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10 Best The Beginner Electric Guitar 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst Lefty Beginner Set Full-Size with Amplifier Online Lesson Bag Digital Tuner Capo Strap String Cable Picks DST-100SL

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Pickups

Most important from
6242 reviews

Pickups
The HSS configuration is great, and the guitar is very nice looking with padded gig bag and better quality cable.

The Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit is a great option for beginners looking to get started with an electric guitar. The solid poplar body in a sunburst finish looks appealing and is durable. The Canadian maple neck with a 'C' shaped profile and purpleheart fingerboard offers a comfortable grip and easy playability, which is crucial for those just starting out. The 648mm scale length is standard, providing a familiar feel for most players.

The guitar features an H-S-S (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup configuration, making it versatile for various music styles, from blues to rock. The inclusion of a single swing bridge and a one-way tremolo allows for some expressive playing techniques. Weighing in at 14.34 pounds, it's a bit on the heavier side, which might be a drawback for younger players or those who prefer a lighter instrument.

However, it comes with a comprehensive set of accessories including an amplifier, bag, digital tuner, capo, strap, strings, cable, and picks, which means you can start playing right away. The rechargeable mini amplifier with clean and distortion channels adds convenience and versatility. While the quality and features are impressive for a beginner's kit, the weight and the specific left-handed orientation limit its appeal to a broader audience. Nevertheless, for left-handed beginners looking for a full-featured starter kit, this guitar is a robust choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Pickups

Most important from
6242 reviews

Pickups
The HSS configuration is great, and the guitar is very nice looking with padded gig bag and better quality cable.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Pickups

Most important from
6242 reviews

Pickups
The H-S-S configuration is great for a versatile range of sounds.

The Donner DST-100B 39 Inch Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is a solid choice for those new to playing electric guitar. It features a solid poplar body and a Canadian maple neck with a comfortable 'C' shaped profile, making it easy to hold and play. The 25.5-inch scale length provides a familiar feel to most players.

One of its highlights is the H-S-S pickup configuration, which includes two single-coil pickups and a humbucker. This setup allows for a versatile range of sounds, suitable for various music styles from blues to rock, and can be adjusted using the 5-way pickup switch and controls for tone and volume. The guitar has 22 copper-nickel frets, marked for easy navigation, which is great for beginners learning the fretboard.

The complete beginner package includes a mini amplifier, quality gig bag, digital tuner, capo, strap, extra strings, cable, and picks, plus online lessons, ensuring you have everything needed to start playing immediately. The mini amp is portable and has useful features like auxiliary input and headphone output for silent practice. However, at 14.22 pounds, the guitar may be slightly heavy for some younger players or those looking for something more lightweight. Additionally, while the accessories are convenient, their quality may not satisfy more advanced players. The Donner DST-100B offers excellent value for beginners, providing a comprehensive kit and versatile guitar to help new players get started with ease.

Rating
10.0
Pickups

Most important from
6242 reviews

Pickups
The H-S-S configuration is great for a versatile range of sounds.
#3

Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst, Beginner Starter, with Amplifier, Bag, Capo, Strap, String, Tuner, Cable, Picks

Rating
9.9
Pickups

Most important from
6242 reviews

Pickups
The versatile pickup configuration allows exploration of different music styles without needing immediate upgrades.

The Donner DST-100S is a solid choice for beginners stepping into electric guitar playing. Its 39-inch full-size body made from poplar wood offers a classic sunburst look and feels lightweight at about 13 pounds, making it comfortable to hold during practice. The neck is crafted from Canadian maple with a “C” shaped profile, which is a common and friendly shape for new players, promoting easy hand movement. The scale length of 648mm (about 25.5 inches) is standard, providing a familiar string tension and spacing for most players.

One of the standout features is its H-S-S pickup setup—two single-coil pickups and one humbucker—which gives a versatile range of sounds, from bright bluesy tones to fuller rock sounds. This variety can help beginners explore different music styles without needing to upgrade pickups right away. The guitar also has a simple 5-way pickup selector, plus tone and volume controls, making it easy to adjust your sound. The bridge is a single swing type, which is straightforward and suitable for beginners learning basic playing and tuning techniques. The fretboard uses purpleheart wood with 22 copper-nickel frets, offering smooth playability and clear fret markers to help with finger placement.

Beyond the guitar itself, the package is very beginner-friendly, including a portable mini amplifier with headphone output for silent practice, a quality carrying bag, tuner, capo, strap, extra strings, picks, and amp cable. Online lessons add value by helping you start playing right away. While the poplar body keeps the weight down, it’s not as resonant as higher-end woods, which might impact tone richness. The included amp is basic and best suited for practice rather than performance. Also, the single swing bridge limits advanced techniques like dive bombs or heavy tremolo use. For those just starting out and wanting a complete, affordable package to learn and experiment with different sounds, the Donner DST-100S covers all the essentials without overwhelming complexity.

Rating
9.9
Pickups

Most important from
6242 reviews

Pickups
The versatile pickup configuration allows exploration of different music styles without needing immediate upgrades.

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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