Best Electric Guitars for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide
The electric guitar has captivated musicians and fans for over 70 years, with an estimated [insert interesting stat/fact about electric guitar popularity]. First rising to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, the electric guitar became a staple of numerous music genres including blues, country, rock and roll, and heavy metal. Pioneered by audio innovators like Les Paul and Leo Fender, the electric guitar became a symbol of musical rebellion and technical virtuosity. From Chuck Berry duckwalking across the stage to Jimi Hendrix lighting his guitar on fire, the electric guitar has cemented its place in music history.
This comprehensive guide will explore the best electric guitar models for beginners. We'll provide key factors to consider when buying your first electric guitar, recommend top budget-friendly options to start with, overview standout intermediate and advanced level guitars, highlight major guitar brands, recommend essential accessories, and provide tips specifically tailored for beginners. Whether you're just learning your first chords or hoping to emulate iconic guitarists like Slash and Eric Clapton, this guide will help you select the perfect electric guitar to match your skill level and musical goals. Let's get started on your electrifying musical journey!
Key Considerations When Buying an Electric Guitar
When purchasing your first electric guitar, there are several key factors to consider that will impact your playing experience and development as a guitarist.
Budget
Your budget will largely dictate the quality of guitar you can afford. Generally, guitars under $200 are basic, low-quality models aimed at absolute beginners. Guitars in the $200-$500 range offer better construction and components. And guitars above $500 bring premium tonewoods, electronics, hardware and craftsmanship. Set a realistic budget before shopping.
Body Style and Size
The most common electric guitar body styles are solid body, semi-hollow and hollow body. Solid body guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul offer versatility and sustain. Semi-hollow and hollow bodies like the Gibson ES-335 provide a warmer, more resonant tone favored in jazz and blues. The size and weight of the guitar body will impact comfort and playability.
Pickups
The pickups and pickup configuration greatly impact an electric guitar's tone. Single coil pickups deliver a bright, crisp tone, while humbuckers provide thicker distortion. Choose a guitar with at least one bridge humbucker for rock and metal genres. The pickup selector switch allows blending more than one pickup.
Bridge System
Common bridge systems include fixed bridges for stable tuning and tremolo bridges for effects like dive bombs. Beginners should start with a fixed bridge for simplicity and reliability. The bridge hardware also impacts tone and sustain.
Electronics
Knobs, switches and circuits give you tonal control. Essential electronics include volume and tone knobs, pickup selector switch and an output jack. Effects like reverb and distortion can be built-in. Understand the electronics before purchasing.
Aesthetics/Appearance
While not affecting sound, the look and style of a guitar contributes to its appeal. Consider your music genre and personal tastes when choosing a shape, color, finish and visual design. A guitar you connect with visually will inspire you to pick it up and practice more.
Top Budget-Friendly Models
For beginner guitarists on a budget, there are several high quality electric guitar models available under $200 that provide great value. These budget models allow new players to start learning and playing electric guitar without a huge upfront investment. Some of the top budget-friendly electric guitars for beginners include:
Squier by Fender Bullet Strat
The Squier Bullet Strat is one of the most popular beginner electric guitars. Made by Squier, Fender's affordable subsidiary brand, the Bullet Strat features an alder body, maple neck and Indian laurel fingerboard. It has a classic Stratocaster design and sound, with three single coil pickups, 5-way switching and vintage style tremolo bridge. With a price around $150, this guitar provides excellent quality and playability for the cost.
Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II
For beginners who like the Les Paul style, the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II is a great choice around $170. Made by Gibson's more affordable Epiphone brand, this guitar features a mahogany body, bolt-on mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. It has open coil humbucker pickups, a Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for great rock and blues tone. The Special-II gives a taste of the legendary Les Paul sound at a beginner-friendly price.
Yamaha Pacifica PAC012
Known for excellent quality and value, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 retails for around $180. This guitar has an alder body, maple neck with rosewood fretboard and a vintage tremolo system. With an HSS pickup configuration of two single coils and a bridge humbucker, the Pacifica offers versatile tones from sparkling cleans to high gain distortion. The PAC012's quality components and construction make it a great beginner guitar.
Ibanez GRX20ZBKN
Ibanez produces a range of high quality beginner guitars, including the GRX20ZBKN model priced around $170. This guitar features a poplar body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, two Ibanez humbucking pickups, and a vintage style tremolo bridge. The thin, fast neck and sleek double-cutaway body style also make it comfortable and easy to play for beginners. Overall an excellent entry-level guitar at an affordable price point.
These budget-friendly models provide quality construction, classic electric guitar designs, and great sound and playability. Beginning guitarists don't need to spend a fortune to start learning on an electric guitar that can grow with them.
Best Intermediate Guitars
Once you've graduated from a beginner electric guitar and are looking to step things up, intermediate models offer better build quality, electronics, and expanded tonal possibilities. These guitars straddle the line between budget-friendly and professional instruments. While more expensive than beginner guitars, they deliver upgraded components, playability and an authentic tone.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plustop PRO
With the iconic Les Paul shape and a stunning figured maple veneer top, this Epiphone delivers legendary Gibson tones at a fraction of the price. It features ProBucker humbucker pickups, Grover tuners, and a solid mahogany body with a maple cap that gives biting mids, smooth highs and full low end. The slim taper neck offers comfort and speed. This is the ultimate intermediate Les Paul.
ESP LTD EC-256FM
This single cutaway electric guitar has a mahogany body and flamed maple top for gorgeous looks and authoritative tone. It's armed with ESP Designed LH-150 pickups for articulation and dynamics. The thin U-shaped neck has a rosewood fingerboard with 22 extra jumbo frets, providing speed and fluid playability. It's a fantastic mid-priced instrument.
PRS SE Standard 24
With impeccable attention to detail, PRS offers unbelievable quality in the affordable SE line. The Standard 24 has a maple top, mahogany back, and PRS-Designed 245 pickups for pristine cleans and rich overdrive. The maple neck has a rosewood fretboard with bird inlays. An adjustable stoptail bridge provides tuning stability and sustain.
Schecter Omen-6
This guitar punches way above its weight class, with quality that rivals more expensive models. It has a basswood body with a slim maple neck that plays like butter. Schecter Diamond Plus pickups sound incredible, and the Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece increases resonance. If you want serious metal tones without spending a fortune, this is it.
Top Models for Advanced Players
Once you've mastered the basics and intermediate skills on an electric guitar, you may want to upgrade to a more high-end instrument. Here are some of the top electric guitar models recommended for advanced players:
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is an iconic electric guitar known for its versatility across many music genres. The American Professional II Strat offers premium features like a deep "C"-shaped maple neck, narrow-tall frets, and V-Mod single-coil pickups. The tone is vintage-inspired yet modern. Advanced players will appreciate the vibrant, rich sound perfect for leads and rocking solos.
Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s
For a thicker, warmer tone, the Les Paul Standard 60s from Gibson is a top choice. It has a solid mahogany body with a slim taper mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. Burstbucker 61 R & T humbucking pickups provide a bold, rounded tone. From intricate rhythms to singing leads, this Les Paul helps advanced players master the rock and blues genres.
PRS SE Custom 24
With intricate craftsmanship and versatile sound, the PRS SE Custom 24 attracts many advanced players. It has a maple top, mahogany back, and rosewood fretboard. The dual humbucking pickups have a dynamic voice. Combined with the tremolo bridge, advanced guitarists can create sounds from mellow jazz to screaming metal solos.
Gretsch G5420T Electromatic
For advanced guitarists seeking a hollowbody with smooth, jazzy tone, Gretsch's G5420T Electromatic is an excellent option. It has a slim maple body with Bigsby B60 vibrato tailpiece. The dual Black Top Filter'Tron humbuckers produce bold, twangy tone. Advanced players appreciate the warmth and resonance for improvising solos. Overall, it delivers a timeless tone.
Advanced guitarists have more intricate skills to showcase their talents. With outstanding craftsmanship and electronics, these models enable experienced players to create their signature sound and style. From the Fender Strat's crisp versatility to the Gibson Les Paul's thick rock tone, there are high-end guitars to suit any advanced player.
Key Guitar Brands
When it comes to electric guitars, there are several major brands that consistently produce high-quality instruments for beginners and professionals alike. Here are some of the top electric guitar brands to consider:
Fender
Fender is one of the most recognized and popular electric guitar brands in the world. Founded by Leo Fender in 1946, Fender has produced iconic models like the Telecaster and Stratocaster that have shaped the sound of modern music. Fender guitars are known for their bright, clean tone and vintage styling. They offer a great mix of playability and affordability for beginning guitarists.
Gibson
Gibson is another leading guitar brand with a long history dating back to 1902. Based in Nashville, Gibson's guitars like the Les Paul and SG models embody a thicker, warmer tone and more aggressive rock vibe. Their instruments feature premium materials and craftsmanship, aiming for a more professional, intermediate to advanced playing experience.
PRS
Founded in 1985, PRS Guitars take an innovative approach to electric guitar design. Blending vintage inspiration with modern reliability, PRS models like the Custom 24 offer unmatched playability and versatile tones. Between their high-end American models and more affordable SE line, PRS has options for every type of guitarist.
Ibanez
Japanese brand Ibanez produces guitars that are widely respected for their fast, comfortable necks and high performance electronics. Models like the RG are built for speed and utilize bold, angular body shapes. Ibanez guitars tend to favor genres like rock, metal, and shred styles.
Yamaha
Yamaha is better known for their keyboards and other instruments, but they produce quality entry-level to mid-range electric guitars. Their Pacifica and RevStar lines offer excellent value along with Yamaha's characteristically fast necks and reliable tuning stability.
Epiphone
Owned by Gibson, Epiphone serves as their more affordable guitar alternative. Many of their models are inspired by classic Gibsons, such as the Les Paul or SG. Beginning guitarists will find accessible pricing and familiar designs to start on with Epiphone.
Accessories
Beyond the guitar itself, beginners need some essential accessories to get started playing electric guitar. Here are some of the key accessories any new guitarist should consider:
Amps
An amplifier is crucial for beginners to be able to hear themselves play. Look for a small, affordable practice amp in the 10-30 watt range. Popular options include the Fender Frontman 10G and the Vox Pathfinder 10.
Effects Pedals
While not required, effects pedals like overdrive, distortion, delay, and reverb can add fun new sounds for beginners. The Boss DS-1 distortion and MXR Phase 90 phaser are great starter pedals.
Strings
Upgrade the factory strings for a better playing experience. Try lighter gauge strings like Ernie Ball Super Slinkys (.009-.042) for easy bending. Coated strings like Elixir Nanowebs last longer.
Cases/Gig Bags
Get a hardshell case or padded gig bag to protect the guitar when transporting and storing it. Mono and Gator make affordable, lightweight options.
Tuners
A tuner like the Snark SN-1 allows beginners to accurately tune their guitars. Clip-on headstock tuners are also handy.
Straps
A comfortable, adjustable strap makes playing guitar while standing easier. Look for wider straps with padding from brands like Fender.
Picks
Guitar picks come in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses. Variety packs allow beginners to experiment to find the right pick feel.
Tips for Beginners
Learning to play the electric guitar takes time and dedication. Here are some tips to help beginners get started on the right track:
Take lessons - Consider taking lessons from a qualified instructor, at least when you're first starting out. An experienced teacher can help you learn proper technique, practice efficiently, and avoid developing bad habits early on. Private lessons allow for personalized attention.
Start with simple songs - Don't try to run before you can walk. Begin with easy guitar riffs, chord progressions, and songs to get comfortable with your instrument. Songs using open chords like G, C, D, E minor, and A minor are a good starting point.
Practice regularly - Daily practice of at least 30-60 minutes is ideal for building muscle memory and dexterity. Break practice into segments working on chord changes, scales, songs, and exercises. Consistency is key in order to progress quickly.
Learn music theory - Understanding music theory fundamentals like notes, chords, keys, scales, and reading tablature will accelerate your development. Learn to read chord charts for popular songs you want to play.
Develop good technique - Pay attention to your fretting hand and pick hand technique to avoid injuries and play cleanly. Keep wrists straight and fingers curved. Use a light touch and only squeeze hard enough to fret notes clearly.
Use a metronome - Practicing with a metronome helps develop your timing and rhythmic accuracy. Start slow and increase speed gradually as your playing improves. Setting goals for beats per minute can motivate regular practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of guitar should I start with as a beginner?
As a beginner, it's generally recommended to start with a basic, budget-friendly electric guitar. Some top options include the Squier by Fender Bullet Strat, Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II, and Ibanez GRX20. These models provide great value and allow you to learn the basics on a quality instrument.
How much does a decent beginner electric guitar cost?
You can find very playable beginner electric guitars in the $150 to $300 range. This budget range provides access to major guitar brands like Fender, Epiphone, Ibanez, and Yamaha. Spending around $200 is a good starting point for a new player.
What accessories do I need along with the guitar?
The main accessories you'll need are: a small practice amp, guitar cable, strap, picks, gig bag/case, tuner, and instructional book or DVD. An amp is crucial for plugging into and hearing your electric guitar. A strap and picks will allow you to play standing up. A tuner will help keep the guitar properly tuned.
Should I take guitar lessons as a beginner?
Yes, it's highly recommended to take guitar lessons as a beginner. An instructor will help guide you through proper technique, reading music and tabs, basic music theory, and achieving your goals. Even just a few lessons in the beginning can set you on the right path.
How long does it take to start sounding decent on electric guitar?
It largely depends on the amount of consistent practice you put in as a beginner. With regular practice and lessons, you can start sounding decent within 3-6 months. But becoming an advanced skilled player takes years of dedication. Remember, it's a lifelong journey. Enjoy the process as a beginner and don't put too much pressure on rapid advancement.
What are the physical demands of playing electric guitar?
Playing electric guitar involves precise finger and hand movements, and developing calluses on the fingertips. It requires building finger dexterity, muscle memory, and coordination. Since the guitar is worn with a strap, it also involves standing for long periods. Begin slowly and allow your body to adjust. Proper technique and form are vital right from the start.
What electric guitar is used by my favorite guitarist?
It depends on the artist. But some notable examples: Slash uses Gibson Les Pauls, Jimi Hendrix favored Fender Stratocasters, Metallica's James Hetfield plays ESP Explorers, Eric Clapton has used Fender Stratocasters and Gibson ES-335s. It's fine to emulate your heroes, but also important to find your own sound and style over time.
Should I learn on an acoustic first before trying electric?
You can start directly with an electric if that's the sound you're passionate about. It's not mandatory to learn acoustic first. Electrics have lighter strings and very beginner-friendly options. If you want a versatile instrument that also offers an acoustic sound, consider an acoustic-electric. But there's no wrong choice - follow what motivates you.
Conclusion
As we've explored in this guide, there are many great electric guitar options for beginners, depending on your budget and skill level. To recap, some of the key points include:
Decide how much you want to spend upfront - budget guitars can still be high quality. Top picks under $500 include the Epiphone Les Paul, Squier Stratocaster and Ibanez GRX70QA.
Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck and decent hardware. The bridge, tuners and pickups will impact sound quality.
Consider your music tastes. Strats and Teles work well for blues, rock and country. Les Pauls offer thick, warm tones perfect for metal and hard rock.
Don't forget essential accessories like straps, picks, amps and cables. An amp that complements your guitar tone is important.
Take advantage of guitar bundles that package what you need to get started in one purchase.
Some of the top overall electric guitars we recommend for beginners are the Fender Player Stratocaster, Epiphone Les Paul Standard, and ESP LTD EC-256. These models offer great quality and value across multiple music genres.
For parting advice - have patience, practice daily, take lessons if possible, and play the guitar that inspires you! Learning guitar is a lifelong journey. Stay motivated by playing songs you love. With regular practice and dedication, you'll be impressing audiences in no time.