Best Cheap Beginner Electric Guitar to Buy

Are you ready to find that perfect guitar so that you can start carving out those RnR epic masterpieces?

This can be frustrating and confusing due to the overwhelming number of options available.

No worries, we will focus on what exactly IS the best “cheap” beginner electric guitar to buy and also look at many others that are affordable, easy to play, and of decent quality. This will kickstart your learning experience!

Acoustic ↔️ Electric

*Fun fact: In the very beginning of learning to play the guitar, I started on a cheap acoustic that my mom had won in a raffle.

It made sense to start with this, right? After all, it was just sitting there collecting dust, and it was free of course. lol  My uncle bought a fresh set of strings, which he then put on and tuned for me. Then, I was off to the races!

However, the strings on the acoustic guitar were high off the fretboard, which made it tough on my fingers for a beginner. But again, it was free and it allowed me to learn the basic chord formations and strumming patterns.

Let’s take a look at the options:

Why Choose an Acoustic

• Simple setup
• No amplifier required
• Plug-free and hassle-free experience
• Generally cheaper
• Higher string tension builds up finger strength

Why Choose an Electric

• Lower string tension and lighter gauge strings makes it easier on your fingers
• Smaller neck width helps beginners form chord shapes quicker, especially those with smaller hands
• Lower Action-strings are closer to the fretboard and requires less pressure to produce clean notes
• More volume control and can use headphones
• Sound variety using effects pedals, amp settings, and pickup configurations(keeps it exciting!)
• Customization allows for experimenting with tone when exploring different music styles
• LOOKS WAY COOLER! 😎

If your heart is set on playing crunchy riffs and blazing lead guitar solos, starting out on an electric guitar will keep you motivated way more than the acoustic. js

Basic Fundamentals

Going through the fundamentals of guitar playing such as how to cradle the instrument , holding a guitar pick, and how to tune the strings, are all part of guitar class 101. This also includes building up strength in your fingers, learning basic chords and scales, and getting comfortable with your instrument overall.

You want your guitar to stay ‘mostly‘ in tune. 😉 Of course, this is important, but don’t worry too much about the best quality or brand of guitars at this point.

The best starter electric guitar is going to be the one that feels comfortable for YOU.

I said all of this to illustrate that, whether or not you start with a cheapo acoustic/electric guitar, going all out on spending isn’t necessary right away. Your first venture into learning guitar is just that – a learning experience.

Now, getting the best electric guitar for beginners means finding one that will resonate with your budding skills. It has to be a decent partner in your music-making process, even if it’s not top-tier.

So, while you don’t need to break the bank to get started, you also don’t want to struggle unnecessarily because of an unsuitable instrument. This balance in choosing a beginner-friendly option can hugely impact your learning curve and enjoyment.

Best Cheap Electric Guitar for Beginners

Okay, we’ve talked about the early days of learning guitar. Cheap does not mean bad, btw. Cheap in this context = affortable.

Now, you’re probably itching to know what would be the best starter electric guitar to grab first.

I’m here to help you with that. Let’s focus on beginner-friendly options that mix affordability with decent quality.

‘Entry level‘ electric guitars are usually crafted by big-name brands, aimed specifically at newcomers.

Take, for instance, the Fender Squier. It’s a solid choice and won’t bruise your wallet.

Most major brands like Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, and Yamaha offer similar beginner models, and they’re all about getting you into the groove without costing a fortune.

Here are some picks for the best beginner electric guitar that are relatively inexpensive to get a hold of.

Check out these models:⤵️

• Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS $189.99
• Epiphone Les Paul Special- II E1 $179.00
• Ibanez GRX 6 String Solid Body  $199.99
• Yamaha PAC012 Red Metallic 6 String $219.99

Check out some guitar straps by Nefelibata Cool Woven Guitar Strap. 20+ designs to choose from.
–Levy’s Leathers 3″ Wide Amped Leather Series Guitar Strap with Foam Padding

Take a look at these other deals on guitars for beginners! You can search for guitars in whatever price range that fits your budget. Read more about affordable guitars for beginners that go for $500 or less.

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What are the must-haves for a novice electric guitar?

• Primarily, you need a guitar that stays in tune. Trust me, there’s nothing more frustrating than a guitar that won’t hold a tune when you’re trying to nail down your favorite riff.

• It should also be easy and comfortable to play. High action (that’s when the strings are far from the fretboard) can make practicing painful and slow down progress. You’ll want a bit lower action to make those chord transitions smoother. Not too low and not too high….but just right.

• Now, about the sound. You might wonder, ‘Does an unplugged electric guitar sound matter?’ In my opinion, absolutely. Give it a strum without an amp. If it resonates well and doesn’t sound like you’re playing a metal lunchbox, chances are, it’ll only get better when amplified.
  

—After all, great tone begins with the guitar itself, not the gear it’s plugged into. The best electric guitars for beginners are the ones that will allow you to freely learn while not going broke!

As you grow more comfortable with your beginner guitar, you will better understand your personal preferences. This will naturally lead to you seeking an upgrade.

When graduating to a better guitar, choose something that aligns with the music you like to play. You’ll know when the time comes.

Beginner Electric Guitar Kit

Check out these VALUE BUNDLES:

A one-🛑-shop to begin your guitar learning⬇️

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

GEARit Electric Guitar Kit Bundle – (Premium Mahogany Tonewood) GST-100 Mission Series, 39in Full-Size, Beginner Starter, with Amplifier, HSS Pickups w/Coil Split, Gig Bag

Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit – w/Case, Strap, 10W Amp, Strings, Pick, Tremolo Bar

Fender Squier 24-Inch Short Scale Strat Pack – Transparent Red Bundle with Frontman 10G Amplifier, Tuner, Instrument Cable, Strap, Picks, Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster – Surf Green Bundle – with Frontman 10g Amp, Gig Bag, Cable, Strap, Tuner, Fender Play, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Guitar DVD

ALSO, check out a great selection of guitars for beginners at Sam Ash. (In their search bar, type in beginner guitars)

Ready to upgrade?

You might be wondering, when is the right time to step up from your trusty beginner guitar to something a bit more substantial? The truth is, it’s less about time and more about feeling.

When you can play a few songs smoothly, when you’ve got those basic chords down and when making music feels less like a task and more like a passion, that’s a good indicator to start thinking about an upgrade.

Your first electric guitar should be your learning partner, but as you develop, your needs will change.

You’ll start noticing the differences between guitars, and you’ll crave specific sounds and features that better match your emerging style. This is when you should consider investing in a higher-quality guitar.

My first “real“ guitar, paid for with my own money, was a 1986 Charvel Model 2 1H with a Jackson locking tremolo bridge and Jackson pickups. Since then, I swapped out the pickups with Seymour Duncan ‘George Lynch Screamin Demon’ Humbucker pickups! (blue guitar pictured in the about author) I still enjoy playing this guitar to this very day!

Do your research ! Read up on guitar models that catch your eye and fit your playing genre.

But don’t just rely on what’s written—head over to music stores and get those guitars in your hands. See how they feel, how they balance, and most importantly, how they sound.

Trust your instincts, but also seek the opinions of more experienced guitar players. They can offer invaluable insights that you might not have considered.

Budget for a better guitar, but remember, value doesn’t only come from a price tag; it comes from the joy and the enhanced ability to express yourself musically. What’s the best electric guitar for beginners? Eventually, you’ll find the perfect guitar that matches up with your ambition and that will reflect with your dedication to your craft.

The journey from starter strings to a guitar that feels like an extension of yourself is one of the most exciting aspects of being a musician. As you gain more experience in playing, you will no doubt start modifying your instrument and tailoring it to your specific needs and wants.

So take your time, enjoy the process, and who knows, one day you might find that your upgraded guitar isn’t just better—it feels like a piece of you. “You become one with your guitar.” Steve, String Shock

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