Are you curious about the best guitars under 400 dollars?
You’ve probably noticed that finding the best guitars under 400 dollars can be a difficult experience.
With the different models, and different options available it’s hard to know which ones are the best.
Plus, it’s hard to know exactly which one is the right one for you or which one is the best for the money.
Fortunately we’ve done the research, weighed the different options and chosen the best guitars under 400 dollars.
Check it out!
The Best Guitars Under 400 Dollars: Best Overall
Ibanez RGA42FM
Are you looking for intense looks, quality, and performance all for less than $400? Then check out the Ibanez RGA42FM.
It has a sculpted RGA-shaped body made out of meranti with a flamed maple top so it has a warm and full tone, a very unique and stylish look, and is comfortable to play.
The maple neck is in Wizard III shape and has a radius of 15.74″ so it’s very thin, super-flat, and very stable.
Plus, with 24 jumbo frets and offset white dot inlays, the jatoba fretboard adds a rich mid-range and crisp high end to your sound while providing a full 2-octave range.
Additionally, the Ibanez Quantum humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions provide an accelerated bass response to help track high-speed staccato riffing with high-end articulation and no muddy mid-range. This means that your notes will be clear and easy to hear.
A master volume knob, master tone knob, and 5-way pickup switch let you set the neck humbucker in parallel mode, as well as split-coil for both pickups. As a result, you have a wide variety of tones that are perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
Finally, the F106 hardtail bridge enhances resonance and sustain while ensuring high-performance tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in 3 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Ibanez RGA42FM delivers great looks, enviable tones, and easy playability at a very affordable price.
We think you’ll find it’s an excellent guitar that you’ll want to add to your collection.
Don’t wait! Click here and get yours now.
The BestPlastic Nut Guitars Under 400 Dollars: Best Budget
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11
Are you looking for a very affordable guitar that has classic looks, tone, and easy playability? Then check out the Jackson Dinky JS11.
It has a poplar body in the classic Dinky shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss finish, so it has a classic tone, is resonant, and comfortable to play.
With graphite reinforcement, a scarf joint, the maple neck sports a radius of 12″. As a result, it has excellent stability during temperature and humidity changes and is very easy to play.
The amaranth fretboard has a simple look and versatile playability thanks to its 22 jumbo frets and simple dot inlays. Additionally, it adds a bit of warmth to your tone.
Plus, the two Jackson High-Output humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver crisp full tones with plenty of low end.
Lastly, the 2-point fulcrum tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing, as well as ensuring easy intonation, and reliable tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in 4 Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Jackson Dinky JS11 is a quality guitar that has the features, tones, and playability you’re looking for, all at a wallet-friendly price.
We think you’ll find that it’s a great guitar for the money that will serve you well.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Guitars Under 400 Dollars: Best Runner-Up
Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
Are you looking for a modern Stratocaster that’s got great looks and features? Then check out the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH.
It has a Stratocaster-shaped poplar body with a bolt-on neck in the classic Stratocaster style
The maple neck is in a slim “C” shape with a 12″ radius so it’s comfy for your hand, and easy to play chords and leads on.
With 22 jumbo frets and black dot inlays, the maple fretboard has a classic Stratocaster look and tone, and the jumbo frets make string bending easy.
Plus, with Dual ceramic zebra humbuckers, it has a modern look, as well as a modern sound that’s ready to tackle fat tones and distortion as well as crunchy rhythm and solos.
Additionally, the humbuckers are controlled by a master volume knob, master tone knob, and a 3-way switch keeping things simple and straightforward.
Lastly, the 6-saddle synchronized tremolo features block saddles for easy intonation and adding some vibrato to your sound.
Pros
- Matching Headstock
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- No Split Coil
All in all, the Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH is meant for the contemporary guitarist looking for dynamic features and tones.
We think you’ll agree that its trailblazing looks and design are well suited to today’s guitarist.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Guitars Under 400 Dollars: Best Under $300
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Are you looking for an affordable guitar that’s classic, versatile, and can serve you for years? 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 packed with timeless Strat-tones and playability.
The maple neck is in a slim “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it has a vintage-style playing feel while still being comfy for your hand.
With 21 medium jumbo frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has the classic look and tone of a Strat, and the frets ensure easy string bends.
Plus, the 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups in the neck, middle and bridge positions ensure you can play all the classic Stratocaster tones.
Lastly, the 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo lets you add vibrato to your sound while ensuring a straightforward intonation process.
Pros
- Also Available with Maple Fretboard
- Available in Multiple Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- 9.5″ Radius Fretboard is not Everyon’e Favorite to Play
As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster has the classic Stratocaster sounds and features that have shaped music all at an affordable price.
We think you’ll find that its looks and features will serve you well no matter what your style of playing.
Don’t hesitate! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Guitars Under 400 Dollars: Best Under $200
Ibanez Gio GRX70QA
Are you looking for a guitar that has great looks, great tones, and is easy on your waller? 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 great look, a warm and resonant tone, and is comfortable to play.
The maple neck has a radius of 12″ and is in Ibanez’s GRX shape so it’s flat enough to easily play lead guitar but still comfortable enough for playing power chords on.
With white dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the bound purpleheart fretboard has a timeless look and adds a warm tone to your sound.
Plus, with two Infinity R humbuckers at the neck and bridge and an Infinity RS single-coil in the middle position you’re all set to play a large variety of tones that are appropriate for a wide variety of genres.
Additionally, the 5-way pickup switch is wired for split-coil tones giving you even more tones to explore.
Lastly, the T106 tremolo bridge makes intonation easy while also letting you add some vibrato to your sound.
Pros
- Available in 6 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable guitar that’s great for a lot of different playing styles.
We think you’ll find that its looks and features make it an incredible bargain.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Guitars Under 400 Dollars: FAQ
- What is the best guitar under 500?
- Please see this post for our recommendations.
- What is the best affordable guitar?
- See this post for some recommendations
- What is the best guitar for the money?
- Depends on how much money! See our Best Overall pick and our Best Budget.
- What are the best electric guitars under $500?
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.