You’re looking for the best cheap electric guitar to start learning.
Let’s compare our 5 best picks and why we like them.
This electric guitar is popular for a good reason.
Even though it’s the budget version – this is the Eric Clapton vibe.
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster looks and feels like a classic Fender Stratocaster. The same brand manufactures Squier, which is a big part of its appeal. The Strat electric guitar shape is timeless.
It’s nice and easy to handle. The maple neck is smooth and easy to move your fingers around. The rosewood frets feel effortless as you will invariably find as you learn ‘smoke on the water’.
It has three pickups that give you that classic Stratocaster sound. You can learn to play with how the pickups capture different tones depending on the string position.
This electric guitar is on the cheaper side so with that you will always get limitations on sound. Nonetheless, a great choice if you want something inexpensive to start learning on.
Famous Fender Strat players: Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix
After testing a few budget-friendly electric guitars. One that stands out is the Ibanez GRGM. It’s priced under $200, but it’s made an impression.
The Ibanez GRGM is light. The smooth maple neck makes playing comfortable for beginners who are starting to learn their way around the fretboard.
It’s got a pair of humbucking pickups that give you a taste of how different parts of the string sound. Whether you’re strumming chords or beginning to solo.
Even though it’s not expensive, Ibanez is a reliable brand built to last. No corners were cut here. Solid construction and quality hardware have kept this brand going throughout the years.
But, there are a couple of quirks to keep in mind. Because it’s smaller than some guitars, it might take a bit of getting used to if you’re used to playing bigger ones. And while the sound is good, it will never be as good as expensive electric guitars with better pickups.
Famous Ibanez players: Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai
The Jackson Dinky is lightweight, which is great for beginners with smaller frames. The standard maple neck allows effortless movement across the fretboard.
Equipped with humbucker pickups, the Dinky Minion sounds better than it should given the expense. The three-way pickup selector switch offers a range of tonal possibilities, great for learning.
The basswood body provides a sturdy foundation. Jackson didn’t skimp on quality here simply as this is their budget electric guitar model.
Some players might find the shorter fret scale length limiting. This is why this guitar is not recommended to existing intermediate players. As with all cheaper electric guitars, the sound will lack the clarity of higher-priced models.
Famous Jackson players: Jeff Loomis, Scott Ian, Phil Demmel
To a LOT of people, that classic Les Paul look can’t be beat. If your electric guitar heroes are Slash, Joe Perry and Jimmy Page, you will likely pick this model. In which case, there is no need to continue writing about this entry in our list.
For those of you who didn’t fanboy/girl over the names above, here are some reasons it made our list.
Its mahogany body and maple top give it a timeless shiny finish. But beyond its appearance, this guitar is a joy to play. The neck has a comfortable “1960s SlimTaper D” shape, making it easy to move around the fretboard.
The brand Epiphone is made by Gibson but for the budget market. This means you’re getting the same durable craftsmanship of Gibson but much cheaper. The Gibson version of this model would cost $1500!
The only drawback could be the heaviness of the body. The Les Paul shape is fuller than other electric guitar designs and that naturally leads to more mass. True Les Paul fans will laugh this drawback off as they strum through Sweet Child O’ Mine.
Famous Epiphone players: Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Nick Valensi
Yamaha instruments have found their way into most homes. They’ve done this by being around for a long time. The only way that can happen is if the instruments actually last.
This model is no different. This is an electric guitar for beginners that will last a while. The Yamaha PAC112V Pacifica has a sleek and stylish look, with a contoured body that feels great against playing posture. The smooth maple neck is a joy to learn on, allowing easy navigation across the fretboard.
It’s important for beginners that the neck is relatively thin. This impacts hand fatigue as your muscles get used to different positions. Repetition is tiring and a thick neck which tests your grip is not productive. The PAC112V Pacifica has a slim and fast action neck making it ideal for beginners to learn on.
It’s got a versatile pickup configuration. A humbucker in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck. This gives you some different tones to play with, from warm and mellow to bright and punchy.
It comes with a more intermediate feature which is the tremolo bridge. This is great for guitar solo-inspired players who want their notes to soar and crash.
As with all the cheap electric guitars on this list, the sound will not reach the heights of more expensive models.
The Yamaha PAC112V Pacifica is a great first electric guitar to learn on. Be sure to upgrade once you learn the basics. Yamahas have a knack for sticking around longer than you will. Take a look at our choice of the best guitar amps to go with your new axe.
Best cheap electric guitar strings
Ernie Ball – Super Slinky Strings
Which are the best cheap guitar brands?
Some of the best options include Fender Squier, Epiphone, and Yamaha. These brands offer inexpensive guitars that are quality, making them popular choices for beginners and experienced players looking for great value.
How long should a cheap electric guitar last?
With proper care, a budget-friendly electric guitar should last for several years. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cheaper guitars may require more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to higher-end models. Regular cleaning, string changes, and occasional adjustments can help prolong the lifespan of your guitar.
How much should a cheap electric guitar cost?
You should be able to find budget electric guitars starting from around $100 to $400. Our list above details exactly which are the best cheap electric guitars.
Are cheap guitars under $400 worth it?
Whether cheap guitars under $400 are worth it depends on your needs and usage. While cheap electric guitars can offer good value for beginners or casual players, they won’t have the same quality as expensive models. At this price range, you’re really buying an electric guitar to get into the habit of learning and playing. As you’re shopping around, we recommend trying out the guitar in person. The feel of your first guitar is incredibly important to like. Check out the best acoustic guitars for beginners guide.
What makes a great budget electric guitar?
Of course, the factors will be subjective depending on your taste. Players often state these 3 factors as the most important:
- How good does it look
- How it feels when you play
- Is it a recognised brand
How do I pick a style of guitar that's best for me?
The style of guitar that you’re attracted to will mostly be determined by the guitar heroes you are inspired by.
Most players who listen to Led Zeppelin, Guns ‘N Roses and Aerosmith will likely prefer the Les Paul style. This is because those bands’ lead guitarists are known for playing that shape.
Eric Clapton lovers will generally prefer the Stratocaster shape. As you go in-store to try out these shapes, you will know the right for you as you play.
How do I choose the right guitar pickups?
The right guitar pickups depend on your preferred sound and playing style. Single-coil pickups offer a bright and crisp tone, great for blues and rock. Humbucking pickups provide a warmer and thicker sound, ideal for heavier styles like metal. Try out pickup configurations and brands to find the tone that feels right to you.
