What Type of Electric Guitar is Best for Beginners?

Who else wants to know what type of electric guitar is best for beginners?

It’s no secret that identifying what type of electric guitar will be best for a beginner can be a hassle.

Beginners need a guitar that they like the looks of.

They need a guitar that delivers the tones they’re after.

Plus, it’s important that their guitar is comfortable and enjoyable to play.

If you’re after single-coil tones, see our Best Overall recommendation.

If you’re into overdriven tones, you’ll be happier with humbuckers, so see our Best Runner-Up recommendation.

Check it out!

Best Overall

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

Are you looking for a beginner guitar that’s very high quality, recreates the style and performance of a vintage Strat, and has classic playability? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster.

It has a pine body in the classic Stratocaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish so it’s very comfortable to play, has an attractive look, and a tone that’s resonant and warm.

The maple neck has a “C” shape and a radius of 9.5″ so it feels comfortable in your hand, delivers a very vintage playing feel, and adds a classic tone to your sound.

With 21 narrow-tall frets, black dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple fretboard has the vintage look and feel of a classic guitar, enhances your resonance and tone, and delivers a first-class playing experience.

The 3 Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil pickups are controlled by a 5-way switch, along with a master volume knob, and separate tone knobs for the neck pickup, and the bridge and middle pickups. As a result, not only do you have full control of your sound, but you have a wide range of tones to choose from.

Finally, the vintage-style tuners and 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo produce the vintage looks and tones of a classic Stratocaster while providing modern tuning stability.

As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster has the looks and sounds that have made Stratocasters timeless guitars that are perfect for beginners.

When asked what type of electric guitar is best for beginners, the answer most often is a Stratocaster.

We think you’ll agree it delivers versatile tones and a truly vintage playing experience that beginners will enjoy.

Why wait another day? Click here and get yours.

Best Budget

Jackson Dinky JS11

Are you looking for a very affordable beginner’s guitar that has solid looks, versatile tones, and easy playability? Then check out the Jackson Dinky JS11.

It has a Dinky-shaped body made of poplar with a bolt-on neck and a gloss finish so it’s comfortable for a beginner to play, is lightweight, and has plenty of resonance and sustain.

The maple neck features graphite reinforcement, a scarf joint, and a radius of 12″. As a result, it has excellent stability, has a natural feel in your hand, and allows for some very versatile playing.

With 22 jumbo frets and small dot inlays, the amaranth fretboard adds a simple look while making bends and chording easier. 

The two Jackson High-Output humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver crisp full tones with plenty of low-end and clear mids, so they’re great for a wide range of musical styles.

Finally, the 2-point fulcrum tremolo allows you to add vibrato to your playing, and ensure easy intonation, as well as solid tuning stability.

As you can see, the Jackson Dinky JS11 is a quality guitar that has the features, tones, and playability beginners need at a very budget-friendly price.

We think you’ll find that its simple controls, straightforward design, and contemporary looks make it an excellent choice for a beginner’s electric guitar.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

Best Runner-Up

ESP LTD EC-256

Are you looking for a versatile beginner’s guitar that features sleek looks, versatile tones, and enhanced playability? Then check out the ESP LTD EC-256.

It has a Les Paul-style body made out of mahogany with dynamic comfort cutouts and a set-neck design so it delivers enhanced resonance and sustain, a very contoured body that’s comfortable to play, and a tantalizing look.

The 3-piece mahogany neck has a thin “U” shape and a radius of 13.77″ so it ensures rock-solid stability, has a natural shape in your hand and, is flat enough to make playing leads feel as natural as playing chords.

With 22 extra-jumbo frets and flag inlays, the roasted jatoba fretboard adds even more stability to the neck and a warm tone to your sound. Plus, the inlays and frets combine for a great look and enhanced playability.

With ESP-designed humbucker pickups at the neck and the bridge, you have the perfect tones for playing a wide variety of music which is a must for a beginning guitarist.

Additionally, with a 3-way toggle switch, two volume controls, and a push/pull tone knob, you can coil-split your humbuckers and achieve an even wider variety of sounds.

Finally, the Tune-o-Matic bridge and tailpiece ensure high-performance tuning stability, better resonance, and enhanced sustain.

As you can see, the ESP LTD EC-256 delivers first-class looks, versatile tones, and effortless playability which makes it perfect for beginning guitarists.

We think you’ll find it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to start playing electric guitar.

Why wait? Click here and get yours.

Best Under $200

Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA

Are you ready for a guitar that has classic looks, powerful tones, easy playability and is perfect for a beginner? Then check out the Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA.

It has a poplar body with an arched top and a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, resonant, and very comfortable to play.

The maple neck has a “Speed” shape, with graphite reinforcement, a scarf joint, and a compound radius of 12″-16″. As a result, it has high-performance stability and feels great in your hand even at the highest fret.

Plus, with 24 jumbo frets and Pearloid sharkfin inlays, the amaranth fretboard has the classic Jackson look, adds a warmer tone to your sound, and delivers a full 2-octave playing range.

The two Jackson High-Output ceramic humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver full, rich tones and allow you to play with lots of power and aggressiveness. They’re controlled by a 3-way switch with master volume and master tone controls ensuring you can dial in your perfect sound.

Finally, the 2-point fulcrum tremolo lets you add vibrato to your playing while helping to keep your tuning stable, and intonation straightforward.

As you can see, the Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS22 DKA delivers dynamic looks, powerful features, and potent playability at a very budget-friendly price.

We think you’ll find it’s perfect for a beginner who wants to play fast leads and overdriven tones.

Don’t miss this out! Click here to get yours now.

Best Under $300

Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V

Are you looking for a beginner’s guitar that has a modern look, versatile sounds, and is very affordable? Then check out the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V.

It has a lightweight and dynamically shaped body made of alder with a bolt-on neck and a gloss polyurethane finish. As a result, it has a great tone, feels easy and natural to play, and has a great look.

The maple neck has a “C” shape and a radius of 13.75″ so it has a natural and comfortable feel that’s perfect for easily playing leads and chords.

With 22 medium frets and dot inlays, the rosewood fretboard adds a classic look and tone to your sound as well as delivering an enhanced playing experience.

The 2 single-coil pickups and humbucker pickup use ceramic Alnico V magnets so have a warmer, clearer, and more dynamic tone. Additionally, you’ll also enjoy playing split-coil tones thanks to the push/pull switch on the tone knob.

Finally, the vintage-style tremolo has block saddles that let you precisely intonate your guitar while adding some vibrato to your playing.

All in all, the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V is an excellent guitar for a beginner since it features updated tones, easy playability, and a contemporary look.

We think you’ll find it’s a great option for anyone looking for modern tones and enhanced features.

You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.

FAQ

• What is the best beginner electric guitar?
  • Please see our Best Overall and Best Runner Up recommendations. These two guitars are the best options for single-coil and humbucker guitars available today.
• What guitar should a beginner start with?
  • If you’re into playing electric guitar, see this post for some recommendations under $300. If you’re looking for an acoustic, please see this post for more recommendations.
  • This post goes more in-depth on the different types of guitars for beginners.
  • Stratocasters are often a good first choice of guitar. This post covers different Stratocaster models that are available.
• How do I choose my first electric guitar?
  • If you can, go to a music store and try out a few of the different electric guitars. You must enjoy the looks and feel of a guitar or else you won’t enjoy playing it.
  • This post goes more in-depth on the topic.
• Should a beginner start with an electric guitar?
  • While an electric guitar can be easier to play than an acoustic guitar, it’s often better to start with an acoustic or even a classical guitar. Please see this post for more information.