Choosing the best electric guitar starter kit can be confusing.
What features do you need? Is one guitar better than another? What about accessories?
Do you need the basics, or something more?
Part of what’s best for you is going to be based on your preferences.
You may not like the look of one guitar over another.
Here I’ve narrowed it down, and chosen the best electric guitar starter kits available.
I’ve kept it simple, and chosen a couple of options where available.
Have a look!
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Best Overall
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Pack
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Pack is the perfect electric guitar starter kit for anyone who wants the Stratocaster experience.
It’s got the classic Stratocaster appointments, in a poplar body that’s got a gloss finish.
With its “C” shaped, bolt-on maple neck it’s slim and comfortable for beginning guitarists, as well as pros.
Your fingers will have a great playing experience thanks to the Indian laurel fretboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and pearloid dot inlays.
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 keep you in tune, as well as let you add some vibrato to your notes.
You’ll be able to practice quietly, or jam along with your favorites tunes thanks to the Fender Frontman 10G amp that’s included.
It’s got 10-watts of playing power, as well as an overdrive switch, so you’ll get plenty of sounds out of it.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Includes Instructional DVD
Cons
- May Not Appeal to Fans of Humbucker Tones
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Pack is a great way to be playing a Stratocaster right out of the box.
It delivers a wide range of classic tones, perfect for everything from rock to jazz to blues.
Squier Affinity Telecaster Bundle
Not everybody is enamored by the Stratocaster, but if you still want a great quality Fender, try the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster bundle.
The body is poplar with a gloss finish, and the maple neck has a satin finish, making the neck easy for beginners to play.
Additionally, the neck has a radius of 9.5″ and a “C” shape, so it’ll be very comfortable for someone looking for a traditional neck experience.
You’ll be get a classic Fender look and feel with a maple fretboard, that has 21 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays.
Two standard single coil Tele pickups will give you access to the classic Telecaster tones.
The included Fender Frontman 10G amp has headphone and AUX ports for practicing in silence, and playing along to your favorite tunes.
Plus, you’ll be able to play both clean, and distorted tones on it.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Available in Left Handed Model
- Includes Instructional DVD
Cons
- Left Handed Model Comes in Only 1 Color
The Squier Affinity Telecaster Bundle has everything you’ll need to start playing right out of the box.
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Best Budget
Rise by Sawtooth
Rise by Sawtooth is Sawtooth’s beginner electric guitar package, and is perfect if you’re on a budget, and need a simple, straightforward electric guitar kit.
It’s got a Strat-inspired basswood body, so it’s lightweight, resonant, and comfortable to play.
The bolt-on maple neck is shaped to cater to beginning guitarists.
A maple fretboard with 21 frets and simple dot inlays will give you a classic look and tone.
With a single humbucker in the bridge position, controlled by a volume and tone control, you’re gonna be focused on learning, and developing your skills.
An adjustable bridge continues the theme of simplicity, keeping you intonated and in-tune.
Included is a 5-watt portable beginner’s amp that can be powered by batteries.
You’ll be able to play a clean tone and an overdrive tone, in an amp that’s completely portable!
Pros
- Available in 3 Finishes
- Left Hand Models Available
- Available in 3/4 Size
- Includes Online Lessons
Cons
- Doesn’t Include Power Adapter for Amp
- Amp Doesn’t have AUX
Rise by Sawtooth is perfect for the new guitar player who’s on a budget and wants to focus on playing their guitar.
It’s got everything you need to become an expert on the electric guitar, all in an affordable package.
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Best Runner-up
Best Choice Products39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit
If you’re on a budget, and you want single-coil sounds in a Strat-like body, the Best Choice Products Electric Guitar Starter Kit is for you.
It’s got a Stratocaster inspired body made of wood, and a bolt-on maple neck.
The rosewood fretboard has dot inlays, and 22 frets so you’ll be free to play all the way up the fretboard.
Three single-coil pickups will give you a wide variety of tones to choose from.
The classic two tone, single volume, and 5-way switch controls will be easy to use.
A tremolo bridge will help add vibrato to your playing, and keep you intonated.
A 10-watt amplifier completes the package, with overdrive and headphone input, so you’ll be able to play clean and dirty tones, as well as practice quietly.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Matching Headstock
Cons
- May Need a Setup to Play Properly
The Best Choice Products39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a great choice if you’re on a budget, and want classic Strat-like tones.
It’s got great reviews on Amazon, and great looks.
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Best Under $500
Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS
If you’re looking for a guitar and amp that’s 100% designed by Fender, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS is for you.
With a poplar body and a bolt-on maple neck, you’ll experience what it’s like to play a classic Stratocaster.
The “C” shaped neck has a classic 9.5″ radius, making it perfect for anyone just learning how to play.
An Indian laurel fretboard with 21 frets and white pearloid inlays will give you the simple, timeless Stratocaster look and feel.
You’ll be able to play the classic Stratocaster tones with two standard single-coil Strat pickups in the traditional neck, and middle positions.
The bridge pickup is a humbucker, letting you play more powerfully through distortion.
The included Fender Frontman 10G amp has headphone and AUX ports for silent playing, and jamming along to your favorite tunes.
It also has an overdrive switch which will allow you to easily switch between clean, and distorted tones.
Pros
- Available in SSS
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Includes Instructional DVD
Cons
- Will Need New Strings
Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS pack has a 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail, instead of a tremolo, eliminating the frustration beginners often experience playing with a tremolo.
The quality is great, and it’ll give you the complete Stratocaster playing experience out of the box, at a very affordable price.
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Best Under $300
Sawtooth ES Series Electric Guitar Players Pack
If you’re looking for a Strat-style electric guitar starter kit, with a powerful amp, the Sawtooth ES Series Player Pack is for you.
The guitar is has a body made of basswood so it’s lightweight and resonant.
The maple neck is “C” shaped with a 15″ radius, making it shredder friendly, as well as easy to play on.
An ovangkol fretboard, with 21 medium jumbo frets, and dot inlays will give you the classic Strat look.
1 volume, 2 tone controls, and a 5-way switch will let you control the 3 single-coil pickups, giving you a wide choice of tones.
A classic tremolo bridge will let you add plenty of sparkle to your notes.
Included is a 25-watt amp that has volume, gain, treble, middle, bass, and reverb controls, giving you a huge range of sounds.
It also includes a drive select button, so you can switch between clean and distorted tones.
Pros
- Includes Pick Sampler
- Includes Guitar Stand
Cons
- 25-Watt Amp May Be Too Loud For Small Homes
- Amp Lacks AUX Input
Designed with beginners in mind, the Sawtooth ES Series Electric Guitar Players Pack the Sawtooth ES Series Player Pack has everything you need to get playing today.
Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack
If you’re looking for an electric guitar starter kit at an affordable price, try the Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack.
It contains a Les Paul Special-II, which has an alder body, and a bolt-on hard maple neck, for a simple, effective look and feel.
The neck has a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and a 12″ radius, so it’ll look great, and be easy to play.
2 humbuckers in classic Les Paul style will allow you to achieve classic Les Paul tones, all controlled by master tone and volume knobs.
The Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge will help you stay properly intonated, and enhance sustain.
A 10-watt guitar amp is included, that has headphone, and AUX inputs, that’ll let you practice in silence, and also jam along to your favorite tracks.
Pros
- Includes Downloadable Lessons
- Available in 2 Finishes
Cons
- Amplifier Has Very Simple Controls
The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is an affordable way for a beginning guitarist to get everything they need right out of the box.
If you’re looking for a Les Paul style look, and tone, check this one out.
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Best Under $200
Epiphone Les Paul SL Starter Pack
If you’re looking for an electric guitar starter kit that’s a great value, the Epiphone Les Paul SL Starter Pack could be the one for you.
It’s got an alder body in a Les Paul shape, so it’s perfect for the beginner who prefers Gibson-style guitars.
The bolt-on hard maple neck has a 60s SlimTaper profile, so it’ll be comfortable to learn to play on.
The granadillo fretboard has 22 frets and dot inlays making it perfect for beginning players.
Epiphone single-coil pickups in the neck and bridge position will let you play a variety of different styles, all controlled by master volume, and master tone knobs
Included is a MityPRO Mini amp which is powered by a 9-volt battery, so it’s very portable.
The amp has inputs for headphone, for silent practicing, and mp3-in, so playing along to jam tracks.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Includes Online Lessons
Cons
- MityPRO Mini Amp May be Too Small for Some People
- Single Coil Pickups in a Gibson-Style Guitar, and They’re not P-90s
The Epiphone Les Paul SL Starter Pack has a very vintage look and feel.
It’s the perfect starter guitar for someone who’s looking for a Les Paul-style guitar, at a very affordable price.
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Best for Kids
Squier 3/4 Size Kids Mini Strat
If you’re looking for an electric guitar starter kit for a kid, and you’re looking for quality, the Squier 3/4 Size Kids Mini Strat is a great option.
It’s got a laminated poplar body, so it’s lightweight, and still resonant.
With a “C” shaped maple neck in a 9.5″ radius, they’ll get the full guitar playing experience, in a body that’s comfortable to play.
The Indian laurel fretboard has 20 frets, and dot inlays so they won’t be limited in their playing.
Three single-coil pickups,a 5-way switch, and tone and volume controls will give your kid the option of playing many different tones, and styles of music.
The included 10-watt amplifier has a headphone jack for silent practicing, which will be a great noise reducer.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Ideal for Kids 6-12 Years Old
- Includes Instructional DVD
- Includes Fender Play Online Lessons
Cons
- For Larger Kids, May Be Better to Buy a Full-Sized Guitar
The Squier 3/4 Size Kids Mini Strat is a real “grown up” guitar in a kid-friendly size.
With the included amp, and accessories, your kid will be ready to rock and roll straight out of the box.
LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar
If you’re looking for an affordable electric guitar starter kit for a child, the LyxPro 30″ Electric Guitar is a great option.
At 30″, it’s scaled for smaller hands, and bodies, making it comfortable for a kid to play.
Its body is described as Phoenix wood, which I believe is Paulownia wood, which is light and durable, so it’s perfect for kids.
The Canadian maple neck and rosewood fretboard has 21 frets, so your kid will get a full-size guitar playing experience from the start.
You’ll get one pickup, with tone and volume control, so your kid will be able to control their sound, just like on a full-sized guitar.
The 20 watt amplifier has a headphone amp, for silent practicing, as well as an AUX input, so your kid can jam along to their favorite track.
Pros
- Available in 3 Colors
- Available in Left Hand Model
Cons
- Kids Will Outgrow Guitar Size in a Few Years
The LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar is a real guitar that’s been designed for kids.
It comes with everything they’ll need to get started, and is perfect for your young beginner.
Best Electric Guitar Starter Kit: Travel Size
Traveler Guitar EG-1 Custom
If you’re someone on the go a lot, or someone who travels frequently, the Traveler Guitar EG-1 Custom may be the best electric guitar starter kit for you.
It’s got a mahogany body and a mahogany neck, so it’s going to give you a great tone despite it’s small size.
The neck is full-scale, so you’ll get a proper guitar playing experience in a convenient travel-sized package.
A black walnut fretboard with 21 jumbo frets and a radius of 15.75″ means it will be easy to play on, and perfect for learning arpeggios.
One Seymour Duncan designed devastator humbucker at the bridge position will give you the same tones as a full-sized guitar.
Instead of a separate amplifier, you’ll get a 4-channel headphone amplifier that’s built-in to the guitar.
You’ll get clean, boost, overdrive and distortion tones all without a separate amplifier, and you’ll still be able to plug into a regular amp.
Pros
- Available in Gloss and Matte Black
- AUX Input for Jamming/Practicing
Cons
- Shred-Friendly Design May Not Be For Everybody
- Headless Guitar Playing Takes Some Getting Used To
The Traveler Guitar EG-1 Custom is a great option for anyone looking for an electric guitar starter kit who also needs portability.
It’s a great guitar for anyone who values space saving, convenience and versatility in their guitar.
FAQ
- What About Strings for My New Guitar?
- See here for more information.
- What Size Amp Is Best?
- For learning/practicing, a smaller amp is better.
- If the amp is too loud, you won’t get the proper tones for the volume you can comfortably play at.
- Remember, the amp is for practicing, not gigging.
- Why Guitar X over Guitar Y?
- As a beginner, you’re looking for a guitar that’s gonna be setup properly out of the box.
- That means a properly setup one may cost more.
- I’ve chosen based on price/performance and reliability.
- Do I Need a Tuner?
- A tuner is helpful, but not vital, because you can find tuners online or for your phone.
- What About Storage?
- You’re gonna need some kind of gig bag to store your new axe when you’re not playing it.
- All of these guitars come with an included gig bag of some kind.
- A stand is nice, but not 100% necessary right away. It does make it easier to use your guitar regularly.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
