10 Best Beginner Electric Guitars of 2024

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I get it — taking that first deep dive into the guitar world can be as exciting as it can be challenging. And, of course, it all starts in one place: your first guitar.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an amateur acoustic player, getting your first electric guitar is a crucial step in your journey. But how can you possibly pick between the hundreds of options in the market?

Well, fret not (pun intended). I compiled a list of the very best beginner electric guitars for any player. No matter if you're willing to break the bank or you're a bit short on budget, you'll find the perfect axe for you! Forget about cheap, low-quality guitars — any of these beauties is sure to last you for years on end.

My pick for the best all-around beginner electric guitar is the Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Strat. Versatile, classic, premium, and affordable, this absolute monster of a guitar will be your go-to even long after you've moved on to (not always) bigger and better things.

And if you're a complete beginner, then don't worry — I also threw in a quick buyer's guide to help you get a hold of the basics.

I'm sure you're excited, so let's jump right in: you never forget your first, and these ten glorious instruments will ensure you won't regret yours!

Best Beginner Electric Guitars

Specs:

• Body: Pine
• Neck: Maple
• Scale: 25.5"
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Frets: 21, Narrow Tall
• Pickups: 3x Fender Designed AlNiCo Single-coil
• Controls: 1 x master volume, 2 x tone, 5-way blade pickup switch

My first choice for the best overall beginner electric guitar had to go to the Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Strat. It doesn't get much more classic than a Strat, and no matter how your taste and playing style develop, there'll always be room in your arsenal for this versatile guitar.

Equipped with 3 Fender-designed Alnico Single coil pickups, this guitar delivers quintessential Strat tones straight out of the box. Its "C" shaped maple neck is perfectly playable straight out of the box, so you can get right down to business without dealing with tricky setup issues.

Squier has been bringing incredible quality for a few years now, and Squier Classic Vibe '50s Strat is certainly no exception.

If you're a beginner that's looking for a first or even second guitar that you're never going to feel the need to upgrade, this is one of the best Squier guitars to go get.

What's not so good:

• Not so suitable for heavier genres

Specs:

• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple
• Scale: 25.5"
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: 22, Medium
• Pickups: 2 x Yamaha Alnico V Single-coil (Neck and middle), 1 x Yamaha Alnico V Humbucker
• Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone (push/pull coil-split), 5-way blade pickup switch

If you're new to the electric guitar world and can't decide whether you want single-coil Strat vibes or a heavier humbucker sound, the Yamaha Pacifica 112V is a great guitar to start. This strat-style guitar is packed with two single coils and a humbucker pickup so you get the best of both worlds.

This versatile instrument is perfect for tapping into a variety of tones, which is great when you're just starting to find your sound. The push/pull coil splitter just adds to the variety, turning the bridge pickup into yet another single coil. Plus the maple neck is super playable.

In most aspects, it's pretty similar to the Squier Classic Vibe Strat — but with the added humbucker in the bridge pickup. Whether you're looking for an exclusively single-coil sound or a more versatile experience is completely up to you!

If you want a no-frills tone machine that's going to allow you to experiment sonically and inspire you to grow as a player, this is a solid choice. In addition to its versatility, it's also a super comfortable guitar with truly impressive build quality for its price point. Probably your best electric guitar under $500!

What's not so good:

• No case/bag included

Specs:

• Body: Mahogany, Maple Top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Scale: 24.75"
• Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
• Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
• Pickups: Epiphone Alnico Classic Humbucker (Neck), Epiphone Alnico Classic Plus Humbucker (Bridge)
• Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone, 3-way toggle pickup switch

If the Gibson Les Paul is your idea of a holy grail guitar, an Epiphone Les Paul might not be a bad place to start. You get all the classic appointments of a real Les Paul, at a way more affordable price that's great if you're just starting out and can't commit to a huge investment.

Two Epiphone Alnico humbuckers adorn the solid mahogany body, (which, I might add, could be a bit heavy for smaller players). This combination makes for a ton of sustain and the potential to tap into some seriously heavy tones –– great for aspiring rock or metal players.

If you think classic rock and heavy metal are going to be major touchstones on your guitar-playing journey, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio is the way to go. You're going to forget all about that Gibson Les Paul, and your wallet will thank you.

Picking between a Les Paul or a Strat-like guitar (such as the Squier Classic Strat or the Pacifica 112V) is no easy task — so make sure you take some time on it!

What's not so good:

• Not as versatile

Specs:

• Body: Chambered Basswood/Laminated Maple Top
• Neck: Maple
• Scale: 24.6"
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
• Pickups: 2 x Gretsch Dual-Coil Humbuckers
• Controls: 3-Position Toggle: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup

If you're a new player who's simply looking for a high-quality beginner guitar at an amazing price, look no further than the Gretsch G5425 Electromatic Jet Club. This is an awesome guitar for rock and blues that delivers timeless vintage style and proudly bears one of the top names in the business.

Where this guitar differs from its big brothers is the chambered Basswood body. The Electromatic Jet Club is not only lighter but delivers a lighter, crisper tone due to its construction. But don't worry, the Gretsch Humbuckers deliver that warm Gretsch tone all the way.

If you're looking for your first electric guitar and you know you want vintage-style tones, this Gretsch is a great choice. You get incredible bang for your buck, and with its impressive build quality and tone, you won't ever feel like you're playing a "beginner guitar."

When compared to something like the Epiphone Les Paul, the G5425 stands out as a more vintage-inspired beginner choice. But it's also more affordable!

What's not so good:

• Not as versatile

Specs:

• Body: Poplar
• Neck: Maple
• Scale: 24"
• Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
• Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
• Pickups: 2 x Standard Humbucker
• Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone, 3-way toggle pickup switch

The Squier Bullet Mustang is a great pick for a true beginner's electric guitar. You get great quality at a super low price point. Plus it's light, playable, and even comes at a shorter scale length than say, a Fender Stratocaster, so it's a great first guitar for smaller hands.

But make no mistake: this guitar is no mere toy. The Bullet Mustang can hold its own with the big boys thanks to the guitar's pickups – two standard humbuckers – ideal for cranking up the gain and making some noise.

The combination of this guitar's sound and its playable slim neck is sure to make an addictive playing experience for younger players. This is hands down one of the best electric guitars for beginners, and at its price point, it really can't be beat.

All in all, the Mustang is a middle ground between the Strat-like guitars and the Les Paul options. Affordable, versatile, and straightforward, the Bullet Mustang is a fantastic choice for anyone who just can't decide between the previous options.

What's not so good:

• Rather... exotic tonewoods

Specs:

• Body: Sapele
• Neck: Sapele
• Scale: 24.7"
• Fingerboard: Walnut
• Frets: 22, Medium
• Pickups: 2 x Infinity R Ceramic Humbucker
• Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone, 3-way toggle pickup switch

Not every player is looking for a high-gain rock machine, so it's a good thing that all beginner guitars were not created equal. Enter the Ibanez Artcore AS53. This semi-hollowbody is ideal for beginning players who are more interested in jazz, country, and other non-rock genres.

While many players are turned off by the bulk of semi-hollowbodies, the Artcore AS53 is a great beginner's semi-hollow due to its smaller size. The two Infinity R Ceramic humbuckers deliver classic jazz box tone without the prohibitive size (or price).

While a solid-body electric guitar is usually thought of as the best beginner's electric guitar, there's something to be said for a nice semi-hollow. Players who are more interested in jazz, rockabilly, and country should look no further than this great offering from Ibanez.

What's not so good:

• Doesn't handle gain well

Specs:

• Body: Poplar
• Neck: Maple
• Scale: 25.5"
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Frets: 21
• Pickups: 2x Fender Ceramic Single Coil Pickups
• Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x tone control, 3-way blade pickup switch

I couldn't resist adding something from the Squier Affinity Series to this list. Squier continues to outdo themselves in manufacturing what are arguably the best beginner electric guitars, this guitar sounds and looks like the real deal if you're looking for a beginner Tele.

From its playable classic "C" shape bolt-on maple neck to its quintessential Fender single coils, the Affinity Telecaster delivers everything you'd expect from a Fender Telecaster, yet in an insanely affordable package. I'm a sucker for the classic Blackguard look and would happily pick one of these up for myself!

The Squier Affinity series offers quality that's just unbeatable for its price point. These guitars are also easily customizable so your beginner guitar can grow along with your playing. Chances are, if you grab one of these, you're not going to put it down for years to come.

Of course, the Telecaster is more similar to a Stratocaster than it is to a Les Paul. But a specific tone shouldn't be your priority when buying one of these — think about the endless sonic palette instead!

What's not so good:

• May not be suitable for heavier genres

Specs:

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Scale: 22.73"
• Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
• Frets: 22, Nickel
• Pickups: 1 x Epiphone 650R Humbucker (neck pickup), 1 x Epiphone 700T Humbucker (bridge pickup)
• Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone, 3-way toggle pickup switch

Here's another guitar that's great for kids and other beginners with smaller hands. The Epiphone Power Players SG was designed with a shorter scale length and slim "D" profile mahogany neck that's ideal for aspiring junior shredders.

Add to the mix two Epiphone Humbuckers and a solid mahogany body and you've got a high-gain machine that easily delivers classic rock and heavy metal tones at an incredibly low price point. This is a perfect first guitar for younger players who just want to rock.

With so many electric guitars for beginners in the Strat and Les Paul body styles, I applaud Epiphone for bringing something different for younger players who want to stand out from the crowd.

What's not so good:

• A bit too tiny for adults

Specs:

• Body: Laminated Maple
• Neck: Nato
• Scale: 24.75"
• Fingerboard: Laurel
• Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
• Pickups: 2 x Broad'Tron BT-2S Humbucker
• Controls: 1 x master volume, 2 x volume (bridge/neck), 1 x master tone, 3-way toggle pickup selector

I love Gretsch guitars, and I just know that beginning players who want a vintage aesthetic and gravitate toward hollowbody guitars will love the G2420. While perhaps not ideal for smaller players, this is an awesome entry-level offering for aspiring jazz guitarists.

While it is another great choice for players who want to play jazz and country, this guitar is no one-trick pony. The two Gretsch Broad'Tron humbucking pickups can deliver creamy jazz tones but also rough up great for vintage rock and roll and rockabilly sounds.

When it comes to beginner's electric guitars, there's something to be said for the hollowbody. You don't always want to blow out the windows when you're just learning, and a hollowbody can be a great way to bridge the gap between acoustic guitars and electric.

What's not so good:

• Doesn't handle gain very well

Specs:

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Maple
• Scale: 25"
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: 24, Medium Jumbo
• Pickups: 2 x PRS 85/15 "S" Humbucker
• Controls: 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone (push/pull coil-split), 3-way blade pickup switch

Rounding out my list we have a slightly higher-end offering from PRS. While many players would agree that there is nothing "beginner" about this guitar, I'd venture that this is one with a bit of room for growing into – for the mature player who knows what they want.

This is an incredibly versatile guitar that makes a great workhorse. The PRS 85/15 Humbuckers are designed for clarity and a wide tonal range, and the push/pull coil splitter gives you yet another sonic dimension with some great spanky single coil tones.

Can't decide between the first options on my list? Then this is the definitive guitar for you — the possibilities are simply endless! Leave the humbuckers on if you're looking for that Les Paul sound, but switch over to the single-coil setup if you're craving for that classic Strat tone.

On top of the incredible tones, this guitar is a real pleasure to play. The wide-thin neck and distinctive PRS neck joint design mean all 24 frets are entirely shreddable, so there's no doubt you'll keep picking this one up long after you move on to intermediate electric guitars.

What's not so good:

• Not as affordable

Best Electric Guitars Buyer's Guide

Whenever I'm looking for a top-notch beginner guitar, I often tend to check out five key aspects before I dive any deeper. Price, playability, versatility, body type, and the brand's reputation are paramount in my book!

And, as you can probably imagine, the ten guitars on my list pass these tests with flying colors.

This nifty buyer's guide will help you take note of these factors and find a great electric guitar that you're going to want to keep by your side throughout your guitar career. Read on to my FAQ section to learn even more about electric guitars while you're at it!

Budget

Most beginner electric guitars fall in a pretty narrow price range at the lower end of the spectrum. However, there's still a discrepancy between the budget models and slightly higher-end electric guitars.

You should determine your budget range based on how much you want to commit to playing guitar. Is it a new interest that you're not too sure about? Or are you committed to pursuing a career in music? Answering these questions can help you determine how much you want to spend on your first guitar.

Either way, the electric guitar market has a ton of great models to offer across the beginner price range, and you're sure to find something on my list in your budget range that you'll love.

If you don't have a lot to spend on a new guitar, the Squier Bullet Mustang or Squier Affinity Telecaster are both great options that offer incredible value for their price point.

Playability

One of the hardest parts of learning to play guitar is physically pressing down the strings before you've developed calluses (and technique).

Fortunately, the electric guitars on my list are designed with playability in mind first and foremost. Among the playability factors I look for are a comfortable neck profile and an action that feels... just right on.

Certain playability factors can be adjusted on most guitars -- but I always look for guitars that play great out of the box. The last thing a new player needs is more obstacles getting in the way of learning to play, like pricey operations on a new guitar.

Style of Music

One of the main things I often consider when picking out a guitar is what style of music I want to play with it. Of course, I've been playing guitar for years, so I know what to look for — but if you're just starting out, don't worry!

One way of figuring out what kind of guitar might be right for you is to look at some of your favorite artists and see what guitars they use. We all look up to our idols in the beginning (and onward) for good reason!

But as a rule of thumb: if I want to shred some heavy rock or blues, a guitar with humbuckers like the Epiphone Power Players SG or Epiphone Les Paul Studio is probably the best choice due to the pickups' fatter and more powerful sound.

If you're more into indie rock, surf, or jazz, it's a good idea to pick up something with single coils like the Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Strat. A semi-hollow like the Ibanez Artcore AS53 wouldn't be a bad idea either!

Body Type

Electric guitars come in all shapes and sizes. The most common among these are solid-body, semi-hollow, and hollowbody.

In my opinion, the best electric guitars for beginners are often solid-body. This is due to their versatility and relative ease of use. They also tend to be smaller and lighter, making them a safer bet for younger guitarists who might not have the strength to tote around a big hollowbody.

However, this is by no means a hard and fast rule. Many beginning players gravitate towards the attractive looks of a hollowbody like the Gretsch G2420, and for good reason.

Ultimately, your best bet is to just pick out one you like, whether for its looks, the way it plays and sounds, or ideally, a combination of these.

Brand and Reputation

All the guitars featured on this list are brought to you by reputable, even legendary, manufacturers. You really can't go wrong with a guitar that has generations of engineering and design behind it.

However, some brands that are considered more of "budget" or "beginner" labels like Squier or Epiphone might unjustly have a stigma attached to them. The fact that these brands produce a somehow subpar product is just a total misconception at this point.

Squier and Epiphone in particular have been building quality instruments using Fender and Gibson designs (respectively) for years now and they just keep getting better and better at it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the most important features beginners should look for in an electric guitar?

This is a question that can easily be answered by perusing my list above. But I'll summarize here.

Probably the most important factor you should be considering is playability. This is a serious matter in the early days of your guitar career. If you can't physically wrap your hand around the neck, you have a problem.

Pick a guitar that feels good in your hands and that you can execute your best guitar tricks on straight out of the gate. If you like the way it feels, you've got a winner.

Another important consideration is, of course, the sound of the guitar and whether it suits the style of music you want to play.

Finally, it's VERY important to pick one you love! If your guitar keeps giving you that special feeling throughout the years, you're going to be one happy camper.

Should I buy a complete guitar starter pack or purchase individual components separately?

This is a great question, and one that doesn't have a simple answer.

Ultimately, if you find shopping a pain and you'd rather just get started with everything all at once, perhaps a starter pack is for you.

However, if you enjoy shopping around and researching and comparing products, you're probably better off purchasing individual components separately.

I will say that it's usually a pretty good thing if you can get a gig bag or case, a guitar strap, and a guitar cable with your guitar. Then you can just pick out an amp and get going!

What are the main differences between cheaper and more expensive beginner electric guitars?

There isn't a huge discrepancy in price when it comes to beginner-level electric guitars, but there can be a pretty wide variance in quality.

However, if you choose a guitar from a reputable manufacturer like the ones on this list, you shouldn't have to worry too much about that. There are incredible guitars available today at a shockingly low price point, so you never have to compromise again.

The differences you're going to see will mostly be things like tonewoods used, the type of pickups and hardware (name brand or not), and the type of finish on the guitar.

Can I upgrade or modify a beginner electric guitar later on?

Yes! One of the great things about many of the guitars featured on this list is that they can be easily modified with new pickups, hardware, etc for a practically all-new guitar later down the line!

A very common move, for example, is to pick up a Squier guitar and swap out the parts for Fender. Little by little, you can turn your starter guitar into your forever guitar!

Verdict

If you're still stumped after checking out my list of the best beginner electric guitars, I don't know what to tell you! I've picked out a selection of great guitars for beginners of all needs and styles.

You know my top pick for all-around best electric guitar for beginners had to go to the Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Strat. Not only is the Strat an absolute classic, but Squier offers really impressive build quality and designs these days and we have to thank them for it.

But just because that's my favorite doesn't mean it has to be yours!

Take another look at my list and then head over to Sweetwater to pick up your dream guitar today!