When you’re fascinated by studying to play the electric guitar, you are going to want top-of-the-line beginner electric guitars in your palms. There’s loads of alternative on the market at nearly any funds to get you began, however high quality can range massively. That is why we have compiled this assortment of devices which, in our opinion, supply inexperienced persons a dependable and cozy entry into the world of guitar taking part in.
We’re biased, in fact, however we would say that studying the guitar is likely one of the coolest, most enjoyable and rewarding issues an individual can do. It is definitely difficult, however should you stick with it and dedicate time and power into it, you can play music each time and wherever you wish to.
Between us, our staff has decades-worth of expertise within the guitar trade. A few of us have performed for a few years, a few of us have beforehand made a residing from promoting electric guitars, a few of us have studied guitar on the highest ranges and a few have taught others to play at an expert degree. In consequence, we all know what we’re speaking about in terms of recommending the perfect beginner electric guitar for somebody who’s both in search of a killer first axe, one thing they’ll play at their first gig or one thing to take all of them the way in which.
Regardless of your type, musical style, or ambitions, we’ll provide you with a complete overview of what you need to be in search of when looking for your first ever electric. From the completely different shapes accessible to the precise options and capabilities that matter most if you’re first beginning out.
Searching for an incredible beginner electric guitar deal? Take a look at our Black Friday guitar offers web page for all the most recent information and the most important gives.
Best beginner electric guitars: Our prime picks
Once you come to purchase any of the perfect electric guitars for inexperienced persons, the selection you make will seemingly be based mostly on quite a lot of elements, together with value, sound, versatility and aesthetics. Whereas every guitar on this information has its personal advantages, should you’re after an incredible all-rounder we would must suggest the Yamaha Pacifica 112V (opens in new tab) as the perfect beginner’s electric guitar proper now.
Regardless of being virtually 30 years since its preliminary introduction, the Pacifica nonetheless supplies that good steadiness between value and efficiency, and does so with out compromising on visible enchantment.
If the identify in your guitar’s headstock is vital to you, we’re very blissful to report that the Squier Basic Vibe 50s Stratocaster, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio (opens in new tab) and PRS SE Normal 24 (opens in new tab) are all very good electric guitars for inexperienced persons and can complement your taking part in for years to come back. In contrast with simply 5 to 10 years in the past, it truly is astounding the extent of high quality and efficiency you will get for not a lot cash lately.
In the present day’s finest beginner electric guitar offers
Best beginner electric guitar: Product information
First launched in 1993, the Yamaha Pacifica 112V electric guitar has earned its place on the desk of high quality electric guitars for inexperienced persons. Whereas it doesn’t deliver with it fairly the identical mojo as a Fender or a Gibson, this spectacular Strat-style guitar makes up for that with ranges of playability and construct high quality that far exceed expectations from its smaller price ticket.
A juicy-sounding humbucker on the bridge proved to us that overdriven sounds have been nicely inside attain throughout our testing, whereas the 2 single coils pickups supplied us an outstanding breadth of tones. Whereas there are undoubtedly ‘low-cost’ guitars you’ll outgrow very quickly, the Pacifica has sufficient curiosity to stay a staple in your roster for years to come back.
Learn the complete Yamaha Pacifica 112V evaluation
Whereas there are barely cheaper fashions of their catalogue, the Squier Basic Vibe ‘50s Stratocaster takes our vote as the perfect beginner’s electric guitar. Out of the field, it felt well-made, nicely set-up and general it sounded nice – so capable of face up to your formative taking part in years. It is fortunately fairly cost-effective too. All vital components when selecting your first electric.
If the Strat itself doesn’t enchantment to you, the beginner-friendly vary extends to incorporate Telecasters, Jaguars and Jazzmasters, so at the least one of many big vary of Squier guitars will swimsuit you at this early stage in your guitar taking part in journey.
Best identified for his or her USA-crafted masterpieces lavished with unique woods and different unimaginable supplies, PRS are a relative newcomer to the world of funds guitars – however they’ve positively made an entrance. The ‘SE’ vary stands for ‘Scholar Version’, however we’re struggling to search out something ‘pupil’ about these guitars aside from the value.
The SE Normal 24 is for many who want one thing particular on a decrease funds. Because the identify suggests, this SE encompasses a 24 fret neck, permitting for these little additional thrives in your taking part in. The physique has a carved prime which makes taking part in extremely snug, and the decrease horn can be carved to make higher fret entry tremendous straightforward as nicely. The {hardware} and tremolo are sturdy and dependable, splendid should you don’t fancy preventing your guitar to maintain it in tune.
The pickups are PRS’ personal 85/15 “S” creations – a re-designed model of the pickups that you simply’d seemingly discover in far more costly fashions – and mixed with a coil-split hidden within the tone management, we discovered entry to much more tones throughout our testing. There’s not a lot this guitar can’t do.
Learn the complete PRS SE Normal 24 evaluation
Likelihood is, should you’ve heard any recorded music from the previous 60 years you’ve heard the sounds of a Gibson Les Paul. Performed by a few of music’s largest and finest names, these iconic guitars are synonymous with rock and heavy music. So what higher place for a beginner to start than with their very own slice of musical historical past?
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio is the Gibson offshoot model’s finest beginner electric guitar, and it packs all that data and understanding right into a near-perfect package deal right here. Two humbuckers ship an incredible palette of tones, from sparkly cleans to thick overdrive, and every part in-between. The mahogany physique and neck ensures maintain that goes for hours, in addition to an excellent strong construct high quality. You don’t get all of the frills and extras of the costlier fashions, however who cares when it appears to be like, performs and sounds this good?
Learn our full Epiphone Les Paul Studio evaluation
If nation, people and jazz are extra your type, the Gretsch G2420 Streamliner might be the perfect beginner electric guitar for you. Coming from a model with a wealthy heritage, this hollow-body electric delivers a a lot completely different taking part in expertise to the opposite guitars featured on this checklist.
For a begin, we discovered the tones it produces are far more vibrant and expressive on account of its semi-acoustic nature throughout our testing. The place different guitars require an amp to mould and form a tone, this guitar merely requires its inherent tonality to be made louder, such is the richness on supply. Don’t be delay by its dimension both – the G2420 has curves in all the best locations and taking part in it’s no harder than some other guitar.
Learn our full Gretsch G2420 Streamliner evaluation
Yamaha’s Revstar sequence is a welcome addition to their guitar line-up. With barely completely different styling than normal from Yamaha, they’ve produced an incredible trying guitar with a definite ‘Yamaha’ look about it – one thing which we love. The {hardware} is strong, and nicely above what you’d count on on a beginner-friendly instrument – permitting you to focus solely on taking part in, moderately than preventing to maintain the factor in tune.
The HH3 Scorching humbuckers within the RS320 provided us a full sounding, punchy tone that made each our clear and soiled tones reduce by means of any combine with ease when testing this guitar. With a reasonably flat 13.75” fretboard radius, our string bends have been extremely straightforward, too. This does give the neck a extra trendy really feel nonetheless, so it’s price fascinated by what you may choose before you purchase.
Because the Gibson steady’s ‘different’ huge marque, the SG discovered itself a distinct segment in gamers who wished to retain a little bit of individuality over the plethora of Les Paul gamers. In consequence, the SG discovered its palms into a few of rock’s largest names, together with Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and AC/DC’s Angus Younger, who favored its uncooked, edgy tones and hanging visible enchantment.
The Epiphone SG Normal continues this vibe by delivering good on the promise of rugged, rock-ready tones and exemplary building. With an especially snug neck and unparalleled entry to the upper frets, this can be a enjoyable, playable, and extremely engaging electric guitar for inexperienced persons and execs alike.
Learn our full Epiphone SG Normal evaluation (opens in new tab)
As many (however not all) beginner guitarists are younger, it is sensible for us to incorporate a guitar that fits these amongst us with smaller palms. Enter the Squier Bullet Mustang. Whereas it’s not a ‘mini guitar’, it does have a barely lowered scale dimension, making it splendid for youthful gamers to familiarize yourself with strategies that can serve them as they develop.
That mentioned, having performed one ourselves, we will confidently say that this guitar isn’t any mere toy. The truth is, we beloved its rough-and-ready playability and fortunately suggest it as one of many general finest beginner’s electric guitars, in addition to top-of-the-line guitars for youths. For a shade below $200, you may’t go far unsuitable.
Learn the complete Squier Bullet Mustang evaluation
Ibanez guitars might be acquainted to anybody who listens to the heavier finish of the musical spectrum. These Superstrat-style guitars sometimes boast humbucking pickups, vibrato bridges and wafer-thin necks, enabling you to rapidly traverse the fretboard at ever-increasing speeds.
The Ibanez Gio GRGR120X is the proper metallic guitar for anybody trying to be a part of this membership. Its ergonomic design made it light-weight and simple for us to deal with, and a pair of Ibanez humbuckers ensures even the gainiest of acquire sounds reduce by means of in a band state of affairs. When you plan on studying learn how to play songs by your favourite metallic bands, that is the perfect beginner’s electric guitar for you.
Rounding off the checklist is the Epiphone ES-335, which marries classic tones and vibe with unimaginable building and playability. This Epiphone is the inexpensive model of Gibson’s well-known ES-335 mannequin, which has been used on numerous blues and rock tracks ever since its introduction within the late 1950s.
What we significantly preferred concerning the ES-335 was its unimaginable heat and readability when pushed by means of a clear channel utilizing the Alnico Basic neck humbucker. The resonance and maintain had us purring, and we’re sure that if that is in your shortlist, you’ll really feel the identical.
When you’re small then the big physique may put you off, each sat down and on a guitar strap, however for a bigger particular person, this guitar might be a dream.
Learn our full Epiphone ES-335 evaluation
In the present day’s prime offers on the perfect beginner electric guitars
Best beginner electric guitars: Shopping for recommendation
Selecting the perfect beginner electric guitar for you
When you’ve determined that you simply wish to play the electric guitar, then initially, welcome! You are a part of an unique membership, filled with rock stars, nation icons, and loads of regular people such as you and I.
No matter kinds of guitar music you are into, an electric guitar can cowl just about every part. Accompanied by one of many finest guitar amps, your beginner electric guitar will take you from studying your very first riffs, all approach to potential stardom.
There’s loads to think about when in search of the perfect beginner electric guitar. Each single a part of the instrument impacts the ensuing sound and really feel. Let’s check out them…
Understanding guitar physique form
The very first thing we would counsel you consider is the form of the guitar. The quantity of styles and sizes in the marketplace is big, and while these elements do not at all times affect the sound of your guitar, they have an effect on how snug it’s to play and what it appears to be like like – two issues that are crucially vital for us guitarists.
The 2 most recognizable electric guitar physique shapes are in all probability the Les Paul and the Stratocaster. Now, the ‘full-fat’ Les Paul is made by Gibson, and can set you again some severe cash – as will a USA-made Fender Stratocaster – however with funds manufacturers reminiscent of Epiphone and Squier in play? Effectively, you may seize one thing which appears to be like and sounds genuine for a fraction of the value. You’ll additionally discover killer beginner electric guitars being made by a bunch different manufacturers together with Yamaha and Gretsch.
Usually, Les Pauls are inclined to have a thicker physique with a single cutaway and Strats are just a little thinner, with two cutaways. This does have an effect on how snug they’re to play, although which one is best for you boils down to non-public choice. There are additionally fashions just like the Epiphone SG which have an identical sound to the Les Paul, however are just a little thinner and normally lighter.
What wooden is a beginner electric guitar sometimes made out of?
The woods used for electric guitars do range. You’ll discover the likes of basswood and nato getting used on some beginner electric fashions, which helps maintain prices down, while others make the most of mahogany, which is normally heavier. How a lot of an influence the physique wooden has on the sound of an electric guitar is broadly disputed, nevertheless it definitely impacts the load of it.
How do pickups work?
Most likely probably the most influential a part of the electric guitar’s sound is the electric guitar pickups with which it’s outfitted. We can’t get too nerdy or science-y right here, however pickups are basically both one or two magnets wrapped with wire. This creates a charged magnetic area which, when disrupted by a shifting string, creates a sign which is then taken by means of your guitar cable to your amp. There are various kinds of electric guitar pickups accessible on completely different guitars, the most well-liked choices being both single coils (that are discovered on Stratocasters and Telecasters) or humbuckers (that are normally discovered on Les Pauls).
The tonal distinction between these kinds of pickups is fairly huge. Single coil pickups normally sound loads brighter and thinner, and put out a sign which is far decrease than a humbucker – making them nice for clear sounds, and a favourite alternative for nation, pop and funk gamers amongst others.
Humbuckers produce a tone which is far thicker and hotter sounding because of their bigger dimension and building, and though they sound nice clear, they’ve the next output which makes them distort sooner. The overwhelming majority of basic rock and metallic gamers go for humbuckers because of this.
In terms of what you may play with every kind of pickup, the statements we have made are only a common information. Any type of music might be performed on any kind of guitar with any kind of pickup. That is the great thing about the guitar! It is all about the way you play, not what you play.
Guitar {hardware}
{Hardware} is kind of vital when in search of the perfect beginner electric guitar. {Hardware} contains issues just like the bridge, saddles, tuning pegs, and the output (the bit you plug your cable into). Investing in higher high quality, sturdier {hardware} will imply your guitar would require much less upkeep and maintain its tuning higher; it may even assist with maintain, making it sound higher too.
Which manufacturers make the perfect beginner electric guitars?
In terms of the perfect beginner electric guitars, close to sufficient each main model gives one thing. Whether or not it is by means of the principle model or a extra budget-oriented subsidiary, there will be one thing on supply from lots of the largest names within the enterprise.
A few of the best beginner electric guitars come from Squier, Epiphone, PRS and Yamaha. These manufacturers are persistently releasing good devices that are designed to provide inexperienced persons the absolute best begin to their taking part in careers.
There’s additionally manufacturers reminiscent of Gretsch and Ibanez to think about. Ibanez guitars are normally constructed for many who’re extra into heavier kinds of music, so should you’re a metalhead, then they’re price trying out. Likewise, for you nation and blues guys, Gretsch guitars are among the finest and most acceptable guitars you possibly can select. Whereas all guitars can do all kinds, some are positively extra suited to sure genres of music.
How a lot do you have to spend on a beginner electric guitar?
Discovering the perfect beginner electric guitar is about balancing all the above with the price. You possibly can decide up one thing between $150-200 that can stand you in good stead for studying; the extra you pay, the extra seemingly you’ll discover higher {hardware}, pickups that provide extra definition, and higher construct high quality. That mentioned, most individuals don’t wish to spend an excessive amount of on their first electric guitar in case it’s not one thing they take to (plus, it offers you an excuse to improve a number of years later!).
We would say that the highest finish of your funds needs to be not more than round $500.
In the end, you’re the one which’s going to be taking part in the guitar, so it’s vital that you simply discover one thing that’s snug to play, and that evokes you to select it up. There’s a ton of studying assets for beginner guitarists, in books and on-line guitar classes, too. YouTube has some nice content material if you wish to educate your self, plus there are many lecturers which can be blissful to fulfill in particular person, or educate by way of video name. There actually has by no means been a greater time to be taught!
Beginner guitar classes
Choosing up top-of-the-line beginner electric guitars isn’t any use until you understand how to play at the least the fundamentals on it. Some individuals can decide issues up by ear, or are fortunate sufficient to have somebody in the home to information them. If neither of those apply, we’d at all times suggest looking for out classes.
Head to head classes are a good way to construct a reference to a instructor and develop your expertise in a hands-on approach, however if you wish to rapidly perceive fundamental guitar strategies, be taught from the consolation of your own home and do not have an enormous funds, on-line classes are an incredible, inexpensive path to take. You possibly can be taught extra and uncover our prime picks on this information to the perfect on-line guitar classes.
You possibly can at the moment make financial savings on a a few of these platforms utilizing the codes under, too.
How we take a look at a beginner electric guitar
As you may undoubtedly have gathered from this information, electric guitars are very subjective. One guitar participant’s dream axe, might be one other’s nightmare. That mentioned, irrespective of our private choice, there are a number of key standards {that a} guitar should meet earlier than we would think about recommending it.
Initially is construct high quality. We’ll completely examine over each facet of the instrument, ensuring every part feels sturdy and strong. Though these guitars could also be on the backside finish of the value spectrum, they need to nonetheless really feel nicely put collectively and sturdy.
We’ll be sure the machine heads are responsive, the quantity and tone pots are easy, and there are not any points with the pickups or bridge. We are going to then look over the overall ending of the guitar, searching for any ending anomalies, reminiscent of bumps within the lacquer.
Subsequent, we should examine how nicely the guitar performs straight out of the field. We’re clearly trying to see how snug the neck is to carry, however we’re additionally in search of any fret points that will trigger playability issues additional down the road.
Lastly, we’d like to consider the sound of the instrument. We take a look at the guitar by means of numerous amps at a wide range of settings, switching by means of the guitar’s pickups to see how they deal with completely different kinds of music and tones.
Learn extra about our ranking system, how we select the gear we characteristic, and precisely how we take a look at every product.