TL;DR: The Yamaha Pacifica 112V offers the best overall value with versatile pickups and solid construction, while the Ibanez miKro GRGM21M-BLT is perfect for younger players with its smaller scale length. Budget-conscious beginners should consider the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HT H for excellent playability at an affordable price.
Our Top Picks of The Best Electric Guitars of 2025
- One Squier Debut Series Stratocaster electric guitar, Frontman 10G amp, a padded gig bag, a strap, a cable, picks, a guitar stand, and an extra set of strings
- Designed by the most trusted name in guitar and backed by a 75-year legacy of quality and craftsmanship
- This beginner guitar kit is perfect for all ages, and it comes with a free subscription to Fender Play which includes free lessons to build your skills by playing the songs you love
- COMPLETE BEGINNER’S PACKAGE：Open the box, and you’re ready to play. This beginner kits includes the DST-80 electric guitar, custom 5W amplifier, durable gig bag, capo, strap, extra strings, digital tuner, amp cable, picks, and access to free online lessons from Donner to help you grow and shine
- CUSTOM AMP FOR ANY GROOVE：The custom 5W amp offers Classic and Overdrive settings, plus a 1/8″ auxiliary input to connect with media players or CDs for jamming along. It’s your ultimate sidekick for practice, parties, or performances
- CLASSIC TONES, ENDLESS ZONES：With its classic SSS pickup configuration and 5-way switch, this electric guitar delivers bright, dynamic tones—ideal for country, blues, and funk, and perfect for exploring timeless sounds. Tone and volume controls add versatility to match any style, helping you unlock your inner guitar legend
- PERFECT SIZE FOR BEGINNERS: No need to wait until their arms grow to reach those low notes; with a guitar their size, beginners can learn to play from an early age and switch to a full-sized model once they’ve grown in size and skill
- SINGLE COIL PICKUP: Designed with a pickup that converts string vibrations into a rich, electric rock tone for consistent sound and quality jam sessions
- HIGH-QUALITY: This guitar is designed to look and play just like a standard-sized one, with an all-wood build and shiny finish for long-lasting use
- COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE GUITAR KIT: No need to purchase any additional accessories, this all-inclusive set comes with an amplifier and cable, a nylon carrying case, extra strings, a pick, whammy bar, and a shoulder strap with an attached pick holder
- ULTIMATE BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE GUITAR: Your electric guitar set comes ready to play right out of the box and is custom designed and hand crafted to convert vibration to a electric sound for you to embellish with fun features
- CUSTOM DESIGN: New model features a quality paint finish, custom black tuning pegs, and accented binding for a sleek, sophisticated electric guitar look
- One Squier Debut Series Stratocaster electric guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Designed by the most trusted name in guitar and backed by a 75-year legacy of quality and craftsmanship
- This beginner guitar comes with a subscription to Fender Play that includes lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love, all with no additional cost
- [H-S-S pickups] Donner electric guitar has two classic Single-coil pickups and one power 203S Humbucker pickup. 5 ways pickup switches and 2-tone & Volume controls for choosing. Suitable for both beginners and professionals.H-S-S pickups are not just perfect for a Texas blues/rock sound, but for other musical styles too
- [Canadian maple neck with “C”shaped profile] Donner DST-100 beginner electric guitar bundle uses purpleheart wood fingerboard, poplar solid body, Canadian maple neck with “C” shaped profile, classic design, comfortable fit
- [22 copper-nickel frets] The 39-inch electric guitar features a pick up selector switch, a volume knob, and two different tone knobs. 22 copper-nickel frets with fret position marks on the neck and top of the fingerboard, and also is smooth and friendly to your hands
- {High Quality Material}Electric guitar beginner kits comes with Rosewood fingerboard, Canadian Maple neck with “C”shaped profile, Solid basswood body, environmental pickguard, and the frets are polished by hand, which are very round and greatly reduce the damage to your finger.
- Vogl, Peter (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 55 Pages – 03/17/2021 (Publication Date) – Watch & Learn, Inc. (Publisher)
- PERFECT GIFTS: Best choice for yourself or as a gift for your dear friends. A perfect solution for beginners who want to learn to play guitar.
- COMPLETE ACCESSORIES: Come with 1x electric guitar, 1 x Amplifier, 1 x Guitar Bag, 1×Shoulder Strap, 2 x Plectrum, 1 x Tremolo Arm , 1 x Connecting Wire, 1 x Spanner Tool. An instrument you can use immediately after opening a package.
- SUPERIOR MATERIAL: The fretboard and face/back Material is made of basswood. This material makes your eletric guitar sound both warm and rock. Strong and durable materials will keep your love for this guitar for many years.
- High Quality Material: Electric guitar beginner kits comes with Rosewood fingerboard, Canadian Maple neck with “C”shaped profile, Solid basswood body, environmental pickguard, and the frets are polished by hand, which are very round and greatly reduce the damage to your finger.
- S-S-H pickups: Beginner electric guitar set has two classic Single-coil pickups and One Humbucker pickup has strong stability and increased the thickness of the sound. S-S-H pickups is suitable for a Texas blues/rock sound.
- Electric Guitar Kit : The SAYHA 6-String electric guitar has a pickup selector, two tone controls, a volume control, and a whammy bar. The removable whammy bar produces tremolo effects, and the tremolo bridge system allows you to bend the pitch as you play.
- [HSS Pickups] Korea-made Donner humbucking pickup provides just the right amount of gain, releasing warm, clear tones. With 5 ways pickup switches and coil split function, DST-152 electric guitar creates 7 modes sound to meet multiple needs with less noise. 7 modes, 2-tone & volume controls for choosing, it is suitable for different music styles
- [Coil Split Function] Equipped with a PUSH-PULL switch circuit, the humbucking pickup can be split to release classic single-coil tones, providing players with more rich tones
- [C-Shaped Neck Profile & Built-in Neck Stiffener] Laurel Wood fingerboard, satin-finished AAA Canada maple neck, D-stamped neck plate, 22 frets marks on neck and top of fingerboard to make your play more comfortable
- All-Inclusive Starter Kit: Unleash your musical prowess with the MUSILY 39-inch electric guitar set, meticulously equipped with a full-size guitar, a powerful 5w*2 amplifier, a protective gig bag, a comfortable strap, a noiseless cable, four picks, and a set of essential strings. Everything you need to embark on your musical journey is right here, ready to play straight from the box. Elevate your style with a stunning array of six gradient color options that are as captivating as the music you’ll create.
- Premium Craftsmanship: Crafted for comfort and performance, the MST-1 beginner electric guitar boasts a rosewood fingerboard and a ‘C’ shaped maple neck, designed for a natural, ergonomic fit. Its HSS pickup configuration and meticulously handcrafted solid basswood body deliver a rich, resonant sound, adaptable to a myriad of musical genres.
- Sound Customization: The MST-1 electric guitar offers a versatile sound palette with 5 pickup switch options and 2 tone and volume controls, allowing you to fine-tune your tone. The tremolo bridge enhances your play with the ability to bend notes, making it suitable for both pop melodies and intense performances, catering to both novices and seasoned musicians.
- One Squier Debut Series Telecaster electric guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Designed by the most trusted name in guitar and backed by a 75-year legacy of quality and craftsmanship
- This beginner guitar comes with a subscription to Fender Play that includes lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love, all with no additional cost
- Complete Starter Kit: this Leo Jaymz electric guitar kit includes: a 39″ full size ST style electric guitar, a 5W portable amplifier, tuner, strap, gig bag, cable and extra strings.
- High-Quality Construction: Featuring a maple neck and Laurel fingerboard along with a poplar body, this guitar offers superior sound quality and durability. The comfortable C shape neck ensures ease of playing for extended periods.
- Versatile Sound Options: Equipped with an SSH pickup configuration and a 5-way switching system, allowing for a wide range of tones suitable for various music genres from clean to distorted sounds.
- H-S-S pickups: 39″ electric guitar is an Ideal electric guitar kit for children and adults who like guitar, H-S-S pickups are perfect for a Texas blues/rock sound
- Materials: Featuring an all-wood construction, premium materials include premium rosewood fretboard, Canadian maple neck, solid alder body, H-S-S pickups, copper strings, zinc alloy tuning pegs, rounded frets, and smooth surfaces
- Customize your Sound: The electric guitar features a pickup selector switch, a volume knob, and two different tone knobs. Rock out and experiment with different styles and genres of music with adjustable sound that lets you play anything from blues to rock; the tremolo bridge system allows you to bend the pitch as you play, and the removable whammy bar produces tremolo effects
Best overall
1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V
The Yamaha Pacifica 112V stands out as the most well-rounded beginner electric guitar, combining exceptional build quality with versatile sound options that work across multiple genres.
Specifications
- Body: Alder with maple top
- Neck: Maple with rosewood fingerboard
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Pickups: HSS configuration (humbucker and single-coils)
- Hardware: Vintage-style tremolo bridge
- Frets: 22 medium jumbo frets
Reasons to buy
- Excellent build quality rivaling more expensive guitars
- Versatile HSS pickup configuration handles any genre
- Comfortable neck profile perfect for beginners
- Reliable tuning stability with quality hardware
- Great value considering the premium features included
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price point than basic beginner models
- Tremolo bridge may require more maintenance for beginners
- Limited color options compared to other models
Best for kids
2. Ibanez miKro GRGM21M-BLT
Designed specifically for younger players, the Ibanez miKro features a shorter scale length and lighter weight that makes learning comfortable for smaller hands.
Specifications
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with purpleheart fingerboard
- Scale Length: 22.2 inches (3/4 size)
- Pickups: Infinity R (H) humbucker pickups
- Hardware: Fixed bridge
- Frets: 24 medium frets
Reasons to buy
- Shorter scale length ideal for children and small adults
- Lightweight design reduces shoulder strain during practice
- Modern rock-oriented sound perfect for contemporary music
- Fixed bridge eliminates tuning stability issues
- Affordable price point for parents
Reasons to avoid
- Limited tonal versatility compared to full-size guitars
- May need upgrading as player grows physically
- Pickup configuration less suitable for clean tones
Best for adults
3. Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
This Stratocaster delivers authentic vintage tone and feel at a beginner-friendly price, making it perfect for adults seeking classic electric guitar sounds.
Specifications
- Body: Pine
- Neck: Maple with maple fingerboard
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Pickups: Vintage-style single-coil pickups
- Hardware: Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
- Frets: 21 vintage-tall frets
Reasons to buy
- Authentic Stratocaster tone and feel
- Premium vintage-inspired appointments
- Excellent craftsmanship for the price point
- Classic styling appeals to all ages
- Great platform for learning fundamental techniques
Reasons to avoid
- Single-coils may produce hum in high-gain situations
- Vintage-style tuners may require more frequent adjustment
- Pine body less resonant than alder or ash
Best on a budget
4. Squier Sonic Stratocaster HT H
The most affordable option that doesn’t compromise on playability, this Stratocaster offers essential features for beginners on tight budgets.
Specifications
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with C-shape profile
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Pickups: SSS single-coil configuration
- Hardware: 6-saddle hardtail bridge
- Frets: 21 narrow tall frets
Reasons to buy
- Extremely affordable entry point into electric guitar
- Hardtail bridge provides excellent tuning stability
- Comfortable neck profile for new players
- Classic Stratocaster styling and sound
- Solid construction despite low price
Reasons to avoid
- Basic hardware may need upgrading over time
- Pickups lack the punch of higher-end models
- Finish quality not as refined as premium guitars
Best premium
5. Fender Player II Telecaster
For beginners with higher budgets seeking professional-grade instruments, the Player II Telecaster offers exceptional quality and iconic Fender tone.
Specifications
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple with rolled fingerboard edges
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Pickups: Player II Tele single-coil pickups
- Hardware: 6-saddle string-through-body bridge
- Frets: 22 medium jumbo frets
Reasons to buy
- Professional-grade construction and components
- Iconic Telecaster tone perfect for multiple genres
- Rolled fingerboard edges enhance comfort
- Excellent resale value as skills develop
- Made-in-Mexico quality at reasonable price
Reasons to avoid
- Higher cost may be unnecessary for absolute beginners
- Limited tonal versatility compared to HSS guitars
- Bridge pickup can be harsh for some playing styles
Best for metal
6. Jackson JS Series Dinky JS11
Built for heavy music, the Jackson Dinky features aggressive styling and high-output pickups perfect for metal and hard rock.
Specifications
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with amaranth fingerboard
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Pickups: Jackson high-output humbuckers
- Hardware: Jackson HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge
- Frets: 24 jumbo frets
Reasons to buy
- High-output pickups perfect for distorted tones
- Fast neck profile ideal for lead playing
- 24-fret access for extended range
- Aggressive styling matches metal aesthetic
- Excellent value for metal-focused features
Reasons to avoid
- Limited versatility for clean or country tones
- Aggressive styling may not suit all musical preferences
- Pickup configuration less suitable for vintage sounds
Best for rock
7. PRS SE CE 24 Standard
Combining PRS quality with SE affordability, this guitar offers versatile tones and premium features perfect for rock music.
Specifications
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Maple with rosewood fingerboard
- Scale Length: 25 inches
- Pickups: 85/15 “S” humbucker pickups
- Hardware: PRS tremolo bridge
- Frets: 24 medium frets
Reasons to buy
- PRS quality construction and attention to detail
- Versatile pickup configuration with coil-tap capability
- Beautiful flame maple veneer on select models
- Excellent tremolo system for expressive playing
- 24-fret neck provides extended range
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price point than typical beginner guitars
- Complex electronics may overwhelm new players
- Tremolo setup requires more maintenance knowledge
Best for blues
8. Epiphone Inspired By Gibson ES-335
This semi-hollow guitar delivers warm, singing blues tones with the sustain and feedback control perfect for expressive playing.
Specifications
- Body: Laminated maple with center block
- Neck: Mahogany with rosewood fingerboard
- Scale Length: 24.75 inches
- Pickups: Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers
- Hardware: Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
- Frets: 22 medium jumbo frets
Reasons to buy
- Semi-hollow construction provides warm, resonant tone
- Perfect for blues, jazz, and classic rock styles
- Comfortable neck profile for bending and vibrato
- Iconic ES-335 styling and sound
- Excellent feedback control despite hollow construction
Reasons to avoid
- Larger body size may feel unwieldy for some beginners
- Higher price than solid-body alternatives
- Semi-hollow construction more prone to feedback at high volumes
Best for country
9. Gretsch G2420 Streamliner
The hollow-body Gretsch delivers authentic country twang and rockabilly tones with distinctive styling that stands out from the crowd.
Specifications
- Body: Laminated maple hollow body
- Neck: Nato with rosewood fingerboard
- Scale Length: 24.6 inches
- Pickups: Broad’Tron BT-2S humbuckers
- Hardware: Anchored Adjusto-matic bridge
- Frets: 22 medium jumbo frets
Reasons to buy
- Distinctive hollow-body country and rockabilly tones
- Unique Gretsch styling sets it apart from typical guitars
- Broad’Tron pickups provide versatile tonal options
- Comfortable playing feel with moderate body size
- Excellent value for genuine Gretsch sound
Reasons to avoid
- Hollow body more susceptible to feedback
- Limited suitability for high-gain rock or metal
- Unique sound may not suit all musical styles
Spec comparison
| Model | Scale Length | Pickups | Body Wood | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Pacifica 112V | 25.5″ | HSS | Alder | $300-400 |
| Ibanez miKro GRGM21M | 22.2″ | HH | Poplar | $150-200 |
| Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Strat | 25.5″ | SSS | Pine | $350-450 |
| Squier Sonic Stratocaster | 25.5″ | SSS | Poplar | $120-180 |
| Fender Player II Telecaster | 25.5″ | SS | Alder | $800-900 |
| Jackson JS11 Dinky | 25.5″ | HH | Poplar | $200-250 |
| PRS SE CE 24 | 25″ | HH | Mahogany | $700-800 |
| Epiphone ES-335 | 24.75″ | HH | Maple | $400-500 |
| Gretsch G2420 | 24.6″ | HH | Maple | $350-450 |
Also tested
During our evaluation process, we also tested several other notable beginner guitars including the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s, Schecter Omen-6, Fender Player Stratocaster, and Ibanez GRG121DX. While these guitars offer solid performance, they didn’t quite match the overall value and beginner-friendly features of our top picks.
Key terms
Scale Length: The distance from the nut to the bridge saddle, affecting string tension and fret spacing. Longer scales (25.5″) provide brighter tone and higher tension, while shorter scales (24.75″) offer warmer tone and easier bending.
Pickup Configuration: The arrangement of pickups on the guitar. SSS (three single-coils) provides bright, articulate tone; HH (two humbuckers) offers fuller, higher-output sound; HSS combines both for maximum versatility.
Action: The distance between the strings and frets. Lower action makes playing easier but may cause buzzing, while higher action requires more finger pressure but eliminates buzzing.
How to choose
Start by considering your musical preferences and physical requirements. Younger players or those with smaller hands should prioritize shorter scale lengths and lighter weight guitars. Your budget determines the level of features and build quality available, but even entry-level instruments can provide excellent learning experiences when properly set up.
Consider the pickup configuration based on your preferred music styles. Single-coils excel at clean tones and vintage sounds, humbuckers provide higher output for rock and metal, while HSS configurations offer maximum versatility. The body wood affects tone and weight, with alder and ash providing balanced sound, mahogany offering warmth, and poplar delivering affordability.
What not to worry about
As a beginner, don’t stress over premium hardware like locking tuners, high-end bridges, or exotic wood choices. These features, while nice to have, won’t significantly impact your learning experience. Focus instead on playability, comfort, and basic quality construction.
Brand prestige matters less than the specific instrument’s playability and sound. Many affordable guitars from reputable manufacturers offer excellent quality that rivals much more expensive instruments. Don’t assume you need to spend thousands to get a good learning guitar.
FAQs
What wood is a beginner electric guitar typically made from?
Most beginner electric guitars use poplar or basswood for the body due to cost-effectiveness and light weight. These woods provide balanced tone and comfortable playing experience. Mid-range guitars often feature alder or ash, which offer better resonance and sustain.
How do pickups work?
Electric guitar pickups use magnetic fields to convert string vibrations into electrical signals. When a steel string vibrates above the pickup’s magnets, it creates changes in the magnetic field that generate electrical current, which travels to the amplifier for sound reproduction.
Does guitar hardware matter?
Quality hardware affects tuning stability, sustain, and overall playability. While beginners don’t need premium components, reliable tuning machines, properly cut nuts, and well-set bridges significantly improve the playing experience and learning process.
Which brands make the best beginner electric guitars?
Top beginner guitar brands include Yamaha, Squier (Fender’s budget line), Epiphone (Gibson’s budget line), and Ibanez. These manufacturers offer excellent quality control, good customer support, and instruments specifically designed for new players.
How much should you spend on a beginner electric guitar?
Budget $150-400 for a quality beginner electric guitar. Guitars under $150 may have playability issues that hinder learning, while spending over $400 provides diminishing returns for beginners. The sweet spot is $200-350 for most new players.
Can you really learn to play guitar online?
Yes, online guitar learning has become highly effective with structured courses, video lessons, and interactive apps. Platforms like JustinGuitar, Fender Play, and YouTube provide comprehensive instruction. However, occasional in-person lessons can help correct technique issues.
Which electric guitar model is best for beginners?
The Stratocaster-style guitar is often considered best for beginners due to its versatile sound, comfortable body shape, and widespread availability of tutorials and resources. The familiar design and balanced tone work well across multiple music genres.
Is a stratocaster good for beginners?
Stratocasters are excellent for beginners because of their comfortable body contours, versatile pickup configurations, and moderate weight. The familiar control layout and widespread popularity mean abundant learning resources and replacement parts are readily available.
How much should a beginner electric guitar cost?
Beginners should expect to spend $150-400 on their first electric guitar. This range provides instruments with proper intonation, stable tuning, and comfortable playability essential for learning success without unnecessary premium features.
What is the best inexpensive electric guitar?
The Squier Sonic Stratocaster HT H offers the best combination of quality and affordability, typically priced under $200. It provides stable tuning, comfortable playability, and classic Stratocaster tone without compromising essential features.
Is a Strat better than a Telecaster?
For beginners, Stratocasters often prove more versatile due to their three-pickup configuration and tremolo system, allowing exploration of more sounds and techniques. Telecasters excel in specific genres but offer less tonal variety for learning different styles.
Is it easier to play Les Paul or Stratocaster?
Stratocasters are generally easier for beginners due to their lighter weight, body contours, and longer scale length that provides clearer note definition. Les Pauls offer shorter scale for easier bending but are heavier and less ergonomic.
Is a Stratocaster or Telecaster better for beginners?
Stratocasters are typically better for beginners because of their three-pickup versatility, comfortable body shape, and tremolo system for learning vibrato techniques. Telecasters work well for specific genres but offer less tonal exploration.
Are stratocasters harder to play?
Stratocasters are not harder to play than most electric guitars. Their 25.5″ scale length requires slightly more finger strength than shorter scales, but the comfortable body contours and neck profile actually make them easier for most beginners to handle.
Why does everyone use a Stratocaster?
Stratocasters’ popularity stems from their versatile tone, comfortable design, and association with legendary players like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The three-pickup configuration works across genres, and the familiar design makes them accessible to players of all levels.
What is the easiest guitar to play for beginners?
Guitars with shorter scale lengths (24.75″ or less), lower string action, and lighter weight are easiest for beginners. The Ibanez miKro series and 3/4-size guitars provide the most comfortable introduction for younger or smaller players.
Why does Eric Clapton prefer a Stratocaster?
Eric Clapton favors Stratocasters for their clear, articulate tone that responds well to different playing techniques. The single-coil pickups provide the note definition and dynamic response essential for his blues-influenced style and expressive bending techniques.
What is the hardest style of guitar to learn?
Classical/flamenco guitar techniques are often considered the most challenging due to complex fingerpicking patterns and precise classical technique requirements. For electric guitar, jazz and progressive metal present significant technical and theoretical challenges for beginners.
What genre is a Strat best for?
Stratocasters excel in blues, classic rock, funk, and pop music. The versatile pickup configuration handles clean tones beautifully while providing enough output for moderate distortion. They’re less ideal for heavy metal but work well in most other genres.
Did Jimi Hendrix use a Strat?
Yes, Jimi Hendrix primarily played Fender Stratocasters, most famously right-handed models flipped upside-down and restrung for left-handed playing. His innovative use of the tremolo system and feedback techniques helped define the Stratocaster’s place in rock history.
Why do stratocasters buzz?
Stratocaster buzz typically results from low string action, uneven frets, or pickup height issues. Single-coil pickups also produce natural electrical hum that can be minimized with proper shielding or hum-canceling pickup positions.
Does a Stratocaster need an amp?
Yes, like all electric guitars, Stratocasters require amplification to produce their characteristic sound. While they make minimal acoustic sound unplugged, an amplifier is essential for proper tone, volume, and the full electric guitar experience.
