Buying your first electric guitar can be complicated, especially if you have never bought one before. There are many factors to consider, and the market offers a wide range of models. Drawing on our tests and the experience of hundreds of students, we have compiled a list of the ten best electric guitars for beginners. These instruments offer reasonable quality at an affordable price. Your choice of a first guitar will depend on the type of music you want to play and your personal preferences. Remember that buying an electric guitar also means buying a suitable amplifier.
In this article, we present five of the best electric guitars for beginners, reviewing their features, prices and our opinions. Whether you want a versatile guitar for playing different styles of music or a model suited to a particular genre, our selection will help you choose. You will also find practical advice on getting started with electric guitar and guidance on the most reliable brands on the market.
Explore our complete buying guide to choosing the best electric guitar for a beginner, and start your musical journey with a quality instrument suited to your needs and budget.
Dean EVO XM
The Dean EVO XM electric guitar is an ideal choice for beginners. Its design draws on both vintage and modern guitars, and its comfortable neck makes it easier to play. It has a mahogany body, a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard. It is fitted with two Dean humbucker pickups and a Tune-o-matic bridge. The average price of the Dean EVO XM is €180.
| Dean EVO XM specifications | |
|---|---|
| Body | Mahogany |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Pickups | Dean humbuckers |
| Bridge | Tune-o-matic |
| Price | €180 |
Epiphone Les Paul Standard
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard electric guitar is a classic choice for beginners. It has a timeless design, a mahogany body that influences its resonance and a rosewood fingerboard. It is fitted with two humbucker pickups, a three-way selector switch, volume and tone controls, and a Tune-o-matic bridge. It is mainly suited to rock and blues. The average price of the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is €295.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard features:
- Mahogany body for better sound quality
- Rosewood fingerboard for a comfortable playing feel
- Two humbucker pickups for a warm, powerful sound
- Three-way selector switch for a range of tones
- Volume and tone controls to adjust the sound to your preferences
- Tune-o-matic bridge for easy intonation adjustment
The Epiphone Les Paul Standard electric guitar is a classic choice for beginners who want an authentic rock or blues sound. Its sturdy construction and quality features make for an enjoyable and inspiring playing experience. Whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or an aspiring musician, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is an excellent investment for starting your musical journey.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard prices:
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
| Music Shop | €299 |
| Guitar Center | €289 |
| Thomann | €279 |
Squier Series Stratocaster
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster electric guitar is an affordable choice for beginners. Its design draws on classic models from the 1970s. It has a solid alder body, a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard. It is fitted with three single-coil pickups, a five-way selector switch, and volume and tone controls. The average price of the Squier Series Stratocaster is €150.
The Squier Series Stratocaster is known for its excellent playability, versatile sound and value for money. Beginners will appreciate how easy it is to learn electric guitar on this instrument. Whether you enjoy rock, blues, jazz or any other style of music, this guitar offers a wide range of sounds to explore as you find your own tone.
Thanks to its sturdy construction and quality components, the Squier Series Stratocaster is built to last and withstand frequent use. Whether you play at home, with a band or onstage, this guitar will be a reliable musical companion.
Key features of the Squier Series Stratocaster:
- Solid alder body
- Maple neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Three single-coil pickups
- Five-way selector switch
- Volume and tone controls
Alongside its features and classic design, the Squier Series Stratocaster is very affordable. Its average price of €150 makes it an appealing choice for beginners looking for a quality guitar without spending a fortune.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| – Excellent value for money – Versatile sound – Sturdy construction |
– More advanced players may want to replace the pickups |
Paul Reed Smith SE Soapbar II
The PRS SE Soapbar II electric guitar is a quality choice for beginners. It has a mahogany body, a mahogany neck with 22 frets and a rosewood fingerboard. It is fitted with two specially designed humbucker pickups, a three-way selector switch, and volume and tone controls. The average price of the Paul Reed Smith SE Soapbar II is €500.
The PRS SE Soapbar II offers a versatile playing experience thanks to its humbucker pickups. Beginners can explore different styles of music, from rock and blues to jazz. The mahogany body also provides warm resonance and excellent durability. With its comfortable neck and high-quality finish, this guitar is a reliable choice for beginners who want to invest in an instrument that will last.
Key features of the Paul Reed Smith SE Soapbar II:
- Mahogany body for warm resonance
- Mahogany neck with 22 frets for comfortable playing
- Rosewood fingerboard for a comfortable playing feel
- Two specially designed humbucker pickups for a versatile range of sounds
- Three-way selector switch and volume and tone controls for precise sound adjustment
Paul Reed Smith SE Soapbar II price:
The average price of the Paul Reed Smith SE Soapbar II electric guitar for beginners is €500.
| Brand | Model | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Reed Smith | SE Soapbar II | Mahogany body, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, humbucker pickups, three-way selector switch | €500 |
Epiphone SG G-400
The Epiphone SG G-400 electric guitar is an option worth considering for beginners. Its design draws on the 1962 Gibson SG. It has a mahogany body, a set mahogany neck, a rosewood fingerboard and two Alnico V Chrome humbucker pickups. It offers a powerful, versatile sound that is ideal for rock and blues. Its features make it easy to pick up and play.
This electric guitar has volume and tone controls that allow beginners to explore different sounds and adjust the tone to their preferences. Its Tune-o-matic bridge and stop-bar tailpiece allow precise intonation adjustment and provide good tuning stability.
At an average price of €245, the Epiphone SG G-400 offers excellent build quality and exceptional sound for the price. It is an ideal choice for beginners looking for an affordable, durable electric guitar with strong performance. Whether you want to play rock, blues or other genres, the Epiphone SG G-400 can meet your needs and support you as you improve.
FAQ
What should you consider when choosing an electric guitar for a beginner?
When choosing an electric guitar for a beginner, consider the type of music you want to play, your preferences for design and sound, and your budget. It is also a good idea to try several models before deciding.
What is the average price of an electric guitar for a beginner?
The price of an electric guitar for a beginner varies with its brand, features and quality. In general, you can find beginner electric guitars priced between €150 and about €500.
Which electric guitar brands are most popular with beginners?
Popular electric guitar brands for beginners include Dean, Epiphone, Squier and Paul Reed Smith (PRS). These brands combine quality, reliability and good value for money.
What features should you look for in a beginner electric guitar?
When looking for a beginner electric guitar, consider its build quality, the type of wood used for its body and neck, its pickups and controls, and other components such as the bridge and pickup selector switch.
What are the main differences between the beginner electric guitars featured here?
The main differences between these models are their designs, pickups and controls, and the materials used to make them. Each model has a distinctive sound and suits different styles of music.
Which is the best electric guitar for a beginner?
The best electric guitar for a beginner depends on your preferences and the style of music you want to play. All the models featured here offer good quality at an affordable price. It is best to try them and choose the one that meets your needs.