a clear vintage tone.

Pros

• Tuning is spot-on, while the strings are very stable
• 5-way switch for various sound
• Fretboard is heaven — no sharp fret edges and the finish is just flawle
• The H/S/H pickup configuration, plus the five-way switch offer tons of tones you’ll surely enjoy

Cons

• A bit unbalanced with the headstock seems heavier than the body
• Stock pickups are okay, but I still seem to find them a bit lacking

 

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112J

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112J is an entry-level guitar that helps you master your skills. Its alder body helps you achieve clear and well-rounded tone. It looks like a Stratocaster and at its price, it offers more playability and tonal options.

Thanks to the bolt-on maple neck, the C-shaped neck profile, and the rosewood fretboard, it’s easy to play this versatile guitar without any problem. Since it has a subtle satin finish, it feels smooth and helps you do fast play without hassle.

Though it seems like a Start, it has a pickup system that’s different from it. This comes with single-coils and humbuckers in H/S/S configuration. This means that it has single-coil pickups at the neck and middle, while a humbucker at the bridge.

The configuration offers more tonal versatility. The five-position pickup selector switch with coil-tapping gives access to sound signatures you’ve never had before.

Pros

• Versatile for different music genres and styles
• Body is solid, yet very comfortable when playing
• The neck is smooth and not too wide, great for those with smaller hands
• Crafted with excellence to produce a nice and decent sound
• Pickups are versatile and deliver impressive sounds

Cons

• Not suitable if you want thick tone
• Random unwanted sound because of the pickups
• Tremolo works fine, but it needs some tweaking to make it even better

 

 

Epiphone Les Paul Special II

A guitar that cost less than $300 is a bargain and you can’t expect it to be perfect. However, if you’re looking for a low-cost, yet playable guitar that beginners and kids can play, consider getting the Epiphone Les Paul Special II.

It’s a reliable guitar when it comes to the sound department, perhaps, the closest one you can have to get a Gibson tone without spending several thousands of dollars. Yet, don’t put your hopes up too high. Yes, it’s a good-sounding guitar, but it could never replace the expensive Gibson.

For kids and beginners, this guitar will inspire you to play a real Gibson. From the solid wood body, the maple neck and the rosewood fretboard, it offers enough playability. When played frequently, this will surely lead you to stardom.

Pros

• Comes at an affordable price
• Provides great value for your money and the closest Epiphone you can have for a Gibson
• Setup nicely from the factory, especially with the right height of the strings
• It nicely fits the hand and comfortable to play

Cons

• The finish isn’t that great and seems cheap
• Fret buzzes occur after playing for quite sometime

 

Squier Bullet Stratocaster

For beginners who want to start playing the guitar, the first thing that comes to mind is Squier guitars. Their guitar promise durability and playability that a beginner needs. Primarily designed for aspiring musicians out there, the Squier Bullet Strat could be your first electric guitar.

This isn’t just any of those budget guitars. This one comes with three single-coil pickups and a synchronized vintage style tremolo. You’ll also find a few controls like the tone, master volume and the five-way pickup selector switch that paves the way to more tonal possibilities.

The tremolo bridge, on the other hand, though a bit complex, you’ll soon get the hang of it, which helps familiarize how expensive Fender works. You can create flat pitch variations and maximum playability when you know how to use the tremolo to your advantage.

Lastly, the C-shaped satin-finished neck and medium jumbo frets help you achieve comfort while playing.

Pros

• Impressive quality build with nice color finish
• The sound is excellent and plays as good after setup
• Lightweight, which is good, even for kids

Cons

• Needs professional adjustments on the truss rod, intonation, and action
• Not effective to hold a tune for long

 

Squier Affinity Telecaster

A simple, yet playable beginner’s guitar, Squier Affinity Telecaster helps you unleash that inner rock star within you. With its affordable price tag, maybe you don’t expect too much from this guitar, yet, you’ll be surprised at its power and quality. With the timeless style and great playability, you can play it for longer hours.

It has eye-catching finishes with the 6-in-line headstock, and the traditional aesthetic features. It has an attractive alder body with C-shaped Maple neck and 21-fret Maple fretboard. Since the neck has great Polyurethane finish with no sharp fret edges, it’s very easy to move up and down the fretboard.

This guitar features vintage-style single-coil Telecaster pickups, primarily to replicate the legendary Telecaster sound. Though they’re not that efficient, and they’re weaker than the classic pickups, they are reliable for practice and jamming. Indeed, this guitar delivers good tones without you spending too much.

Pros

• Solidly built and plays wonderfully out of the box
• Came set up without any fret buzzing and other issues
• Looks great and the finish is pretty impressive

Cons

• For better performance, I changed the stock strings to more reliable ones
• Pickups hum and there’s buzzing when you increase the master volume

 

Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT

If you are craving for the classic heavy tone of a humbucker, but don’t want to spend so much, Epiphone Les Paul LT gives you what you need. It’s a solidbody guitar with mahogany body and Maple top, which deliver classic vibe you longed for. The bolt-on glossy mahogany neck and the rosewood fingerboard aids to the better playability and ease in playing this instrument.

Aside from the materials used, the pickups onboard also play a very important role to achieve the robust vintage sounds. The 700T/650R open-coil humbucker pickups are reliable to achieve the true Les Paul tone.

The chrome hardware, die cast tuners, and the Tune-O-Matic bridge system keep the strings stable and in tune. It really gives the best bang for the buck, which doesn’t give much pain in the ass, especially with the initial setup.

Pros

• Strong finish made of rosewood and maple
• It’s fairly easy to play with amazing sounds within
• Allows you to control the volume and master tone of the individual pickups
• Lightweight guitar with enough support for better playability
• Holds tune so well, so you can play comfortably

Cons

• Setup needs a little tweak to achieve its fullest potential
• Craftsmanship reveals that this is a cheap guitar

 

Fender Modern Player Tele Plus

A triple-pickup Telecaster with vast tonal options, the Fender Modern Player Tele Plus is now available for grabs by everyone. This guitar features a pinewood body with a glossy finish, C-shape Maple neck, and a fretboard. The pinewood adds to the warmth of the sound it delivers, while the neck and fretboard are just heavens to play.

Given the fretboard has 9.5-inch radius, a standard scale length of 25.5-inch and 22 jumbo frets, this model is designed to accommodate fast play. It’s decorated with a three-ply pickguard, vintage-style die cast tuners, chrome/nickel hardware, and the string-through-body six-saddle hardtail bridge that do their job pretty well.

What I really appreciate about this guitar are the pickups — humbucking bridge pickup with coil-splitting feature, Strat middle pickup, and Tele single-coil pickup. With the use of the five-way switch, you can access vast tonal possibilities you never have before.

Pros

• The neck of this guitar feels like heaven, a really great starter guitar
• Solid wood is nice and smooth and is perfect for this vintage-looking instrument
• Action is spot-on and doesn’t need any adjustment
• With excellent tonal range given the three pickups onboard

Cons

• Bridge pickup seems floating and isn’t that solid
• A bit difficult to control the 5-way pickup for beginners

 

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

There are tons of Epiphone guitars out there that promise to deliver the true Gibson Les Paul tone. However, not all of them got it closer, except the Epiphone Les Paul Standard. It’s made of mahogany body which provides the natural resonance of the classic tone.

The 1960s SlimTaper D-profile mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard offer you that familiar feel and playability you’ll get from expensive Les Paul. I might say that the frets aren’t perfectly leveled and need some leveling. However, once this gets done, everything plays smoothly, even for fast action.

This guitar features the Alnico Classic humbucker pickups which are great to deliver warm tones, while the Grover heads are just perfect to keep the tuning intact. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece give stability to the strings and sustain, too. Given its playability and the classic vibe tone it has, I don’t think there are other guitar brands that could beats its price.

 

Pros

• It has immaculate finish, which seems like a premium guitar
• Grover tuners are amazing and the best tuners, so far
• A light axe which is very nice and comfortable to play

Cons

• Sustain issues
• The knobs aren’t that reliable and they seem wobbly
• Unleveled frets are annoying

 

Beginner Electric Guitars Buying Guide

Picking from this list on best beginner electric guitars is not like asking a crystal ball to reveal it for you. Beginner guitarists and much more experienced musicians need to hop from various stores to scrutinize each piece to shortlist the fairest of them all. Here is to give you a piece of an idea to guide you in choosing your first guitar.

 

Sound quality

Determining a good quality guitar is basically depending on the way it sounds. And the melody that the instrument will produce is based on its built, its essential parts and what are these made-of. Some of the specifics of the guitar are the body, neck, fingerboard, pick-ups, player and style.

Body

The body is the core of the guitar, whether its electric or acoustic guitar. Several choices of body parts can be considered such as the solid, hollow or semi-hollow. Each has different resonance impact to the device. The trick is if your genre is soft sound then grab a hollow or semi-hollow piece while for heavier and louder music, the solid body will be amazing.

 

Wood

Next to look at is the body wood, which mainly affects the sustain and tone of the guitar.

There are many wood options to choose from such as the Agathis, Alder, Asg, Basswood, Bubinga, Koa, Korina, Mahogany, Maple, Poplar, Rosewood and Walnut.

As for the neck, there are only two styles to select. It can only be a maple or mahogany mixed with other wood such as rosewood or ebony for better quality.

Photos provided by FMIC

Pick-ups

Pick-ups are another significant part of the electric guitar to check when buying one. The typed of pick-ups are either single-coil or humbucker. The idea is the single oil is louder while the humbucker produce less noise.

Photos provided by FMIC

Bridge

Another part is the bridge to which the strings of a guitar are attached. Two of the main types is the fixed or tremolo.

The fixed bridge is the one if you want steady tuning and great sustain. It’s a yes for tremolo if you a type musician that is curious and loves experimenting notes.

Explore and take time to shop for your new electric guitar so you can be exposed to various options and you can compare them. This will help you to figure out which one is a perfect match for you and help you enjoy more of your passion for music.

Which electric guitars are easiest to play?

When you’re looking for electric guitars for beginners, it’s important to choose something that is easy to play. The last thing you want is something that is hard to control and makes noise when you don’t want it to.

Some of the starter guitars are those with single-coil pickups. These are typically easier to handle than models with humbucking pickups, as these guitars tend to be less noisy. Squier classic vibe electric guitars are a great option for beginners, as they offer excellent value for money.

When you’re first starting out, it’s also a good idea to go for an electric guitar with a simple design. This will help you to get to grips with the basics of playing before moving on to something more complex.

Once you’ve chosen your electric guitar, it’s time to start learning some chords!

What is a good size for beginner guitarist?

The size of the electric guitar you need is partly dependent on your age and body size. If you’re a child or have small hands, then a 3/4 size could be a good option. For adults, a full-size is the way to go.

If you’re not sure what guitar size to choose, it’s always best to try out different models in person before making a purchase. This will help you to get a feel for what is comfortable to play.

Ultimately, the best guitar for beginners is the one that is comfortable for you to play. Consider your size, age, and level of experience when making your decision. And remember, it’s always best to try out different models in person before making a purchase!

 

Is electric guitar good for beginners?

There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on what you’re looking for in an electric guitar. If you’re just starting out, then a lower-end model may be a good option for you. However, if you’re looking for something with more features and better sound quality, then you may want to consider spending more money on a higher-end electric guitar. Ultimately, the best electric guitar for beginners is the one that suits their needs and budget the best.

 

Some of the best electric guitars for beginners include the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster and the Fender Player Stratocaster. These guitars are both affordable and offer great sound quality. They also come equipped with single-coil pickups, which are ideal for beginners. If you’re looking for something a bit more high-end, then the Gibson Les Paul Junior might be a good option for you. This guitar is more expensive, but it offers superior sound quality and construction.

 

What guitar is recommended for a beginner?

There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone is different and will have their own preferences. However, some good electric guitars for beginners include the Fender Stratocaster, Les Paul, and Yamaha Pacifica. These guitars are all versatile instruments that can be used for a variety of genres, so you should be able to find one that suits your personal taste.

 

What are some things to look for in a beginner guitar?

When choosing an electric guitar for a beginner, it is important to consider what type of music you want to play. If you are interested in playing rock or metal, then you will want to look for a guitar with active pickups. If you are more interested in playing blues or jazz, then you will want to look for a guitar with passive pickups.

It is also important to consider the body style of the guitar. If you are looking for a more traditional style of guitar, then you will want to choose a Stratocaster or Les Paul. If you are looking for something with a more modern look, then you might want to consider a Yamaha Pacifica.

Finally, it is important to think about your budget when choosing a beginner guitar. If you are just starting out, you might not want to spend too much money on your first instrument. However, if you are serious about learning to play the electric guitar, then you will need to invest in a quality instrument that will last for many years.

Recommended Electric Guitars for Beginners by Playing Style

The Yamaha Pacifica is a great choice for a beginner guitar. It has a comfortable body style and is available in a variety of different colors, like sonic blue and violin sunburst. It also has two single-coil pickups, which are perfect for playing blues or jazz.

If you are interested in playing rock or metal, then the Fender Stratocaster is a great choice. It also has three single-coil pickups, which gives you a lot of versatility when playing different styles of music.

The Epiphone Les Paul is another great choice for a beginner guitar. It has a classic body style and is available in a variety of different colors like cherry and violin sunburst. It has two humbucker pickups, which gives you a thicker sound when playing rock or metal.

If you are on a tight budget, then the Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a great choice for a beginner guitar. It has a comfortable body style and is available in a variety of different colors. A common thing among Squiers, it has two single-coil pickups, which makes it perfect for playing classic blues.

Finally, if you are looking for a more traditional style of guitar, then the Gibson Les Paul is a great choice. It has a classic body style and is available in a variety of different colors. It also has two humbucker pickups, which gives you a thicker sound when playing rock or metal.

These are just a few of the beginner guitars. When choosing a guitar, it is important to consider what type of music you want to play and your budget. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect guitar for you.

Which is easier to play Strat or Tele?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on each individual player’s preference. Some people find Stratocasters easier to play because of their slimmer necks, while others find Telecasters easier to play because of their chunky necks. Ultimately, it comes down to what feels comfortable for you.

If you’re just starting out, we recommend going with a Stratocaster or a Telecaster. Both are great guitars for beginners, and they’ll give you a good foundation on which to build your skills. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with one of these two models, you can then start branching out and exploring other guitars.

Is a Stratocaster good for a beginner?

Stratocasters are great for beginners as their first guitar because they are easy to play and have a very versatile sound. They can be used for any genre of music, from country to metal. If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a Squier Stratocaster. These guitars are very affordable and will help you get started without breaking the bank.

Single Coil or Humbuckers for Beginnners?

If you’re a beginner, the question of whether to choose a single coil or humbucker-equipped electric guitar can be a tough one. There are pros and cons to each type of pickup, and it ultimately comes down to what kind of sound you’re looking for in your playing. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between these two pickups to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Single coils have a brighter, “twangier” sound that is perfect for country, blues, and other styles where you want to emphasize the guitar’s natural tone. They’re also typically less expensive than humbuckers. On the downside, single coils are more prone to noise interference than humbuckers, so if you’re playing in a noisy environment, you might want to consider the latter.

Humbuckers have a thicker, rounder sound that is well-suited for rock and metal. They’re also less likely to feedback than single coils, making them ideal for live settings. However, humbuckers can be more expensive than single coils and may not work with all types of amplifiers.

Ultimately, the decision of which type of pickup to choose comes down to personal preference. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, it’s always best to try out both types before making a final decision. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be able to find an electric guitar that sounds great and suits your style of play.

Do I need an amp to play electric guitar?

If you want to play electric guitar, you will need an amplifier. Amps help to amplify the guitar’s sound so that it can be heard through speakers. There are many different types and sizes of amps available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is best suited for your needs. If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a small practice amp. These amps are very affordable and will allow you to practice without disturbing others. Once you’ve gotten more comfortable with playing, you can then start looking at larger and more powerful amps.

What Amp Do You Recommend?

For total beginners, you don’t really need an expensive guitar amplifier to start with. A small, cheap, and reliable amp is good enough if you’re just using it to practice at home. For this, I recommend getting the Boss Katana 50. For a reasonable price, it’s versatile(actually got 5 amp models to choose from as well as a LOT of customizable effect configurations) which I think any beginner would like. I highly recommend getting this, though you don’t have to take my word for it but it got some nice reviews from verified buyers here.

Disclaimer: I personally use this amp, and I can vouch for its quality.

If you think you need more recommendations, you can check out my best amplifiers for beginners guide here.

Is it OK to learn electric guitar first?

If you have the budget, it is ok to learn electric guitar first. This will give you more versatility to learn a lot of different songs like rock, or metal, when compared to learning in an acoustic guitar only. But, if you don’t have a budget, consider using an acoustic guitar first. We have a full list of best acoustic guitars for beginners here.

Which guitar is best for beginners to learn?

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster is the best beginner electric guitar for beginners to learn playing. It’s affordable for anyone who wants to start playing electric guitar.

 

What is the best beginner electric guitar?

Our top pick for this best beginner electric guitars list is the Squier Affinity Stratocaster. It can deliver quality, bright and crisp sound and is with a compact and sleek package. In addition, the Squier electric guitar also has a 15W power amp along with an AUX input for plugging in other media devices.

Get the Squier Affinity Stratocaster here.