Although I’ve been playing guitar for 25 years, I still remember the quest of buying my first electric guitar. It was exciting, yet a little daunting. Nowadays, the choice is astronomical. There are so many brands producing genuinely great guitars for fresh-faced beginners. It makes picking the best beginner electric guitar harder than it's ever been.
Just like standard electric guitars, beginner models come in all sorts of body shapes, pickup configurations, scale lengths, and fret counts. Manufacturers certainly don't hold back when it comes to choice. Having something sturdy and reliable that plays well, stays in tune, and sounds decent is crucial to making those first steps easier and more enjoyable. If you're buying for a younger beginner, you may want to opt for a shorter-scale guitar, whereas most older kids and adults will get on just fine with a standard-sized model.
For years, the Yamaha Pacifica 012 has been the go-to choice for beginners. It’s incredibly durable, has comfortable body contours, and features a versatile HSS pickup configuration that covers a wide range of genres, making it ideal for players still searching for their sound. It’s full-size, so it will suit adults as well as older kids, while the tremolo is a nice touch at this price point. For lefties, the Squier Affinity Telecaster is easily one of the best options. Well-built, packed with classic looks and snappy Tele tones, it was a favorite among left-handed players while I worked in a guitar store.
Chances are, if you’re buying for the first time, there will be a lot of confusing terms and jargon you’re not used to. If that's you, I’ve put together a glossary to help clarify some of the lingo, while my how to choose section will give you key points to consider when it comes time to pull the trigger.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you need a guitar that can handle beginner bumps. Part of learning is getting comfortable with handling your instrument, and that can mean a few knocks along the way. Yamaha has made sure the Pacifica 012 is built to stand up to that.
❌ Avoid if you want something a bit more exciting. For younger players looking to express themselves, the Pacifica can feel a little ‘vanilla’.
Overview
For over 30 years, the Yamaha Pacifica has been the go-to model for beginners looking to try their hand at the electric guitar. Offering Yamaha’s exceptional build quality using durable materials, the Pacifica 012 is built to last, ideal for any potentially clumsy beginners who may be a tad heavy-handed.
Build quality
The Pacifica may not be the flashiest option on our list, but it still offers a number of well-thought-out elements, including a vintage-style tremolo. Experimenting with a whammy bar is a key part of any beginner's journey, and the four different finish options offer enough variety to keep most players happy. This guitar can be found in schools around the globe, which is a strong testament to its durability.
Playability
In terms of playability, it punches well above its price tag. The Pacifica’s Strat-style body is comfortable, thanks to a few well-placed contours. The double-cutaway allows easy access up the fingerboard, while the satin-smooth neck can be preferred by beginners over a glossier finish as it doesn’t stick when manoeuvring around the neck.
Sounds
The HSS configuration is a beginner's favorite, with the humbucker in the bridge delivering a punch that countless novice guitarists have enjoyed experimenting with over the decades. The single coils offer a spanky clarity and, when combined with the humbucker, they cover a wide sonic palette, providing all the tones any learner may need.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you’re after exceptional value. The roasted maple neck alone justifies the price tag, and Jet Guitars pack in plenty of impressive specs for beginner guitarists.
❌ Avoid if you’re unsure about the brand. Some players may naturally gravitate towards and place more trust in a more recognizable name.
Overview
While electric guitars from competitors in this price range typically offer a more bare-bones aesthetic, the Jet Guitars JS-400 delivers all the attractive details you'd expect from guitars at twice its price. With a modern design approach and standout visual appeal, it’s aimed at beginners who want something inspiring as well as functional.
Build quality
Designed by Primoz Virant, the JS-400 features a Canadian roasted maple neck and either a roasted maple or rosewood fingerboard, depending on the finish. Not only does the neck feel silky smooth and offer fantastic stability, but it also adds a premium aesthetic that makes it stand out. Looks matter, and a visually appealing guitar can encourage more playing time, which is key when you're learning.
Playability
The JS-400 captures the essence of the Stratocaster, featuring familiar body contours and a double-horned design. This makes it very comfortable to play, whether seated or standing, and when navigating the higher frets. The modern C neck profile strikes a perfect ‘Goldilocks’ balance – not too thin or thick – offering a comfortable starting point for hands new to guitar playing.
Sounds
The HSS configuration is ideal for beginners, offering versatility and helping players understand the characteristics of each pickup type. It allows you to explore a wide range of tones and decide what suits your style best. With a kaleidoscope of vibrant finishes, Jet Guitars are making a strong impression in the beginner electric guitar space, and it’s easy to see why.
Best premium
✅ Buy if you’re in it for the long run. The SE CE 24 can be a guitar for life and is a solid investment if you’re committed to playing guitar.
❌ Avoid if you’re a bit heavy-handed. The satin finish can be easier to mark, so it’s not ideal if you’re prone to knocks and bumps.
Overview
While PRS guitars are renowned for their lavish high-end American-made models, it's the SE range that truly shines for beginners. With PRS, you can expect top-notch reliability, incredibly smooth playability, and a wide range of tones. The SE CE 24 Standard Satin lives up to that reputation without exception.
Build quality
As PRS’ most pocket-friendly option yet, it’s one of the best electric guitars under $500. Within that context, it still feels like a premium choice for beginners, with a carved top and satin finish that give it a refined, high-end feel despite the lower price point.
Playability
The “24” in the name refers to the 24 frets, and the double-cutaway design makes reaching the upper frets easy. The lower horn carve gives extra access when exploring the neck’s top end, while the overall shaping ensures a smooth, comfortable playing experience.
Sounds
PRS’ own 85/15 “S” humbuckers deliver a warm, punchy tone inspired by their high-end American models. The coil-split function via the tone control expands the tonal range further, giving beginners plenty of sounds to experiment with and enjoy as they develop their playing style.
Best for kids
✅ Buy if your child has expressed an interest in learning rock or heavier styles. The Ibanez miKro is fantastic for heavier genres, and any young metal player will get a lot out of it.
❌ Avoid if your child is older or growing quickly. They may outgrow the short scale length sooner, meaning you’ll likely need to replace it if they hit a growth spurt.
Overview
Ibanez’s miKro series has been named very appropriately, as it is a guitar for kids. With a short 22.2" scale length, it is an ideal guitar for small arms, as the reach with the left hand to fret notes is much more comfortable. The body has also been scaled down, reducing overall bulk and making it a fantastic option for younger players.
Build quality
The compact poplar body paired with a maple neck is a durable choice, and the smaller size provides a solid, stable platform. The chrome hardware serves a practical purpose here; it isn’t the most glamorous, but it is reliable enough for a beginner’s guitar. The controls are fairly straightforward, with a master volume and tone, meaning there aren’t any unnecessary options for a beginner to get bogged down with.
Playability
Ibanez is known for slim necks, and the miKro is no different. It is incredibly comfortable for smaller hands, with less wood filling the palm. The shorter scale length also means reduced electric guitar string tension, and that slinky feel is a great entry point for kids who haven’t yet built up finger strength.
Sounds
As for sounds, the miKro is actually impressively versatile. The pickup selector works as a coil split, turning the humbucker, known for full-bodied, higher-output tones, into a single-coil voice, providing brighter, more articulate sounds. This is a great level of versatility, which is an important feature at this stage of learning.
Best for metal
✅ Buy if you want to learn heavier genres. The IBZ-6 humbuckers can handle most heavy genres with ease, with a coil split trick up its sleeve for softer genres too.
❌ Avoid if you can’t stand fingerprints. A matte finish is like a moth to a flame for fingerprints, which drives some players up the wall.
Overview
Japanese brand Ibanez is well known for its sleek, fast-playing electric guitars that are ideally suited to heavy music. However, with its budget-friendly GIO range, Ibanez has made itself accessible to beginners inclined in that direction. The GRG121DX, albeit a bit of a mouthful, is a novice shredder’s dream, priced under $/£200 and equipped with all the necessary specs that will assist in working on those gnarly chops.
Build quality
The GRG’s body is made with the affordable material poplar, which is sturdy enough for heavy learning sessions, whilst the maple neck is very stable. Add the hardtail F106 fixed bridge into the mix, and you shouldn’t be having problems with tuning stability. For a guitar with an HH pickup configuration, you don’t typically get a 5-way selector switch, but on this GRG it works as a coil split. Put simply, a coil split switches off one half of the humbucker, giving you spankier single-coil tones.
Playability
The super smooth satin maple neck, 24 frets, and relatively flat 16" fingerboard radius have been purposely built to assist fast shredding. Even the S-Style double-cutaway has been designed for minimal obstruction, providing easy access all the way up the neck. Talking about the neck, this is a full-sized scale length at 25.5”, so younger kids may not get on with the length.
Sounds
The GRG121DX is equipped with two IBZ-6 humbuckers. Humbuckers, renowned for their powerful output, work well in rock and metal, and the IBZ-6s deliver a particularly meaty tone when cranked into an overdrive/crunch channel, sure to satisfy any beginner metalhead. However, thanks to the coil split, you can also achieve plenty of pretty jangle. Ultimately, offering plenty of versatility that will work well with a beginner who’ll be exploring different styles.
Best left-handed
✅ Buy if you want a straight-shooting classic. The Telecaster is one of the most popular guitars ever made; a large part of its appeal is the amazing tone in a straightforward package. Squier has done a commendable job for left-handed beginners with the Telecaster Affinity.
❌ Avoid if you prefer super high-gain, modern genres. Although it can do a decent job, if you want to play very heavy, modern genres, the single-coil pickups may not do as good a job as humbuckers.
Overview
The Telecaster hasn't undergone many changes since its inception in the early 1950s. This is not due to neglect, but rather because Leo Fender's design was so ingenious that it has stood the test of time. Hailed as one of the most versatile models ever, the left-handed Squier Affinity Telecaster offers beginner guitarists incredible value for money, introducing fresh-faced players to the wonderful world of Telecasters.
Build quality
With two single-coil ceramic pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and a single volume and tone control, the straightforward layout of Telecaster pickups is precisely why it’s ideal for beginners. Pair that with a sturdy maple neck and fingerboard with an unfussy poplar body, and you have a guitar that is deliciously simple whilst oozing quality for the price point. From our tests, tuning stability has never been an issue, and the hardware is robust enough for a guitar in this price range.
Playability
As for the neck, Squier’s comfortable C-shaped profile makes playing a doddle and the satin smooth finish doesn’t make your hand stick whilst moving between chords or playing up the neck. Unlike a traditional Telecaster, there is a body contour around the back, meaning beginners won’t have a defined guitar edge poking into their ribs when learning.
Sounds
When it comes to the sounds, the guitar does much of the heavy lifting, and achieving great tones doesn’t require a nuclear physics degree due to its simple nature. You’ll get twangy country tones in the bridge position and more bluesy warmth in the neck position. Overall, for left-handed beginners, the Affinity Telecaster is a no-frills option that will help you achieve your electric guitar goals.
How to choose
Whilst working in a guitar store, helping beginners select their very first electric guitar was a daily occurrence for me. Each time a beginner walked into my store, I took them through these main considerations. If you don’t stray far from these points, you will end up with a great guitar that will suit the stage you’re at in your learning journey.
1. Scale length
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First things first, deciding what scale length you need is the best place to start. The two most common scale lengths for full-sized guitars are 25.5" and 24.75". Scale length refers to the distance between the top of the fretboard and the bridge at the bottom of the guitar. For most adults, either scale length should be perfectly comfortable, unless you have particularly small hands or a shorter reach.
However, for younger learners, you may want to consider a short-scale guitar. I'd class anything under 24" as short scale. The shorter the scale length, the less distance young learners need to stretch when fretting notes with their left hand, making it a more comfortable option.
2. Body shape
Next up, you should consider the body shape. Whittling it down to the two simplest choices, you're either going to go for a single-cut design, such as a Les Paul-style guitar, which only has one body cutaway on the lower side of the neck, or a double-cutaway design, found on guitars such as Stratocasters, SGs, and many modern electric guitars. This adds an additional upper body cutaway, allowing for easier access to the higher frets.
The reason I think this should be the second consideration is quite simple. It will immediately help eliminate around half of your choices and may even influence your pickup preference. For comfort, believe it or not, each design feels different when you're playing. For many beginners, simply sitting with a guitar on your lap is enough to determine which shape feels right.
3. Pickups
Now that we have considered the factors that make holding a guitar comfortable, let's think about the sounds it can create. Pickups are magnets wrapped in coil wiring that detect the vibrations of the strings and convert them into an electrical signal, which is then sent to an amplifier. This has a huge influence on your tone.
The two most common pickup options are single-coils and humbuckers. Their construction is different, and the result is different tonal characteristics. Single-coils are brighter, spankier, and have a bit more jangle. They are named as such because there is only a single coil wrapped around the magnetic pole pieces. Humbuckers, on the other hand, use two coils. They were originally created to reduce the hum commonly associated with single-coil pickups, but they also produce a higher output and tend to sound warmer and fuller-bodied.
There is no right or wrong option here, only preference. Plus, some beginner electric guitars come with a combination of both, providing a very versatile platform to learn with.
FAQs
What is the absolute best electric guitar for a beginner?
Arguably, there isn’t an ‘absolute best’ beginner guitar, as every player will require something slightly different. Whether that’s a particular scale length, body shape, pickup configuration, or something else entirely. However, if I had to pick the most popular option from my time working in a guitar store, it would easily be an S-style guitar.
There’s a reason the Yamaha Pacifica sits at the top of our list. These guitars are incredibly comfortable, easy to hold, provide excellent access all the way up the fingerboard, and feature player-friendly body contours. If, like the Pacifica 012, they also combine humbuckers and single-coil pickups, they become incredibly versatile too. However, even a standard SSS – three single coils – configuration will provide total versatility, which is ideal when just starting.
This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, and ultimately the best guitar for you may be something completely different. However, if you stick with a Strat-style guitar, you’re unlikely to go far wrong.
Should I buy an electric guitar starter pack?
Electric guitar starter packs can be a good choice if you aren’t too fussy about the individual components. They come with everything you need to get started, from the guitar itself to picks, cables, and an amplifier.
However, you’ll usually get better value for money, and often better-quality gear, if you buy everything separately. It does take a bit more consideration, but in the long run you’ll end up with equipment that is better suited to your needs and, hopefully, encourages you to play more.
If I’m totally honest, the amplifiers included in many beginner starter packs can let the guitar down. From my experience, they don’t tend to be the highest quality. I’ve seen beginners become discouraged because these small practice amps can sound rather shrill and uninspiring.
So, if convenience is your main priority, a starter pack can be a great way to get playing quickly. However, if you’re serious about learning and want the best experience possible, I’d recommend choosing your guitar, amp and accessories individually.
What's the difference between single-coil and humbucker pickups?
Ultimately, their construction is what makes a single-coil different from a humbucker. Both are pickups designed to convert your guitar strings' vibrations into an electrical signal that can then be amplified. However, a single-coil uses one coil of wire wrapped around magnetic pole pieces. They were the first type of guitar pickup and, because of their design, can produce unwanted hum, particularly when used with higher gain settings. Sonically, single-coils are bright, jangly, and articulate.
The humbucker was developed to eliminate the hum associated with single-coils. It uses two coils wired together with opposite polarity, effectively cancelling, or 'bucking', the hum. Humbuckers typically have a higher output, sound fuller and warmer, and handle gain and distortion particularly well.
Neither option is better than the other. It simply comes down to the type of tone you prefer. Many beginner guitars combine both pickup types, giving you plenty of versatility while you discover your own sound.
Why doesn't my beginner electric stay in tune?
There can be a few variables knocking your beginner electric guitar out of tune. Firstly, if it's new, your strings may not have had time to settle in. New strings can stretch during the first few days of playing, causing them to slip out of tune. An easy way to help this is by gently stretching the strings and then re-tuning them until they settle into place. Then, if you're storing your guitar in a room that fluctuates in temperature or humidity, the wood can expand and contract, effectively shifting various parts of the guitar and causing it to go out of tune.
Lastly, if you've purchased a very cheap guitar, perhaps an unbranded catalogue model, and the hardware, such as the tuning pegs or bridge, isn't up to scratch, then unfortunately it may simply come down to the overall construction. However, if you stick to one of the guitars on our list, you shouldn't run into any major tuning stability issues.
Why are the strings hard to press down?
This can come down to your guitar’s set-up. If you are confident that your finger strength isn’t causing your issue (trust me, we’ve all been there), then it may not be set up properly. You need to check the action, as if it is too high, it can make fretting notes much more difficult. Action refers to the height of the strings in relation to the fingerboard. A high action isn’t the easiest to play, particularly when you’re just starting out.
It isn’t a death sentence. In fact, an experienced player or guitar tech will be able to sort out a high action fairly easily with a standard set-up. High action doesn’t just happen on beginner electric guitars; even the most expensive guitars can be affected by temperature changes, shifting the neck and causing the action to rise.
Should I buy a new guitar or a used one?
Whether you buy a new guitar or a used one will come down to how confident you are in spotting any potential problems an electric guitar may have. If you’re a beginner, this may be tricky, so having an experienced player to assist is a great way to go. I’m not saying that everyone selling a used guitar out there is out to get you, but you don’t have nearly as many assurances when buying second-hand compared to buying new. However, if you do have a friend who’s an experienced guitarist to give you advice, you can often find plenty of bargains on the second-hand market.
Buying new will always be a little more expensive, but being able to go back to a physical retailer when something goes wrong is worth its weight in gold, particularly when you’re just starting out. You’ll also have a manufacturer’s warranty in case any defects rear their head. Plus, if it’s a reputable dealer, you won’t have to worry about any dodgy dealings, as the guitars will be straight from the supplier.
Can I use an electric guitar without an amplifier?
You can, but it won’t sound great. An electric guitar has been designed to primarily be used with an amplifier; plus, if you’re learning on an electric guitar, chances are you want to sound like your favorite band or play a song you’ve been wanting to learn. An amplifier allows you to use distortion, overdrive, or any other effects to get you sounding like your favorite record.
Playing electric guitar without an amplifier isn’t totally sacrilege, and we’ve all done it to get our guitar fix, particularly when everyone else in the house is sleeping. It sounds very thin, since the solid body isn’t designed to resonate like an acoustic guitar.
Is it easier to learn electric guitar or acoustic guitar?
Both electric and acoustic guitars come with their own advantages and challenges. Electric guitar strings have much less tension than acoustic strings, making them a little easier on your fingers. When starting out, finger fatigue is a real hurdle to get over, so many players tend to prefer electric for this reason.
However, building finger strength is a crucial part of learning, so acoustic is still a great option. Plus, acoustic playing is often more unforgiving, as every wrong note can sound more exposed, largely because the instrument is naturally louder and more resonant.
Ultimately, neither is easier in a definitive sense; it depends on what keeps you playing. If you want a more forgiving, versatile starting point, an electric guitar is usually the smoother entry. If you’re motivated by raw, unplugged playing and want to build strength early on, acoustic can be just as rewarding.
Key terms
- Action: The height of your strings in relation to the fingerboard.
- Amplifier: A piece of equipment that boosts your weak electric guitar signal into a loud output. It can also color your tone and introduce effects or distortion.
- Bridge: The part of the guitar that anchors your strings to the body. It can be fixed or floating depending on the model.
- Controls: The knobs and switches on an electric guitar that adjust volume and tone, influencing the signal sent to your amplifier.
- Fret: The metal strips embedded along the fingerboard that divide the neck into semitone intervals.
- Fretboard (fingerboard): The surface on the neck of the guitar where your fingers press the strings. It hosts the frets and fret markers.
- Humbucker: A type of pickup with two coils designed to cancel hum and produce a full-bodied, higher-output sound.
- Jack: This is a name for the output socket where you plug in an instrument cable to connect the guitar to an amplifier.
- Neck: The long wooden part of the guitar that extends from the body and holds the fretboard, frets, and tuners.
- Nut: A small strip at the top of the fretboard that guides the strings into place and maintains spacing. It is usually made from bone, plastic, or synthetic material.
- Pickup: A magnetic device that ‘picks up’ string vibrations and converts them into an electrical signal for amplification.
- Scale length: The distance between the nut and the saddle, which affects string tension and overall feel.
- Setup: This is the process of adjusting a guitar’s action, intonation, and hardware to improve playability and tuning stability.
- Single-coil: A type of pickup with one coil of wire, known for a bright, clear, and articulate tone but more susceptible to hum.
- Tuners: Otherwise known as machine heads or pegs, they are found on the headstock and are used to adjust string tension and tune the guitar.
- String gauge: The thickness of guitar strings, which affects playability, tone, and tension.
How we test
At Guitar Player, our team of writers aren't just music enthusiasts; we're real-life musicians. Our hands-on experience with acoustic guitars ensures that our reviews and recommendations are backed by practical knowledge and real-world testing.
When it comes to selecting the best beginner electric guitars, we leave no stone unturned. Meticulously evaluating factors like tonal versatility, sonic character, build quality, and value for money, it's only after rigorous testing in a variety of playing scenarios do we choose products for our guides. We stand by our selections, ensuring that every set of strings we recommend is one we'd use ourselves.
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