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10 Best Electric Guitars For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,346
Neck Profile
Bridge Type

Most important from
1404 reviews

Neck Profile
The guitar is beautifully crafted with a comfortable neck shape and a satin finish that feels great and doesn't show finger grease.
Bridge Type
The tremolo bridge works well for light use, but mastering its use on a Stratocaster requires skill and can be challenging for beginners.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster is designed specifically for beginners, making it an excellent choice for those just starting out. The guitar features a comfortable 'C'-shaped neck and a lightweight poplar body, which enhances playability and reduces strain during practice sessions. At 9.92 pounds, it’s relatively manageable for most players, including younger ones.

The 25.5-inch scale length is standard for Stratocasters and provides a familiar feel for those learning to play. The three single-coil pickups with 5-way switching offer a versatile range of tones, allowing beginners to explore various sounds from rock to blues. Additionally, the tremolo bridge with a removable arm adds an element of fun for experimenting with string-bending effects, which can be exciting for new players.

A significant advantage is the inclusion of free lessons through a subscription to Fender Play, which can significantly aid in skill development and keep beginners motivated. The guitar's black matte finish gives it a sleek, modern look, adding to its appeal. The poplar wood used for both the body and back is durable. The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster stands out as a robust, beginner-friendly electric guitar that provides excellent value with the backing of Fender's trusted legacy and a two-year warranty.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,346
Neck Profile
Bridge Type

Most important from
1404 reviews

Neck Profile
The guitar is beautifully crafted with a comfortable neck shape and a satin finish that feels great and doesn't show finger grease.
Bridge Type
The tremolo bridge works well for light use, but mastering its use on a Stratocaster requires skill and can be challenging for beginners.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
186 reviews

Pickups
Pickups offer an acceptable tone, though upgrading to alnico V pickups and better strings can significantly improve the sound.
Weight
The guitar is playable right out of the box, with a straight neck and good weight, making it comfortable for beginners.

The Fender Squier Stratocaster in Surf Green is a great starting point for beginner guitarists. Its iconic Stratocaster design delivers a classic look and sound that many aspiring guitarists seek. The lightweight poplar body and slim 'C'-shaped neck profile make it comfortable and easy to play, reducing strain during practice sessions.

The guitar features a tremolo bridge, which allows for expressive pitch bending, and sealed-gear tuning machines that help keep the guitar in tune, both of which are beneficial for new players exploring different styles and sounds. The bundle is comprehensive, including an amplifier, gig bag, cable, strap, picks, and an instructional video, offering everything a beginner needs to start playing right away.

At 8.95 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, and the S-S-S (Single-Coil) pickup configuration might not provide the versatility that some players may look for as they progress. The Fender Squier Stratocaster offers excellent value and a solid introduction to electric guitar playing.

Rating
9.8
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
186 reviews

Pickups
Pickups offer an acceptable tone, though upgrading to alnico V pickups and better strings can significantly improve the sound.
Weight
The guitar is playable right out of the box, with a straight neck and good weight, making it comfortable for beginners.
#3

Donner DST-100B 39 Inch Electric Guitar Beginner Kit Solid Body Full Size Black HSS for Starter, with Amplifier, Bag, Digital Tuner, Capo, Strap, String,Cable, Picks

The Donner DST-100B 39 Inch Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is designed with beginners in mind, offering a comprehensive package that includes all essential accessories such as an amplifier, gig bag, digital tuner, capo, strap, extra strings, cable, and picks. This makes it an excellent starter kit for those new to electric guitar playing. The guitar features a solid poplar body and a Canadian maple neck with a comfortable 'C' shaped profile, which is easy to handle for new players.

The purpleheart fingerboard and 22 copper-nickel frets are also designed to be smooth and user-friendly. The HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup configuration offers versatile sound options, making it suitable for various musical styles, including blues, rock, and more. The 5-way pickup switch and tone/volume controls provide further sound customization. The included portable mini amplifier is a handy addition, especially with its dual-channel options and headphone jack for silent practice.

However, some users might find the mini amplifier to lack power compared to larger, standalone amps. The weight of the guitar is manageable at approximately 14.22 pounds, but it might feel a bit heavy for younger players. The guitar is a full-size model with a 25.5-inch scale length, which is standard and should suit most players. While the guitar and accessories are of decent quality, it is essential to manage expectations as this is an entry-level kit, and more advanced players may find it lacking in certain areas such as high-end tonal clarity or build quality.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Guitars For Beginners

Choosing the right electric guitar as a beginner can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The key is to find a guitar that feels comfortable, sounds good, and inspires you to play. Understanding the different specifications and how they affect the guitar's playability and sound will help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specs to consider when picking an electric guitar for beginners.
Body TypeThe body type of an electric guitar affects its weight, comfort, and sound. There are three main types: solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are the most common and versatile, making them a great choice for beginners. They are less prone to feedback and are suitable for a wide range of music styles. Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars have a warmer tone and are often used in jazz and blues, but they can be more prone to feedback. Choose a body type that feels comfortable to hold and suits the style of music you want to play.
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 the most comfortable for beginners as it is thinner and easier to grip. U-shaped necks are thicker and may be better for players with larger hands, while V-shaped necks have a distinct ridge that some players find comfortable. Try different neck profiles to see which one feels the best in your hand and allows you to play comfortably.
Scale LengthThe scale 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 bend notes and play with less finger strength. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) has more string tension, which can provide a brighter tone and more sustain. Beginners may find a shorter scale length more comfortable to play, especially if they have smaller hands.
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 tone and are often used in genres like rock, blues, and country. Humbucker pickups have a thicker, warmer sound and are commonly used in rock and metal. Some guitars come with a combination of both types, offering more versatility. Consider the type of music you want to play and choose pickups that match that style.
Bridge TypeThe bridge of an electric guitar affects tuning stability and the ability to perform certain techniques. There are two main types: fixed bridge and tremolo bridge. A fixed bridge is simpler and provides better tuning stability, making it a good choice for beginners. A tremolo bridge allows you to change the pitch of the strings using a whammy bar, but it can be more challenging to keep in tune. If you are just starting out, a fixed bridge may be the best option as it requires less maintenance and adjustment.
WeightThe weight of the guitar can affect your comfort, especially during long practice sessions. Electric guitars can vary significantly in weight, with some being quite heavy and others more lightweight. A lighter guitar is generally easier to handle and more comfortable for beginners, especially younger players or those with smaller frames. Try holding and playing different guitars to find one that feels comfortable for you.

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