Beginner Electric Guitars
For a guitar novice, shopping for an electric guitar can be a daunting task. After all, there are many factors to consider and every guitarist will you ask will have a different opinion on which guitar you should go for. Purchasing a "budget" guitar gives the impression of a low quality instrument with shoddy workmanship. Fortunately, guitar manufacturing has come a long way in recent decades and the lower cost of production means that a relatively high-quality guitar can be purchased for a reasonably low cost.
Purchasing your electric guitar online has the added benefit of massively reduced prices. However, if you choose to do so be sure to choose a reputable online dealer such as Musiciansfriend.com. The following are some good options you can consider when shopping for your first electric guitar:
1. Fender Standard Stratocaster
Price: $399 - $429
The quintessential working guitarist's axe, and excellent choice for beginners and experts alike. Most professional guitarists have played the Fender Stratocaster at some point in their careers. The $399 Mexi Strat may not be made in America, but it still features quality workmanship, the same features as its more expensive cousin, and of course the signature Strat tone that is world-famous. In addition, the Strat has the widest selection of aftermarket parts, which is a heaven-sent if you're looking to do customization to your guitar.
Click here to buy the Fender Standard Stratocaster
2. Epiphone SG G-310
Price: $229
Epiphone has done a great job recreating another rock legend, the Gibson SG, into an affordable lower-cost guitar geared towards beginners. This is a nice little guitar, bare-bones but with a reasonably good cosmetic finish. Tone-wise, the G-310 is more twangy compared to the Les Paul. The overall quality of this guitar is good, so you may consider just upgrading the pickups instead of buying a whole new guitar in the future.
Click here to buy the Epiphone SG G-310
3. Ibanez GSA60
Price: $199 - $224
Since the 1980s, many guitar players have made the light agathis-body Ibanez GA series guitar their axe of choice for live shows. The Ibanez GA60 features a fat, flat neck that is makes making shredding and fast solos relatively easier for newer guitarists. A pair of high-output Powersound pickups at the neck and mid positions and a Powersound humbucker at the bridge makes this axe suited for speed metal or progressive rock.
Click here to buy the Ibanez GSA60
4. Yahama PAC112J
Price: $199
The Yamaha PAC112 Electric Guitar features a solid alder body and maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. These guitars are not incredibly exciting, but they are well constructed and ready to play out of the box. Unlike most cheaper guitars they have an element of craftsmanship to them - everything is properly aligned and the action is well set. If you are a beginner and don't have the expertise yet to fiddle around with guitars then you will appreciate the PAC112s. They are excellent guitars to learn on, whilst being respectable enough to make them giggable guitars as well.
Click here to buy the Yahama PAC112J
5. Dean Vendetta XM
Price: $119
The Dean Vendetta XM has a Paulownia sculpted body that has a pleasant melodic vibe, a bolt-on maple neck and a rosewood fretboard. With stock pickups, this guitar sounds good and clean. The distortion channel was more crunchy than heavy. Acoustically, this guitar is fantastic. The only drawback is that due to its natural wood color, some musicians may find it lacking in aesthetics. That said, this instrument makes a good studio guitar for indoor play.
Click here to buy the Dean Vendetta XM
6. Squier Stratocaster
Price: $199
The Squier Stratocaster is the budget version of the Fender Stratocaster featuring an Agathis body and a rosewood or maple neck. The Squier Strat is basic basic, and doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is - a no frills, budget guitar for a beginner. The classic shape of this guitar may appeal to new guitarists who want to get a real "Strat" in their hands, but if playability and quality is what you're going after, there are better options available than this at the same price point.
Click here to buy the Squier Stratocaster