Who else wants to find the best electric guitar to buy for beginners?
It’s no secret that finding the best electric guitar to buy for beginners can be a challenge.
With all of the different manufacturers, different models, and different features it’s hard to know which one’s the right one for a beginner.
Plus, it can be confusing just figuring out what’s different between two guitars that look almost the same!
Fortunately, we’ve chosen the best electric guitars currently available at a range of prices.
You can relax and choose the one that feels right for you.
Check it out!
The Best Electric Guitar to Buy for Beginners: Best Overall
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
Are you looking for the best electric guitar to buy for beginners that has a timeless design, classic tones, and vintage styling? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster.
This Telecaster is constructed from pine with a bolt-on neck and nickel-plated hardware so it delivers a snappier response, produces classic tones, and delivers vintage styling.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a vintage-tint gloss finish as well as a radius of 9.5″ which means it has a natural feel in your hand, makes sliding up and down the neck smoother, and has a vintage-style playing feel.
With 21 narrow-tall-sized frets, dot inlays, and a genuine bone nut, the maple fretboard adds a classic tone to your sound, delivers a vintage-inspired feel for your hand, and makes bends and slides easier for beginners to execute.
The Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions deliver timeless Telecaster tones that are perfect for beginners who are looking to play classic tones.
Plus, the 3-way pickup selection switch, master volume knob, and master tone knob allow beginners to easily experiment and craft their own tones.
Finally, the bridge features 3 barrel saddles and a string-through-body design to create an authentic vintage Telecaster tone.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
- Genuine Bone Nut Enhances Your Sound
Cons
- 3-Saddle Style Bridge can be Tricky to Intonate
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster delivers authentic old-school styling, classic tones, and vintage playability.
We think you’ll find it’s straightforward and timeless design makes it the best electric guitar to buy for beginners.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Electric Guitar to Buy for Beginners: Best Budget
Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS
Are you looking for the best electric guitar to buy for beginners that has a time-tested design, delivers fatter tones, and is easy on your budget? Then check out the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS.
This guitar features a Stratocaster-shaped body made of poplar with a bolt-on neck and a satin neck finish so it’s very comfortable to play, produces full tones, and delivers a snappier response.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a radius of 9.5″ which means it’s designed to be comfortable for beginners to play, deliver a vintage playing feel, and add a classic tone to your sound.
With 21 medium-jumbo-sized frets and white Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has a classic sound as well as a timeless look and makes bends and slides much easier for beginners to play.
The single-coil pickups at the neck and middle positions are paired with a humbucker pickup at the bridge position which means this guitar has the versatility to produce timeless Stratocaster tones as well as a more modern, contemporary sound.
Additionally, the 5-way pickup selection switch, master volume knob, and tone control knobs allow beginners to experiment and take full control over their tone.
Finally, the hardtail bridge removes the hassles beginners often experience with tremolos while also enhancing tuning stability and sustain.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Also Comes in Classic Stratocaster Single Coil Configuration
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Squier Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS offers versatile tones, a classic design, and a vintage playing feel at a price that’s easy on your budget.
We think you’ll find it’s the best electric guitar to buy for beginners who are on a budget and still want a quality build and access to modern tones.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours today!
The Best Electric Guitar to Buy for Beginners: Best Runner-Up
Ibanez RG Standard RG450DX
Are you interested in the best electric guitar to buy for beginners that delivers powerful tones, a modern look, and exceptional playability? Then check out the Ibanez RG Standard RG450DX.
This guitar features an RG-shaped body made of meranti with sleek comfort cutouts and a bolt-on neck so it has a body that’s comfortable to learn on, produces warm and full tones, and has a much snappier response.
The neck is composed of maple, is in Ibanez’s Wizard III shape, and has a radius of 15.74″ which means it’s designed to be easy to play fast leads on, provides plenty of stability, and has a radius that guarantees easy playability.
With Sharktooth inlays and 24 jumbo-sized frets, the bound jatoba fretboard has a fearsome look, adds warmth to your sound, provides a full 2-octave playing range, and makes playing effortless.
The Ibanez Quantum humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge positions are paired with an Ibanez Quantum single-coil pickup in the middle position which means beginners have a wide range of modern tones to choose from.
Plus, the 5-way pickup selector switch is wired to give you the option of split-coil tones which means even more tones to experiment with.
Finally, the double-locking tremolo and locking nut ensure high-performance tuning stability as well as easy intonation while allowing beginners to dive-bomb to their heart’s content.
Pros
- Ultramodern Looks and Features
- Available in 2 Colors
Cons
As you can see, the Ibanez RG Standard RG450DX delivers modern styling, contemporary tone, and easy playability.
We think you’ll find it’s the best electric guitar to buy for beginners who want to play heavier tunes and are looking for shred-friendly playability.
Don’t delay! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Electric Guitar to Buy for Beginners: Best Under $400
Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA
Are you searching for the best electric guitar to buy for beginners that delivers unmatched performance, dynamic playability, and an ultramodern design? Then check out the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA.
This guitar features a Dinky-shaped body composed of poplar with an arched top and a bolt-on neck which means it’s designed for easy playability, produces well-balanced tones, and produces a tighter response.
The maple neck has a scarf joint, as well as graphite reinforcement, and a compound radius of 12″-16″ so it has a classic tone, is incredibly stable through temperature and humidity changes, and makes playing chords and leads easier for beginners to master.
With 24 jumbo-sized frets and Jackson Sharkfin inlays, the amaranth fretboard provides a full 2-octave playing range, makes bends, slides, and chords easier for beginners to play, and has an intense look.
The Jackson High-Output humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions feature ceramic magnets so they create full, fat tones that are well-suited to today’s modern music.
Plus, the master volume control, master tone control, and 3-way pickup switch make it easier for beginners to master dialing in the tone they’re after.
Finally, the Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Tremolo provides the rock-solid tuning stability beginners need.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Left-Hand Model Available
- Also Available with a Maple Fretboard
Cons
As you can see, the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 DKA delivers an ultramodern design, unmatched playability, and powerful tones.
We think you’ll find it’s the best electric guitar to buy for beginners who are looking for a quality guitar with a modern design.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Electric Guitar to Buy for Beginners: Best Under $300
Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica
Are you looking for the best electric guitar to buy for beginners that has a high-quality build, versatile features, and is easy to play? Then check out the Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica.
It features a Strat-style body made of mahogany with comfort cutouts and a bolt-on neck which means it produces warm and resonant tones, has a tighter response, and is designed to be easy to play.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a radius of 13.75″ which means it has a classic tone, is in a shape that’s easy for beginners to play, and is easy to learn chords and leads on.
With 22 medium frets and dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard has a traditional look, produces a solid tone, and is easy to play.
The single-coil pickups at the neck and middle positions are paired with a humbucker pickup at the bridge which results in a wide variety of tones to choose from.
Plus, since the pickups are all ceramic, beginners will enjoy punchier, high-output tones.
Finally, the vintage-style tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while still ensuring solid tuning stability and an easy intonation process.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica delivers versatile tones, a quality build, and easy playability.
We think you’ll find its modern Strat-style design and modern features make it the best electric guitar to buy for beginners looking to spend under $300.
See for yourself. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Electric Guitar to Buy for Beginners: FAQ
- What is a very good electric guitar for beginners?
- For decades now, guitarists have been playing the Telecaster electric guitar. It’s a great choice for beginners since it has simple controls, a straightforward design, and produces tones that have been associated with electric guitar playing from the beginning.
- How much should a beginner spend on an electric guitar?
- A basic electric guitar for a beginner can cost as little as $200 all the way up to $700 or $800. If you’re planning on playing “heavier” music, like metal, you’ll probably want to spend more on your beginner guitar than someone just interested in learning the basics. Please see our post on The Best Beginner Electric Guitar for Metal as well as our post on How Much is an Electric Guitar?
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.