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10 Best Electric Guitars For Beginners 2026 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
10.0
Chosen by1,228
Neck Profile
Bridge Type

Most important from
1857 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
10.0
Chosen by1,228
Neck Profile
Bridge Type

Most important from
1857 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

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Packs Electric Guitar, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Laurel Fingerboard

Rating
9.1
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups

Most important from
1127 reviews

Body Type
Very impressed by the finish and quality of the neck and body.
Neck Profile
The neck is super easy to play on; not too chunky, with the slim 'C'-shape being perfect.
Pickups
Action was almost exactly the way I like it, and the bridge pickup is a little too bright but still delivers those classic Strat tones.
Bridge Type
Bridge was easy to set the intonation and the action, making it a great guitar for beginners.

The Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar Pack is a comprehensive starter kit, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It includes a Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster, a padded gig bag, a Frontman 15G Guitar Amp, a cable, a strap, and a free 3-month subscription to Fender Play, which can be a huge help for new players looking to learn. The guitar itself features a slim 'C' shaped neck profile, making it comfortable and easy to handle, especially for beginners. The body is made of lightweight poplar with a stylish Charcoal Frost Metallic finish, which not only looks great but also reduces the strain during long practice sessions.

The HSS pickup configuration is versatile, providing a range of sounds from clean to more powerful tones, which is great for exploring different music styles. The tremolo bridge system adds to the guitar's versatility, allowing for some fun vibrato effects. However, at 38 pounds, the entire pack is somewhat heavy, which might be a consideration for younger players or those needing to transport it frequently. Additionally, the scale length is a standard 25.5 inches, which works well for most hands but might feel a bit large for very young beginners.

The included amp, strap, and other accessories add significant value, making this pack a practical choice for those just starting out. The 2-year limited warranty also provides peace of mind regarding the guitar’s durability and quality. In summary, this Fender pack offers a solid entry point into playing electric guitar with a good balance of features and beginner-friendly elements.

Rating
9.1
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups

Most important from
1127 reviews

Body Type
Very impressed by the finish and quality of the neck and body.
Neck Profile
The neck is super easy to play on; not too chunky, with the slim 'C'-shape being perfect.
Pickups
Action was almost exactly the way I like it, and the bridge pickup is a little too bright but still delivers those classic Strat tones.
Bridge Type
Bridge was easy to set the intonation and the action, making it a great guitar for beginners.
#3

Enya Electric Guitar Nova Go Sonic Smart Electric Carbon Fiber Guitarra with 10W Wireless Speaker, Onboard Presets, All-in-One Portable Rig for Street Performers & Home Studios, Black

Rating
8.8
Neck Profile
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
774 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck is smooth with low action, and access to high frets is amazing.
Pickups
For its price point, the pickups are adequate, and the split coil function adds versatility.
Weight
Despite its lightweight construction, the guitar sounds great amplified, not unlike other high-quality solid body guitars.

The Enya Electric Guitar Nova Go Sonic Smart Electric Carbon Fiber Guitarra offers a unique and modern take on a beginner electric guitar. It's designed with an onboard 10-watt speaker, which is ideal for practice and small jam sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who may not yet own a separate amp. Additionally, the guitar comes with customizable onboard presets for different sounds, which can be adjusted via the Enya Music App, simplifying the process of experimenting with different tones and effects.

The wireless connectivity for backing tracks and the headphone jack for silent practice are excellent tools for beginners who want to practice discreetly or along with other music tracks. The USB Type-C jack supports charging and easy recording, making it versatile for budding musicians interested in capturing their practice sessions or performances. Constructed from carbon fiber, this guitar is lightweight and durable, which is advantageous for players who might be more prone to wear and tear.

The asymmetrical neck profile and ergonomic design also contribute to a comfortable playing experience, crucial for beginners developing their technique. However, the guitar's weight of over 10 pounds might be a bit heavy for some players, especially younger beginners. The carbon fiber construction, while durable, may not appeal to those looking for the traditional wooden feel and look of electric guitars. Despite these points, with its comprehensive features, the Enya Nova Go Sonic is a solid choice for beginners who want an all-in-one solution to start their musical journey.

Rating
8.8
Neck Profile
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
774 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck is smooth with low action, and access to high frets is amazing.
Pickups
For its price point, the pickups are adequate, and the split coil function adds versatility.
Weight
Despite its lightweight construction, the guitar sounds great amplified, not unlike other high-quality solid body guitars.

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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