We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Beginner Electric Guitars 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, Lake Placid Blue, Maple Fingerboard with Frontman 15G Amplifier, Padded Gig Bag, Instrument Cable, and More

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,337
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups

Most important from
1046 reviews

Body Type
The guitar's lightweight body makes it easy to carry around, perfect for beginners.
Neck Profile
The neck is super easy to play on, thanks to the slim 'C'-shape design.
Pickups
Pickups are a bit hot but functional, with a tone adjustment knob for the bridge pickup.
Bridge Type
The bridge is well-made and easy to set the intonation and action.

The Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit is a solid choice for beginners. The guitar itself features a versatile HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup configuration, which provides a range of tones suitable for various music styles. The 'C'-shaped maple neck is comfortable and should be easy to handle for new players. The body is made of basswood, making it lightweight and easy to manage during extended practice sessions. The Lake Placid Blue finish gives it an attractive look that many beginners will appreciate. Additionally, the maple fingerboard is known for its smooth feel and durability.

The kit is comprehensive, including a Frontman 15G amplifier, which is powerful enough for practice and small performances, a padded gig bag for protection, an instrument cable, strap, and picks. The inclusion of a free 3-month subscription to Fender Play is a great bonus for beginners to get started with guided lessons. On the downside, at 37.8 pounds, the entire kit might be slightly heavy for some users to carry around. However, this weight includes all accessories, which are essential for a complete beginner setup. Also, some users might find the tremolo bridge a bit challenging to use initially.

This kit provides everything a beginner needs to start their electric guitar journey, with the quality and reliability associated with the Fender brand.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,337
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups

Most important from
1046 reviews

Body Type
The guitar's lightweight body makes it easy to carry around, perfect for beginners.
Neck Profile
The neck is super easy to play on, thanks to the slim 'C'-shape design.
Pickups
Pickups are a bit hot but functional, with a tone adjustment knob for the bridge pickup.
Bridge Type
The bridge is well-made and easy to set the intonation and action.
#2

Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Daphne Blue Bundle with Amplifier, Gig Bag, Cable, Strap, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional Video

Rating
8.8
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
211 reviews

Pickups
Delivers great classic Stratocaster sound with easy tuning and comfortable action.
Weight
The guitar's weight is typical for an electric guitar and doesn't hinder playability.

The Fender Squier Stratocaster in Daphne Blue is a solid choice for beginners who want to start with a classic electric guitar design. Its lightweight poplar body and slim 'C'-shaped maple neck make it comfortable to hold and easy to play, which is important for new players still building hand strength. The guitar uses three single-coil pickups (S-S-S), delivering the bright and versatile tones that the Stratocaster is famous for, suitable for various music styles.

The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge adds expressive options for pitch bending, though beginners should be aware it might require some tuning care. The set includes helpful extras like an amplifier, gig bag, cable, strap, picks, and an instructional video, providing a convenient all-in-one starter pack. On the downside, the fretboard is made of laurel wood rather than the more common rosewood or maple, which might feel different but is still comfortable.

The guitar weighs about 24 pounds including the package, but the guitar itself is relatively light, helping reduce playing fatigue. While the Squier Stratocaster won’t match higher-end models in build quality, it offers great value and classic Strat tone for beginners looking for a reliable and stylish first electric guitar.

Rating
8.8
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
211 reviews

Pickups
Delivers great classic Stratocaster sound with easy tuning and comfortable action.
Weight
The guitar's weight is typical for an electric guitar and doesn't hinder playability.
#3

Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst Lefty Beginner Set Full-Size with Amplifier Online Lesson Bag Digital Tuner Capo Strap String Cable Picks DST-100SL

Rating
8.5
Pickups

Most important from
6350 reviews

Pickups
The guitar is very nice looking with an HSS configuration, which is great for versatility in sound.

The Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a comprehensive package that includes everything needed to start playing right away. The guitar features a solid poplar body in a sunburst finish, which not only looks appealing but also provides durability. The Canadian maple neck with a 'C' shaped profile and purpleheart fingerboard offer a comfortable playing experience, ideal for beginners still developing their skills.

Its H-S-S pickup configuration, with two single-coil pickups and one humbucker, allows for versatile sound options, catering to various music styles from blues to rock. The five-way pickup switch and tone/volume controls further enhance its adaptability. Additionally, the guitar has 22 copper-nickel frets with clear position markers, making it easier to navigate the fretboard.

The kit's inclusion of a rechargeable mini amplifier with clean and distortion channels is a practical addition, providing flexibility in sound output and ease of use. Other accessories like a bag, digital tuner, capo, strap, strings, cable, and picks ensure that beginners have all the necessary tools to start their musical journey. At 14.34 pounds, it might be slightly heavy for younger players or those looking for a lightweight option. The nickel-plated strings and single swing bridge system are standard but might require occasional adjustments to maintain optimal performance.

Rating
8.5
Pickups

Most important from
6350 reviews

Pickups
The guitar is very nice looking with an HSS configuration, which is great for versatility in sound.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Electric Guitars

Choosing a beginner electric guitar can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The right guitar can make learning more enjoyable and help you progress faster. When selecting a beginner electric guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact your playing experience. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Body TypeThe body type of an electric guitar affects its sound and comfort. There are three main types: solid, semi-hollow, and hollow. Solid body guitars are the most common and are known for their durability and resistance to feedback, making them great for rock and metal. Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars have a warmer tone and are often used in jazz and blues. For beginners, a solid body guitar is usually recommended due to its versatility and ease of use.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck. Common profiles include C-shaped, U-shaped, and V-shaped. A C-shaped neck is generally more comfortable for beginners as it fits naturally in the hand. U-shaped necks are thicker and may be better for players with larger hands, while V-shaped necks offer a unique feel that some players prefer. Trying out different neck profiles can help you find the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the guitar's nut and the bridge. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the guitar. Common scale lengths are 24.75 inches and 25.5 inches. A shorter scale length (24.75 inches) results in less string tension, making it easier to press down the strings, which can be beneficial for beginners. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) provides a brighter tone and more tension, which some players prefer. Consider your hand strength and comfort when choosing the scale length.
PickupsPickups are the devices that capture the sound of the strings and convert it into an electrical signal. There are two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear sound and are often used in genres like rock, blues, and country. Humbuckers have a thicker, warmer tone and are popular in rock and metal. For beginners, a guitar with a combination of both types (HSS or HSH configuration) can offer versatility and allow you to explore different sounds.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type affects the guitar's tuning stability and the ability to perform certain techniques. There are two main types: fixed and tremolo. A fixed bridge is simpler and provides better tuning stability, making it ideal for beginners. A tremolo bridge allows for pitch bending effects but can be more challenging to maintain and keep in tune. If you're just starting out, a fixed bridge is usually the better choice for ease of use and reliability.
WeightThe weight of the guitar can impact your comfort, especially during long practice sessions. Electric guitars can vary in weight depending on the body type and materials used. Lighter guitars are generally easier to handle and more comfortable for beginners. However, some players prefer the feel of a heavier guitar. It's important to try out different weights to see what feels best for you and ensures you can play comfortably for extended periods.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now