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10 Best The Beginner Electric Guitar 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
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Neck Profile
Pickups
Bridge Type

Most important from
1306 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck has a comfortable shape and a satin finish that feels smooth and resists finger grease.
Pickups
Sound quality is decent with a slightly bright bridge pickup that becomes balanced when the tone control is adjusted.
Bridge Type
The tremolo system works but is best used sparingly, as it requires practice to maintain tuning and is set up mainly for subtle use.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster is a solid choice for beginners stepping into electric guitars. It features a lightweight poplar body and a comfortable 'C' shaped maple neck with a laurel fingerboard, making it easier to hold and play for longer periods—something important for new players. The 25.5-inch scale length is standard for Stratocasters, offering a familiar feel without being too challenging on the fingers.

This guitar comes with three single-coil pickups and a 5-way switch, giving you access to a variety of classic tones, from bright and twangy to smooth and mellow, which is great when experimenting with sound. The tremolo bridge allows for some expressive effects, like gentle vibrato, although it might require some practice to get used to tuning stability. At just under 10 pounds, it’s light enough to comfortably handle during practice sessions or performances. One of its standout features for beginners is the included Fender Play subscription, offering free lessons to help you learn step-by-step, which adds great value.

While poplar wood helps keep costs down, it doesn’t offer the same rich tone or durability as higher-end woods, so the sound might be less warm or resonant compared to pricier models. Also, the tremolo system can be tricky for absolute beginners to maintain in tune. This guitar balances comfort, playability, and classic Stratocaster sound at a beginner-friendly price, making it a reliable first guitar with helpful learning support.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Neck Profile
Pickups
Bridge Type

Most important from
1306 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck has a comfortable shape and a satin finish that feels smooth and resists finger grease.
Pickups
Sound quality is decent with a slightly bright bridge pickup that becomes balanced when the tone control is adjusted.
Bridge Type
The tremolo system works but is best used sparingly, as it requires practice to maintain tuning and is set up mainly for subtle use.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups

Most important from
1306 reviews

Body Type
The guitar's lightweight poplar body and slim neck make it easy to handle for players of all ages, supporting extended practice without fatigue.
Neck Profile
The satin finish on the neck feels great and resists finger grease better than glossy options, enhancing comfort during long practice sessions.
Pickups
Pickup tones are decent for the price, with the bridge pickup being a bit shrill but easily tamed by rolling back the tone knob.
Bridge Type
The tremolo bridge stays in tune with light use, though it requires significant pressure to operate and is best left unused by beginners.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster is a solid choice for beginner guitar players. Its lightweight poplar body and slim 'C' shaped maple neck make it comfortable to hold and easy to play for all ages. The 25.5-inch scale length is standard for Strat-style guitars, offering a familiar feel and good string tension. It comes equipped with three single-coil pickups and a 5-way switch, giving players a versatile range of classic tones suitable for many music styles, from blues to rock. The included tremolo bridge adds extra creative options like vibrato effects, which is a nice touch for beginners exploring expressive playing. The laurel fingerboard feels smooth and helps with finger movement.

Weighing just under 10 pounds, it’s not too heavy for younger players but sturdy enough to last. One of the biggest benefits is the free Fender Play lesson subscription, which can make learning easier and more engaging. On the downside, its poplar wood body, while light and comfortable, is a more budget-friendly choice compared to more expensive guitars, so it may sound a bit less rich or resonant. Also, the single-coil pickups can pick up some electrical noise in certain environments, which is common for this pickup type.

Considering its price and features, this guitar offers great value and a trustworthy build quality from Fender’s well-known brand. It is particularly well-suited for someone just starting out who wants a reliable, easy-to-play instrument with room to grow as skills improve.

Rating
10.0
Body Type
Neck Profile
Pickups

Most important from
1306 reviews

Body Type
The guitar's lightweight poplar body and slim neck make it easy to handle for players of all ages, supporting extended practice without fatigue.
Neck Profile
The satin finish on the neck feels great and resists finger grease better than glossy options, enhancing comfort during long practice sessions.
Pickups
Pickup tones are decent for the price, with the bridge pickup being a bit shrill but easily tamed by rolling back the tone knob.
Bridge Type
The tremolo bridge stays in tune with light use, though it requires significant pressure to operate and is best left unused by beginners.
#3

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

Rating
10.0
Neck Profile
Pickups
Bridge Type

Most important from
1306 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck and frets are beautifully made and smooth, with a nicely set low action from the factory.
Pickups
The guitar sounds very good unplugged and the pickups produce fine tones, aligning well under the strings like vintage models.
Bridge Type
The tremolo arm requires a lot of pressure to work, which might be intentional to help keep the guitar in tune.

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners looking to start their musical journey. With its lightweight poplar body and comfortable 'C' shaped neck, it’s designed for ease of play, making it accessible for both kids and adults. The guitar features three single-coil pickups and a 5-way switching option, allowing players to explore a range of classic Strat tones, perfect for different music styles. Additionally, the inclusion of a tremolo bridge adds versatility, enabling fun string-bending effects.

One of the standout features is the free subscription to Fender Play, which offers countless instructional videos tailored to beginners. This resource can significantly enhance learning and motivation, setting it apart from many other beginner guitars on the market.

The 2-year warranty adds peace of mind, showcasing Fender's confidence in the craftsmanship of this model. Buyers should consider its limitations in terms of advanced features and sound quality as they progress in their skills. The Squier Debut Series Stratocaster serves as a solid entry-level guitar that makes learning enjoyable and engaging, particularly for those just starting out.

Rating
10.0
Neck Profile
Pickups
Bridge Type

Most important from
1306 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck and frets are beautifully made and smooth, with a nicely set low action from the factory.
Pickups
The guitar sounds very good unplugged and the pickups produce fine tones, aligning well under the strings like vintage models.
Bridge Type
The tremolo arm requires a lot of pressure to work, which might be intentional to help keep the guitar in tune.

Buying Guide for the Best The Beginner Electric Guitar

Choosing your first electric guitar can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The right guitar can inspire you to practice and improve, while the wrong one might discourage you. It's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a guitar that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some essential specs to look at when picking your beginner electric guitar.
Body TypeThe body type of an electric guitar affects its sound and playability. There are three main types: solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are the most common and versatile, suitable for a wide range of music styles. Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars have a warmer tone and are often used in jazz, blues, and rockabilly. For beginners, a solid body guitar is usually the best choice due to its durability and versatility.
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 comfortable for most players and is a good starting point for beginners. U-shaped necks are thicker and may be better for players with larger hands, while V-shaped necks offer a unique feel that some players prefer. Try different neck profiles to see which one feels most comfortable in your hand.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the instrument. 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 for extended periods. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) provides a tighter feel and is often preferred for genres like rock and metal. Beginners might find a shorter scale length more comfortable to start with.
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 blues, country, and pop. Humbuckers have a thicker, warmer sound and are popular in rock, metal, and jazz. Some guitars come with a combination of both, offering more versatility. Consider the type of music you want to play when choosing pickups.
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 offers better tuning stability and is easier to maintain, making it a good choice for beginners. A tremolo bridge allows for pitch bending effects but can be more challenging to set up and keep in tune. If you're just starting out, a fixed bridge is generally the better option.
WeightThe weight of the guitar can impact your comfort, especially during long practice sessions or performances. Electric guitars can range from lightweight to quite heavy. Lighter guitars are easier to handle and more comfortable for beginners, while heavier guitars can offer more sustain and a different tonal quality. Consider your physical comfort and how long you plan to play when choosing the weight of your guitar.

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