When searching for the best beginner electric guitar, there are several factors to consider. The type of guitar, the size, and the sound are all critical elements that can make or break a beginner's experience.
The type of guitar is also essential, as there are different styles that cater to various genres of music. The size of the guitar should also be considered, as a guitar that is too big or too small can cause discomfort and hinder the learning process.
Best Beginner Electric Guitars
We've scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best beginner electric guitars. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade from an acoustic, our list has something for everyone.
From affordable options to premium models, these guitars offer excellent playability, sound quality and durability.
So, without further ado, let's dive into our top picks for the best beginner electric guitars.
Bullfighter Electric Guitar
If you're looking for a beginner electric guitar, the Bullfighter Electric Guitar might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The classic bass pickups deliver warm and clear tones that are perfect for beginners.
- The guitar is lightweight and designed for portability, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- The streamlined neck with narrow width design provides comfortable playability and reduces fatigue when playing or practicing.
Cons
- The guitar may not be suitable for more advanced players who are looking for a more complex sound.
- The glossy finish may show fingerprints and smudges easily.
- The guitar may need to be tuned frequently, especially if played frequently.
The Bullfighter Electric Guitar is a great option for beginners looking for a lightweight and portable guitar that delivers warm and clear tones. The classic bass pickups are perfect for beginners who are just starting out, and the streamlined neck design makes it easy to play for long periods of time without experiencing any fatigue.
One of the downsides of the guitar is that it may not be suitable for more advanced players who are looking for a more complex sound. Additionally, the glossy finish may show fingerprints and smudges easily, which could be a bit of a drawback for some players. Finally, the guitar may need to be tuned frequently, especially if it's played frequently.
Overall, the Bullfighter Electric Guitar is a great option for beginners who are looking for a high-quality guitar that's easy to play and delivers great sound. With a variety of features and a range of accessories included in the kit, this guitar is sure to be a hit with anyone who's just starting out.
Donner DST-100 Electric Guitar Kit
If you're a beginner looking for a quality electric guitar kit, the Donner DST-100 is a great option. It offers a range of features that make it both versatile and easy to use.
Pros
- The H-S-S pickup configuration provides a range of tonal options suitable for a variety of musical styles.
- The Canadian maple neck with "C" shaped profile is comfortable to play and makes it easy to transition between chords.
- The all-in-one beginner package includes everything you need to get started, including a portable amplifier, bag, capo, strap, extra string, digital tuner, amp cable, and picks.
Cons
- The guitar may require some setup and tuning out of the box.
- The amp is small and may not provide enough volume for larger performances.
- The guitar may not be suitable for more advanced players who require more advanced features.
We were impressed with the Donner DST-100's build quality and sound. The H-S-S pickup configuration provides a range of tonal options, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. The Canadian maple neck with "C" shaped profile is comfortable to play and makes it easy to transition between chords. The all-in-one beginner package includes everything you need to get started, including a portable amplifier, bag, capo, strap, extra string, digital tuner, amp cable, and picks.
The guitar may require some setup and tuning out of the box, but this is to be expected with most guitars. The amp is small and may not provide enough volume for larger performances, but it's perfect for practice sessions. The guitar may not be suitable for more advanced players who require more advanced features, but it's a great option for beginners.
Overall, we highly recommend the Donner DST-100 Electric Guitar Kit for beginners looking for a quality instrument that will last them for years to come.
3rd Avenue Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Starter Beginner Pack with Bag, Strap, Picks and Capo - White
If you're looking for an affordable beginner electric guitar, the 3rd Avenue Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Starter Beginner Pack with Bag, Strap, Picks and Capo in White is a great option.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Comes with all the necessary accessories for beginners
- Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons
- May require a professional setup
- Limited colour options
- May not have the best sound quality compared to higher-end guitars
As someone who has played guitar for several years, I was impressed with the quality of this beginner guitar. The lightweight body makes it easy to handle, which is perfect for those just starting out. The included accessories, such as the bag, strap, picks, and capo, are a nice touch and make it easy to start playing right away.
However, it's worth noting that the guitar may require a professional setup to get the best sound quality. Additionally, the limited colour options may not be suitable for everyone's preferences. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 3rd Avenue Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Starter Beginner Pack with Bag, Strap, Picks and Capo in White is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable beginner electric guitar.
Overall, we would recommend this guitar to anyone looking to get started with electric guitar playing without breaking the bank.
Max GigKit Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit
If you are looking for a complete electric guitar starter kit, Max GigKit Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a great option for beginners.
Pros
- The package includes everything a beginner needs to start playing the electric guitar - a high-quality standard electric guitar, a guitar amplifier, a gig-bag, and all the accessories.
- The guitar has a high gloss finish and a comfortable playing feel, making it ideal for beginners of all ages.
- The 40-watt guitar amplifier is equipped with an equalizer, boost (distortion) mode, AUX in for playing along with music, and a headphone connector for practicing without disturbing others.
Cons
- The guitar is made in China, which may be a concern for some buyers.
- The guitar may require some setup and tuning out of the box, which can be challenging for beginners.
- The included accessories may not be of the highest quality, but they are sufficient for a beginner.
The Max GigKit Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a great value for money entry-level guitar package for beginners. The package includes a full-size 4/4 Stratocaster guitar with 21 frets, and it is ideal for guitar players aged 10 years and up. The 3 single-coil pickups are of traditional strat style, allowing for various tones when using the 5-way selector switch. The included tremolo arm allows you to adjust the tension on the strings for a classic vibrato effect.
The clip-on digital tuner is easy to use, and the package comes with spare strings, strap, picks, stand, footstool, and instrument cable. The MAX 180.198 GP15 Guitar Pack Foot Stand is an adjustable metal footrest for guitar players with a non-skid rubber top and heavy-duty legs for added stability, making for a more comfortable playing position. The MAX 180.200 GP20 Guitar Pack Universal Guitar Stand is a lightweight powder-coated black metal construction with rubber feet and backrest and is suitable for acoustic, classic, electric, and bass guitars.
Overall, the Max GigKit Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a great value for money package for beginners who are looking for a complete electric guitar starter kit. It is a great way to get started on playing the electric guitar without breaking the bank.
RockJam Full Size Electric Guitar Kit
If you're a beginner looking for an electric guitar, the RockJam Full Size Electric Guitar Kit is a great option to consider. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a guitar, amp, gig bag, strap, picks, whammy bar, lead, and spare strings.
Pros
- The basswood body and ergonomic ST design make this guitar comfortable to play for long periods.
- The 10-watt guitar amp with tone and gain controls delivers great sound quality.
- The gig bag included in this kit comes with two carry handles and 5mm of padding, making it easy to transport and protect the guitar.
Cons
- The included guitar strap may not be the most comfortable for all players.
- Some users have reported issues with the guitar going out of tune easily.
- The design of the amplifier may vary from the one pictured.
We found the RockJam Full Size Electric Guitar Kit to be a great choice for beginners. The guitar has a striking high-gloss finish and metal gearheads for more accurate tuning. The three single-coil pickups, pickup selector, two tone controls, and volume control allow for a range of sounds to be produced. The whammy bar is a nice addition for adding vibrato to your playing.
The 10-watt guitar amp included in this kit is powerful enough for practicing at home and has a headphone output for private playing. The tone and gain controls allow for a range of sounds to be produced, and the carry handle makes it easy to transport.
The gig bag included in this kit is well-padded and has two carry handles, making it easy to transport and protect the guitar. It's a nice addition for beginners who may not have a case or bag for their guitar yet.
Overall, we think the RockJam Full Size Electric Guitar Kit is a great choice for beginners who want a complete package to get started. The guitar, amp, and accessories are all of good quality, and the price is very reasonable for what you get.
3rd Avenue XF Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Starter Beginner Pack with Bag, Strap, Picks and Capo – Red Instrument Only 4/4 Size Red
If you're a beginner looking for an affordable electric guitar, the 3rd Avenue XF Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Starter Beginner Pack with Bag, Strap, Picks and Capo – Red Instrument Only 4/4 Size Red is a solid choice.
Pros
- The guitar comes with a complete set of accessories, including a bag, strap, picks, and capo, making it a great value for beginners.
- The guitar is well-built and sturdy, ensuring that it will last for a long time.
- The guitar is easy to play, making it a great choice for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play.
Cons
- The action on the guitar can be a bit high, which may make it difficult to play for some beginners.
- The aux cable that comes with the guitar is of low quality and may need to be replaced.
- The fret wire is either too high or not well fitted, which may cause some fret buzz in places.
We were impressed with the overall build quality of the 3rd Avenue XF Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar. It feels sturdy and well-made, which is important for a beginner guitar that will be used frequently. The guitar is also easy to play, which is great for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play.
One of the standout features of this guitar is that it comes with a complete set of accessories, including a bag, strap, picks, and capo. This makes it a great value for beginners who are just starting out and may not have all of the necessary accessories yet.
However, we did notice that the action on the guitar can be a bit high, which may make it difficult to play for some beginners. Additionally, the aux cable that comes with the guitar is of low quality and may need to be replaced. Finally, the fret wire is either too high or not well fitted, which may cause some fret buzz in places.
Overall, we would recommend the 3rd Avenue XF Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Starter Beginner Pack with Bag, Strap, Picks and Capo – Red Instrument Only 4/4 Size Red to any beginner looking for an affordable and well-built electric guitar.
Donner Electric Guitar Kit
If you're looking for a beginner electric guitar, the Donner Electric Guitar Kit is a great option to consider. With a 4.5-star rating and over 750 reviews, this guitar kit has proven to be a reliable and affordable choice for those starting out.
Pros
- The Korea-made Donner humbucking pickup provides warm and clear tones, while the vintage-style single-coil pickups allow for a range of sound options with less noise.
- The coil split function allows the humbucking pickup to be split into classic single-coil tones, providing even more versatility.
- Equipped with a C-shaped neck profile and built-in neck stiffener, as well as a Laurel Wood fingerboard and satin-finished AAA Canada maple neck, the guitar is comfortable to play for extended periods of time.
Cons
- The vintage style tuning machine may not be as precise as some other options on the market.
- Some users have reported that the guitar requires a bit of setup out of the box, such as adjusting the action and intonation.
- The guitar may not be suitable for more advanced players who require a higher level of sound quality and customization.
Overall, the Donner Electric Guitar Kit is a great choice for those just starting out with electric guitar. The all-in-one bundle includes everything you need to get started, including an amplifier, bag, capo, strap, string, tuner, Allen wrench, guitar rocker, cable, and pick. With its range of sound options and comfortable playability, this guitar kit is a solid investment for beginners.
Max GigKit Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit
We highly recommend the Max GigKit Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit for aspiring guitarists who want to start playing right away.
Pros
- The kit includes everything you need to get started, including a high-quality electric guitar, 40W combo amplifier, gig-bag, strap, strings, picks, cable, and a clip-on digital tuner.
- The 4/4 Stratocaster guitar is full size and has 21 frets, making it ideal for guitar players aged 10 years and up. The 3 single coil pickups allow for various tones when using the 5-way selector switch.
- The included tremolo arm allows for easy adjustment of string tension, and the 40W guitar amplifier has an equalizer, boost mode, AUX in, and headphone connector for practicing without disturbing others.
Cons
- The guitar amplifier can be a bit crackly at times, which may make it difficult to hear what you are playing.
- Some users have reported issues with the sunburst finish cracking after a few days of use.
- The kit is not suitable for left-handed guitarists.
Overall, we found the Max GigKit Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit to be a great value for money. The kit includes all the necessary accessories, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The guitar itself is of high quality and produces great sound, and the tremolo arm allows for easy adjustments to the strings for a classic vibrato effect. The clip-on digital tuner is easy to use and ensures that the guitar is always in tune. While the guitar amplifier can be a bit crackly at times, it is still a great addition to the kit, and the headphone connector allows for quiet practice sessions.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best beginner electric guitar, there are several factors to consider. Here, we will discuss the most important features to look for when choosing a guitar.
Body Style
The first thing to consider is the body style of the guitar. There are three main types of electric guitar bodies: solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are the most popular and versatile, while semi-hollow and hollow body guitars are best suited for specific genres of music.
Neck
The neck of the guitar is also an important factor to consider. The two most common types of necks are bolt-on and set necks. Bolt-on necks are more affordable and easier to repair, while set necks provide better sustain and resonance.
Pickups
Pickups are the electronic components that convert the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. There are two main types of pickups: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear sound, while humbuckers produce a warmer, thicker sound.
Bridge
The bridge of the guitar is the part that holds the strings in place. There are several types of bridges, including fixed bridges, tremolo bridges, and Floyd Rose bridges. Fixed bridges are the most stable and easiest to maintain, while tremolo and Floyd Rose bridges allow for more expressive playing styles.
Other Features
Other features to consider when choosing a beginner electric guitar include the number of frets, the type of wood used for the body and neck, and the overall build quality of the guitar.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best beginner electric guitar for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should we consider when choosing a beginner electric guitar?
When choosing a beginner electric guitar, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the style of music you want to play. Different guitars are better suited for different genres. Second, consider the size and weight of the guitar. You want a guitar that is comfortable to hold and play. Third, consider the quality of the guitar. Look for a guitar that is well-made and has good reviews from other beginners.
What are some good beginner electric guitar kits?
There are many good beginner electric guitar kits on the market. Some popular options include the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack, the Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack, and the Ibanez Jumpstart Electric Guitar Package. These kits typically include a guitar, amplifier, cable, and other accessories.
What is the best electric guitar for beginners on a budget?
If you're on a budget, there are still many good options for beginner electric guitars. The Squier Bullet Stratocaster is a popular choice, as is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. Both of these guitars are well-made and affordable.
What should we look for in a beginner electric guitar amp?
When choosing a beginner electric guitar amp, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the wattage of the amp. A lower wattage amp is better for practicing at home, while a higher wattage amp is better for playing with a band. Second, consider the size and weight of the amp. You want an amp that is easy to transport and store. Third, consider the features of the amp. Look for an amp that has built-in effects and EQ controls.
Are there any recommended electric guitars for beginners on Sweetwater?
Sweetwater offers a wide selection of electric guitars for beginners. Some popular options include the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT, and the Yamaha Pacifica 112V. These guitars are all well-made and have good reviews from other beginners.
What size electric guitar is best for beginners?
The size of the guitar will depend on the age and size of the beginner. For young children, a 1/2 size or 3/4 size guitar may be more appropriate. For older children and adults, a full-size guitar is usually the best choice. It's important to choose a guitar that is comfortable to hold and play, regardless of its size.