Best Electric Guitars For Beginners [11 Great Starter Models] | GuitarSquid

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Do you have an undying love for guitars but you are just a beginner? The lack of experience with guitars can be a stumbling block for anyone who is starting. The difficult part is usually finding the right guitar for a beginner.

There are several things that you must keep in mind when you are planning to buy your first electric guitar. Without considering these things, it might be difficult for you to find the right guitar that will fit your needs.

What To Keep In Mind When Buying Your First Electric Guitar

Your Budget

The most important thing that you need to consider is your budget. How much are you willing to part with to get your first electric guitar? Some guitars will cost you a few hundred dollars, while some will even cost you thousands. If this is your first guitar, spending anywhere around $500 is reasonable.

Playing Level

Since you are a beginner, make sure you buy a guitar that is not too complex for your level. Simplicity is the key here. A basic electric guitar will suffice for this option.

Dedication

Before you decide to drop a few hundred dollars on a top-notch electric guitar, you need to make sure you actually want to learn to play it. We all get excited about something, then we give up on it in the first week. Electric guitars aren’t cheap, and that’s why you need to make sure you actually want to learn to play it before buying one.

Top 11 Best Electric Guitars For A Beginner

11. Epiphone SG-Special Electric Guitar

Since 1928, Epiphone has been producing outstanding guitars which are user-friendly. The SG-Special Electric guitar is suitable for anyone who is planning to get their feet wet in playing guitar. It’s simple enough and has a beautiful shape as well.

The body and neck are made of solid African mahogany for durability. You can also get it in different colors from solid black to Cherry Red. The guitar is consists of a twin open-coil Humbucking pickups that help with the sound. There is the bridge pickup which is 700T humbucker, and the neck pickup which is 650R humbucker. A SlimTaper ‘D’ neck profile which is common makes it easy for anyone who is starting, which is coupled by the impressive scale length of 24.75’’.

The guitar is also equipped with two controls. There is one master-tone that comes with a KillPot, and one master volume. In between the two, there is the LockTone Tune-O-Matic.

What makes this Guitar Unique?

For starters, it’s purely designed for a beginner. It’s easy to use, especially for people who are learning to play the guitar. The sound is fairly good for a guitar of its class. Another major characteristic is the fact that it’s fairly affordable for anyone who doesn’t wish to spend a ton of money. You can read the full Epiphone SG-Special review here.

Pros

It costs around $200
The sound is not bad for an affordable guitar
Has a solid body for durability
The frets are shiny and smooth
Light, thin, and very comfortable to play
The tone and volume knobs are responsive

Cons

You may be required to make some adjustments especially with the intonation

10. Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar

Yamaha has been creating a solid reputation as one of the best guitar manufacturers in the world. Their PAC112V is an excellent example of a simple guitar that can be used by beginners. The guitar has an amazing appearance which it has borrowed from amazing premium electric guitars in the market.

The guitar is made of solid alder body that is quite durable. The maple bolts have been used to connect the body and the neck, which makes it easy to assemble and disassemble when needed. The fretboard is made of rosewood, which is something that helps to boost the sound as you play. The guitar also sports a vintage tremolo which was used in the first Strat and has been common in the majority of electric guitars. It also has two humbuckers with a five-position switch that has a coil tap.

Why you need this Guitar

The impressive tone and outstanding playability are some of the reasons why this guitar is impressive. The various pickup configurations are responsible for the different sound character which ranges from a clear, clean sound to heavy distortion. For a more detailed review, check out our Yamaha PAC112 review.

Pros

It produces value for the money
Has an attractive design that it borrows from premium electric guitars
Can be used for various genres and play styles

Cons

The electronics are cheaper which is not a surprise given the price of the guitar

9. Fender Modern Player Telecaster Thinline Deluxe

It would be a shame not to include Fender on this list. For years, the company has been producing outstanding guitars which have come to be liked very much. It doesn’t matter which genre you are into, there is always a guitar for you.

The classic look of Fender has been maintained with this guitar. The sound is amazing for a guitar of this class, which is more than enough for any beginner. It also sports single-coil Modern PlayerMP-90 pickups, which is amazing. The body is made of African mahogany, which has already proven to last a long time.

It has a maple fretboard that has a 9.5” radius and consists of 22medium jumbo frets. It has a C-shaped maple neck, three-way toggle pickup switching, and comes in different colors.

The control has four knobs with two for volume and the other two for tone. You will also notice the vintage-style tuners and chrome hardware. In short, this model has maintained the classic look and feel of an original Fender.

Why this guitar?

It comes from a reputable manufacturer that has managed to design and create guitars that have made history. The sound is amazing and beats any other guitar in its class. There is also a large number of people who use this guitar, which makes the process of getting information about it easy. If you want to learn more about it, i urge you to read our detailed review of the Fender Modern Player Telecaster.

Pros

Costs only $500 which is amazing given the features it has
Can be used in any genre
There is no customization needed
The setup and intonation are perfect

Cons

It doesn’t come with a hard case or a gig bag

8. Ibanez RG450DX RG Series Electric Guitar

Ibanez is a Japanese guitar brand which is renowned for coming up with amazing guitars. Most of their guitars are user-friendly and are an excellent choice for any beginner. If you are starting and have minimal to no guitar skills, we would recommend this brand.

The guitar has a solid body that is made of mahogany. The wood is known for its excellent life span. It has a shape that is inspired by the iconic Fender brands.

This guitar has 2 Humbucking pickups that help with the sound production. There is also a single coil that is placed in the middle. The guitar is better suited for metal and hard rock.

Why this guitar?

Ibanez has been building a strong reputation for being one of the best electric guitar manufacturers. This guitar is better suited for anyone who is learning to play. As mentioned in our detailed Ibanez RG450DX Review, it has amazing features which resemble those of a premium electric guitar but is a bit affordable.

Pros

The guitar costs less than $500
It’s lightweight
Come in different colors
Has a 1-single coil pickup

Cons

You may be required to customize it especially when it’s new

7. Epiphone Les Paul-100

There is no way we would have a list of electric guitars for beginners and not have any Les Paul model. The Epiphone Les Paul-100 is a great example of a guitar that is perfect for anyone who is learning to play.

The guitar is easy to play because of the rosewood fingerboard and the bolt-on mahogany neck. The guitar also features chrome hardware and the 700T/650R.

It’s also made of the strong and durable mahogany wood, providing it with an amazing lifespan. The maple top delivers a heavy load and classic tone for anyone who enjoys this type of music.

The guitar has maintained the amazing Les Paul design, which has become the brand’s signature. If you are planning to get a gift for yourself or someone else who enjoys playing guitars, you should try this model.

Why this guitar?

For starters, the guitar is lightweight, which reduces the strain it may have on you. It also plays well, given the price range. Les Paul-100 is built to be beginner-friendly and doesn’t have a complex interface.

Pros

The guitar costs less than $600
It has an amazing sound
Can be versatile
Has maintained the same look of Les Paul

Cons

There is no hard leather case, but given the price, it’s worth it

6. Squier by Fender 303030500 Classic Vibe Telecaster

Fender has been producing outstanding guitars, and the Squier by Fender is another example. The guitar may appear simple for a beginner, but there is nothing simple about the sound it produces. The manufacturers have maintained the same standards you would find with other Fender guitars.

The guitar sports an Alder body that is combined with a gloss polyester finish, which helps to improve its looks. You will also notice the 21-fret rosewood fingerboard that has a 9.5 radius, and a maple neck that has a ‘C’ shape profile.

Other major features include the dual custom Telecaster pickups that come with a three-way switching. You will notice the two custom single coils that have a vintage style and have the AlNiCo V Magnets.

The guitar is also equipped with a Strings-Thru-Body that has a vintage look and comes with 3 Threaded Barrel Saddles that are made of steel.

You can also notice the master tone and master volume controls, that contain the three-position pickup selector switch.

Why this guitar?

If you need an amazing guitar to kick start your music journey, you should try Squier by Fender. The sound is amazing and requires less tuning and customizing. The guitar has maintained the custom Fender look and is better for any genre.

Pros

Costs less than $1000
Comes from a reputable Fender brand
It’s very light
The sound is amazing

Cons

You may be required to buy the hard case separately

5. Jackson JS32T King V

Jackson JS32T is a great guitar for any beginner. It’s designed for heavy metal and hard rock. Jackson has a reputation for producing outstanding metal guitars and is ranked top five in America.

The gloss finish on the body is common for any guitar of its class. The guitar has an unparalleled sound quality because of the fretboard that is made of rosewood. The guitar has a master volume control and tone control. The guitar also sports the bolt-on maples speed neck which helps with playability.

The guitar lacks the tremolo and has a string-through-body design that makes it easy to play. In our full review of the Jackson JS32T, we called this guitar as one of the best budget-friendly guitars for metal players.

Why this guitar?

If you are a hard metal enthusiast, you will enjoy every minute of this guitar. It has amazing sound and playability, and above all, it’s durable. It contains average electronics, which is not bad for a guitar of its price.

Pros

It will cost you less than $500
Very beginner friendly
The slim body makes it easy to hold and play

Cons

It doesn’t include a strap
You may have to buy the hard protective case separately

4. ESP LTD EC-256

If you need an affordable and beginner friendly guitar, you should consider the ESP LTD EC-256. The model comes from a solid manufacturer with over 40 years of experience. The body is made of African mahogany, while the fretboard and the neck are made of rosewood.

The guitar has an amazing ESP LH-150 passive pickups that help to improve the sound. You will notice a three-piece neck, set-neck construction and body, and a headstock binding.

There are a master volume and toning controls, with also a 3-way toggle switch. You get to choose between two color options; metallic gold and black.

Why this guitar?

The ESP LTD EC-256 has an amazing body and is very light to carry. The sound is amazing and requires little tuning on your side. If you are getting started and you need a simple guitar to learn your tunes, you should go for this model. If you still are not convinced, make sure you read our ESP LTD EC-256 review.

Pros

Fantastic sound quality
The body and design is amazing
It costs less than $500

Cons

The electronics are a bit cheap, but it’s something you would expect from a guitar of its price range

3. Squier by Fender Affinity Series Jazzmaster HH

The cool design of this guitar gives off a relaxed expression. It has maintained the classic electric guitar look and has enough features that may suit a beginner.

The body is made of Alder that is finished in glossy white, while the neck and the fretboard are made of rosewood. The bolt-on maple neck is finished with satin.

The guitar has two Squire Humbuckers pickups, which makes it easy for a beginner to play. It also has a master volume and tone control, and a three-way selector switch, making it easy for you to choose between the pickups.

The Jazzmaster sports a six-saddle hardtail bridge and lacks the classic tremolo bridge. The changes come in handy by offering tuning stability. There are sealed nickel tuners at the headstock.

The guitar produces outstanding sound, and many have recommended it for metal and heavier rock because of the two humbuckers which are hot. On our Squier Jazzmaster Review, we made sure to go in-depth on its electronics, materials and more – so make sure you read that too!

Why this guitar?

The comfort and playability of this guitar is something special. The Jazzmaster is designed for simplicity and is beginner-friendly. It’s also very affordable, and the design is inspired by premium electric guitars. With a little tuning, you may get more from this guitar.

Pros

The guitar costs less than $300
It has an amazing sound for its price
It’s very light and comfortable to play

Cons

The electronics are not premium but are great for its class

2. Dean Custom Zone

Dean Custom Zone has an impressive and attractive look. The guitar has adapted the famous electric guitar design and comes in different solid colors. If you need a guitar that will steal the show with its looks, you should get this one.

The guitar has two different colors from which you can choose. There is shocking pink and nuclear green. The absence of any marks and the black pointed headstock, the guitar has a flawless look.

The body is made of the African mahogany, while the neck has a satin-finished maple. The maple neck is also bolted to the body.

The guitar has two humbucker pickups at the neck and the bridge. It also has the volume and tone controls, and the three-way pickup selector switch. The guitar also sports an adjustable tremolo bridge that contains the whammy bar.

For a guitar that is under $300, we can say that the sound is not that bad. It has a punchy and clear tone and has enough thickness that is suitable for metal and rock. On our Dean Custom Zone review, we mentioned that this guitar is mostly made of cheap materials, and this put some people off. However, this is one of the best ones you can get for that price.

Why this guitar?

Well, it provides value for money, and has an attractive design. It has reliable hardware and has a decent tone. It’s perfectly suited for anyone who is starting and wants to learn how to play.

Pros

The guitar costs less than $300
The design is beautiful
The guitar is simple enough for anyone who is learning

Cons

May not have outstanding sound, but with the right amp, things may be interesting

1. Gretsch G5426 Jet Club

The Gretsch G5426 Jet Club offers an alternative to the popular electronic guitar models and is capable of providing you with the features that you need. The guitar offers playability has impressive looks and is affordable.

The guitar has maintained the vintage look of other American brands and has the jet body that is familiar with many. If you need a single cutaway shape, then this guitar will fit you perfectly.

The guitar is light since it’s made of the basswood, which makes it comfortable to play when standing or sitting. The bolt-on maple neck and the fretwood are made of rosewood.

The guitar has standard dual-coil humbuckers pickups that offer excellent output. You can either play the two together, or you can switch between them using toggle switch that is located in the upper bout. The guitar also volume and tone control.

Even though the guitar doesn’t have a tremolo, the fixed Adjusto-Matic Bridge is sufficient enough. The headstock has diecast sealed tuners that contain small chrome buttons.

The outstanding hardware and a Gretsch design, the guitar produces amazing sound. Even for a guitar of its price range, you must be impressed with its performances. The simple design and its weight are among the things that make this guitar suitable for any beginner.

Pros

The guitar is affordable
It’s very light and playable
Outstanding sound for a guitar in its class

Cons

You may be required to do some tuning when you buy it

What Else Do You Need With These Guitars?

Selecting an electric guitar is not just enough to get you the experience you need. Among them is an amplifier. There are amazing amplifiers you can buy, and they are also affordable. Make sure you research the best amplifier that will complement the guitar you pick and are also affordable.

Which Brand Is The Best?

It’s hard to choose one specific guitar brand, but Fender, Yamaha, Telecaster, Stratocaster, Gibson, and Les Paul are amazing brands. They have different guitars that will fit a beginner.

Do You Need a Fancy Guitar?

If you are a beginner and want to learn how to play, it would be better to start with simple guitars as opposed to sophisticated ones. The simple guitar is easy to use, and they will provide you with a great learning experience. However, there is nothing wrong with getting a fancy guitar.

Conclusion

As a beginner, you are spoilt for choices when you are buying a guitar. Any of the guitars mentioned above will serve you well. They are also affordable and have been known to provide you with great performance. If you want to chill out and jam with your buddies, these guitars are a perfect fit for that. If you have any more details regarding any guitar, we would like to hear about that. Leave us a comment below.