You’ve listened to the music your entire life, maybe you’ve been to a live gig, or maybe the “creative forces” have struck you. You want to learn guitar. You want to know how your favorite riffs are made. You look up the price of your favorite guitar player’s axe and you’re immediately hit with a big price tag sticker. Don’t worry. You don’t need to break the bank to start the journey to the rock-n-roll hall of fame by choosing from the best electric guitars for beginners.
That journey starts where any long process does, at the beginning! A new poll reveals 82 percent of parents think it’s important that their child learn to play an instrument. The top instrument kids actually want to learn is the electric guitar, according to their parents (22%).Whether you’re starting as a child or an adult, the pace and process to learn is the same. It’s getting comfortable with your hands, learning the parts of the instrument, and understanding the basic chords that make up ALL songs.
Learning an instrument, unsurprisingly, is a benefit to your well-being. According to a recent study, having music you can jam to can boost your brain performance, leading to a more productive, and happier, day!
Okay, rockstars-in-waiting, let’s polish those frets and tune up the strings – you need a beginner electric guitar and StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites. We put together this list of the best electric guitars for beginners. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best Electric Guitars for Beginners, According To Experts
1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V
This guitar is the definition of non-name brand goodness. Despite the logo not being “Fender” or “Gibson” – you’ve got a quality guitar that you can learn on for years to come.
The pick-ups produce an ample sound. “A juicy-sounding humbucker at the bridge proved to us that overdriven sounds were well within reach during our testing, while the two single coils pickups provided us a superb breadth of tones,” says Guitar World.
You won’t go wrong with its ease of use. “The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is still, decades after it was launched, almost the perfect beginner electric guitar. The ‘Strat’ style body shape is ergonomic and easy to play sat down, yet is light enough to make playing stood up a breeze,” remark the folks at MusicRadar.
“If you’re hunting for a high-quality entry-level electric guitar, then a Yamaha Pacifica should be on your radar — these double-cut axes offer performance that belies their modest price tag,” says Sweetwater.
2. Epiphone SG
You take one look at this guitar, and you instantly see the player who made it famous. This is a great starting spot for those looking to shred.
You’ll fool everyone, including yourself, that you’re playing the real deal. “At first glance, you’ll think that it’s the original Les Paul, one of the most iconic guitars that ever existed. But, if you look closer, it’s just the more affordable version of the expensive model. The solid guitar body with the double-cutaway will surely keep you playing this one,” says Guitar Junky.
“Overall, for a beginner player who knows they would like to play mostly heavily distorted genres, this guitar will be great,” says Guitar Space.
This guitar will feel like a teacher when you throw it over your shoulder. “Everything that is offered with this guitar will assist you in developing your technical and musical skills. The overall sound produced by this Epiphone is clear and rich,” says Guitar Lobby.
3. Squier Stratocaster
You don’t have to look long to find this guitar in a list of the best beginner guitars. Stratocaster is pretty synonymous with “electric guitar.” This instrument is the pared-down version of the expensive Fender model.
“The Classic Vibe Stratocaster is the perfect guitar for beginners. Those who don’t have $500 or more to spend on their first electric guitar. It has a great neck, which makes it comfortable while you’re learning how to play.” says the people at KillerRig.
It’s a solid foundation to start your musical journey. “Its durable structure and affordable price make it a good alternative for newcomers,” says GemTracks.
MusicRadar said, “The tones are superb thanks to the three Fender-designed single coil pickups, while the maple neck and fingerboard is a sight to behold thanks to its lightly stained finish.”
4. Squier Bullet Mustang
The second Squier guitar on the list here is the Bullet Mustang. It is a smaller guitar meant for players with smaller hands.
“While it’s not a ‘mini guitar’, it does have a slightly reduced scale size, making it ideal for younger players to get to grips with techniques that will serve them as they develop,” says Guitar World.
Just because it’s aimed at beginners, doesn’t mean it’s not a blast. “That’s exactly why the Squier Bullet Mustang deserves the top spot on this list. The market doesn’t have many (or dare we say, any) beginner electric guitars that are objectively more fun to play than this one,” says TwoStoryMelody.
Guitar.com says, “The Squier’s Bullet Mustang’s minuscule price tag already makes it great for the tentative beginner, but it’s not the only approachable thing about the guitar. It’s got a light basswood body and a short 24-inch scale length – both of which make it a fantastic choice for a younger player.”
5. Epiphone Les Paul Standard
There’s little doubt that you’ve seen this guitar’s big brother, the Gibson Les Paul, on many stages throughout the world. This guitar has the same look with some minor changes to give you the feel and sound you’re looking for.
It’s a stalwart classic. “It’s all there – the classic shape, the heavy mahogany body with a maple top, the rosewood fretboard, the abalone inlays between the frets. An instrument that’s built to rock,” says GuitarChords247.
“This plain top Epiphone Les Paul Standard is an electric guitar that delivers all the signature sound of a Gibson Les Paul at a fraction of the cost. The solid mahogany body of the ENS-EBCH1 provides superb resonance and the Maple veneer top is classic Les Paul. The Alnico humbucker pickups deliver loads of warmth and lots of punch,” says Old Time Music.
Guitar Junky says, “The 1960s SlimTaper D-profile mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard offer you that familiar feel and playability you’ll get from expensive Les Paul.”
Sources:
- GuitarChords247
- Old Time Music
- Guitar Junky
- Guitar World
- MusicRadar
- Guitar Space
- Guitar Lobby
- Sweetwater
- KillerRig
- GemTracks
- TwoStoryMelody
- Guitar.com
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
As the owner of 4 of the listed guitars, I feel a worthwhile addition to the list would be an Ibanez gio, with a better build quality than the mustang and a better variety of pick up positions, I find it very playable, equal to the squier start for solo and rhythm playing.
Yamaha Pacifica yea if ya want to constantly tune it before- during- and after you play it. Now let’s review,,,, it’s a lot easier to learn to drive in a nice car as opposed to a beat up old farm truck with sloppy steering. Let that sink in
What about the Epiphone Gibson Les Paul Special II Sunburst ?
I bought mine brand new for $160 about 2 years ago. Only upgrade I’ve made was a set of D’Addario XL strings. It stays in tune just fine and has great tonality and playability. Sure you can pay more for a slightly better electric guitar, but why do that when you’re just starting?
Prs se? Vintage? Harley Benton? Come on, wake up ppl!!
I quit smoking so i started buying guitars and have 3 on this list. After modest trials and tribulations got rid of the Squire Strat bought a Telecaster. The squire strat would not stay in tune and trying to barre from 10 and up…forget about it…had to press so hard to achieve clarity i would bend the strings 1/2 out of tune. Having played the Tele…well its a trade that i would make any day. Now having experimented with flat wounds, well all of my guitars have been upgradedto flat wounds. My 112V sounds way better and my Kingpin is my goto….hope this helps.