Find Your Perfect First Guitar: A Master Guide to the Best Electric Guitars for Beginners
Your first guitar is more than just an instrument, it’s the beginning of something special. The thrill of holding it for the first time, the strumming of your first chord, and the excitement of setting out on a journey that could last a lifetime. The guitar that’s right for you should feel like a natural extension of you, inspiring countless hours of practice and joy.
Choosing your first electric guitar can be overwhelming. With so many options available, finding an instrument that suits your musical preferences, playing style, and budget is essential. Whether you dream of rocking out on stage, jamming with friends, or simply learning to play your favourite songs, selecting the right guitar can make all the difference.
This guide breaks down what makes a great beginner guitar, what features to look for, and which models provide the best value. By the end of this read, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed choice and begin your musical journey with a significantly higher level of confidence.
Best Electric Guitars for Beginners, Hands Down
A good beginner electric guitar should be easy to play, well-built, and versatile enough to explore different styles of music. Let’s find the one that feels like the perfect fit for you!
1. Squier Sonic Stratocaster (Best for Versatility & Classic Fender Tone)
Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster (front)
Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster (back)
The Squier Sonic Stratocaster is inspired by the legendary Fender Strat, offering bright, clear tones perfect for rock, blues, and pop. It features a lightweight body, smooth maple neck, and three single-coil pickups for versatile sounds. This guitar is affordable, easy to play, and holds tuning well, making it a top choice for beginners. The contoured body ensures comfort for long practice sessions.
2. Ibanez GIO (Best for Fast Playability & Rock/Metal)
Ibanez GIO GRX40 (front)
Ibanez GIO GRX40 (back)
The Ibanez GIO is designed for players who love high-energy music like rock and metal. With a thin, fast neck and high-output humbuckers, this guitar is built for speed and power. Its sleek double-cutaway body allows easy access to higher frets, making it ideal for playing solos. The aggressive tone and smooth playability make it a fantastic option for beginners looking to explore heavier genres.
3. Jackson JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X (Best for Small Hands & Young Players)
Jackson JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X (front)
Jackson JS Series Dinky Minion JS1X (back)
If you’re buying for a child or someone with smaller hands, the Jackson JS1X is the perfect fit. This 3/4-size guitar features high-output pickups for punchy tones and a shorter scale length, making it easier to play. It’s compact, lightweight, and great for rock and metal, allowing young players to build confidence quickly.
4. Yamaha Pacifica 112V II (Best for Reliability & All Genres)
Yamaha Pacifica 112V II (front)
Yamaha Pacifica 112V II (back)
The Yamaha Pacifica 112V II is a versatile, well-built guitar that suits multiple genres. With a solid alder body, coil-splitting pickups, and smooth playability, it delivers great tones for rock, blues, and jazz. The HSS pickup configuration allows for a range of tones, making it an excellent long-term investment for beginners.
5. Epiphone ES-339 (Best for Blues, Jazz & Classic Rock)
Epiphone ES-339 (front)
Epiphone ES-339 (back)
The Epiphone ES-339 is a semi-hollow body guitar known for its warm, rich tone. Featuring dual humbuckers and a vintage-inspired design, it provides smooth playability and excellent sustain. Its resonance and depth make it ideal for blues, jazz, and classic rock players. Its smaller size compared to the ES-335 makes it easier for beginners to hold and play with less effort.
Recommended Electric Guitar Starter Kits
Starting your electric guitar journey is even easier when you have everything you need in one box. Beginner guitar starter kits are a great way to get a high-quality guitar along with essential accessories, so you can plug in and play right away. That way you don’t have to buy each element separately. These kits typically include a guitar, amplifier, cable, picks, strap, and sometimes even extra learning resources, making them an excellent choice for those who want a complete setup from the start. Here are some of the best electric guitar starter kits, carefully selected for their quality, affordability, and beginner-friendly features:
1. VISIONSTRING Electric Guitar Pack
VISIONSTRING Electric Guitar Pack
VISIONSTRING Electric Guitar
A fantastic all-in-one kit for beginners, the VISIONSTRING Electric Guitar Pack includes a full-size electric guitar, a 10W amplifier, a cable, picks, and a strap. Designed for ease of play and a well-balanced sound, this kit is perfect for those looking for a simple yet reliable setup to start learning. The amp delivers just the right amount of power for home practice, and the guitar’s comfortable build makes playing for extended periods enjoyable.
2. Harlem S Electric Guitar + 15W Amp Pack
Harlem S Electric Guitar Pack
Harlem S Electric Guitar
This Harlem S Electric Guitar Pack offers a beginner-friendly guitar with smooth playability, lightweight construction, and an included 15W amplifier. The amp provides clean and overdrive settings, allowing beginners to explore different tones as they develop their skills. The kit also includes a tuner, instructional DVD, and extra accessories, making it an excellent choice for those who want structured learning support along with their instrument.
3. Squier Sonic Stratocaster Pack
Squier Sonic Stratocaster Pack
Squier Sonic Stratocaster Pack box
Perfect for beginners who want a classic sound and a timeless design, the Squier Sonic Stratocaster Pack delivers everything needed to get started. The kit includes a lightweight, easy-to-play electric guitar, a high-quality amplifier, and all essential accessories like a cable, picks, and a strap. With its smooth neck and versatile tone, this pack is a solid investment for those looking to develop their playing skills with a reliable and well-balanced instrument.
4. Hartwood Charger Origin Guitar Pack
Hartwood Charger Original Guitar Pack (front)
Hartwood Charger Original Guitar Pack (top)
The Hartwood Charger Origin Guitar Pack is designed for beginners who want a high-quality starter instrument with a premium feel. This kit includes a well-built electric guitar with a comfortable neck, a practice-friendly amplifier, and essential accessories. The amplifier provides clear, rich tones, making this a great choice for those who want to experiment with different playing styles right from the start.
5. Vintage V60 Coaster Series Pack
Vintage V60 Coaster Series Pack
Vintage V60 Coaster Series Guitar
If you’re looking for a starter kit with a classic aesthetic and a warm, dynamic tone, the Vintage V60 Coaster Series Pack is an excellent choice. The included guitar is crafted for smooth playability, and the amp provides clean and driven tones that work well across various music styles. With a solid build, comfortable design, and an affordable price tag, this pack is ideal for beginners who want a dependable, all-in-one solution.
No matter which one you choose, the most important thing is to start playing, keep practising, and enjoy every moment of your musical journey.
But What’s a Beginner Electric Guitar, After All?
If you're new to the big (and often complex!) world of electric guitars, you might be wondering what sets a beginner model apart from “non-beginner” (advanced) options. That’s a valid beginner’s question! A beginner electric guitar is specifically designed to make learning easier, offering a perfect balance of musicality, affordability and ease but without, in any way, compromising on learning. Unlike professional models that may have complex features and high-end components, beginner guitars focus on ease of use, lightweight bodies, and simple controls, allowing new budding players to focus on mastering chords and techniques without unnecessary hassles.
Choosing the right beginner guitar can have a significant impact on a learner. Think about it for a second. A well-designed beginner guitar will inspire a beginner to play regularly, build confidence, and help develop good playing habits. Features like low-string action, a smooth fretboard, and an ergonomic design all contribute to an enjoyable playing experience, encouraging the learner to keep practising without frustration.
Common Issues Beginners Face
Beginners often encounter challenges that can impact their progress. These challenges are quite well-documented and predictable. Here are some of the most common issues and how to overcome them:
Hand Fatigue and Finger Pain – New players may struggle with sore fingers and hand cramps. Building finger strength through regular practice and using lighter gauge strings can help ease discomfort.
Struggling with Chord Changes – Switching between chords quickly and smoothly is tough at first. Practising chord transitions slowly and consistently will improve muscle memory over time.
Buzzing Strings and Muted Notes – Poor finger placement or not pressing down hard enough can cause string buzz. Ensuring proper hand positioning and using a well-set-up guitar will minimize these issues.
Difficulty Keeping the Guitar in Tune – Beginner guitars may go out of tune more often due to new strings or lower-quality tuning pegs. Regular tuning and stretching new strings can help maintain tuning stability.
Overwhelmed by Guitar Maintenance – Many beginners neglect maintenance, leading to poor sound quality. Maintaining a guitar can take up both time and money.
How Guitar Shape and Weight Can Deeply Impact Learning
While sound is crucial, comfort is just as important (or perhaps more important) for a beginner. A guitar that is too heavy can cause strain during long practice sessions, leaving a negative impression of life’s very first music sessions and coming in the way of falling deeply in love with playing.
A bulky or awkwardly shaped guitar can discourage regular practice, as it may feel uncomfortable to hold and play for extended periods. Beginners, especially younger players, need an instrument that feels natural against their body, allowing them to focus on technique rather than get distracted by physical discomfort.
Weight distribution also plays a role in how a guitar sits when strapped over the shoulder. Some guitars are more neck-heavy, which can cause balance issues, while others distribute weight more evenly, providing greater stability.
For beginners, the goal is to reduce strain while learning proper posture and hand positioning. Choosing a lightweight and well-balanced guitar ensures that new players can enjoy longer practice sessions without discomfort, making the learning experience amazing.
What to Look for in a Beginner Electric Guitar?
Finding the right beginner electric guitar isn’t just about looks. It’s about choosing an instrument that will make the first few crucial months of playing enjoyable. The wrong guitar can slow your progress and even discourage you from continuing. A great beginner guitar should be comfortable to hold, easy to play, and versatile enough to experiment with different sounds. Key factors like neck shape, fretboard feel and string gauge can affect how smoothly you transition between chords, how long you can play without hand fatigue, and how much your guitar inspires you to keep practicing.
Here are the top essential factors that make a beginner-friendly electric guitar, helping you find one that fits your hands, your playing style, and your musical aspirations. Because when learning feels effortless, practice becomes something you look forward to and not something you struggle through.
1. Playability & Comfort
A beginner-friendly guitar should have a lightweight body and a comfortable neck shape. The C-shaped neck is a popular choice since it provides an easy grip for players with smaller hands. Some guitars also feature a shorter scale length, reducing the space between frets for easier playability.
2. Sound Versatility
Different pickups produce different sounds:
Single-coil pickups (e.g., Fender Stratocaster) – Bright and crisp tones, great for blues, pop, and rock.
Humbuckers (e.g., Gibson Les Paul) – Warm, full-bodied sound, ideal for jazz, rock, and metal.
P90 pickups – A mix between single-coil and humbuckers, offering a gritty sound suitable for blues, jazz, and punk.
3. Build Quality & Durability
High-quality materials ensure your guitar lasts. Consider:
Neck Construction: Bolt-on necks are more common and easier to repair, while set-neck designs offer better sustain.
Tonewoods: Solid body guitars offer more sustain, while semi-hollow guitars provide warmer tones.
Bridge Type: Fixed bridges are easier to maintain, while tremolo bridges allow for pitch bending.
4. Budget & Value
A good beginner electric guitar costs between £150–£400. Many brands offer starter kits that include amps, cables, and accessories, giving you more value for your money.
5. Fretboard and String Gauge Considerations
Beginners should consider:
Rosewood vs. Maple Fretboards: Rosewood is slightly softer on the fingers, while maple provides a brighter tone.
Lighter String Gauges: Using .009 or .010 gauge strings makes fretting easier and helps avoid finger strain.
Electric Guitar Beginner FAQs
How much should I spend?
A quality beginner electric guitar ranges from £150–£400. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, extremely low-cost guitars often have poor build quality, uncomfortable playability, and tuning instability, which can hinder your learning experience. Investing in a well-made beginner guitar ensures better sound, durability, and an overall smoother learning process.
Q: Can I find a high-quality guitar at a low cost?
A: Yes! Many well-established brands offer affordable yet high-quality beginner guitars. Squier, Yamaha, and Ibanez have entry-level models that provide great playability, solid build quality, and good tone without breaking the bank. Look for guitars with reliable tuners, comfortable necks, and decent pickups to ensure a good playing experience from the start.
Which brands should I look out for?
Some of the most trusted brands for beginner electric guitars include Squier, Ibanez, Jackson, Yamaha, and Epiphone. These brands are known for producing affordable yet well-built guitars that suit different playing styles. Whether you want a classic rock tone, a bluesy sound, or a heavy metal edge, these brands offer beginner-friendly models that will help you progress with ease.
What size guitar is best for my height and age?
3/4-size guitars are ideal for kids and players with smaller hands, as they are lighter and easier to handle. Full-size guitars are recommended for most teens and adults as they provide better tonal depth and sustain. However, if you have smaller hands or struggle with finger reach, a guitar with a shorter scale length might be a more comfortable choice.
A Good Beginner Guitar is Only the Beginning
Finding the perfect beginner electric guitar is an exciting first step, but the real magic happens when you dedicate time to learning, practising, and developing your skills. No matter how high-quality your guitar is, it won’t reach its full potential unless you do.
Learning to play the guitar is more than just memorising chords. It’s about understanding rhythm, developing muscle memory, and building confidence in your playing. With the right guidance, structured lessons, and consistent practice, you’ll go from strumming simple tunes to mastering full songs and even creating your own music.
If you want to fast-track your progress and avoid common beginner pitfalls, signing up for expert guitar lessons can make a world of difference.
