Are you curious about what is a good electric guitar to start with?
It’s no secret that figuring out what is a good electric guitar to start with can be a challenge.
With all of the different models and all of the different manufacturers, it’s hard to know where to even start.
Plus, if you’re just starting out, how can you know what features you really need?
Fortunately, we’ve done the research and found some really good electric guitars that are perfect for beginners to start with.
Check it out!
What is a Good Electric Guitar to Start With?: Best Overall
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
Are you interested in a good electric guitar to start with that has a time-test design, versatile tones, and classic playability? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster.
It features a pine body in the timeless Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck as well as a gloss polyurethane finish which means it delivers warm and powerful tones, is comfortable to play, and has an old-school look.
The maple neck is in a comfortable “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it provides plenty of stability, has a shape that feels natural in your hand, and delivers a vintage playing fee.
With 21 narrow-tall frets, black dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple fretboard delivers the genuine experience of a classic Stratocaster, enhances your tuning stability and tone, and provides a vintage-style playing experience.
The Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups at the neck, middle, and bridge positions deliver the classic Stratocaster tones that have made Stratocasters the most popular guitar in history.
Plus, their tonal versatility makes this guitar perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
Finally, the vintage-style tuners and 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge provide the vintage looks and tones of a classic Stratocaster while also ensuring rock-solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Genuine Bone Nut Enhances Tone and Increases Tuning Stability
Cons
- Vintage Saddles can be Finicky
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster delivers the classic looks, versatile tone, and easy playability beginners need in their first guitar.
We think you’ll find that it is a really good electric guitar to start with, and will serve you through a lifetime of playing.
Why wait? Click here and get yours.
What is a Good Electric Guitar to Start With?: Best Budget
Monoprice Indio Retro Classic Electric Guitar
Are you looking for a good electric guitar to start with that is easy to play, has a time-tested design, and is very easy on your budget? Then check out the Monoprice Indio Retro Classic Electric Guitar.
It features a basswood body in a classic Telecaster-style shape with a bolt-on neck so it has a time-tested design, delivers a clean and full tone as well as a tighter, snappier response.
The maple neck has a “C” shape as well as a radius of 9.5″ so it adds a classic tone to your sound, has a shape that’s natural for your hand, and delivers a vintage playing feel.
With 22 frets and small dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard adds a contemporary look while ensuring classic playability and a warmer tone.
The ceramic single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions produce high-output tones that are clear, and bright with plenty of treble and mid-range tones.
As a result, they’re perfect for playing a wide range of different music.
Plus, with a 3-way pickup switch, master volume, and master tone controls you have complete control over your sound.
Finally, the hardtail bridge features individual saddles as well as a string through body design so it provides superior intonation as well as enhanced sustain.
Pros
- Includes Gig Bag
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Monoprice Indio Retro Classic Electric Guitar provides a classic design, easy playability, and versatile tones.
We think you’ll find it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a good electric guitar to start with who is on a budget.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
What is a Good Electric Guitar to Start With?: Best Runner-Up
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
Are you interested in a good electric guitar to start with that delivers a notable design, classic tones, and a vintage playing experience? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster.
It features a Telecaster-shaped body composed of pine with a bolt-on neck and nickel-plated hardware so it has a classic design, a snappier and brighter tone, and has a first-class look.
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 will have a comfortable feel in your hand, add a classic tone to your sound, it’ll be easy to slide your hand up and down, and will give you an old-school playing feel.
With 21 narrow-tall frets, dot inlays, and a genuine bone nut, the maple fretboard delivers vintage-style playability, an enhanced tone, and the classic look and sound Telecasters are known for.
The Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions deliver the classic Telecaster tones that are perfect for a wide variety of musical styles.
Plus, the 3-way pickup selection switch, master volume knob, and master tone knob allow you to dial in your preferred sound.
Finally, the vintage-style bridge features 3 barrel saddles as well as a string-through-body design which increases your sustain and helps to produce the classic Telecaster tone.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
- Genuine Bone Nut Enhances Your Sound
Cons
- 3-Saddle Style Bridge Delivers a Vintage Tone but can be Tricky to Intonate Properly
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster provides the classic Telecaster experience along with modern build quality and classic playability.
We think you’ll find it’s a good electric guitar to start with for anyone looking for classic guitar tones.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
What is a Good Electric Guitar to Start With?: Best Under $300
Ibanez Gio GRG131DX
Are you looking for a good electric guitar to start with that has a modern look, powerful tones, and versatile features? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX.
It features a poplar body in Ibanez’s classic RG shape with a bolt-on neck and comfort cutouts which means it delivers a well-balanced tone, is very comfortable to play, and has a livelier, snappier response.
The maple neck is in Ibanez’s GRG shape and features a radius of 15.75″ which means it adds body to your sound, has a comfortable feel in your hand, and makes it effortless to play powerfully fast leads on.
With 24 jumbo-sized frets and red Sharktooth inlays, the bound purpleheart fretboard has a dynamic look, enhances the ease of playing slides and bends, and provides a full 2-octave playing range.
The Ibanez Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions produce a wide range of full, warm tones that are perfect for playing leads as well as playing rhythm.
Plus, the pickup selection switch is wired to allow you to split-coil the pickups which gives you a wider range of tones to choose from.
Finally, the F106 bridge features a string-through-body design that ensures excellent intonation as well as rock-solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
- Cool Inlays and Color Scheme
Cons
- Plastic Nut
- No Tremolo
As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRG131DXhttps://amzn.to/3GLdOqs
delivers a dynamic look, versatile tones, and exceptional playability.
We think you’ll find it’s a good electric guitar to start with for anyone who wants a more modern, shred-friendly guitar.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
What is a Good Electric Guitar to Start With?: Best Under $200
Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA
Are you looking for a good electric guitar to start with that has a powerful design, advanced playability, and versatile tones, then check out the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA.
This guitar is in Jackson’s potent Dinky shape with an arched top poplar body and a bolt-on neck which means it has a well-balanced tone, a livelier response, and is very comfortable to play.
The maple neck is in Jackson’s “Speed” shape and has a compound radius of 12″-16″ so it provides stability, has a shape that’s comfortable for your hand, and ensures easy playability no matter where you are on the neck.
With 24 jumbo-sized frets and Pearloid sharkfin inlays, the amaranth fretboard has a modern look, makes slides and bends easier to play, and adds warmth to your sound.
The Jackson High-Output ceramic humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge positions produce full, rich tones that are perfect for high-gain tones as well as crisp, clean ones making them the perfect choice for a large variety of music.
Plus, the 3-way pickup selection switch, master volume control, and master tone control mean you can dial in your preferred tone.
Finally, the 2-point fulcrum tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while also ensuring solid tuning stability.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Also Available with a Nato Body
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA provides versatile tones, modern playability, and a rock and roll look.
We think you’ll find it’s a good electric guitar to start with if you’re looking to play heavier, distorted tones and want to spend under $200.
You’ve waited long enough! Click here to get yours now.
What is a Good Electric Guitar to Start With?: FAQ
- What electric guitar should a beginner use?
- A beginner will probably be happiest with a Stratocaster or Telecaster style guitar. Please see our Best Overall and Best Budget Recommendations.
- Is it OK to start with an electric guitar?
- Starting out playing an electric guitar is perfectly fine and lots of guitarists started out this way. There can even be some advantages to starting with an electric guitar like less finger and hand fatigue. Please see this post for some recommendations.
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.
