Best Beginner Electric Guitar to Buy: Top 10 (2025)

It’s important to start on the right guitar; it can significantly impact your learning experience and keep you motivated. That motivation will be important in challenging moments.

I remember picking up my first electric guitar; I actually bought a cheap, used Les Paul knock-off guitar from a good friend of mine. Looking back, it wasn’t the ideal choice, but it got me going on my non-existent budget and allowed me to start learning.

Eventually, I bought more and more guitars as my playing developed from a hobby to a career and got more serious, all the way to pro-level touring, writing, and producing music.

Best Beginner Electric Guitar: My Top 10 Picks

My goal with this article is to give you the best possible tips based on my experience and knowledge so you don’t have to do this the hard way. 

First, we’ll look at my suggestions for the best beginner electric guitar, and then I’ll guide you through some of the basics so you can find a great guitar that feels right in your hands. 

Here are my top picks for the best beginner electric guitar:

1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V

I found its solid alder body and smooth maple neck to be surprisingly comfortable. The sleek design has a finish that gives it a touch of class. Its versatility comes from the HSS (humbucker, single-coil, single-coil) pickup configuration, allowing for a range of tones that suit various music styles.

This guitar produces clean, bright sounds that work well in rock, blues, and even jazz settings. The durability is noteworthy, too, making it a reliable choice. The Pacifica 112V is a fantastic option for those just starting out, but it can also serve more experienced players who need a reliable backup. 

I appreciate how it strikes a fine balance between quality and affordability, making it an attractive choice for beginners like me. I could jam on this guitar for hours and still want more!

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2. Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster

One of its standout features is the trio of Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups. These deliver a bright, clean tone with plenty of character and versatility. I find that it excels at producing the classic, sparkling Strat sound many players adore.

The neck of this guitar has a slim “C” profile, making it quite comfortable to play. It’s especially great for beginners; the easy-playing 9.5-inch radius fingerboard and narrow-tall frets make a noticeable difference. Overall, the playability is really approachable.

This guitar is often highlighted for its affordability without compromising on quality. Even though it’s budget-friendly, I’m impressed with its solid construction and the reliable performance it offers across different styles. It’s a great choice for anyone starting their musical journey or even for seasoned players looking for a solid secondary guitar.

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3. Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1

One of the things I appreciate about the Studio E1 is its lightweight design, making it comfortable for long practice sessions and gigs. It feels solid and well-balanced without being overly heavy, which is perfect for new players.

The bolt-on mahogany neck with a ’60s SlimTaper profile makes it easy to hold and play, whether you’re strumming chords or working on leads. It’s smooth, fast, and beginner-friendly.

Equipped with two open-coil humbuckers, the Studio E1 offers a versatile range of tones. From clean, warm sounds to gritty overdrive, it’s well-suited for rock, blues, and beyond. At its price point, the Studio E1 provides remarkable value and is a solid introduction to the Les Paul family.

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4. Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster

The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster definitely did it for me with its vintage-inspired design and undeniable charm. It pays homage to the iconic Telecasters of the 1950s, combining a classic look with modern playability. The pine body and glossy finish not only add to its aesthetics but also deliver a bright, snappy tone that’s unmistakably Telecaster.

The neck features a comfortable “C”-shaped profile with a 9.5-inch radius fingerboard, making it smooth and easy to play. Whether I’m strumming open chords or picking intricate leads, the narrow-tall frets give me the precision and control I need. It feels like a guitar that truly invites hours of playing.

One of the standout features of this guitar is the pair of Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups. They provide that signature twangy, clear tone that Telecasters are famous for.

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5. ESP LTD EC-256

I’ve always found the ESP LTD EC-256 to be a fantastic choice for beginners. Its body and three-piece mahogany neck give it a solid and durable feel. It feels sturdy when I pick it up, yet it’s lightweight enough for comfortable play.

The guitar’s scale length is 24.75 inches, like many Gibson models. This makes it great for those who enjoy a smooth and comparable experience to a Les Paul. The shorter scale length is perfect for my hands, making it easier to navigate the fretboard.

What I love most about the EC-256 is its affordability without sacrificing quality. The passive electronics and ESP LH-150B bridge pickups produce a sound that fits well in various genres. It can handle it all, whether you’re wanting to playing rock, blues, or metal.

The design is aesthetically pleasing and classic. It also comes with D’Addario XL110 strings, enhancing the playability right out of the box. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a budget-friendly option, this guitar is a solid investment.

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6. Ibanez AZES31

The Ibanez AZES31 is another amazing budget-friendly option from a known pro brand in the industry. This guitar is designed in collaboration with a Berklee College of Music professor, making it extra special.

The AZES31 features three ceramic single-coil pickups that offer a vintage vibe. I appreciate how they provide such unique, classic tones, which are perfect for various playing styles, from rhythmic strumming to clean interludes. This versatility is something I enjoy in a beginner guitar.

What stands out to me is the AZES31’s playability. It has been crafted with stage-ready features, offering both quality sound and comfort. It’s an attractive choice if you’re beginning your musical journey and need an instrument that aligns with your developing skills.

The AZES31 balances an inviting price with value, which I find great for a beginner looking to dive into playing. Whether practicing at home or performing, this guitar offers a fantastic introduction to electric guitars.

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7. Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 SWB

The Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 SWB feels like a modern, stylish, and thoughtfully crafted guitar. It’s a fresh take on a classic design, blending vintage-inspired aesthetics with contemporary playability. The dual Alnico V humbuckers deliver a rich, punchy tone that works perfectly for rock, blues, and beyond.

One thing I really appreciate about the Revstar Element is its versatility. The lightweight chambered mahogany body not only enhances resonance but also reduces weight for comfortable playing. Introduced as part of Yamaha’s revamped Revstar line, it offers excellent quality at a price that’s accessible to a wide range of players.

Whether I’m playing clean rhythms or gritty leads, the Revstar Element provides a balanced, dynamic tone with plenty of clarity. It’s a guitar that adapts easily to different genres and playing styles. For anyone seeking a reliable, stylish electric guitar, the RSE20 is a fantastic choice.

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8. Gretsch G2622 Streamliner

I was immediately drawn to the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner when I hit the first chord. It’s a fantastic option for beginners who want that classic Gretsch vibe without breaking the bank.

The G2622 has a double-cutaway maple body with a chambered center block. This design helps reduce feedback, which is great when cranking up the volume. Its arched top adds a stylish flair, making it a standout in any collection.

One of my favorite things about this guitar is its neck. It features a soft C profile, making it super comfortable to play. Whether strumming chords or practicing riffs, it feels smooth and accommodating.

The Streamliner series is known for offering modern playability while keeping the traditional Gretsch aesthetics intact. The pickups deliver a punchy sound, balancing clarity and depth.

If you’re just starting your guitar journey, the Gretsch G2622 is definitely worth considering. It’s user-friendly, looks fantastic, and sounds even better.

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9. PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin

The PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin is an exceptional choice for guitarists seeking quality craftsmanship and versatile performance at an accessible price point. PRS has a reputation for delivering well-crafted instruments, and this model upholds that standard admirably.

This guitar features an all-mahogany body with a thin satin finish, resulting in a highly resonant instrument that feels lively in your hands. The bolt-on maple neck with a wide thin profile and semi-gloss finish offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for both intricate lead work and rhythm playing.

Equipped with PRS 85/15 “S” pickups, the SE CE 24 Standard Satin provides extended high and low end with remarkable clarity and balance. The push/pull tone control adds versatility by allowing coil splitting, enabling access to both humbucking and single-coil tones. This flexibility makes it adept at handling a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to rock.

The guitar’s design reflects classic PRS aesthetics, with a sleek satin finish that enhances its visual appeal. Despite the absence of a flamed maple top found in higher-end models, it maintains a distinctive and professional look. Its reliable construction and attention to detail make it a dependable instrument for both beginners and seasoned players.

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10. Jackson JS22 Dinky

The Jackson brand is another veteran of the industry that makes some of the best electric guitars, and the JS22 Dinky doesn’t fall short of that the company’s tradition. This guitar is known for being beginner-friendly while packing a punch far beyond its price range. Every time I’ve gotten to play one I’m shocked how good it is, being a model geared more towards beginner players.

What I love about the JS22 Dinky is its fast neck, perfect for those who enjoy playing quick licks and riffs. It’s super comfortable, and the fretboard feels just right under my fingers.

Its pickups deliver a powerful sound, especially if you’re into rock or metal. This makes it a fantastic choice for those genres. I appreciate its versatility in sound, allowing me to try different styles without needing extra gear.

With its solid build and reliable performance, the Jackson JS22 Dinky is a great option for any beginner electric guitarist. It will make your learning experience much more enjoyable and rewarding.

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Electric Guitar Basics

When you’re just getting started as an electric guitar player, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the guitar’s key components and understand how they produce sound. This knowledge lays the foundation for learning the basics and improving your playing skills over time. 

Understanding electric guitars will help you choose the right instrument, whether you’re a beginner or looking to switch from acoustic or classical guitars.

Parts of an Electric Guitar

Every electric guitar has several key components that work together to create its unique sound. 

Body

There are 3 guitar body types: 

• solid body
• semi-hollow body
• hollow body

The guitar body type plays a significant role in shaping the tone and resonance. Due to its durability and versatility, a solid-body guitar is the most common choice for beginners.

Neck

The neck of the guitar, topped with a fingerboard and frets, is where you form chords and notes. The material and shape of the neck can vary, so personal preference matters when selecting your first instrument.

Pickups

Pickups are essential for transforming string vibrations into electrical signals. Beginner guitars feature the same pickup configurations as any pro-level, more expensive guitars, either single coil pickups or humbuckers. 

Single coils produce bright, sharp tones, ideal for classic rock, country music, and Eric Clapton-style solos. 

Humbuckers deliver warmer, fuller tones, making them popular for hard rock and heavy metal.

There are also passive and active pickups. Active pickups have a battery installed inside the guitar body that powers the circuit to generate a higher output signal. Both types have benefits depending on the tone and playing style you’re going for.

Controls

Control knobs for volume control and tone customization provide easy access to tweak your sound. Most guitars also have a pickup selector switch that allows you to choose which pickups are being used, each option giving you a different sound and tone. 

Additional features like a whammy bar or tremolo system allow for creative pitch variations.

How Electric Guitars Work

Electric guitars function by converting the strings’ vibrations into electrical signals through their pickups. These signals travel to an amplifier, which enhances their output as sound. The type of pickups—whether single coil or humbuckers—directly impacts the guitar sound and the kind of music it suits.

For example, a beginner interested in heavy or hard rock might prefer humbuckers for their noise-canceling properties and powerful output. This is also where active pickups excel; they can generate a higher output, higher distortion, and a less noisy signal.

In contrast, a beginner guitarist leaning toward country music or classic rock might enjoy the clarity and brightness of single coils.

My advice on choosing pickups for your first guitar is to keep it simple. If you know 100% for sure you’ll be a metal guitarist, then active pickups might be worth going for already. Otherwise, I’d stick with passive pickups for now until you really learn what works best for your playing style and tone you prefer.

Personally I use passive pickups in all but one of my guitars.

Choosing the Right Beginner Electric Guitar

Factors to Consider

The first thing to consider is the body size and weight, especially for younger players. Smaller guitars with lightweight designs are easier to handle and offer a more enjoyable learning experience.

Pay attention to string gauge, as lighter strings are typically easier on the fingers for beginners. Avoid guitars with excessive fret buzz by choosing models known for good quality control, though also keep in mind that most guitars need some basic adjustments when you first get one from the store.

Another critical factor is the music genre you’re most interested in. The kind of guitar you select should align with the styles of music you want to explore.

Popular Beginner Electric Guitar Brands

Yamaha Pacifica Series

Renowned for their great quality and reliability, Yamaha Pacifica guitars are versatile instruments suitable for many genres, from classic rock to heavy metal. Combining a solid body and reliable electronics ensures a great guitar for beginners.

Squier by Fender

Squier is a household name among beginners, offering models like the Bullet Mustang and Affinity Series, which cater to complete beginners with easy access to classic Fender tones. 

With the addition of gig bag options and complete starter kits, Squier delivers a great value package for new players.

Epiphone

Epiphone guitars, such as the SG-Special, are excellent alternatives to Gibson models. With solid craftsmanship and good reasons to choose them for their price-to-performance ratio, they offer an accessible entry point for aspiring players.

Complete Beginner Kits and Accessories

Many brands offer electric guitar kits with everything you need to start. These often come with a guitar, amplifier, cables, and additional accessories like picks, straps, and a gig bag. Kits might seem like a good idea for those who want to dive in without worrying about purchasing individual components; however, personally, I’m not a fan.

In my experience, the kits often include sub-par quality products.

You should first choose the guitar that best fits your requirements, then choose the other accessories based on the guitar. There are a lot of options for great first guitar amps for beginners, and cables and picks are cheap. Your choice of strings depends heavily on the type of guitar you picked too.

Conclusion

Choosing your first electric guitar is an exciting step into your musical future, and I’m stoked for you!

Finding the ideal electric guitar that matches your style and goals can make all the difference. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek tones of solid-body guitars or the warm resonance of semi-acoustic and hollow body guitars, there’s no shortage of excellent guitars to explore.

The determining factor on which guitar is right for you comes down to the type of pickups, body style, and your personal comfort with the instrument.

I still recall the thrill of picking up my first electric guitar—it was far from perfect, but it set me on a musical journey that continues to this day.

That’s why I encourage you to take your time, explore your options, and choose a guitar that feels right in your hands.

The right guitar will help you play your favorite songs and express your creativity across various sounds and music genres. Whether it’s for heavy rock, blues, or something in between, the best thing is to pick an instrument that inspires you to play for a long time.