Making the move from acoustic guitar to electric is one of the most exciting moments in any guitarist’s progression. Suddenly, you’ve moved away from open chords strummed around the campfire, and you’re now looking toward an exciting world of amplifiers, effects pedals, bands, and more. But first you need to choose the best beginner electric guitar for your style. Although entry-level electric guitars all have the same basic features — multiple pickups, volume and tone controls, and solid wood-carved bodies — they can still vary quite a bit. Here are 8 of the best electric guitars for beginners.
1. Squier Affinity Series Telecaster ()
Back in 1951, the Fender company released one of the world’s first solid body electric guitars, the Telecaster. Today, “Teles” are universally loved. And if you’re a serious electric guitarist, odds are that you own a model.
Squier is Fender’s entry-level line of guitars, and the Squier Affinity Telecasterhas many of the same specs that more expensive Fender models boast. You get a smooth maple fingerboard, single coil neck and bridge pickups for both mellow and twangy sounds, and of course the distinctive Telecaster body shape that has been loved for generations. The only difference between this guitar and models that may cost ten times as much is that it isn’t made in the USA.
2. Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster ()
Whereas the Telecaster is mostly associated with country music styles, its younger brother the Stratocaster is 100% rock’n’roll from Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix to Mark Knopfler. Comparing Squier’s Affinity Series Stratocaster to the Tele mentioned above, you can see a few notable differences.
Its body is a “double cutaway,” which gives your fingers easier access to the upper reaches of the beautiful dark rosewood fingerboard. It has three single-coil pickups, giving you five different tonal settings. Plus, there’s a tremolo arm (also called a “whammy bar”), which allows you to do wild dive-bomb sounds.
3. Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Package ()
Strats are iconic guitars, but they don’t work too well without an amp! The Squier Affinity package throws an amplifier, guitar strap, and padded gig bag in with the Stratocaster detailed above, completely outfitting you with everything you need to rock out. It’s also available in a brown sunburst model.
4. Ibanez miKro Series GRGM21 ()
Ibanez is an excellent Japanese company that has been making guitars as long as most U.S. manufacturers. The Ibanez short-scale “miKro” series guitar has a fingerboard and body that are specifically scaled for smaller hands, giving the full power of an electric guitar to young players. In contrast to the aforementioned Squier guitars, this Ibanez uses double-coiled, or “humbucker,” pickups, which eliminate electric “hums” for a brighter, more piercing tone.
5. Ibanez GIO Series GRG7221 7-String ()
A 7-string model guitar adds an additional low B-string below the standard E-string, opening up a world of thick metal crunch to heavy guitarists. Like the smaller miKro model above, the Ibanez GRG7221 7-string features high-output humbucking pickups. You won’t find a better 7-string guitar that also doubles as one of the best electric guitars for beginners in this price range.
6. Jackson JS Series Monarkh SC JS22 ()
The shape of the Jackson JS Series Monarkh SC JS22 is loosely based on the classic single cutaway Gibson Les Paul of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Also, like most Les Pauls, it features twin humbucker pickups with a pickup selector switch. Unlike the other guitars in this list, it boasts a beautiful quilted maple top, and its light purple finish lets the natural flames of wood shine through radiantly. If you want an affordable guitar that is also stunningly beautiful, this is it.
7. Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Jr. ()
Gretsch is mostly known for its high-end hollow-body “arch top” electric guitars. But this sleek 1950s-style solid body single cutaway makes that classic Gretsch style available for entry-level players. The Gretsch G2210’s vintage-style humbuckers give a stronger mid-range than the Jackson or the Ibanez models, making this a great Les Paul-style instrument for those who want their first electric guitar to have an earthy, “indie” sound.
8. Jackson JS Kelly JS32T ()
Jackson guitars burst onto the scene in the 1980s with differently-shaped guitars that perfectly matched the era’s over-the-top “hair metal” vibes. If you’re a new guitar player who wants to really dazzle an audience with shredding solos and a futuristic, angular body shape that looks like a battle axe, the JS Kelly JS32T will not disappoint. It’s no surprise it’s one of the best electric guitars for beginners.
Ready to continue expanding your musical talent? Check out these other must-knows for beginners:
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