10 Best Electric Guitars 2025 in the United States

The Donner DST-100S is a 39-inch full-size electric guitar designed especially for beginners. It features a solid poplar body and a comfortable Canadian maple neck with a 'C' shaped profile, making it easier to hold and play for newcomers. The 648mm scale length provides a familiar playing feel, and the fretboard made from purpleheart wood is durable and smooth, with 22 nickel-plated frets that are gentle on fingers during learning.

A notable feature is its versatile H-S-S pickup configuration—two single-coil pickups and one humbucker—that offers a wide range of sounds suitable for blues, rock, and other styles. The 5-way pickup switch and dual tone controls allow easy sound adjustments, which is ideal for beginners exploring different tones. The guitar includes a single swing-style bridge, which is simple to use although not suited for advanced tremolo techniques, and it comes in a classic sunburst finish.

What distinguishes this package is the complete beginner kit it includes: a portable mini amplifier with headphone output for quiet practice, a sturdy bag, capo, strap, extra strings, tuner, cables, picks, and even online lessons. This comprehensive set provides everything needed to start playing immediately without extra purchases. While the poplar body offers less resonance compared to higher-end tonewoods like alder or mahogany, and the small amp is limited in volume and advanced sound shaping, this guitar kit is an affordable, ready-to-play option with decent build quality and versatile features that help new players enjoy their first electric guitar experience.

The Fender Squier Stratocaster Daphne Blue bundle is a great choice for beginners or hobbyists looking for a classic electric guitar setup. It carries the iconic Stratocaster design known for its versatile, bright sound thanks to its three single-coil pickups (S-S-S configuration). The poplar body keeps the guitar light and comfortable to hold during long practice sessions, while the maple neck with a slim 'C'-shaped profile offers an easy grip, especially for new players. The laurel wood fretboard provides a smooth playing surface, although it's slightly less common than rosewood or maple, which doesn’t affect playability much.

It features a vintage-style tremolo bridge, allowing some expressive pitch effects, though it may require occasional tuning adjustments if used heavily. The bundle stands out by including useful extras like a Fender Frontman 10G amplifier, cable, gig bag, strap, picks, and an instructional video — everything a beginner needs to start playing right away.

While poplar wood is a budget-friendly tonewood that doesn't offer as rich a sound as pricier woods, and the included amplifier is basic, suitable mainly for practice rather than performance, the Squier brand is known for affordability and decent quality. This package delivers excellent value and serves as a well-rounded introduction to electric guitar playing.

The Squier by Fender Electric Guitar Kit, Affinity Series Stratocaster, is an attractive choice for beginners or casual players looking for an all-in-one package. It includes not only the guitar but also essential accessories like a gig bag, strap, cable, and a Frontman 15G amp, which is a nice touch for those starting out. The guitar sports a basswood body with a slim 'C' shaped maple neck, known for its comfort and ease of play, making it suitable for longer playing sessions.

The HSS pickup configuration provides versatility, allowing for a range of tones from clean to more rock-oriented sounds. However, the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions might not satisfy those looking for a more aggressive tone. This setup is ideal for genres like blues, pop, and rock, but may not fit heavy metal enthusiasts.

With a 25.5-inch scale length, the Affinity Stratocaster maintains a familiar feel that is common among electric guitars, making it easy for players transitioning from other models. The use of laurel wood for the fretboard and stainless steel strings also adds to the durability and playability of the instrument. The inclusion of a 2-year limited warranty underscores Fender's commitment to quality, providing peace of mind to users. However, the guitar's body material, basswood, is lighter and may not resonate as richly as higher-end woods like alder or mahogany, potentially affecting tonal depth.

While the kit offers a lot of value, serious players might find themselves outgrowing the amp and possibly the guitar as they seek higher quality sound and more advanced features. Nonetheless, given its price point and target audience, it stands as a solid starter pack with a reputable brand backing it.