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10 Best Electric Guitars 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, with Padded Gig Bag, Frontman 10G Amp, Strap, and More, Includes Free Lessons, Black

The Fender 6 String Electric Guitar Pack is an excellent choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of electric guitars. This kit includes everything a new player might need, such as the Squier Debut Series Stratocaster guitar, a Frontman 10G amp, a padded gig bag, and even accessories like a strap, cable, picks, and a guitar stand. The iconic Stratocaster design is comfortable with a 'C' shaped neck and lightweight body, making it easy to play for extended periods, which is a great advantage for beginners.

The guitar features three single-coil pickups with 5-way switching, providing a variety of classic tones suitable for different music styles. Plus, the included subscription to Fender Play offers excellent online lessons, making it even easier for beginners to learn and practice at their own pace.

There are a few points to consider. While the guitar is well-built and sounds good for its price, some advanced players might find its components and sound quality somewhat limited compared to higher-end models. Additionally, the amp, while functional, may not be powerful enough for larger settings or performances. The weight of the package (29.3 pounds) might also be cumbersome for younger players or those looking for portability.

Despite these drawbacks, the Fender 6 String Electric Guitar Pack stands out in the beginner electric guitar kit category, making it an appealing option for both kids and adults who are just starting their musical journey.

#2

Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster - Surf Green Bundle with Frontman 10g Amp, Gig Bag, Cable, Strap, Tuner, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Guitar DVD

The Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster is a solid choice for beginners looking for a classic electric guitar experience. Its body is made of poplar wood with a comfortable contoured shape, making it easy to hold and play. The maple neck paired with a laurel wood fretboard offers a smooth feel, which is helpful for new players developing finger strength and dexterity.

It features three single-coil pickups, delivering versatile tones suitable for various music styles, from clean sounds to some mild overdrive. The tremolo bridge adds expressive vibrato effects, encouraging creativity but might require some setup knowledge. The included Frontman 10G amp is compact and portable, offering both clean and overdrive channels with basic tone controls and a headphone jack for quiet practice. This bundle also comes with essential accessories like a gig bag, cable, strap, tuner, picks, and an instructional DVD, making it convenient for someone just starting out.

On the downside, the poplar body is a lighter tonewood that may not produce as rich a sound as more premium materials, and while the single-coil pickups provide bright tones, they can be prone to hum in some environments. The amp, while good for practice, is limited in power and features, so players may outgrow it quickly. This set represents excellent value for beginners who want a ready-to-play package that covers the basics well.

#3

Fender Squier Stratocaster - California Blue Bundle with Amplifier, Gig Bag, Strap, Instrument Cable, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
8.8
Body Type
Neck Profile

Most important from
261 reviews

Body Type
Despite being full-size, the guitar is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to handle.
Neck Profile
The matte finish and smooth neck allow effortless movement up and down the fretboard, enhancing the playing experience.

The Fender Squier Stratocaster - California Blue Bundle is a great choice for beginners and those looking for an affordable, classic-style electric guitar. It features the iconic Stratocaster body shape made from poplar wood, which is lightweight and comfortable to play. The neck is crafted from maple with a laurel wood fretboard, offering a smooth feel for easier finger movement. Its standard 25.5-inch scale length is typical for Stratocasters, providing familiar string tension and playability.

This guitar is equipped with three Squier single-coil pickups, delivering the bright, clear, and articulate tones Stratocasters are known for. These pickups work well across many music styles, from rock to blues. The tremolo bridge adds expressive possibilities, allowing you to bend notes with the removable arm. Tuning stability is supported by sealed-gear tuning machines, which help keep the guitar in tune with less hassle. The bundle includes handy extras like an amplifier, gig bag, strap, instrument cable, picks, and an instructional DVD, making it a convenient all-in-one package for beginners who need more than just the guitar.

The poplar body wood is less resonant than higher-end tonewoods, which can affect the richness of sound, but this is common in affordable guitars. The single-coil pickups might also pick up some hum in certain environments, which is typical for this pickup type. The included amp is suitable for practice but may not satisfy more advanced players looking for higher volume or tone options. This Squier Stratocaster bundle delivers good value, classic Fender style, and enough accessories to help newcomers start playing right away. It is best suited for beginners or hobbyists rather than professionals seeking premium tonewoods or advanced features.

Rating
8.8
Body Type
Neck Profile

Most important from
261 reviews

Body Type
Despite being full-size, the guitar is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to handle.
Neck Profile
The matte finish and smooth neck allow effortless movement up and down the fretboard, enhancing the playing experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Guitars

Choosing the right electric guitar can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially with the wide variety of options available. The key to finding the perfect guitar is understanding your own needs and preferences, and then matching those with the specifications of the guitar. Here are some important specs to consider when shopping for an electric guitar, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Body TypeThe body type of an electric guitar affects its sound, weight, and comfort. There are three main types: solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are the most common and are known for their sustain and resistance to feedback, making them ideal for rock and metal. Semi-hollow body guitars offer a balance between the solid and hollow bodies, providing a warmer tone suitable for blues and jazz. Hollow body guitars have a rich, resonant sound but are more prone to feedback, making them great for jazz and clean tones. Choose a body type based on the genre of music you play and your comfort preferences.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar neck, which affects playability and comfort. Common profiles include C-shaped, U-shaped, and V-shaped. C-shaped necks are rounded and comfortable for most players, making them versatile. U-shaped necks are thicker and provide a solid grip, preferred by players with larger hands. V-shaped necks have a distinct ridge and are favored by players who like to rest their thumb on the back of the neck. Consider your hand size and playing style when choosing a neck profile.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the guitar's nut and the bridge, affecting string tension and tone. Common scale lengths are 24.75 inches (short scale) and 25.5 inches (long scale). Shorter scales have less string tension, making them easier to play and producing a warmer tone, suitable for blues and classic rock. Longer scales have more tension, resulting in a brighter tone and better note definition, ideal for genres like metal and modern rock. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable and suits your musical style.
PickupsPickups are the devices that capture the guitar's sound and convert it into an electrical signal. The two main types are single-coil and humbucker pickups. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear tone with a bit of a twang, making them great for genres like country, blues, and classic rock. Humbuckers have a thicker, warmer sound with higher output, reducing noise and feedback, perfect for rock, metal, and jazz. Some guitars come with a combination of both, offering versatility. Choose pickups based on the sound you prefer and the music you play.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type affects the guitar's tuning stability and the ability to perform certain techniques. There are two main types: fixed bridges and tremolo bridges. Fixed bridges offer better tuning stability and sustain, making them ideal for beginners and players who prefer a straightforward setup. Tremolo bridges allow for pitch bending and vibrato effects, adding expressiveness to your playing, but they can be more challenging to maintain. Choose a bridge type based on your playing style and maintenance preferences.
TonewoodsTonewoods refer to the types of wood used in the construction of the guitar, influencing its tone and resonance. Common tonewoods include alder, ash, mahogany, and maple. Alder and ash are often used for their balanced tone and good sustain, suitable for a variety of genres. Mahogany provides a warm, rich sound with excellent sustain, ideal for blues and rock. Maple is known for its bright, clear tone and is often used for necks and fingerboards. Consider the tonal characteristics of each wood and how they align with your musical preferences.
Fretboard MaterialThe fretboard material affects the feel and tone of the guitar. Common materials include rosewood, maple, and ebony. Rosewood fretboards have a warm, smooth feel and a slightly darker tone, making them popular for a wide range of genres. Maple fretboards offer a bright, snappy tone and a smooth playing surface, preferred by players who like a fast neck. Ebony fretboards are dense and smooth, providing a bright, articulate tone with excellent durability. Choose a fretboard material that feels comfortable and complements your playing style.

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