5 Best Electric Guitars for Beginners | Our Consensus List

So you’ve decided to channel your inner rockstar and pick up an electric guitar—awesome choice! Whether you dream of shredding like Hendrix, riffing like Slash, or just jamming out in your garage, choosing the right axe is crucial for your journey. But with so many options out there, diving into the world of electric guitars can feel like stepping onto an unfamiliar stage. Don’t fret (pun intended), we’ve got you covered! Let’s plug in and crank up the volume on the best electric guitars for beginners, ensuring you hit all the right notes from your very first chord. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

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 can’t go wrong with this model’s 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 used for compiling this list

• GuitarChords247
• Old Time Music
• Guitar Junky
• Guitar World
• MusicRadar
• Guitar Space
• Guitar Lobby
• Sweetwater
• KillerRig
• GemTracks
• TwoStoryMelody
• Guitar.com

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. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.