10 Best The Beginner Electric Guitar 2026 in the United States

The Yamaha GigMaker EG Electric Guitar Pack is a solid choice for beginners looking for a complete starter set. The guitar features a solid body made primarily of Agathis with a mahogany back, offering a good balance of lightweight feel (about 14 pounds) and decent resonance. Its maple neck and rosewood fretboard provide smooth playability, which is friendly for new players. The combination pickup setup and tremolo bridge give versatility for various music styles, although it might not deliver the high-end tone some advanced players seek.

The included 15-watt Yamaha amplifier is perfect for home practice and small jam sessions, giving a clear sound without being overly complex. This pack also comes with all the basics—gig bag, tuner, strap, picks, and cable—so beginners get everything they need to start playing right away.

The body wood (Agathis) is a more affordable material, which might affect tone richness compared to higher-end guitars. However, for those just starting out, this guitar offers a comfortable neck, decent sound options, and a full beginner kit, making it a good value and a popular choice among new guitarists.

The Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit is a great choice for beginners. It comes in a striking Lake Placid Blue color and includes everything you need to start playing, such as a padded gig bag, Frontman 15G amplifier, instrument cable, strap, and picks. This kit also offers a free 3-month subscription to Fender Play for online lessons, which is an excellent bonus for new players.

The guitar features a comfortable 'C'-shaped maple neck and a versatile HSS pickup configuration, including one humbucker bridge pickup and two single-coil pickups, which provide a variety of tones suitable for different music styles. The tremolo bridge system allows for creative playing techniques, while the sealed die-cast tuning machines help maintain tuning stability.

Weighing in at 37.8 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users, but the build quality is solid with a basswood body and poplar back. Some users might find the included amp to be somewhat basic, but it should still suffice for practice and learning purposes. This kit offers good value for money and is backed by a 2-year warranty, adding peace of mind for beginners embarking on their musical journey.

The Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed guitar is a solid choice for beginners stepping into electric guitars. It features a full-size poplar body with a quilted maple art grain top, giving it a stylish look without adding too much weight, though at just over 8 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some entry-level models. The neck is made of maple with a Jatoba fretboard, offering good durability and a smooth feel, which helps new players develop their hand strength and technique comfortably. Its 25.5-inch scale length is a common size, making string tension balanced and playing easier for most beginners.

The H-S-H pickup setup (humbucker-single coil-humbucker) provides a wide range of tones, from warm and thick to bright and sharp, so players can experiment with different sounds early on without needing extra gear. The synchronized tremolo bridge adds expressive options, though it might require some attention to tuning stability during use, which could be a minor learning curve for novices. With chrome hardware and stable tuning, the guitar combines quality and classic Ibanez style.

Designed with beginners and intermediate players in mind, those looking for a very lightweight guitar or specialized advanced features might want to consider other options. This model’s versatility and comfort make it a reliable and inspiring choice for new left-handed guitarists.