The 5 Best Electric Guitars For Beginners

Our selection of the best electric guitars for beginners you can buy in 2022.

Buying your first instrument? The innumerable options can be overwhelming.

Electric guitars come in various shapes and sizes, and each instrument offers musicians various cool features. 

So how do you know which guitar is right for you?

This guide helps you make the best decision by getting you to ask questions that narrow down your search. And we also showcase a few guitars ideal for people beginning their musical journey.

Let’s dive in!

What to consider before buying electric guitars?

So you’re shopping for a guitar–fun! You could easily walk into a music store (online or in person) and buy the first instrument you see. You may even be happy with your decision. However, it’s worth sitting down and thinking about your purchase.

Know what you’re looking for

As a beginner, you may not know exactly what you want. There are countless guitar designs on the market, and some are ideal for particular play styles. 

Think about the kind of music you want to create and the setting or environment and context in which you want to play. Consider what accessories you need and whether or not the guitar you’re looking at can support your needs. 

Another aspect to contemplate is whether you’re buying a new or used guitar. A brand-new, untouched instrument is fantastic. But you may be able to acquire something second-hand that’s much better and to your liking.

Try it before you buy it

The guitar may look cool, but how does it handle? Test-driving a guitar can be tricky if you’re shopping online. However, it’s worth taking the time and going down to a music shop to take it for a spin. 

This way, you can familiarize yourself with how it feels and sounds. This way, you either reinforce your decision or discover some things you dislike about the instrument. 

Taking the time to familiarize yourself with a guitar before buying it helps you make the right decision.

Establish a price range

If you’re a beginner, you don’t need a top-tier guitar with all the latest features. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for the cheapest instrument you can find. 

Guitars can cost anywhere from $200 to over $100,000. Take the time to establish a price range that makes sense for you. By doing this, you can narrow down your options considerably.

Be open to your options

Some musicians swear by certain brands. They’re all fools (unless that brand is Fender)! 

Seriously though. In some instances, it makes sense. Different guitar brands create unique instruments. They have a certain feel and shape and emit distinct sounds. Experienced musicians may develop a partiality towards a particular brand because they suit their style. 

As you play, you inevitably go through guitars. We recommend that you try as many as you can!

Five electric guitars for beginners.   

Now that you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, kick-start your shopping with these five guitars that are ideal for beginners!

It has an aesthetic virtually identical to the Gibson SG and a long neck that makes playing solos a smooth experience. The body and neck are made of mahogany and rosewood for the fingerboard. 

Pros:

• Great for people looking to play metal and rock.
• Made with quality materials.
• Quality pickups (for distorted tones).

Cons:

• Lacks versatility.

The instrument is aesthetically pleasing and has a long, thin neck which facilitates soloing. The Ibanez GRX70QA is a solid choice if you’re on a budget.

Pros:

• Offers beginners versatility.
• The long neck is great for soloing.

Cons:

• Made with cheap materials (poplar body).
• Low-tier pickups.

The guitar’s design falls somewhere between an older and modern style. It offers musicians tons of versatility in terms of sound. 

Pros:

• Quality pickups.
• Offers beginners versatility. 
• Made with quality materials.

Cons: 

• Ton can sound thin.
• Buzz from the single coils.

The Squier Affinity Telecaster has an alder body, single-coil pickups, and a bolt-on neck and does a decent job emulating the higher-tier telecaster. As far as budget guitars go, this instrument is exceptional. 

Pros:

• Quality alder body.
• Beautiful maple neck and fingerboard.
• Offers decent versatility.

Cons:

• Cheap hardware.

The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT’s body and neck are made with mahogany wood and equipped with some solid humbuckers. As far as beginner instruments go, this guitar offers thick and rich tones.

Pros:

• Quality materials.
• Thick and rich tones.
• Gorgeous instrument.

Cons:

• The guitar can be a bit heavy.

Time to jam!

Buying your first electric guitar can be daunting. There are so many guitars on the market, each offering different qualities than the next. However, taking the time to reflect on your needs and considering the kind of music you want to play and your budget can narrow your options and help you make the right decision.

At Simply, we help beginner musicians start their journey on the right foot by helping them figure out what instrument they should buy or learn how to play. Simply guitar is an app that can help you learn the guitar at your own pace. With bite-sized lessons, you can choose when, where, and how long you practice. Try it today!

FAQs.