Best Beginner Electric Guitars in 2023

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1. Ibanez GRGA120

2. ESP LTD EC-256 Intermediate Electric Guitar

3. Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar for Beginners

4. Fender Modern Player Telecaster Thinline Deluxe

5. Ibanez RG450DX RG Series Starter Electric Guitar

6. Squier by Fender Vintage Modified '51

7. Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar

8. Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Telecaster Electric Guitar

9. Epiphone Les Paul Beginners Electric Guitar

10. Jackson JS32T King V Beginners Metal Guitar

Welcome to our expertly curated guide, designed to help aspiring musicians embark on their melodic journey with the best beginner electric guitars available on the market. As you begin your quest to find the perfect instrument to ignite your musical passion, we understand that navigating the vast array of options can be overwhelming. Fear not! Our team of seasoned guitarists and music enthusiasts has diligently researched and tested various models, bringing you a concise and friendly overview of the top 10 electric guitars tailored for beginners. Lets Get Start.

1. Ibanez GRGA120

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Ibanez GRGA120 is an affordable electric guitar that caters to both beginners and intermediate players. With its sleek design and comfortable playability, it is a popular choice among rock and metal enthusiasts. Here's a brief review outlining its pros and cons.

Pros:

Versatile Sound: The GRGA120 offers a wide range of tones, thanks to its dual humbucking pickups. From clean and crisp to heavy distortion, it handles various musical genres with ease.

Playability: The guitar's thin and fast neck profile, combined with smooth fretwork, allows for effortless playability and quick fretting. It's particularly suitable for players who prefer speedy riffs and solos.

Solid Build Quality: Ibanez is known for producing reliable instruments, and the GRGA120 is no exception. The guitar is well-constructed, ensuring durability and longevity.

Tremolo System: The guitar features a synchronized tremolo system, which enables expressive pitch bends and dive bombs, adding extra flair to your playing.

Aesthetics: The GRGA120 sports a modern, stylish design with attractive finishes, making it visually appealing on stage or in the studio.

Cons:

Stock Pickups: While the humbuckers offer decent sound quality, some players may eventually consider upgrading the pickups to achieve a higher level of tone versatility and clarity.

Tuning Stability: The tremolo system, while fun to use, may cause some tuning instability, especially for aggressive players. It's crucial to properly set up and maintain the tremolo to minimize this issue.

Limited Wood Options: The GRGA120 mainly features a basswood body, which might not offer the same tonal characteristics as more expensive tonewoods. However, considering the price range, this is understandable.

Mid-range Performance: While the guitar is excellent for beginners and intermediate players, advanced musicians or professionals might find its performance limitations.

In conclusion, the Ibanez GRGA120 is a budget-friendly electric guitar that delivers impressive sound, playability, and aesthetics. It's an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players seeking a versatile instrument for rock and metal styles. However, it may require some upgrades to suit the preferences of more discerning musicians. Overall, it represents excellent value for the price and is a solid option for players looking to rock out without breaking the bank.

2. ESP LTD EC-256 Intermediate Electric Guitar

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The ESP LTD EC-256 is a popular intermediate-level electric guitar known for its classic design and versatile sound. It caters to a wide range of musical styles, making it an appealing option for players seeking reliability and performance without breaking the bank. Here's a review highlighting its pros and cons.

Pros:

Build Quality: The EC-256 boasts excellent craftsmanship, featuring a mahogany body with a set-in mahogany neck. This construction not only enhances sustain but also provides a warm and rich tone.

Aesthetics: The guitar sports a timeless single-cutaway design reminiscent of vintage instruments. It's available in various attractive finishes, adding to its visual appeal.

Versatile Pickups: The guitar comes equipped with ESP-designed LH-150 humbuckers, delivering a broad spectrum of tones. From sparkling cleans to crunchy overdrives and heavy distortions, it handles different genres with ease.

Comfortable Playability: The thin "U"-shaped neck profile ensures comfortable playability, making it suitable for long practice sessions and gigs.

Affordable Price: Considering its quality and features, the EC-256 offers excellent value for intermediate players on a budget.

Cons:

Tuning Stability: Some players might experience tuning issues, especially when using the tremolo system. Regular maintenance and proper setup are essential to minimize this problem.

Stock Nut: While the guitar comes with a standard nut, upgrading to a higher-quality nut can improve tuning stability and sustain.

Weight: The EC-256's solid mahogany body contributes to a slightly heavier weight compared to other guitars in its class. This might be a concern for players seeking a more lightweight instrument.

Fret Edges: Some players may find the fret edges slightly rough, which could cause discomfort during intense playing. A fret dressing might be necessary to address this issue.

Limited Coil Splitting: The coil-splitting feature, allowing you to achieve single-coil-like tones, is not available on the stock LH-150 pickups. Upgrading the pickups to those with coil-splitting capability could remedy this.

In summary, the ESP LTD EC-256 is a solid intermediate electric guitar offering an excellent balance of build quality, aesthetics, and sound versatility. It's a great choice for players who appreciate a classic look and desire a guitar capable of handling various musical styles. Despite some minor drawbacks, the EC-256 remains a reliable and affordable option for intermediate players looking to step up their game without emptying their wallets.

3. Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar for Beginners

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V is a popular choice for beginners and intermediate players alike, known for its comfortable playability, versatile sound, and affordable price point. Here's a review outlining its pros and cons:

Pros:

Playability: The PAC112V features a comfortable and slim "C"-shaped maple neck, making it easy for beginners to navigate and play chords and lead lines with ease.

Versatile Sound: The guitar comes equipped with a set of Alnico V pickups, delivering a versatile range of tones. From warm and clean sounds to more aggressive overdriven tones, it accommodates various musical styles.

Solid Build Quality: Yamaha is renowned for producing reliable instruments, and the PAC112V is no exception. The guitar's construction is durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular practice and performances.

Tremolo System: The inclusion of a vintage-style tremolo bridge allows for expressive pitch bends and dive bombs, adding a layer of fun and creativity to your playing.

Value for Money: The PAC112V offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio, providing beginners with an instrument that delivers beyond its price tag.

Cons:

Stock Tuners: Some players may find that the stock tuners lack precision and stability. Upgrading to higher-quality tuners can help improve tuning accuracy.

Pickups: While the Alnico V pickups are versatile, advanced players or those with specific tonal preferences might consider upgrading the pickups to achieve a more personalized sound.

Fret Edges: Some units may have slightly sharp fret edges, which could cause discomfort during prolonged playing. A fret dressing or setup adjustment can resolve this issue.

Limited Finish Options: The range of available finishes for the PAC112V might be limited compared to other guitar models, restricting personal aesthetics choices.

Mid-range Performance: While suitable for beginners and intermediate players, advanced musicians might eventually seek a guitar with more advanced features and tonal options.

In conclusion, the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V is an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of electric guitars. Its comfortable playability, versatile sound, and solid construction make it a reliable instrument for honing your skills. While it may have some minor drawbacks, it represents fantastic value for the money and will serve as a reliable companion on your musical journey. As you progress as a player, you can consider upgrading specific components to further tailor the guitar to your preferences and playing style.

4. Fender Modern Player Telecaster Thinline Deluxe

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Fender Modern Player Telecaster Thinline Deluxe is a unique take on the classic Telecaster design, offering modern features and versatility. It combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary playability, making it a popular choice among guitarists looking for a fresh twist on a traditional instrument. Here's a review highlighting its pros and cons:

Pros:

Semi-Hollow Body: The Thinline Deluxe features a semi-hollow body construction, which enhances resonance and provides a warmer, more acoustic-like tone compared to solid-body Telecasters.

Pickups: The guitar comes equipped with three pickups - two Modern Player MP-90 single-coils in the neck and bridge positions, and a Modern Player MP-85 humbucker in the middle. This configuration allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, from classic Tele twang to fat and creamy humbucker sounds.

Comfortable Playability: The "C"-shaped maple neck and 9.5-inch radius fretboard make the guitar comfortable to play, facilitating smooth chord changes and effortless lead playing.

Vintage Appearance: The Thinline Deluxe boasts a vintage-inspired look with F-hole design, pearloid pickguard, and classic Telecaster control layout, appealing to players who appreciate a traditional aesthetic.

Versatility: The combination of single-coil and humbucker pickups, along with the semi-hollow body, makes this guitar highly versatile, suitable for various genres ranging from country and blues to rock and indie.

Cons:

Tuning Stability: Some players may encounter tuning stability issues, particularly when using the tremolo system extensively. Upgrading to higher-quality tuning machines can help alleviate this problem.

Quality Control: While Fender is known for its quality, there have been occasional reports of inconsistent quality control, with minor cosmetic or setup issues on some units.

Weight: The semi-hollow body design contributes to a slightly heavier weight compared to solid-body Telecasters. This might be a consideration for players who prefer lighter instruments.

Limited Availability: The Thinline Deluxe model might not be as readily available as other standard Telecaster models, making it less accessible in some markets.

Price: Compared to entry-level Telecasters, the Thinline Deluxe is relatively more expensive, which might be a deterrent for some budget-conscious buyers.

In summary, the Fender Modern Player Telecaster Thinline Deluxe is a unique and versatile instrument that blends classic Telecaster elements with modern features. It's an excellent choice for players who seek a guitar with a distinctive look and a wide range of tonal options. While it has some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and playability make it a worthy addition to any guitarist's collection, particularly those who appreciate the iconic Telecaster design with a twist.

5. Ibanez RG450DX RG Series Starter Electric Guitar

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Ibanez RG450DX from the RG Series is a popular starter electric guitar, offering impressive playability, a sleek design, and a versatile sound range. Aimed at beginners and intermediate players, it's an excellent option for those diving into the world of rock and metal music. Here's a review outlining its pros and cons:

Pros:

Playability: The RG450DX features a slim and fast Wizard III maple neck, providing easy access to all frets and facilitating rapid lead playing and complex chord changes.

Tremolo System: Equipped with the Ibanez Edge-Zero II tremolo bridge, it allows for smooth and precise whammy bar action while maintaining tuning stability.

Versatile Pickups: The guitar comes with three Quantum pickups (two humbuckers and a single-coil in the middle position). These pickups deliver a wide range of tones, from crunchy distortion to bright and clean sounds.

Lightweight Body: The basswood body contributes to the guitar's lightweight nature, making it comfortable to play during long practice sessions or performances.

Aesthetics: The RG450DX boasts a modern and stylish design with eye-catching finishes and sharktooth inlays on the fretboard, making it visually appealing.

Cons:

Stock Tuners: Some players have reported that the stock tuners could be more stable and precise, leading to occasional tuning issues. Upgrading to higher-quality tuners can help improve tuning stability.

Sharp Fret Edges: Some units may have sharp fret edges, which could cause discomfort during extended playing. A professional setup or fret dressing might be required to address this issue.

Quality Control: While Ibanez is generally known for good quality control, there have been occasional reports of minor cosmetic or setup issues on some guitars.

Limited Pickup Options: The stock pickups offer a decent range of tones, but more advanced players might consider upgrading to higher-end pickups for further tonal customization.

Single-Coil Noise: The single-coil pickup can produce some noise, especially in high-gain settings, which might require noise reduction techniques or noiseless pickups for players focusing on metal and high-gain genres.

In summary, the Ibanez RG450DX RG Series Starter Electric Guitar is a solid option for beginners and intermediate players seeking an affordable and versatile instrument for rock and metal genres. Its comfortable playability and stylish aesthetics make it an attractive choice, and with some minor upgrades, it can become a reliable and well-performing guitar for a wide range of musical styles. Overall, the RG450DX represents a good value for the price and serves as an excellent entry point into the world of Ibanez's renowned RG series guitars.

6. Squier by Fender Vintage Modified '51

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Squier by Fender Vintage Modified '51 is a unique and affordable electric guitar that offers a combination of classic and modern features. It's designed to provide players with a versatile and enjoyable playing experience. Here's a review outlining its pros and cons:

Pros:

Versatility: The '51 model features a combination of a Stratocaster-style single-coil pickup in the neck position and a high-output humbucker in the bridge position. This versatile pickup configuration allows for a wide range of tones, from warm and clean to powerful and crunchy.

Customizable Pickguard: The guitar comes with a unique pickguard that can be flipped, allowing players to switch between the traditional Stratocaster pickup setup and the '51's distinctive combination of single-coil and humbucker.

Comfortable Playability: The '51 boasts a "C"-shaped maple neck with a comfortable 9.5-inch radius fretboard, ensuring easy chord changes and smooth lead playing.

Unique Aesthetics: The '51's retro-inspired design with a pickguard that covers most of the body gives it a distinctive appearance that stands out from standard Stratocasters.

Affordable Price: As a Squier model, the Vintage Modified '51 offers an attractive price point, making it accessible to players on a budget who want a quality instrument.

Cons:

Limited Availability: The Vintage Modified '51 might not be as widely available as other Squier models, which could be a drawback for those looking to purchase it in certain regions.

Stock Pickups: While the pickups are versatile, some players may consider upgrading to higher-quality pickups for a more refined and personalized tone.

Tuning Stability: Like many affordable guitars, the '51 may experience occasional tuning instability, especially when using the tremolo system extensively. Upgrading to better tuners can help mitigate this issue.

Limited Tonewood Options: The '51's body is made of basswood, which might not offer the same tonal qualities as other tonewoods used in higher-end guitars. However, this is expected at its price range.

Setup Quality: Some units may require a setup out of the box to optimize playability and intonation, but this is common for guitars in this price range.

In conclusion, the Squier by Fender Vintage Modified '51 is a distinctive and versatile electric guitar that provides an affordable option for players seeking a unique instrument with a blend of classic and modern features. Its combination of pickups and customizable pickguard offer a wide range of tones, making it suitable for various musical styles. While it may have some minor drawbacks, the Vintage Modified '51 represents excellent value for the price and is a solid choice for players looking to stand out with a visually appealing and sonically diverse guitar.

7. Epiphone Les Paul-100 Electric Guitar

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Epiphone Les Paul-100 is a budget-friendly electric guitar that pays homage to the iconic Gibson Les Paul design. Aimed at beginners and intermediate players, it offers a classic look, solid build quality, and a versatile sound range. Here's a review outlining its pros and cons:

Pros:

Classic Les Paul Design: The Les Paul-100 stays true to the timeless Les Paul design, featuring a single-cutaway body, carved maple top, and mahogany body, providing that familiar and iconic appearance.

Versatile Sound: Equipped with two open-coil humbuckers, the guitar delivers a wide range of tones. From warm and mellow to bright and biting, it suits various musical styles.

Affordable Price: The Les Paul-100 offers an accessible entry point for players looking to own a Les Paul-style guitar without the premium price tag.

Comfortable Playability: The guitar's mahogany neck with a SlimTaper D profile ensures a comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for long practice sessions.

Build Quality: Epiphone is known for producing quality instruments, and the Les Paul-100 is no exception. It's built to withstand regular use and can handle the rigors of beginner to intermediate players.

Cons:

Stock Pickups: While the humbuckers offer decent sound quality, some players might eventually consider upgrading to higher-quality pickups for a more refined and personalized tone.

Weight: As with many Les Paul-style guitars, the Les Paul-100 can be relatively heavy, which might be a concern for players who prefer lighter instruments.

Limited Finish Options: The range of available finishes for the Les Paul-100 might be limited compared to other guitar models, restricting personal aesthetics choices.

Tuning Stability: Some players may experience tuning instability, especially when using the tremolo system extensively. Upgrading to higher-quality tuners can help improve tuning accuracy.

Fret Edges: Some units may have slightly sharp fret edges, which could cause discomfort during prolonged playing. A fret dressing or setup adjustment can resolve this issue.

In conclusion, the Epiphone Les Paul-100 is a solid option for beginners and intermediate players seeking a budget-friendly Les Paul-style guitar. It delivers classic Les Paul aesthetics and a versatile sound range, making it suitable for various musical genres. While it may have some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and playability make it a reliable choice for those who desire the look and feel of a Les Paul without the premium price tag.

8. Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Telecaster Electric Guitar

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is a highly regarded electric guitar that captures the essence of the iconic Fender Telecaster design while providing modern playability and tone. Aimed at players who appreciate vintage aesthetics and excellent performance, it offers a fantastic balance of quality and affordability. Here's a review outlining its pros and cons:

Pros:

Vintage Look and Feel: The Classic Vibe Telecaster features a classic single-cutaway design, vintage-style hardware, and a glossy finish, exuding a timeless appeal reminiscent of early Telecasters.

Playability: The guitar's "C"-shaped maple neck with a 9.5-inch radius fretboard ensures a comfortable and smooth playing experience, making it easy to navigate the fretboard for both chords and lead playing.

Pickups: The Alnico V single-coil pickups on this Telecaster deliver authentic vintage tones, offering the signature twang and clarity associated with the classic Telecaster sound.

Build Quality: Despite its affordable price point, the Classic Vibe Telecaster boasts excellent craftsmanship and construction, ensuring a reliable and durable instrument.

Value for Money: The guitar provides outstanding value for the price, making it an attractive option for players seeking a high-quality and budget-friendly Telecaster.

Cons:

Stock Tuners: Some players may find the stock tuners lacking in tuning stability and precision. Upgrading to higher-quality tuners can help improve overall tuning performance.

Limited Finish Options: The Classic Vibe Telecaster may have a limited range of available finishes compared to other models, limiting personal aesthetic choices.

Single-Coil Noise: As with any single-coil pickup-equipped guitar, the Classic Vibe Telecaster may be susceptible to hum and noise, especially in high-gain settings.

Fret Edges: Some units may have slightly sharp fret edges, which could cause discomfort during prolonged playing. A professional setup or fret dressing might be necessary to address this issue.

Limited Tonewood Options: The Classic Vibe Telecaster typically features a pine or poplar body, which might not offer the same tonal characteristics as higher-end tonewoods like ash or alder.

In conclusion, the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster is a fantastic choice for players seeking a vintage-inspired and affordable Telecaster with excellent playability and authentic tones. While it may have some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and craftsmanship make it a popular option for guitarists of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player on a budget, the Classic Vibe Telecaster delivers a true Telecaster experience without breaking the bank.

9. Epiphone Les Paul Beginners Electric Guitar

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Epiphone Les Paul Beginners Electric Guitar is a popular choice for those starting their guitar journey. As a budget-friendly instrument, it aims to provide beginners with the classic Les Paul design and sound without breaking the bank. Here's a review outlining its pros and cons:

Pros:

Classic Les Paul Design: The Epiphone Les Paul Beginners Electric Guitar captures the iconic single-cutaway Les Paul design, providing a timeless and attractive appearance.

Versatile Sound: Equipped with humbucker pickups, the guitar delivers a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles, from warm and clean to gritty and distorted.

Comfortable Playability: The guitar features a slim-tapered neck profile, making it easy for beginners to navigate the fretboard and play chords and scales comfortably.

Affordable Price: The Les Paul Beginners Electric Guitar offers an accessible entry point for aspiring guitarists who want a quality instrument without a significant investment.

Build Quality: Epiphone is known for producing reliable instruments, and this model is no exception. It's built to withstand regular practice and playing, ensuring durability for beginners.

Cons:

Stock Pickups: While the humbucker pickups provide decent sound quality, more advanced players may eventually consider upgrading to higher-quality pickups for a more refined tone.

Weight: As with many Les Paul-style guitars, the Beginners Electric Guitar can be relatively heavy, which might be a concern for players who prefer lighter instruments.

Limited Finish Options: The range of available finishes for this model might be limited compared to other Epiphone Les Paul guitars, restricting personal aesthetics choices.

Tuning Stability: Some players may experience occasional tuning instability, especially with extensive use of the tremolo system. Upgrading to better tuners can help mitigate this issue.

Fret Edges: Some units may have slightly sharp fret edges, which could cause discomfort during prolonged playing. A professional setup or fret dressing might be required to address this issue.

In summary, the Epiphone Les Paul Beginners Electric Guitar is an excellent entry-level instrument for aspiring guitarists who want to start their musical journey with a classic Les Paul-style guitar. Its versatile sound, comfortable playability, and affordable price make it an attractive option for beginners on a budget. While it may have some minor drawbacks, the guitar offers good value for its price and serves as a reliable platform for developing guitar skills.

10. Jackson JS32T King V Beginners Metal Guitar

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Best Beginner Electric Guitars

The Jackson JS32T King V is a metal-oriented electric guitar designed to deliver powerful tones and shredding capabilities, making it an attractive option for beginners interested in playing heavy music. Here's a review outlining its pros and cons:

Pros:

Metal-Focused Design: The King V's aggressive V-shaped body, pointed headstock, and dual high-output Jackson humbucking pickups cater to players seeking a guitar optimized for metal and hard rock genres.

Playability: The guitar features a fast and slim maple neck with a compound radius fretboard, ensuring effortless playability and easy access to higher frets, making it ideal for shredding and lead playing.

High-Output Pickups: The Jackson humbucking pickups provide powerful and aggressive tones, delivering the heavy distortion required for metal music while maintaining clarity and note definition.

Double-Locking Tremolo: The double-locking tremolo system offers excellent tuning stability, allowing players to perform dive bombs and other extreme tremolo effects without fear of going out of tune.

Aesthetics: The King V's distinct V-shaped body and bold finishes make it visually striking, appealing to metal enthusiasts looking for an eye-catching guitar.

Cons:

Limited Versatility: While the King V excels at metal and hard rock, it may not be as versatile for other music styles due to its aggressive design and high-output pickups.

Weight and Balance: The V-shaped body may feel unbalanced to some players, especially when sitting down, making it more suitable for standing performances.

Fret Access: The sharp V-shaped body may slightly hinder access to the highest frets for players with smaller hands, potentially limiting some advanced playing techniques.

Stock Tuners: Some players may find that the stock tuners could be more stable and precise, leading to occasional tuning issues. Upgrading to higher-quality tuners can help improve tuning performance.

Setup Quality: While the overall build quality of the King V is good, some units may require a setup out of the box to optimize playability and intonation.

In conclusion, the Jackson JS32T King V is a powerful and visually striking guitar designed for beginners interested in metal and hard rock genres. Its aggressive design, high-output pickups, and fast neck make it ideal for shredding and lead playing. However, it may not be as versatile for other music styles, and its V-shaped body may feel unbalanced when sitting down. Despite some minor drawbacks, the King V offers excellent value for the price and serves as a capable instrument for aspiring metal guitarists seeking to make a bold statement on stage or in the studio.


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