Best Beginners Electric Guitars: A Complete Guide

 

Discover the best beginners electric guitars with our comprehensive guide! Dive into the world of electric guitars, explore key considerations, and understand the three main types. Get valuable tips for choosing the perfect instrument as you embark on your rocking musical journey.

Electric guitar for beginner

Electric guitars are metal-stringed musical instruments that employ electromagnetic pickups to translate vibrations into electrical impulses. These enhanced impulses provide a variety of tones and effects.
Electric guitars may be played by anyone, whether they are novices or have been playing for two years. For beginners, an electric guitar is beneficial because:

·         Lower string tension: Less strain on beginners' fingers as they grow stronger.

·         Sound Versatility: Allows for the exploration of various genres and tones.

·         Amplification: Amplification provides clearer feedback on progress.

·         More Neck Options: For ease of play, some models have narrower necks.

·         Exploration of Sounds: The ability to experiment with sounds promotes creativity and engagement.

Factors to consider while choosing a beginner electric guitar

Guitar body & scale length

It is vital for a beginner to select the correct guitar body and scale length. Various body designs, including the original Stratocaster and the renowned Les Paul, provide various sonic qualities and levels of comfort.

The scale length and distance between the bridge and the nut have an impact on string tension and ease of usage. Guitars with shorter scale lengths may be more forgiving to unskilled fingers since fretting notes takes less effort, making the fretboard simpler to navigate.

Electric guitar necks

The ease with which an electric guitar may be played is determined by its neck. Neck profiles may have a big influence on playability, ranging from thin and quick (as on Ibanez guitars) to more substantial and rounded (as on vintage-style instruments). Beginners choose a neck with a comfortable profile and breadth for easier transitions between chords and notes.

Electric guitar pickups

Pickups have a considerable impact on the tone of an electric guitar. Fender Stratocasters use single-coil pickups that provide a bright and clear tone, whilst Gibson Les Pauls have humbucking pickups to produce a broader and fuller tone. A guitar with replaceable pickups enables novices to practice across several genres. Some guitars even include a combination of single-coil and humbucking pickups, allowing potential musicians a wide range of sound possibilities.

Electric guitar hardware

The bridge, tuners, and controls make up the hardware of an electric guitar. A robust bridge guarantees accurate intonation and tuning stability. A guitar with good tuning mechanisms is vital for beginners since it simplifies tuning and increases pitch stability while playing. Furthermore, guitars with simple control layouts allow novices to experiment with various tones without feeling overwhelmed.

Electric guitar craftsmanship

Craftsmanship plays a vital role in defining the overall quality and longevity of a beginning electric guitar. Pay particular attention to finish quality, component alignment, and overall construction integrity. A well-crafted guitar enhances the playing experience and preserves the instrument's longevity. A well-made guitar may make learning easier for novices and instill confidence in their abilities.

Electric guitar frets

The number and quality of frets on a guitar neck affect its playability. A guitar with well-leveled and polished frets has smooth neck movement and no buzzing or intonation difficulties. Beginners may find that guitars with a reasonable number of frets, generally 21 to 24, are more suited to learning since they allow adequate range for playing a variety of songs without being unduly complicated.

Electric guitar price

While many newcomers experience financial restrictions, it is vital to achieve a balance between cost and quality. Fortunately, superb entry-level guitars are available in a number of pricing ranges. Consider the brand's reputation, the features it offers, and the overall value for money. Buying a little more costly but higher-quality guitar can sometimes lead to a more pleasurable playing experience. It may minimize the requirement for an upgrade in the near future.

 

3 Main Body Types of Electric Guitars   

Hollow body instruments

These guitars, with their entirely hollow bodies, have a warm, full-bodied tone that makes them popular in jazz and blues. When unplugged, they may generate a full, acoustic-like sound. They are, however, sensitive to feedback at high decibels, which limits them use in louder rock environments. Because of its unique combination of acoustic resonance and electric adaptability, hollow-body guitars are popular with individuals who like a vintage look and mellower tone.

 

Semi-hollow body guitars

These guitars strike a balance between the rich tone of hollow bodies and the sustain and feedback resistance of solid bodies. They have a central block that runs through the body, reducing feedback while allowing for some acoustic resonance. Semi-hollow guitars are versatile and excel in the genres of rock, blues, and jazz. They can produce both warm, rounded tones and biting, driven sounds, making them a favorite among players who value sonic variety.

Solid body instruments

The most popular variety is the solid-body electric guitar, which has a solid body with no hollow chambers. This design minimises feedback, making it perfect for high-gain applications such as rock and metal. They're well-known for their clarity, longevity, and adaptability to a wide range of musical styles. Solid-body guitars lack acoustic resonance, which can be a drawback in some styles, but they thrive in circumstances that need regulated amplification and distortion. Famous guitars such as the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul are prized by performers of many genres due to their durability and versatility.

Top Beginner Electric Guitars

Squier Stratocaster

The Squier Stratocaster, a less expensive version of the iconic Fender Stratocaster, has a versatile and classic design.

·         Body: The Squier Stratocaster has a classic double-cutaway body shape made of solid agathis or poplar, which provides a comfortable and iconic design.

·         Neck: Its comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile makes it easy to play for both beginners and experienced players.

·         Scale: Has a standard scale length of 25.5 inches, which contributes to bright and articulate tones.

·         Fingerboard: A maple or rosewood fingerboard is commonly used, providing smooth playability and tonal variation.

·         Frets: There are 21 medium-jumbo frets, which balance playability and note accessibility.

·         Pickups: Featuring three standard single-coil pickups, the guitar provides a classic Stratocaster tonal palette with clear and versatile sounds.

·         Squier: Stratocasters are well-known for their low cost. , making them an excellent choice for beginners. Prices usually range from $150 to $400.

Yamaha Pacifica 112 V

The Yamaha Pacifica 112 V is a well-known and versatile electric guitar known for its consistent performance in a variety of musical styles.

·         Body: The Yamaha Pacifica 112 V has a solid alder body that produces a balanced and resonant tone.

·         Neck: A comfortable and slim maple neck contributes to the ease of playability.

·         Scale: A standard 25.5-inch scale length provides a familiar feel for players.

·         Fingerboard: Depending on the model, the fingerboard is made of rosewood or maple, which improves the overall playability of the guitar.

·         Frets: Most guitars have 22 frets, which allows for a wide range of notes and versatility.

·         Pickups: The Pacifica 112 V is known for its versatile HSS (humbucker-single-single) pickup configuration, which provides a wide range of tones appropriate for a variety of genres.

·         Cost: Yamaha Pacifica guitars are known for their excellent value for money, with prices ranging from $300 to $500.

Jackson JS22 Dinky

The Jackson JS22 Dinky is a stylish and affordable option for players looking to get into heavy rock and metal.

·         Body: The Jackson JS22 Dinky has a sleek and contoured solid body made of basswood that provides a comfortable and lightweight playing experience.

·         Neck: A bolt-on maple neck with a speed profile allows for quick and smooth playability.

·         Scale: Has a 25.5-inch scale length, which contributes to a bright and cutting tone.

·         Fingerboard: The is made of rosewood or maple, which improves playability and tone.

·         Frets: 24 jumbo frets provide extended range and accessibility for soloing and shredding.

·         Pickups: Two high-output, powerful-chiming Jackson humbucking pickups are frequently installed.

·         Price: Jackson JS22 price Dinky guitars are known for their low prices, starting at $200.

Tips for Choosing the Right Beginner Electric Guitar

Play before buying

Nothing beats the sensation of touching and playing a guitar before buying one. Visit a nearby music store and spend some time testing out several models. Always consider how the guitar feels in your hands, how comfortable it is to play, and whether you like the sound it produces. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only delighted with the guitar's look, but also with how it complements your playing style and preferences.

Choose the right shape

Electric guitars exist in a variety of forms, each of which influences the instrument's playability and beauty. The body form of your guitar, whether it's the classic double-cutaway design of a Stratocaster, the famous single-cutaway shape of a Les Paul, or the angular curves of a superstrat, can influence your comfort and ease of access to upper frets. To pick a guitar form that speaks to you, examine both the visual appeal and the ergonomic elements.

Check weight and size

The weight and size of the guitar are important considerations, especially for beginners. A heavy guitar may cause discomfort during long practice sessions, whereas a small or large guitar may affect your playing posture. As a result, strike a balance that feels right for you, and make sure the guitar you buy is comfortable to hold and play. A beginner's electronic guitar should weigh between 6 and 9 pounds.