The electric guitar has been an iconic instrument in the world of music for decades, captivating audiences with its electrifying sound and powerful presence. If you’re looking to pick up the best electric guitar for beginners, finding the right instrument can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it may be difficult to know where to start.
But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I’ll Explore some of the best electric guitars for beginners, including their features, playability, and affordability.
Whether you’re into rock, blues, or jazz, we’ll help you find the perfect guitar to kickstart your musical journey. So grab your pick and get ready to shred!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product or service links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. I only recommend products and services that I personally believe in.
7 Best Electric Guitar For Beginners: Comparison Table
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Product Name
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Body Material
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Body Shape
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Scale Length
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Pickup Configuration
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Neck Profile
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Poplar and Maple
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Stratocaster
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25.5 Inches
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H-s-s
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C shape
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Poplar and Maple
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Solid Body
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25.5 Inches
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H-s-s
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C shape
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|
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Poplar
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Solid Body
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25.5 Inches
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H-s-s
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C shape
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|
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Poplar
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Stratocaster
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25.5 Inches
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S
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C shape
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|
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Okoume
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Hollow body
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24.75 Inches
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H
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Medium C shape
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Maple Wood
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Solid Body
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30 Inches
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H-H
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C shape
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|
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Maple
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Single Cutaway
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25.5 Inches
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S-S-S
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C shape
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Best Electric Guitar For Beginners: Details Review
Specifications:
- Scale Size: 25.5 Inches
- Body Shape: Stratocaster
- Material: Poplar and Maple
- Pickup Configuration: H-s-s
- Neck Shape: C shape
The Fender Stratocaster HT Electric Guitar is a true icon in the world of music. With its timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and versatile sound, this guitar has been a favorite among musicians for decades.
Benefit With Feature
The “HT” in its name stands for “hardtail,” referring to the absence of a tremolo system, which provides increased stability and sustain. With its combination of three single-coil pickups and five-way switching, the Stratocaster HT offers a wide range of tones that can be dialed in to suit any musical style.
Whether you’re playing blues, rock, country, or jazz, this guitar delivers the legendary Fender sound that has made it a staple on stages around the world. With its timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship, the Fender Stratocaster HT Electric Guitar is truly an instrument that stands the test of time.
Pros
- Comfortable C-shaped neck profile
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- S pickup configuration
- Soft and clear sound
Cons
- Not good for a large hand
Specifications:
- Scale Size: 25.5 Inches
- Body Shape: Solid Body
- Material: Poplar and Maple
- Pickup Configuration: H-s-s
- Neck Shape: C shape
The Donner DST 200 Electric Guitar is a high-quality instrument that offers exceptional sound and playability. With its sleek design and versatile features, this guitar is perfect for both beginners and experienced players alike.
Benefit With Feature
The DST 200 features a solid wood body, which produces a rich and resonant tone. At the same time, the maple neck provides excellent stability and comfort. Equipped with three single-coil pickups, this guitar delivers a wide range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and punchy. The tremolo bridge allows for smooth and precise pitch bends, adding expressive possibilities to your playing.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- HSS pickup with split coil
- Comfortable C shape neck profile
- 3-ply aged pickguard
- Comes with 7 modes of tone
Cons
- Frets are thin
Specifications:
- Scale Size: 25.5 Inches
- Body Shape: Solid Body
- Material: Poplar
- Pickup Configuration: H-s-s
- Neck Shape: C shape
The Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar is a high-quality instrument that combines affordability with exceptional playability.
Benefit With Feature
With its sleek design and high-quality construction, this guitar offers exceptional playability and tone. The DST-152R features a solid wood body that provides a rich and resonant sound. At the same time, the maple neck ensures comfortable and smooth playing. Its dual humbucker pickups deliver a powerful and versatile range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and aggressive.
Pros
- Humbucking single coil pickup gives a rich tone
- Neck stiffener makes the neck more comfortable
- Comes with all the necessary instruments
- Gives up to 12 months warranty
Cons
- The fret ends are sharp
Specifications:
- Scale Size: 25.5 Inches
- Body Shape: Stratocaster
- Material: Poplar
- Pickup Configuration: S
- Neck Shape: C shape
The Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar Pack is the perfect choice for beginners and aspiring guitarists. Everything you need to get started playing is included in this collection.
Benefit With Feature
The Squier Stratocaster is known for its iconic design and versatile sound, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. With its comfortable playability and high-quality construction, this guitar will inspire you to unleash your creativity and explore the world of music.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your gear, this pack provides excellent value for money. It ensures that you have all the essentials to start playing right away. With its sleek design and impressive sound quality, the Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar Pack is sure to inspire creativity and help you make music that truly rocks.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Comes with all necessary instruments
- Versatile sound quality
- 3 months of free subscriptions to Fender Play
- Comfortable C-shaped neck
Cons
- Sometimes fret buzzing on the low e and a
Specifications:
- Scale Size: 25.5 Inches
- Body Shape: Hollow body
- Material: Okoume
- Pickup Configuration: H
- Neck Shape: Medium C shape
The Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar is a true masterpiece in the world of electric guitars. With its iconic design and exceptional craftsmanship, this guitar is a dream come true for any musician.
Benefit With Feature
The Les Paul Special-II features a solid mahogany body, providing a rich and resonant tone that is unmatched in its class. The dual humbucker pickups deliver a powerful and versatile sound, allowing you to play anything from smooth jazz to heavy metal with ease.
The slim-tapered neck ensures comfortable playability, perfect for both beginners and experienced players alike. Whether you’re performing on stage or jamming in your bedroom, the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar will never disappoint.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Rosewood fretboard gives a rich sound
- Okoume Body and Neck
- Lightweight and easy to play
Cons
- Comes without any instructions
Specifications:
- Scale Size: 30 Inches
- Body Shape: Solid Body
- Material: Maple Wood
- Pickup Configuration: H-H
- Neck Shape: C shape
The Pyle Electric Guitar is a versatile and high-quality instrument that is perfect for both beginners and experienced musicians.
Benefit With Feature
With its sleek design, comfortable playability, and exceptional sound, this guitar is sure to impress. The Pyle Electric Guitar features a solid wood body, which provides a rich and resonant tone. It also boasts a set of high-quality pickups that deliver a wide range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and cutting.
Whether you’re playing blues, rock, jazz, or any other genre, the Pyle Electric Guitar has you covered. With its affordable price tag and outstanding performance, this guitar is a must-have for any guitarist looking to take their playing to the next level.
Pros
- Comes with all the instruments
- Soft and clear sound quality
- Dual humbucker pickup
- 3-way pickup selector
- Able to control volume and tone
Cons
- Amp is not powerful enough
Specifications:
- Scale Size: 25.5 Inches
- Body Shape: Single Cutaway
- Material: Maple
- Pickup Configuration: S-S-S
- Neck Shape: C shape
The LyxPro Electric Guitar is a true masterpiece in the world of music. With its sleek design, impeccable craftsmanship, and exceptional sound quality, this guitar is a dream come true for both beginners and professional musicians alike.
Benefit With Feature
The high-quality materials used in its construction ensure durability and longevity, allowing players to create beautiful music for years to come. Whether you’re rocking out on stage or strumming in the comfort of your own home, the LyxPro Electric Guitar delivers an unparalleled playing experience.
From its smooth fretboard to its powerful pickups, every detail has been meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and versatility. With the LyxPro Electric Guitar in your hands, you’ll be ready to unleash your musical creativity and take your performance to new heights.
Pros
- Complete guitar pack
- High-quality materials
- Tune with a digital tuner
- Comfortable Canadian maple neck
Cons
- Packaging could be better
How To Choose An Electric Guitar For Beginners?
Before you learn how to play the guitar, choose the instrument that looks the coolest and doesn’t cost too much. But you should think about more than just how much the guitar costs and how it looks.
These will change how the electric guitar sounds and feels when you play it, which will have many effects on how you enjoy playing. The electric guitar’s size, body, number of notes, neck, and pickup are a few of these.
Size Of Guitar
It likely doesn’t come as a surprise that an electric guitar’s size is very important. Most people who play guitar over the age of 12 can play a full-sized guitar well. Another thing is that most digital guitars are “full-sized” anyway. You can measure a full-sized electric guitar from the tip of the headstock to the bottom of the body. It will allow you to figure out how long it is.
On the other hand, the scale length of a full-sized electronic guitar is about 25.5 inches (64.8 cm). Scale length is the distance between the bridge of the guitar and the top of the fingerboard. This is where you’ll play with your fretting and strumming hands.
But there are also smaller guitars for younger and smaller people who want to be rock stars. The most common small guitar sizes are 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4. If the kid is younger than 12, a 3/4 electric guitar might be a good choice.
But keep in mind that they’ll outgrow the guitar at some point. You should check out the guitar in person at a music store near you to make sure it fits your or your child’s size.
Body And Shape
The body of an electric guitar is the bottom part of the instrument–the hollow part of an acoustic guitar. Electric guitars exist in a variety of designs. Even the body of one instrument might vary greatly from different models.
For beginners, a more traditional guitar form may be preferable. So, instead of obtaining a cool V-shaped flying V, go for a more classical guitar with a more practical form.
Frets
How many frets are on the guitar fretboard is important, and so is the fretboard’s length and the size of the guitar. The highest notes that can be played on an electric guitar with 24 frets can’t be played on an electric guitar for beginners with 22 frets.
Even though the few frets that are missing from a smaller electric guitar might not be a big deal or make it hard to play, it’s still a good idea to get one with 24 frets. When you start to learn guitar solos, those last few notes above 20 will really help you out.
Neck
It shouldn’t be a surprise at this point that the neck and size of an electric guitar are important. We can put guitar necks into groups based on their thickness, width, and radius of the fretboard. This way, we can talk less about the different types of guitar necks and their forms. Most guitar necks are shaped like
- U
- V
- D
- C
If you look at the guitar neck from the top, the letters in these names describe the shape. There are also guitar necks that are made asymmetrically, which means that the curve of the neck is not symmetrical. When you first get your electric guitar, though, you don’t need to worry about these things.
But which neck type is best for someone who is just starting to play guitar? When the guitar neck is bigger, the strings are farther apart, which makes it easier to tell the difference between them. But people with small hands may find it hard to play with a guitar neck that is too wide.
In the end, it’s up to you, so you should try out a few different kinds for yourself. For example, the staff at a music store can show you a few different models of electric guitar. The neck shape that feels best in your hand is the best one.
Pickup
A pickup on an electric guitar is one of the electronic parts that lets you, for example, boost the sounds of the guitar strings through an amplifier. A normal microphone, on the other hand, picks up acoustic sound waves. A pickup, on the other hand, turns the vibrations of the guitar string into electrical messages. Electric guitars and bass guitars both use these kinds of microphones.
There are two main types of pickups: single-coil pickups and humbucker pickups, which are also called double-coil pickups. Single coil pickups have one pole piece for each string, as the name suggests.
Humbucker pickups, on the other hand, have two pole pieces for each string. The single coil type is what most electric guitar pickups, especially those for beginners, are made of.
Also, inactive and active guitar pickups are different. Active pickups sound better, but they need a different power source, like a battery, to work. A silent pickup is good for an instrument that you are just starting to play.
How To Learn Electric Guitar?
Get the Things You Need
You will need a few things before you start if you want to learn how to play the electric guitar well.
Guitar Amp
To enjoy your electric guitar, you need an amp. Don’t spend a lot of money on one if you’re starting. But the amp you get has a big effect on how your guitar sounds, so you should get a good one.
It’s clear from the name that the amp boosts the sound of your guitar. You don’t need an amp to play the guitar, but you won’t be able to get the most out of your electric guitar either.
Cable for instruments
For your electric guitar to connect to your amp, you’ll need an instrument cord. The amp won’t work without it. No, most amps don’t come with wires. I know what you’re thinking. In order to use the amp, you need to buy a different instrument cable. The only ones that need to be added are beginning kits. You can get an electric guitar, a guitar amp, a guitar chord, and other things you might need in a beginner guitar kit.
Guitar Tuner
To get your guitar in tune, you need a tuner. You can buy a tuner at a guitar store near you or online. Using an app to tune your electric guitar is another easy way to do it.
Strap
If you want to play while standing up, a strap can help. It also keeps your guitar in the right place to play. Also, it will hurt after a while to carry your guitar around while you play.
It should be easy to find a strap that you like since it comes in many colors, materials, and styles. Leather straps are strong and soft, but they cost a lot. Pick a strap that is strong but not too heavy so it doesn’t break while you’re playing.
Pick
You haven’t played guitar with steel strings before, so you don’t know what they feel like. If you play for a long time, your fingers will get sore and hurt. Some professional musicians strum without a pick, but as a beginner, it’s best to know what works for you.
A pick that is between 0.65 and 0.73 inches thick is what you should choose. Thin picks make it easier for beginners to play with little effort.
Capo
The last thing you should bring is a capo. It will help you as you grow as an electric guitarist. You clamp a fret with a capo so you can play in a different key. It cuts down on how much you have to stretch to play a song.
Begin with Basic Chords
Whatever music genre you want to perform on your electric guitar, it is preferable to start with chords. Almost every song starts with a chord. Thus, you must learn them in order to perform them. Chords also help to strengthen your fingers and enhance your skills.
Discover How an Amp Works
Learning how to operate an amplifier is an essential component of playing the electric guitar. Fortunately, the amp’s function is simple: it amplifies the sound of your guitar.
Begin Taking Lessons
After you’ve become acquainted with the components of your guitar and basic chords, you can begin taking lessons. Although you can learn practically anything on your own, an instructor can assist you in navigating the learning process and swiftly mastering the instrument. Playing with another electric guitarist will also inspire you to improve.
Practice
Make it a point to play your guitar every day. It’s the only way you’ll improve. Create a regimen and find a quiet place to practice. You’ll see results quickly if you take classes and practice frequently.
How To Maintain Your Electric Guitar For Beginners?
By maintaining some simple things, you can increase the sustainability of your electric guitar.
Change the strings
Sometimes, switch out the strings on your guitar. A guitar player’s playing frequency determines how often they should change their strings. It should be fine for most guitar players to change them every three months or 100 hours of play. If you use treated strings, they will last twice as long as plain ones. Strings lose their sound over time. You need more changes if you play a lot. If you play the guitar for fun and do it every day, change the strings every three months.
Wash Your Hands Before You Play
Before you play, wash your hands to get rid of dirt, oils, and dead skin. This keeps the frets clean while you play. One big reason why strings go dead is that your hands get dirty and stick to the strings and fretboard. If you keep your hands as clean as possible, they’ll last longer.
After use, wipe the strings and oil them
After you use your strings, wipe them down to get rid of dirt. You could also put some string oil on them. This oil keeps the strings clean and makes them easier to play. In your guitar bag, keep a clean cotton cloth. If you wipe the strings up and down after every practice or show, they will last longer.
Get the fretboard clean
You should clean the fretboard when you change strings. There is a lot of grime that can get on your fingerboard. This dirt can also wear down the frets because it gets into the holes. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the dirt. Be careful and do this one worry at a time. It cleans the fretboard well. A ball of fine steel wool can also be used for this. Steel wool should only be used on a plain rosewood or other wood fretboard. Make sure the speakers are off before you do this.
Oil The Fretboard If Needed
The fingerboard on your guitar might get dry. Dry boards can break over time. A small amount of oil made for fretboards should be used. Use a few drops at a time because the board doesn’t need a lot of oil. You should only oil the board if you think it is too dry. Put on just the right amount of oil. Too much will hurt more than help. About twice a year, do this. You don’t need to use oil on bonded, lacquered, or maple wood.
Get the tuning pegs clean
The tuning pegs can get dirty over time. Clean these up so that the pegs don’t get dirty. If dirt and grease build up on the guitar, it might need to be tuned properly. If there is a lot of dirt on the pegs, it might be harder to tune your guitar. This is something you can do when you change your instrument’s strings.
Pull the screws tight, but not too much
Make sure that none of the guitar’s screws are loose. If they feel too loose, pull them up a bit. Avoid making the screws too tight, as this will damage them. When you use the tuning pegs a lot, the screws that hold them in place tend to come loose. Other places, like the backing plate, if you have one. The screws that hold the bridge together may also come loose. This should be maintained a few times a year. If a screw is broken, you need to get a new one.
Use A Humidifier
The wood in your guitar can change, and the neck or other parts may warp if the temperature is too high or too low. Your guitar will stay in good shape if you use a humidifier. They’re good for both electric and acoustic guitars. Changes in temperature are worse for acoustic guitars. If you want to keep your acoustic guitar from cracking, get a humidifier. Unless you live in a very humid area, your power only needs a little.
Clean The Dirt Of The Bridge
A few times a year, you should clean the bridge of your guitar. Small parts can get dirty. It’s worse when you play an electric guitar. You can get to trouble spots on the bridge that you can’t get to without a cotton swab. Used only cleaners that are okay. Normal house cleaners could hurt the bridge. In the same way, keep the closing nut clean.
Check Neck Straightness
Take a look down the neck to see how straight it is. Lay the guitar down on the ground so that the neck is facing up. Then, look down at the bridge. The neck should be pretty simple. It may need some changes to the neck through the truss rod if it looks like it has a big bow in it. You can do this yourself or get a guitar tech to do it for you. The neck of an acoustic guitar is more likely to bend. Every so often, you should check your acoustic guitars.
Use Strap Locks
Your strap should have strap locks on it. A lot of straps don’t hold that well. If you play live or practice, your guitar could fall off the strap. The guitar may break when it hits the ground. This can’t happen with a good strap lock. It holds the strap to the button on the band. When you use your strap, it won’t come off. It’s easy to put them on and take them off. Pick the one that works best for you from the different kinds. Use them all the time to avoid accidents that cost a lot of money.
Lubricate the guitar nut
If your guitar isn’t sitting right, it might be a problem with the nuts. You should grease the nut to avoid setting problems. The string gets caught in the slot in the nut. When you tune the string, you might hear popping.
This means that there is something wrong with your guitar’s nuts. You can use nut oils that are on the market to stay nuts in place. A small amount of graphite from the tip of a pencil can stop your guitar from clicking and keep it in tune. Remember to use some graphite. It works best to put the pencil tip on the nuts’ slots before each string changes.
Clean The Area Around The Pickups
Around the trucks, dirt and grime can build up. Clean this up so that dirt doesn’t get on them. Over time, this can damage your goods. The best time to clean is every time you change strings. Clean the area around the pickups and pickguard with a cotton cloth. Also, clean off any other dirt or dust that you see on the guitar.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Do not put your guitar in full sunlight. Over time, the light might make the finish look dull. The most likely to break are white electric guitars. The sun may also dry out the wood and make it more likely to crack.
As much as possible, keep the guitar in the shade or its case. If you use a guitar stand, don’t put the guitars near windows that let in a lot of light. If you want your guitar’s finish to look brand new, keep it in a dark room. There’s no need to worry if you’re outside having fun for a few hours. The important thing is long-term exposure to sunshine.
Clean The Bridge Of Dirt
A few times a year, you should clean the bridge of your guitar. Small parts can get dirty. It’s worse when you play an electric guitar. You can get to trouble spots on the bridge that you can’t get to without a cotton swab. Use only cleaners that are okay. Normal house cleaners could hurt the bridge. In the same way, keep the closing nut clean.
Check Neck Straightness
Check the neck’s straightness by taking a look at it from the back. Lay the guitar down on the ground so that the neck is facing up. Then, look down at the bridge. The neck should be pretty simple. It may need some changes to the neck through the truss rod if it looks like it has a big bow in it. You can do this yourself or get a guitar tech to do it for you. The neck of an acoustic guitar is more likely to bend. Every so often, you should check your acoustic guitars.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Too much or too little heat can hurt your guitar. Even if it’s in a case, you should always leave your guitar in the car for a while. The changes in temperature affect the wood. These changes can affect acoustic guitars more than other types.
If the temperature changes a lot, make sure the neck of your guitar is still in good shape. Putting a blanket over the guitar in the case can make it safer. When it’s hot, you might sweat more. Before putting the guitar back in its case, dry it off. Let the guitar warm up before you play if you move it from one cold place to another.
Final Words on Best Electric Guitar For Beginners
Finding the right electric guitar as a beginner can be overwhelming. Still, with the information provided in this blog post, you can feel confident in making a decision. Each of the electric guitars mentioned offers a combination of great features, playability, and affordability, making them ideal choices for beginners.
But I prefer the Fender Stratocaster HT Electric Guitar. Its versatile sound and high-quality playability are perfect for beginners.
Remember to consider your preferences in terms of sound, style, and comfort when choosing an electric guitar. Whether you’re into rock, blues, or jazz, there’s a guitar out there that will suit your needs. So don’t hesitate to dive into the world of electric guitars and start your musical journey.
FAQs
Are Electric Guitars High Maintenance?
Yes. Electric guitars require more care than acoustic guitars since they must be tuned more frequently and have their strings changed more frequently. However, the extra maintenance is usually worth it for the improved level of performance that an electric guitar provides.
How Long Do Electric Guitar Strings Last?
Strings should be changed about every three months or after 100 hours of practice, whichever comes first. If you’re a bit late, it doesn’t matter. Your strings could last longer than this.
Why Does My Electric Guitar Sound So Bad?
When you play on keys that are worn, the notes will sound wrong. Frets can pop up a little, which can make notes sound off at those frets. If you can hear notes that aren’t in tune all the way up the neck, it might be time to have the frets leveled or, if they’ve been used a lot, changed.