Best Stratocaster for Beginners

What is the best Stratocaster for beginners? There’s no guitar that’s 100% right for everybody, because everybody is different.

Whether you’re on a tight budget, or you’re looking for modern improvement, you’ll find the best Stratocaster for you on this list.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Overall

This is the best Stratocaster in general. It’s got some great modern upgrades that will add to your playing experience, but it still captures the heart and soul of what makes a Stratocaster a timeless guitar.

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster

Based on more than 60 years of history, the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is designed to meet the needs of today’s modern guitar player.

An alder body with a durable gloss urethane finish sculpted neck heel will give you the classic Stratocaster look, and tone, while making it easy to play the higher frets on your fretboard.

The maple neck in a deep “C” shape with a 9.5″ radius and a “Super-Natural” satin finish making it extremely comfortable to play.

A maple fretboard with 22 narrow tall frets, and black dot inlays will give you the traditional Stratocaster look and sound, while the rolled fretboard edges and a bone nut will make playing smoother, with more sustain.

Three V-Mod II single-coil Strat pickups offer superior articulation while retaining their highs, and their warmth.

A traditional 5-way switch, a master volume knob, and tone controls for neck/middle pickups and the bridge pickup gives you access to the traditional Stratocaster tones.

A treble bleed circuit will maintains your highs when turning down the volume, while a push/push switch on the tone knob activates the neck pickup letting you add to your tones.

The 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles, a pop-in tremolo arm, and cold-rolled steel block will increase your sustain, ensure clarity, and make playing vibrato a breeze.

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster is a very “Strat” Stratocaster.

It has got enough modern improvements to enhance your playing, while still keeping the elements that make a Stratocaster timeless.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Budget

If you’re just starting out, and you’re on a tight budget, this Squier is the guitar for you. The quality is great, and it’ll give you the Stratocaster playing experience at a very affordable price.

Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT

Are you seeking the most affordable Stratocaster available? Do you want a Strat that’s been 100% designed by Fender? The Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT is what you need.

With a poplar body and a bolt-on maple neck, you’ll get the classic Stratocaster playing experience.

The “C” shape neck has a 9.5″ radius, making it perfect for just about any playing style.

An Indian laurel fretboard with 21 frets and white Pearloid inlays give you the simple, timeless Stratocaster look and feel.

With three standard single-coil Strat pickups in the traditional neck, middle, and bridge positions, you can play classic Stratocaster tones.

You’ll also get the master volume control, tone control for the neck pickup, tone control for the middle pickup, and classic 5-way switch of a traditional Stratocaster.

A 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail, instead of a tremolo, will make intonating easy, and remove the confusion, and frustration that beginners often feel when playing with a tremolo.

The Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT succeeds at eliminating what you don’t need, and focusing on what makes a Stratocaster a great guitar.

If you’re looking for the best Stratocaster for beginners on a budget, you’ll still be getting the Strat tone at a very affordable price.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best for Gigging

As a gigging musician, you’re probably gonna have different needs than the average player. If playing live, or in a studio is in the cards, this Stratocaster may be the one for you.

Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat

The Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat is a very versatile Stratocaster intended to be a workhorse guitar for the gigging guitarist.

It’s got an alder body with a gloss polyester finish, as well as a 4-bold asymmetrical neck plate and contoured neck heel giving you an easier time playing up the fretboard.

A maple neck in a modern “C” shape and a 12″ radius makes it easy and comfortable to play everything from chords to arpeggios.

The maple fretboard has 22 narrow tall frets and black pearloid dot inlays in classic Stratocaster style.

Three vintage Noiseless single-coil Strat pickups will give you all of the classic sounds of a single coil Stratocaster without any of the hum.

Unlike a traditional Stratocaster, you’ll get a master volume control, and a master tone control, as well as master 6-position rotary tone switch with an onboard preamp which will give you your choice of 6 distinct tone settings.

The volume knob has the S-1 switch preamp bypass, so you can eliminate the preamp completely and focus on classic Stratocaster sounds.

A classic 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles will let you add vibrato, and locking tuners with vintage style buttons will help keep you in tune in style.

Adding modern innovation, and versatility, the Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat is a great option for the guitarist who’s looking for a Stratocaster that will serve a wide range of sonic needs.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Runner-up

I’m throwing two in here: One focused on the vintage Strat tone, and one focused on contemporary players. Both are really great Stratocasters, and could easily make Best Overall, but they cater to specific players, not general players overall.

Fender American Ultra Stratocaster

With the American Ultra Series, Fender has set out to update and innovate their classic guitars.

The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster has an alder or ash body with sculpted rear contours, making it even more comfortable to play.

It has a maple neck, with a compound radius of 10″-14″ in modern “D” shape, making playing fast runs really easy and enjoyable, especially since the 4-bolt asymmetrical neck plate will make it much easier to reach the higher frets.

The rosewood fretboard has 22 medium jumbo frets, a bone nut and white pearloid dot inlay, so you’ll retain a great tone as well as the classic Stratocaster look.

Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat pickups will give you all of the Stratocaster tones you’re looking for, without the annoying hum of single coil pickups.

The master volume has the S-1 switch which adds the neck pickup to any switch position, enhancing your tonal options.

The 2-point Deluxe tremolo comes with a pop-in arm, so your tremolo arm will stay tight and responsive.

The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster has modern improvements like body contouring, a modern neck, and updated pickups.

If you’re looking for a Stratocaster that’s been updated to appeal to the contemporary guitarist, this may be the one for you

Fender Vintera ’50s Stratocaster

Fender calls the Vintera Series of guitars, “Vintage style for the modern era,” and for players who are looking for the style and tone of a vintage Stratocaster, this is it.

The Fender Vintera ’50s Stratocaster has an alder or ash body, with a gloss polyester finish.

With a maple neck that is period-correct, with a soft “V” profile and a 7.25″ radius, you’ll get the genuine playing experience of a vintage Stratocaster.

A Maple fretboard with 21 vintage-style frets and black dot inlays will ensure the classic looks and well as the classic tone.

The Vintage-style ’50s single-coil Strat pickups have been designed to recreate the sound of the original Stratocaster pickups with bell like highs, and crisp articulation.

The standard 5-way switch and master volume is present, but Fender mixes it up a bit with a tone control for the neck and middle pickup, and one for the bridge, a nod to modernity.

Keeping with the vintage style, you’ll get a 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo and vintage-style tuners, but with the modern performance you’re looking for.

The Fender Vintera ’50s Stratocaster is the closest thing you’ll get to picking up a Stratocaster from the ’50s without completely breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for vintage Stratocaster tone, and feel, this may be the guitar for you.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Under $1000

This guitar really impresses, and is the most affordable way to get a Fender Stratocaster for under a grand.

Fender Player Stratocaster

The Fender Player Series comprise affordable versions of Fender’s iconic guitars with updated necks, and new finishes.

With an alder body that has a gloss polyester finish, the Fender Player Stratocaster delivers an authentic Fender look and sound.

The maple neck is in a modern “C” shape with a 9.5″ radius, making it comfortable and ideal for any playing style.

With a fretboard made of maple, 22 medium jumbo frets and black dot inlays you’ll get the authentic playing feel, and tone that Stratocasters are known for.

Three Player series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil pickups guarantee a classic sound, with crisp highs, and strong mids, and a warm low end in traditional Stratocaster style.

A 2-point tremolo with bent steel saddles will allow you to smoothly add vibrato to your playing, and more easily stay in proper tune.

The traditional 5-way switch, and master volume controls will give you the whole range of Stratocaster tones, including jazzy mids, country, and blues.

Unlike your traditional Stratocaster, there is a dedicated tone control for the bridge pickup, giving you even more control over your tone.

If you’re interested in getting started with a Stratocaster for under $1000, the Fender Player Stratocaster is a great option, since it sticks closest to an all around Stratocaster sound.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Under $500

This Stratocaster offers the best value you can get for under $500.

Squier Classic Vibes ’60s Stratocaster

The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is a great way to get your hands on a Stratocaster at an affordable price.

It’s inspired by the ’60s era Stratocasters, with a nato body that has a bolt-on neck, and a gloss polyurethane finish.

The maple neck has a slim “C” profile with a 9.5″ radius giving you a really traditional Stratocaster playing experience.

Continuing the classic Stratocaster style, the Indian Laurel fretboard has 21 narrow tall frets, and dot inlays, so you’ve got the looks and tone of a classic Strat.

With Fender designed Alnico single-coil pickups, the classic 5-way switch, and your traditional volume and tone knobs, you’ll also be able to play all the tones Stratocasters are known for, from spanky twangs, to mellow jazzy mids.

Bending strings is easy with the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo and tuning is stable with the vintage-style tuners.

Completely designed by Fender, the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster has a great sound, and feel.

It’s very affordable, with the tones you’d expect from a Stratocaster.

If you’re looking to spend under $500, the Squier Classic Vibes ’60s is a great option.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Under $300

You’ll be amazed at the quality of Stratocaster you’ll get for this price.

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is a great way to get started playing a Stratocaster at a very affordable price.

With a Poplar body that has a gloss polyurethane finish, it’s got classic Stratocaster looks as well as sound.

Continuing the Stratocaster traditions, it’s got a “C” shaped, bolt-on maple neck that has a profile that is slim and comfortable with a classic 9.5″ radius.

An Indian laurel fretboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays continues the look, as well as enhances your tone.

In traditional Stratocaster fashion, 3 Standard single-coil Strat pickups are controlled by the classic 5-position blade switch, master volume, and two tone controls. You’ll easily be able to play the Strat tones you’re looking for, whether they be jazz, blues, or rock.

A 6-saddle Vintage-style tremolo and standard die-cast tuners will let you add some spice to your playing, as well as easily keep you in tune.

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is an affordable way to start playing a Stratocaster.

It delivers the expected range of Strat tones, from twangy spank in the bridge position, to a very jazzy tone.

If you’re looking to spend less than $300, this would be a great Stratocaster to start with.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Strat Alternative

G&L’s guitars continue Leo Fender’s legacy, and benefit from his designs and improvements.

Some even argue that G&L’s guitars are the ultimate Stratocaster.

Either way, if you don’t want a Squier, and can’t yet afford a Fender, this is a great, affordable alternative.

G&L Tribute Legacy

The G&L Tribute Legacy has the traditional look of a Stratocaster while benefiting from decades of design improvements.

It’s got all the feel of a traditional Stratocaster, as well as the classic
tones you’re seeking, from blues, to jazz, to rock.

If you’re looking for a Strat alternative that plays and sounds great, this
may be the one for you.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Super Strat

For some this may be blasphemy, but for others, this may be where you end up anyway.

If you’re looking for a Stratocaster that has a Floyd Rose style bridge, or you’re looking to play through heavy distortion, or play smokin’ fast arpeggios, this guitar may be the one for you.

Ibanez RG Standard RG450DX

Does the heel on a classic Stratocaster annoy you? Do you dream of easily playing past the 14th fret? Are you looking for heavier sonic capabilities? Then a Super-Strat may be the best option for you.

A lot of guitar players love the look, and feel of a Stratocaster, but find that it doesn’t properly satisfy all of their playing needs and desires.

A Super-Strat is a great alternative to buying a Stratocaster, and also offers different sonic possibilities, and playing experiences.

The Ibanez RG Standard RG450DX is an affordable option, that’s great for a beginner.

It has a meranti body that’s shaped similar to a Stratocaster, so you’ll retain a lot of the look and feel you’re looking for.

The Wizard III maple neck is thin, flat and designed for fast playing up and down the neck.

A bound jatoba fretboard with sharktooth inlays will ensure a rich mid range, and crisp highs while the 24 jumbo frets means you can play more notes than a standard Stratocaster.

The Quantum pickups in humbucker, single, humbucker configuration offer a split coil option, giving you more sonic possibilities and tones.

A double locking tremolo with a locking nut, will let you add vibrato, or dive bomb without worrying about keeping in tune, a common complaint of Stratocasters.

With a fast neck, dual humbuckers, as well as a single coil pickup, you’ll get a wide range of tones from the Ibanez RG Standard RG450DX, and a great playing experience.

If you’re looking for a Stratocaster alternative, the looks and sound of this guitar will satisfy all of your needs.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Best Strat Package

A package is a great way to get started with everything you need to play today.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Pack

Are you looking for everything you need to start playing your Stratocaster right out of the box?

The Affinity Series Stratocaster pack is a great option since it includes everything you’ll need to get started playing immediately.

It features a Squier Affinity Series Strat HSS which has a poplar body, and maple bolt-on neck, in a comfortable “C” shape, with a easy to play radius of 9.5″.

With 3 Standard single-coil Strat pickups you’ll immediately be able to plugin, and play your favorite rock, jazz and blues songs.

It includes a Fender Frontman 15G amplifier that has 15 watts of power, so you’ll get plenty of volume, as well as clean and overdrive channels so you can choose your sound.

You can also plug your favorite media device into its AUX input and use it for jam tracks, as well as use the headphone jack to practice without disrupting your neighbors.

For ease and convenience, a package is a popular option. It removes the inconvenience of having to go out and gather things yourself, and the Affinity Series Stratocaster pack is a great option.

It comes with a guitar strap, picks, an amp, a great Stratocaster and a 3-month subscription to Fender Play, so even if you’re an absolute newbie, you’ll be ready to play.

Best Stratocaster for Beginners: Mini-Size

If you’re looking for a Stratocaster for a kid, or you need something to take on the road with you, this guitar may be for you.

Squier Mini-Strat

If you’re looking for a Strat to take on the road with you, or maybe a Strat for a child, this may be the one for you.

It’s got a laminated Poplar body so it’s light, but still has some resonance.

Like a full sized strat, it’s got a bolt-on maple neck in a comfortable “C” shape, with a 9.5″ radius makin

An Indian Laurel fretboard with 20 narrow tall frets, and pearloid dot inlays will help give you the full si

With 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups, and the traditional 5-position blade switch no one will be able t

To help simplify things, you’ll get one master volume and one master tone knob so craft your sound.

A 6-Saddle Vintage-style string-thru hardtail bridge won’t let you dive bomb, but it will keep you in tune.

Fender claims the Squier Mini Stratocaster is a small strat, with a big sound, and the Squier Mini Stratocaster definitely has the Strat spank, and does a good job of giving you the classic Stratocaster tones.

The string spacing’s a bit smaller than a full-sized Stratocaster, and it also has a narrower neck, so I wouldn’t recommend you gig with this guitar.

You’d be well served using it as a travel guitar, or as a guitar for a kid who’s just starting out.

FAQ

Why Recommend a Squier?

Squier is owned by Fender, and are considered Fender’s “Starter” or lower-priced Guitars.

In the past they were often cheaply made, and had a less than stellar reputation, but today they’re very well respected as a brand and put out some really quality instruments.