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What Are The Best Electric Guitars Under $300?

Who else wants to find the best electric guitars under $300?

It’s no secret that finding the best electric guitar for under $300 can be a challenge.

With all of the different manufacturers, models, and features available, it’s difficult to know which one is the right one for you.

Plus, there’s nothing worse than buying a guitar only to find out that it’s the wrong one for you.

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work of finding the best electric guitars under $300 for you.

Check it out.

The Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best Overall

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster

Are you looking for a guitar that’s got a classic design, is affordable, and great for beginners? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster.

It has a poplar body in the classic Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish so it’s resonant, is comfortable to play, and has classic Stratocaster playability.

The maple neck has a slim “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″. As a result, it feels natural in your hand, delivers a vintage playing feel, and adds a classic tone to your sound.

With 21 medium jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has the classic Strat look and adds modern playing improvements as well as a warmer tone to your sound.

The 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions deliver all the classic Stratocaster tones you’re looking for. Plus, with a master volume control, and separate tone controls for the neck pickup, and one for the middle pickup you have complete control over your sound.

Lastly, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while providing straightforward intonation and solid tuning stability.

Pros

  • Also Available with Maple Fretboard
  • Available in Multiple Colors
  • Comes with Free Guitar Lessons

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is an affordable guitar that delivers the timeless tones and playing experience that has made Stratocasters stand the test of time.

We think you’ll find that it’s a versatile guitar that delivers versatile features and enhanced playability

Why wait? Click here to get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best Budget

Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA

Are you looking for a budget-friendly guitar that’s got dynamic looks, massive tones, and versatile playability? Then check out the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA.

It has a poplar body with an arched top and a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, resonant, and comfortable to play.

The maple neck has a scarf joint and graphite reinforcement so it’s durable, very stable during humidity and temperature changes, and adds a classic tone to your sound. Plus, it has a compound radius of 12″-16″ making it easy to play to the last fret.

With 24 jumbo frets, white binding, and Jackson’s classic Sharkfin inlays, the amaranth fretboard is very playable, has a cool look, and a full 2-octave playing range.

The Jackson High-Output humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions have a lot of punch are perfect for playing overdriven tones.

Finally, the Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Tremolo will give you the dive-bombing ability and tuning stability you’re after.

Pros

  • Available in 5 Finishes
  • Available in Left-Handed Model

Cons

  • Left-Handed Model Only Comes in Bright Blue

As you can see, the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA is a budget-friendly guitar that has great looks, versatile tones, and high-performance playability.

We think you’ll find that its features and looks combine to make an affordable guitar that’s a great value.

Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.

The Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best Runner-Up

Squier Affinity Series Telecaster

Are you looking for a guitar with a classic design, timeless tones, and acclaimed playability? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster.

It has an alder body in the classic Telecaster shape with a bolt-on neck and 3-play pickguard so it’s lightweight with a resonant and full tone.

The maple neck has a “C” shape with a satin finish and a radius of 9.5″ so it has a comfortable feel in your hand, gives you a vintage playing feel, and lets you slide up and down the neck effortlessly.

Additionally, with 21 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays, the maple fretboard has the classic Telecaster look and adds a warm tone to your sound, as well as delivering some modern playability improvements.

The two Standard Single-Coil Tele pickups deliver all of the sought-after Telecaster tones that make it such a versatile instrument. Plus, you can dial in your preferred sound using the 3-way switch, master volume, and master tone knobs.

Lastly, the top-loading bridge features individual saddles which ensures proper intonation and easier string changes.

Pros

  • Available in Multiple Colors
  • Also Comes in a Package with an Amp and Accessories

Cons

  • Some Colors Only Come with an Indian Laurel Fretboard

As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster balances quality construction, classic tones, and modern improvements.

We think you’ll find that its looks and tones make it a great choice for a wide variety of playing styles.

Don’t wait any longer! Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best Under $500

ESP LTD EC-256

Are you looking for an electric guitar that delivers provocative looks, up-to-date features, and effortless playability? Then check out the ESP LTD EC-256.

It has a mahogany body with a set-neck design and dynamic “comfort cutouts” so it has high-performance resonance and sustain, a sleek, modern look, and feels very comfortable to play.

The 3-piece mahogany neck has a thin “U” shape and a radius of 13.77″ so it delivers rock-solid stability, is a natural shape for your hand, and is flat enough to make playing leads feel easy and natural.

With 22 extra-jumbo frets and flag inlays, the roasted jatoba fretboard adds even more stability to the neck while giving a warmer tone to your sound. Plus, the inlays and frets combine for a great look and easier playability.

With ESP-designed humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge positions, you have the perfect tones for playing a wide variety of music including overdriven and distorted tones.

Additionally, the 3-way toggle switch, two volume controls, and push/pull tone knob allow you to coil-split your humbuckers and achieve an even wider variety of sounds.

Finally, the Tune-o-Matic bridge and tailpiece ensure high-performance tuning stability and enhance your sustain.

Pros

  • Available in 3 Finishes

Cons

  • Plastic Nut
  • Feels Like ESP Could of Gone for 24 Frets

As you can see, the ESP LTD EC-256 delivers first-class looks, versatile tones, and effortless playability at an affordable price.

We think you’ll find that it’s a top-quality guitar with great craftsmanship and sizzling features.

Why wait? Click here and get yours.

Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best Under $400

Ibanez RGA42FM

Are you ready for a high-quality guitar that has solid performance, enhanced playability, and a first-class look? Then check out the Ibanez RGA42FM.

It has an RGA-shaped body made of meranti with a sculpted flamed maple top and a bolt-on neck so it’s designed to be very easy to play, has a full and resonant tone, as well as a dynamic look.

The maple neck is in Ibanez’s Wizard III shape and has a radius of 15.74″. As a result, it is easy to play lightning-fast leads on, it’s very stable, and adds a classic tone to your sound.

Plus, with 24 jumbo frets and offset dot inlays, the jatoba fretboard adds an improved playing surface, a rich mid-range and crisp high end to your sound, and delivers a full 2-octave playing range.

The Ibanez Quantum humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions provide an accelerated bass response to help track high-speed playing and high-end articulation which eliminates any muddy mid-range. As a result, your notes will be clear and easy to hear even through heavy distortion.

They’re controlled by a 5-way pickup switch that is wired to let you set the neck humbucker in parallel mode, as well as split-coil for both pickups. All of this gives you a wide variety of tones that are perfect for a large range of musical styles.

Lastly, the F106 hardtail bridge ensures enhanced resonance and improved sustain while delivering high-performance tuning stability.

Pros

  • Available in 3 Gorgeous Finishes
  • Comes in Left-Handed Model

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the Ibanez RGA42FM has a stunning look, versatile tones, and easy playability.

We think you’ll agree that its features and design deliver an amazing guitar at a very affordable price.

Now is the best time! Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best Under $200

Ibanez Gio GRX70QA

Are you looking for an affordable guitar, has a superb look, and dynamite features? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA.

It has a poplar body in Ibanez’s RG shape with a quilted maple art grain top and a bolt-on neck. As a result, it has a dynamic look, delivers full and resonant tones, and has a body shape that is very comfortable to play.

The maple neck is in Ibanez’s GRX shape and has a radius of 12″ so it’s stable, comfortable in your hand, and flat enough to play leads on, but still “chunky” enough for playing power chords.

With white dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the bound purpleheart fretboard adds a classic look while also adding a warm tone to your sound while also providing an easy playing surface.

Plus, the Infinity R humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions combine with an Infinity RS single-coil pickup in the middle position so you’re all set to play a wide variety of tones that are perfect for a wide range of music.

Additionally, the 5-way pickup switch is wired for split-coil tones giving you an ever wider range of sounds to choose from.

Finally, the T106 tremolo bridge makes intonation easy and straightforward while also letting you add some vibrato to your playing.

Pros

  • Available in 6 Finishes

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA is a great choice for anyone looking for a guitar that’s affordable and packs in a lot of features.

We think you’ll find that it delivers easy playability and great looks.

Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.

The Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best Semi-Hollowbody

Ibanez Artcore AS53

Are you interested in playing blues, country, rock, or maybe even jazz? Does the idea of playing through heavy distortion, with the amp turned to 11 set your teeth on edge? Then check out the Ibanez Artcore AS53.

It has a semi-hollow body made of Sapele wood and a set-in neck design so it delivers a warm tone with lots of volume, punch, and sustain. Additionally, it’s about the size of an electric guitar making it easy and comfortable to play.

The nyato neck is in Ibanez’s Artcore AS shape with a radius of 12″ so it’s very stable, adds warmth to your tone, and offers a lot of playing versatility.

With simple dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the bound walnut fretboard has a simple look that matches the finish of the body, adds warmth to your tone, and is very playable.

Two Infinity humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge provide warm, creamy tones that are perfect for playing a lot of different styles of music.

They’re controlled by a master volume control, a master tone control, and a 3-way switch.

Finally, the Gibraltar Performer bridge provides enhanced sustain and solid tuning stability while the Quik Change III tailpiece ensures hassle-free string changes.

Pros

  • Available in 3 Finishes

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 is a very playable semi-hollow guitar that’s perfect for beginner’s and old pros alike.

We think you’ll find it boasts quality craftsmanship, versatile tones, and dynamic playability.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Click here and get yours today.

The Best Electric Guitars Under $300: Best for Shredding

Ibanez Gio GRG131DX

Are you interested in a quality shred guitar that has explosive looks, forceful performance and is available at an affordable price? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX.

It has a poplar body in Ibanez’s classic RG shape with a bolt-on neck and a red pickguard, so it’s lightweight, resonant, and comfortable to play whether you’re sitting or standing.

The maple neck is shaped in Ibanez’s GRG neck shape with a radius of 15.75″ making it stable, comfortable for your hand, and very easy to play fast runs on.

With 24 jumbo frets and red Sharktooth inlays, the bound purpleheart fretboard has a fierce look, a full 2-octave playing range, and ensures easier string bending.

The Ibanez Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver rich, warm tones and are wired for split-coil tones so they deliver a wide range of sounds.

Your sound is controlled by a master volume control, a master tone control, and a 5-way switch.

Lastly, the fixed bridge features a string-through-body design that ensures rock-solid tuning stability and effortless intonation.

Pros

  • Available in 2 Colors
  • Cool Inlays

Cons

  • Plastic Nut

As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX has the features, looks, and tones aspiring shredders demand.

We think you’ll find it’s a great choice for shredding as well as anyone looking for a great guitar.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

Best Electric Guitars Under $300: FAQ

  • What is the best guitar under $300?
  • What is the best electric guitar for the money?
    • This question comes up quite often, and a lot of this comes down to taste and personal preferences. Having said that, we recommend that you start with a Stratocaster or Strat-type electric guitar. It’s a very popular configuration with a design that has stood the test of time. Please see this post with Stratocaster recommendations and this post on recommended Stratocaster alternatives.
  • Whats the best all around electric guitar?
    • For versatility, features, and design, a Stratocaster or Strat-type electric guitar is your best bet. It’s a popular design for a reason. Please see this post for some Stratocaster recommendations under $300 and this post with budget Super Strat recommendations.
  • What are the best electric guitars under $500?
  • What is the best acoustic guitar under $300?
    • Please see this post on the best acoustic guitars under $300 and this post on the best acoustic guitar for beginners.
  • How much should I spend on my first guitar?
    • While you can buy a playable guitar for as little as $50, to find something that’s good quality, affordable, and easy for a beginner to play, expect to pay at least $100 for an acoustic guitar.