10 Best Beginner Electric Guitars 2026 in the United States

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.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, appealing to both kids and adults. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, and the comfortable 'C' shaped neck is great for those just starting to learn. The guitar features three single-coil pickups with a 5-way switching system, allowing players to explore a variety of classic Strat tones, which is fantastic for those wanting versatility in their sound.

A significant advantage of this model is the inclusion of a free subscription to Fender Play, which provides access to countless instructional videos. This feature can really help new players build their skills in a fun way, learning to play songs they love right from the start.

The build quality is backed by Fender's long-standing reputation, and it comes with a 2-year warranty to ensure reliability. The Stratocaster design is iconic and attractive, especially in the Dakota Red color, making it visually appealing. There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the lightweight body is great for beginners, some might find it a bit less durable than heavier models. Additionally, while the tremolo bridge offers exciting string-bending effects, it may require more maintenance and tuning stability, which can be a bit challenging for newcomers.

The guitar's weight at nearly 10 pounds might feel heavy for some beginners, particularly younger players. Despite these minor drawbacks, this Squier Stratocaster remains a top pick for anyone venturing into the world of electric guitars, thanks to its comprehensive features and supportive learning resources.

The Fender Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Surf Green is an excellent choice for beginners. This package offers everything a novice guitarist needs to get started, including an amplifier, gig bag, cable, strap, picks, and an instructional video from Austin Bazaar. The iconic Stratocaster design and sound provide a solid foundation for learning, and its lightweight poplar body ensures comfortable playing sessions by reducing fatigue. The slim 'C'-shaped neck profile is designed to be ergonomic, making it easier for beginners to grip and play the guitar smoothly. The tremolo bridge with a removable arm allows for expressive pitch bending, while the sealed-gear tuning machines ensure that the guitar stays in tune for longer periods, which is crucial for new players who might struggle with tuning stability.

The included accessories, particularly the amplifier and instructional video, are valuable additions that enhance the learning experience and convenience. However, the guitar's 8.95-pound weight might be slightly heavier than some other beginner models, which could be a consideration for those who prefer even lighter instruments. Additionally, while the S-S-S (single-coil) pickup configuration offers classic Stratocaster tones, beginners might find these pickups a bit noisier compared to humbuckers, especially at higher volumes.

The Laurel wood fretboard and poplar body materials are not as high-end as those found in more expensive guitars, but they are more than adequate for a beginner's needs. This guitar bundle provides an outstanding all-in-one solution for beginners, balancing quality, playability, and value.