9 Best Beginner Electric Guitar

Beginner electric guitars are essential for those who are just starting and want to learn how to play the guitar. They provide an affordable and accessible option for beginners to learn and practice. The best beginner electric guitar can provide a solid foundation for new guitarists and help them build their skills faster.

Finding the best beginner electric guitar can be challenging, as many options are available. Beginners may not know what to look for or what features are essential. Moreover, many guitars marketed as “beginner” are of poor quality and may hinder learning.

Luckily, we have reviewed many beginner electric guitars and can help you choose the one that is right for you. We have considered quality, price, ease of use, and durability factors to help you find the best beginner electric guitar. With our recommendations, you can confidently start learning and playing the guitar.

Top 9 Best electric guitars for beginners

Yamaha Pacifica 112 V

The Yamaha Pacifica 112 V stands out as one of the best beginner electric guitars on the market. Its reputation is well-deserved thanks to its remarkable features.

The Pacifica 112 V offers a wide range of tones. With its HSS pickup configuration, you can achieve everything from clean, crisp sounds to powerful, distortion-filled rock. This versatility allows beginners to explore various musical genres and find their unique sound.

Yamaha has designed this guitar with comfort in mind. The lightweight body and comfortable neck make it easy for beginners to play for extended periods without fatigue. It’s the perfect choice for those starting their musical journey.

Yamaha is known for its craftsmanship, and the Pacifica 112 V lives up to the brand’s reputation. It’s built to last, ensuring beginners have a reliable instrument as they learn and progress.

The Yamaha Pacifica 112 V is ideal for beginners seeking a versatile, comfortable, well-crafted electric guitar. It’s highly recommended for those looking to explore different musical styles.

Pros:

• Versatile tones
• Comfortable to play
• High-quality craftsmanship
• Budget-friendly
• Well-balanced

Cons:

• Limited color options
• No gig bag is included

Official Yamaha Pacifica 112 V Website

Squier Affinity Stratocaster

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a strong contender for the best beginner electric guitar title, offering many features that make it an excellent choice.

The Affinity Stratocaster captures the iconic Fender Stratocaster sound. It delivers the classic, crisp tones that have defined rock and blues music for decades, allowing beginners to start their musical journey on the right note.

With a comfortable neck and smooth fretboard, this guitar is incredibly playable, making it an excellent option for beginners just starting to learn. Novice players can quickly get the hang of chords and lead lines.

Squier has managed to provide a high-quality guitar at an affordable price. This means beginners can enjoy the prestige of the Fender brand without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Squier Affinity Stratocaster is the perfect choice for beginners who want to embrace the legendary Stratocaster sound, enjoy easy playability, and do so at a budget-friendly price.

Pros:

• Classic Stratocaster sound
• Easy to play
• Affordable
• Available in various colors
• Ideal for beginners

Cons:

• Limited tonal variety
• Lower build quality compared to higher-end models

Jackson JS22 Dinky

The Jackson JS22 Dinky is considered one of the best beginner electric guitars, and for good reason. Its sleek design and impressive features make it a top choice.

The JS22 Dinky boasts dual high-output humbucking pickups, allowing players to explore a wide range of tones. This guitar adapts to various music genres, from clean and crisp to heavy distortion. Beginners benefit from its versatility in honing their playing style.

The guitar features a fast-playing neck with a comfortable profile, making it easier for beginners to navigate the fretboard. This facilitates quicker learning and improved playability.

With a sturdy construction, this guitar can withstand the rigors of learning and practice. It ensures durability, making it a long-term investment for newcomers.

The Jackson JS22 Dinky is ideal for beginners looking for a versatile, easy-to-play, and durable electric guitar, making it highly recommended for those starting their musical journey.

Pros:

• Versatile tone options
• Fast and comfortable neck
• Durable construction
• Affordable
• Sleek design

Cons:

• Limited finish options
• No gig bag is included

Official Jackson JS22 Dinky Website

Gear4Music Knoxville

The Gear4Music Knoxville electric guitar is a noteworthy choice for beginners in music. Here’s why it’s among the best for novice players.

The Knoxville offers a budget-friendly entry point for beginners without compromising on quality. Aspiring musicians can start their journey without a hefty price tag.

This guitar is built with a comfortable, ergonomic design that’s easy for beginners to handle. Its solid build quality means it can withstand the practice and learning process.

The Knoxville delivers a classic, warm tone, ideal for those diving into rock, blues, and similar genres. It provides an authentic sound experience, helping beginners develop their musical style.

In conclusion, the Gear4Music Knoxville best suits budget-conscious beginners looking for an affordable, well-built electric guitar with a classic tone.

Pros:

• Affordable entry
• Comfortable design
• Solid build
• Classic tone
• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Limited tonal versatility
• Limited finish options

Official Gear4Music Knoxville Website

Epiphone Power Players Les Paul

The Epiphone Power Players Les Paul is an exceptional choice for beginners. It earns its place as one of the best for various reasons.

The guitar captures the legendary Les Paul sound, known for its rich, warm tones. Beginners can start their musical journey with a classic and iconic sound, perfect for rock and blues.

Epiphone is renowned for its craftsmanship, and this model reflects that reputation. It’s a well-made instrument that ensures durability after years of practice.

The Power Players Les Paul offers high-quality features at a budget-friendly price, making it accessible to beginners without compromising quality.

The Epiphone Power Players Les Paul is perfect for beginners who desire the classic Les Paul sound, appreciate quality craftsmanship, and work with a limited budget.

Pros:

• Iconic Les Paul sound
• Quality craftsmanship
• Affordable
• Suitable for rock and blues
• Beginner-friendly

Cons:

• Limited tonal variety
• No gig bag is included

Hartwood Charger

The Hartwood Charger claims its spot as one of the best beginner electric guitars for several compelling reasons. It offers a unique blend of affordability, quality, and playability that caters to novice musicians.

The Charger boasts solid craftsmanship and durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of practice and learning. Beginners can trust that their investment will last.

This guitar provides a range of tones thanks to its HSS pickup configuration. It can handle clean, twangy notes and deliver powerful rock riffs. This versatility allows beginners to explore different music styles with ease.

The Charger features a comfortable neck and a well-balanced body, making it easy for beginners to navigate the fretboard. The smooth playability enhances the learning experience.

The Hartwood Charger is ideal for beginners seeking a well-built, versatile, comfortable electric guitar. It’s recommended for those looking to kickstart their musical journey with a reliable instrument.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality
• Versatile tonal options
• Comfortable to play
• Affordable
• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Limited finish options
• No gig bag is included

Harley Benton SC-Junior

The Harley Benton SC-Junior is a standout choice for beginner electric guitar players. Its combination of affordability and quality makes it an attractive option.

The SC-Junior is known for offering impressive features at a wallet-friendly price. It’s the perfect entry point for beginners who want to start their musical journey without breaking the bank.

This guitar is lightweight and well-balanced, making it comfortable for new players. It’s easy to handle and play, whether sitting or standing, making it suitable for learning and practice.

The SC-Junior is equipped with high-quality pickups that provide a great sound. Beginners can enjoy a rich, warm tone perfect for various music genres.

In conclusion, the Harley Benton SC-Junior is designed for budget-conscious beginners who appreciate quality without the high cost.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Comfortable to play
• Quality pickups
• Lightweight
• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Limited tonal versatility
• Limited finish options

Ibanez GRX20

The Ibanez GRX20 stands out as one of the best electric guitars for beginners, offering a well-rounded package suitable for novice players.

This guitar features a comfortable neck and body design, providing a balanced feel for beginners. Learning and practicing are made easy with this instrument.

The GRX20 offers a range of tones thanks to its dual humbucking pickups. It can handle various styles, from clean and jazzy to distorted rock, making it versatile.

Known for its craftsmanship, Ibanez delivers a quality instrument. Beginners can rely on the GRX20’s durability, ensuring it lasts throughout their musical journey.

In summary, the Ibanez GRX20 is ideal for beginners seeking balanced playability, versatile tones, and the trusted quality of the Ibanez brand.

Pros:

• Balanced playability
• Versatile tonal options
• Ibanez craftsmanship
• Affordable
• Suitable for various styles

Cons:

• Limited finish options
• No gig bag is included

ESP M10

The ESP M10 is one of the best beginner electric guitars due to its affordability, quality, and beginner-friendly features. Its sleek design and durable construction make it an ideal choice for those embarking on their musical journey.

The M10 features a comfortable neck and body design, ensuring beginners can easily navigate the fretboard. This promotes a smooth learning experience, allowing novice players to develop their skills quickly.

This guitar has ESP-designed LH-100 pickups and a rich and versatile tone. Its dynamic sound capabilities allow beginners to explore various music styles, from clean melodies to heavy rock.

ESP is known for its craftsmanship, and the M10 is no exception. It’s built to last, ensuring beginners get a reliable instrument to accompany them as they progress in their musical endeavors.

The ESP M10 is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, high-quality electric guitar with smooth playability, versatile tones, and lasting durability. It’s recommended for beginners looking for an instrument to support their musical growth.

Pros:

• Smooth playability
• Quality sound
• Durability
• Affordability
• Suitable for various music styles

Cons:

• Limited finish options
• No gig bag is included

Squier Sonic Mustang

The Squier Sonic Mustang is a fantastic option for beginners, offering a blend of affordability, comfort, and excellent playability.

This guitar features a compact and lightweight body, making it easy to handle. It’s particularly suitable for beginners, including those with smaller frames, ensuring comfortable playing.

The Squier Sonic Mustang is equipped with dynamic pickups that offer a range of tones. Beginners can experiment with different musical genres, from clean and jazzy to distorted rock, thanks to its tonal versatility.

Squier is known for providing quality at an affordable price point. This makes it an accessible choice for beginners who want to dive into the world of electric guitars without a significant financial investment.

In conclusion, the Squier Sonic Mustang is an excellent option for beginners, particularly those who seek a comfortable, versatile, and budget-friendly electric guitar.

Pros:

• Comfortable design
• Versatile tonal options
• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Suitable for various music styles

Cons:

• Limited finish options
• No gig bag is included

How To Choose The Best Beginner Electric Guitar

If you’re a beginner looking for an electric guitar, choosing from the many available options can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand what to look for in a beginner electric guitar and recommend the best beginner guitars.

1. Budget

Your budget is an important consideration when choosing a beginner electric guitar. Look for an affordable guitar that still has decent quality.

2. Size and Shape

Choose a guitar that is comfortable for you to hold and play. Beginners may want to consider a smaller-sized guitar, such as a 3/4 or 1/2 scale guitar.

3. Weight

The weight of the guitar can affect how comfortable it is to play. Look for a not-too-heavy guitar, especially if you plan on playing for long periods.

4. Type of Wood

The type of wood used in the guitar can affect its sound quality. Look for guitars made with high-quality woods such as mahogany, alder, or maple.

5. Pickups

Pickups are electronic devices that convert the strings’ vibrations into an electric signal. Look for guitars with good-quality pickups that produce a clear and balanced sound.

6. Neck

The neck of the guitar should be comfortable for you to hold and play. Look for a neck with a comfortable shape and width.

7. Bridge

The bridge is part of the guitar that holds the strings in place. Look for a bridge that is easy to adjust and keeps the strings in tune.

8. Brand and Reputation

Choose a guitar from a reputable brand with a good reputation for producing quality instruments.

Choosing the best beginner electric guitar can be daunting, but with these considerations in mind, you can find the right guitar for your needs. Remember to choose a guitar that is within your budget, comfortable to play, and made with high-quality materials. By choosing the right guitar, you can set yourself up for success as you begin your musical journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beginner Electric Guitar

You may have many questions if you’re a beginner looking to buy an electric guitar. This article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about beginner electric guitars.

1. What is a beginner electric guitar?

A beginner electric guitar is a guitar that is designed specifically for beginners. It is usually smaller, lighter, and easier to play than a professional guitar.

2. What should I look for when buying a beginner electric guitar?

Consider the price, sound, playability, and overall instrument quality when buying a beginner electric guitar. It’s essential to find a guitar that is comfortable to play and sounds good.

3. How much should I spend on a beginner electric guitar?

You can find beginner electric guitars for as little as $100, but spending between $200 and $500 for a decent-quality instrument is recommended.

4. What are the different types of beginner electric guitars?

The most common beginner electric guitars are Stratocaster-style guitars, Les Paul-style guitars, and Telecaster-style guitars. Each type has its unique sound and feel.

5. Do I need an amplifier to play a beginner electric guitar?

Yes, you will need an amplifier to play an electric guitar. The amplifier amplifies the guitar’s sound and allows you to adjust the volume and tone.

6. What is the difference between a solid-body and a hollow-body electric guitar?

A solid-body electric guitar is made from a single piece of wood, while a hollow-body electric guitar has a hollow body that resonates and produces a fuller sound.

7. How often do I need to change the strings on my beginner electric guitar?

Changing the strings on your electric guitar every 2-3 months would be best, depending on how often you play.

8. Can I play any style of music on a beginner electric guitar?

Yes, you can play any style of music on a beginner electric guitar. However, some guitars are better suited for certain styles of music than others.

Buying a beginner electric guitar can be daunting, but understanding the basics can make the process much easier. Consider your budget, the sound, the playability, and the instrument’s overall quality when purchasing.