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10 Best Beginner Electric Guitars

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster, Electric Guitar, Maple fingerboard, Butterscotch Blonde

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups
Body Type
The lightweight poplar body makes it very comfortable to play without causing back strain, despite a slight neck dive.
Neck Profile
Features a smooth satin neck and glossy body finish with perfectly finished frets free of sharp edges or rough spots.
Pickups
The pickups and hardware perform well, providing the classic clear, bright Telecaster tones suitable for various genres.
Wood Type
The lightweight poplar body makes it very comfortable to play without causing back strain, despite a slight neck dive.

The Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster is a great choice for beginners looking for a classic electric guitar with easy playability and solid build quality. Its lightweight poplar body and slim “C”-shaped maple neck make it comfortable to hold and play, especially for newcomers. The 25-inch scale length is standard and familiar, helping players develop finger strength and technique without strain. The guitar features two single-coil pickups that deliver clear, bright tones typical of a Telecaster, suitable for a variety of music styles from rock to country. The fixed, string-through-body bridge improves sustain and tuning stability, while sealed die-cast tuning machines ensure smooth and accurate tuning, even for those new to restringing guitars. The maple fretboard adds a bright feel and smooth surface for easier note playing.

The single-coil pickups can sometimes pick up electrical noise in certain environments, and the poplar body, while lightweight, may not provide as rich a tone as more expensive woods. Also, some players might prefer a different neck profile or body style as they progress. Despite these minor considerations, this guitar delivers excellent value for beginners by combining classic Fender style with playability and reliable hardware in an affordable package.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups
Body Type
The lightweight poplar body makes it very comfortable to play without causing back strain, despite a slight neck dive.
Neck Profile
Features a smooth satin neck and glossy body finish with perfectly finished frets free of sharp edges or rough spots.
Pickups
The pickups and hardware perform well, providing the classic clear, bright Telecaster tones suitable for various genres.
Wood Type
The lightweight poplar body makes it very comfortable to play without causing back strain, despite a slight neck dive.
#2

Squier by Fender Sonic Stratocaster Electric Guitar Pack, Maple Fingerboard in 2 Colour Sunburst, Gig Bag, Squier Frontman 10W Guitar Amp, Picks, Strap, Cable, Comes with Free Virtual Lessons

Rating
9.4
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups
Body Type
The lightweight body and comfortable contour make long practice sessions more enjoyable without fatigue.
Neck Profile
The classic Stratocaster design combined with a slim neck provides easy playability, perfect for beginners starting their guitar journey.
Pickups
Although the guitar may sound thin initially, proper setup including intonation and pickup height adjustments dramatically improves tone and sustain.

The Squier by Fender Sonic Stratocaster Pack is a solid choice for beginners looking for an all-in-one electric guitar setup. It includes a classic Stratocaster-style guitar known for its comfortable contoured body and a slim maple neck with a 25.5-inch scale length, which makes it easier to play for those just starting out. The guitar features three single-coil pickups (S-S-S configuration), offering a bright and versatile tone suitable for a wide range of music styles. The tremolo bridge adds the option to create expressive sounds, encouraging creativity. Made mostly from maple and poplar woods, the guitar balances good tone with a lightweight feel.

The pack also comes with a 10-watt Squier Frontman amp, which is compact and simple, featuring both clean and overdrive channels for tone variety, plus a headphone jack for quiet practice. Included accessories like a gig bag, strap, picks, cable, and a free 3-month Fender Play subscription make this a convenient starter kit.

While the poplar body wood is not as resonant as higher-end woods, and the 10-watt amplifier may be too basic for larger spaces or louder playing, this pack provides good value for beginners who want a recognizable guitar shape, easy playability, and everything needed to get started with learning.

Rating
9.4
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups
Body Type
The lightweight body and comfortable contour make long practice sessions more enjoyable without fatigue.
Neck Profile
The classic Stratocaster design combined with a slim neck provides easy playability, perfect for beginners starting their guitar journey.
Pickups
Although the guitar may sound thin initially, proper setup including intonation and pickup height adjustments dramatically improves tone and sustain.
#3

Ibanez Gio GRX70QA-SB Sunburst - Electric Guitar

Rating
8.8
Neck Profile
Pickups
Body Type
Neck Profile
The slim satin-backed neck and fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, comfortable even for smaller hands.
Pickups
The combination of humbuckers and a single coil with a 5-way switch offers versatile tones, delivering punchy rock sounds ideal for solos and power chords.
Body Type
The maple and poplar body combination balances durability with tonal quality, supporting a variety of music styles.
Bridge Type
The tremolo bridge adds expressive possibilities, enhancing versatility for different playing techniques.
Wood Type
The maple and poplar body combination balances durability with tonal quality, supporting a variety of music styles.

The Ibanez Gio GRX70QA-SB is a solid choice for beginner electric guitar players looking for a reliable and visually appealing instrument. Its body combines maple and poplar woods, offering a good balance of durability and tone quality, while the maple neck and fretboard provide a smooth playing experience that’s easy on the fingers. The full-scale length of 648mm is standard, making it comfortable for most beginners to play without feeling too big or small.

The guitar features a combination pickup setup, which means it can deliver a range of tones suitable for various music styles, from clean sounds to more distorted ones, helping beginners explore different sounds as they learn. The tremolo bridge adds extra versatility for effects like vibrato, although it may require a bit more maintenance and tuning attention compared to fixed bridges. At just 3.7 kg, it’s lightweight enough for long practice sessions.

With a strong customer rating and a reputable brand backing it, this guitar offers good value and features tailored to those starting electric guitar playing.

Rating
8.8
Neck Profile
Pickups
Body Type
Neck Profile
The slim satin-backed neck and fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, comfortable even for smaller hands.
Pickups
The combination of humbuckers and a single coil with a 5-way switch offers versatile tones, delivering punchy rock sounds ideal for solos and power chords.
Body Type
The maple and poplar body combination balances durability with tonal quality, supporting a variety of music styles.
Bridge Type
The tremolo bridge adds expressive possibilities, enhancing versatility for different playing techniques.
Wood Type
The maple and poplar body combination balances durability with tonal quality, supporting a variety of music styles.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Electric Guitars

Choosing your first electric guitar can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With so many options available, it's important to understand the key specifications that will impact your playing experience. By focusing on these specs, you can find a guitar that suits your needs and helps you enjoy your musical journey.
Body TypeThe body type of an electric guitar affects its sound and comfort. Solid body guitars are the most common and versatile, offering a wide range of tones suitable for various music styles. Hollow and semi-hollow body guitars provide a warmer, more resonant sound, often preferred for jazz and blues. Consider the type of music you want to play and choose a body type that complements it.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar neck. Common profiles include C-shaped, U-shaped, and V-shaped. A C-shaped neck is generally comfortable for most players, while U-shaped and V-shaped necks may offer more support for larger hands. Try different neck profiles to see which feels most comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the instrument. Shorter scale lengths (around 24.75 inches) are easier to play and bend strings, making them ideal for beginners. Longer scale lengths (around 25.5 inches) provide a tighter feel and are often preferred for genres like rock and metal. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable and suits your musical preferences.
PickupsPickups are the devices that capture the sound of the strings and convert it into an electrical signal. Single-coil pickups offer a bright, clear tone, while humbuckers provide a thicker, warmer sound with less noise. Some guitars come with a combination of both. Consider the type of music you want to play and choose pickups that match the desired sound.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type affects the guitar's tuning stability and ease of string changes. Fixed bridges are simple and reliable, making them a good choice for beginners. Tremolo bridges allow for pitch bending effects but can be more challenging to maintain. If you're just starting out, a fixed bridge may be the best option for ease of use.
Wood TypeThe type of wood used in the guitar's construction can influence its tone and weight. Common woods include alder, basswood, mahogany, and maple. Alder and basswood are lightweight and provide a balanced tone, making them suitable for beginners. Mahogany offers a warmer sound, while maple provides brightness and sustain. Choose a wood type that complements the sound you want to achieve.
Fretboard MaterialThe material of the fretboard can affect the feel and playability of the guitar. Common materials include rosewood, maple, and ebony. Rosewood offers a smooth feel and warm tone, while maple provides a brighter sound and a slick surface. Ebony is known for its durability and smoothness. Try different fretboard materials to see which feels best under your fingers.