Best Cheap Electric Guitars For Beginners
Guide to the best cheap guitars, for beginners looking to buy their first guitar and for any guitarist looking for an affordable guitar looking to experiment with mods.
Cheap electric guitars for beginners and their quality improvement
A few years ago, cheap guitars were synonymous with bad guitars. However, with automation, standardization, and the experience manufacturers have gained, cheap and bad no longer go hand in hand. There are bad cheap and affordable guitars, and there are very good cheap guitars, with an outstanding level of value for money. This is valid for electric, classical and acoustic guitars.
This does not mean that a cheap guitar is going to sound like a professional guitar, even if you change the pickups and all the hardware on the guitar; not because you paint it with nitro. But yeah, they’re going to sound good, set up right, with the proper action, and of course, stay in tune. Actually, today for those who start playing, things are much simpler than a few years ago.
You may also be interested in our review of the best cheap acoustic guitars for beginners.
Characteristics of cheap and affordable guitars for beginners
One of the most important characteristics of musical instruments for beginners, and the guitars to learn to play, is that they sacrifice costs in finishes and quality control. Does it mean that these musical instruments all come badly finished, faulty or defective? – No, but it does mean that cheap or learning guitars may have finishing details or flaws. Also, it means that some guitars can come in handy, and some with minor blemishes. Therefore, what we recommend is that you try the guitars yourself or if you are a beginner, have a friend who already has some years of playing experience try them.
The list is not intended to be exhaustive, but we try to cover all musical and guitar styles. Thus, all these guitars are more than enough to learn to play. We include a wide range of prices, quality and styles of the best cheap electric guitars for beginners. All electric guitars have the best price-quality ratio.
We also include images of all the beginner guitars so you can choose by design as well. The intention is that if your budget is limited or loose, you will find a good option for any musical style and/or aesthetic design that you want. What is your ideal guitar choice?
Also, we suggest you visit our tutorial on electric guitar parts and how to improve a cheap electric guitar.
List of the best cheap and affordable guitars for beginners
- Squier Stratocaster Bullet
- SX FST57 Vintage Series
- Squier Telecaster Bullet
- SX FTL50 Vintage Series
- Squier Bullet Mustang HH
- Epiphone Les Paul Special
- Epiphone Les Paul SL
- LTD EC-10
- Epiphone SG G-310
- Ltd Viper 10
- Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012DLX HSS Deluxe
- Schecter C-1 SGR
- Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT30HSS
- Ibanez GIO GRX70QA
- Jackson JS11
1) Squier Stratocaster Bullet
Squier is the second brand of the industry giant Fender. The Stratocaster is the best-selling electric guitar model in the world. The classic of classics. You can never go wrong with a Strat.
We also recommend that you read our guide on the differences between Fender and Squier Stratocaster guitars.
Key Features of the Squier Stratocaster Bullet
- Body made of poplar.
- Maple neck in C profile.
- Indian Laurel fingerboard with 9.5″ radius and 21 Narrow Tall frets.
- It has the option of SSS pickup configuration for those looking for classic Strat audio and HSS for those looking for versatility.
- Vintage type tremolo bridge.
- Price: $179 / €179 / £125
2) SX FST57 Vintage Series
SX is an outstanding and one of the best brands of cheap and affordable guitars for beginners or ideal for the “battle guitar” function, both for beginners and advanced students. It has a base model, much more accessible to the Squier, and a vintage type, called the Vintage Series, which is a version of the Strat from 1957, with a similar value to the cheaper Squier. In our opinion, the SX guitar models are an excellent value for money, among the best guitars for beginners.
SX FST57 Vintage Series Key Features
- Body made of basswood.
- Maple neck in C profile.
- One-piece maple fingerboard with 9.5″ radius and 21 frets.
- SSS pickup configuration.
- Vintage type tremolo bridge.
- Price: $179 / €179 / £125
3) Squier Telecaster Bullet
The Telecaster was the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar model. The guitar that Fender started it all with, a pioneer in the industry. This guitar is ideal for beginner guitarists. With its classic, punchy and distinctive audio, it works for all kinds of styles. From Country, Rock ‘n Roll to Jazz.
Key features of the Squier Telecaster Bullet
- Body made of poplar.
- Maple neck in C profile.
- Indian Laurel fingerboard with 9.5″ radius and 21 Narrow Tall frets.
- Single coil pickups in SS configuration.
- Modern 6-saddle solid chrome Tele bridge.
- Price: $179 / €179 / £125
You may be interested in reading our note on the history of the Squier Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars.
4) SX FTL50 Vintage Series
The SX Telecaster is a simple but effective guitar, ideal for learning to play. In our opinion, the SX Telecaster guitars are an excellent example that with very little you can do a lot. It is a very interesting alternative to the Squier.
SX FTL50 Vintage Series Key Features
- Body made of basswood.
- Maple neck in C profile.
- One-piece maple fingerboard with 9.5″ radius and 21 frets.
- Single coil pickups in SS configuration.
- Vintage Tele bridge with 3 chrome saddles.
- Price: $179 / €179 / £125
5) Squier Bullet Mustang HH
The Squier Bullet Mustang HH is an excellent option for lovers of offset guitars. It’s a good choice for “heavy” rock styles like grunge, punk, and indie rock.
Main features of the Squier Bullet Mustang HH
- Slim body with offset shape made with poplar.
- Satin maple neck with C profile with 22 Narrow Tall frets.
- 12″ radius Indian laurel fingerboard.
- 24-inch short scale.
- High output humbuckers.
- Hardtail bridge with vintage, top-loaded saddles.
- Price: $179 / €179 / £125
Also, you may be interested in our selection of the best cheap electric basses for beginners.
6) Epiphone Les Paul Special II Satin E1
The Epiphone Les Paul Special II Satin E1 is a cheap electric guitar ideal for those beginners who are looking for the classic Les Paul in its Special II version. This musical instrument is an interesting alternative for rock & roll, punk, grunge, and other styles that require a “powerful” guitar.
Key Features of the Epiphone Les Paul Special
- Flat Les Paul shaped body made in okoume.
- Okoume neck with 60’s style SlimTaper D profile.
- 12″ radius Indian laurel fingerboard with 22 frets.
- Epiphone 700T / 650R ceramic HH pickup configuration.
- Price: $219 / €189 / £159
Also, we advise you to read our guide on the mahogany-type woods cheap Les Paul-type guitars have.
7) Epiphone Les Paul SL
The Epiphone Les Paul SL is an entry-level guitar, and its clean design and styling make it a highly valued guitar among punk and garage players. Its price is super accessible. This guitar is intended for beginners or people with a limited budget.
Key Features of the Epiphone Les Paul SL
- Flat Les Paul shaped body made of poplar.
- Asian mahogany neck with 60’s style SlimTaper D profile.
- 12″ radius Pau Ferro fingerboard with 22 frets.
- Epiphone 700SCT / 650SCR ceramic SS pickup configuration.
- Price: $159 / €159 / £134
Use our free online tuner to keep your guitar in tune.
8) LTD EC-10
The LTD EC-10 is the budget version of the great ESP Eclipse. Popular guitar for heavy styles and shredders. It is a great guitar for new guitar students.
Main features of LTD EC-10
- Les Paul Inspired Body made of basswood.
- Contoured body for comfort, in both sitting and standing positions.
- Bevel cut for easy access to higher frets.
- Very flat 13.7″ fingerboard.
- Slim U-shaped maple neck with 24 jumbo frets.
- Two humbuckers ESP Designed LH-100 for highgain.
- Price: $249 / €247 / £211
Don’t miss our tutorial on how to read sheet music for guitar and bass.
9) Epiphone SG G-310
The Epiphone SG G-310 is the budget version of Gibson’s best-selling guitar of all time, the SG. The SG started in 1960 and produced continuously, it is the solid body electric guitar that Gibson built for the longest years. It is a versatile guitar, ideal for rock & roll, punk, grunge and other styles.
Main features of Epiphone SG G-310
- SG-shaped body made with asian mahogany.
- Okoume neck with 60’s style SlimTaper D profile.
- 12″ radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets.
- Epiphone 700T / 650R ceramic HH pickup configuration.
- Price: $235 / €229 / £211
10) Ltd Viper 10
The Viper 10 is a mix of SG with Super Strat. With a bolt-on maple neck and basswood body, it features the most common woods on a Super Strat. But with a 24.75″ scale and a Tune-o-matic bridge like an SG, in addition to its offset shape inspired by the SG. It is an excellent guitar that is used to play “heavy” styles.
Key Features of Ltd Viper 10
- SG offset shaped body made of basswood.
- 24.75″ bolt-on maple neck with Thin U profile.
- 13.75″ radius fingerboard with 24 frets.
- HH pickup configuration, ESP Designed LH-100 model.
- Price: $249 / €247 / £211
We recommend that you take advantage of our selection of the best easy songs to play on guitar for beginners.
11) Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012DLX HSS Deluxe
The Yamaha Pacifica has to be one of the most underrated guitars on the market, despite being one of the best options for beginners. With outstanding quality and features, it is one of the most tempting options on the market. Its HSS pickup format gives it unique versatility.
Key Features of the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012DLX HSS Deluxe
- Extremely comfortable ergonomically designed body made of agathis with excellent access to high frets, .
- Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard with 13.75″ radius and 22 frets.
- HSS pickup configuration. It can cover a large number of genres: rock, metal, funky, blues, etc.
- Vintage style tremolo bridge.
- Price: $210 / €210 / £199
12) Schecter C-1 SGR
The Schecter C-1 SGR is a guitar as simple as it is effective. Great option for metal lovers.
Schecter C-1 SGR Key Features
- Super Strat Body with Arched Top
- Slim neck with slim “C” profile.
- Flat rosewood fingerboard with 14″ radius and 24 frets.
- Tune-o-Matic bridge with body-through guitar strings for improved sustain.
- Aesthetic details with Gothic Cross Inlay and black chrome hardware.
- The pickups are two Diamond Plus humbuckers.
- Price: $229 / €249 / £219
You can also see our review of the best easy and famous guitar riffs for beginners with tablature.
13) Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT30HSS
Sterling is the second brand of Ernie Ball ‘s Music Man. The Man Cutlass CT30HSS is an entry-level version of the Cutlass RS HSS model. It’s an extremely comfortable guitar and plenty of versatility with its HSS setup. If you are looking for versatility and modern features and easy to play, it is undoubtedly next to the Yamaha Pacifica it is one of the best electric guitars for beginners.
Key Features of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT30HSS
- Extremely comfortable ergonomically designed body made of poplar with excellent access to high frets.
- Rock maple neck and fretboard with 12″ radius.
- HSS pickup configuration that can cover a large number of genres: rock, metal, funk, blues, etc.
- Price: $349 / €369 / £317
You might be interested in our review on the best mobile apps to learn guitar.
14) Ibanez GIO GRX70QA
Ibanez with its affordable 20-year history GIO series is always an alternative to consider for metal and shredder guitarists. Without a doubt, Ibanez is synonymous with Super Strat.
Main features of the Ibanez GIO GRX70QA
- Poplar body with a Super Strat design.
- Quilted maple top.
- Slimline maple neck with 12″-radius New Zealand pine fingerboard.
- Ibanez Infinity pickups in a versatile HSH configuration.
- Modern Design Tremolo
- Price: $200 / €199 / £172
15) Jackson JS11
The Jacksons are true beasts of metal. Its quality even in the most basic models is outstanding. The Jackson JS11 is an excellent Super Strat to start your learning or to have an affordable but effective guitar.
Main features of Jackson JS11
- Poplar body with «Dinky» shape.
- Slim maple neck, satin and graphite reinforced, 25.5″ scale.
- Amaranth fretboard with 12′′ radius and 22 jumbo frets.
- High Output Ceramic Humbuckers.
- Modern Design Tremolo
- Price: $160 / €179 / £150
When choosing your electric guitar, you may be interested in knowing how much an electric guitar weighs according to brand and model.
Conclusion and opinion on cheap guitars for beginners
You can see that the list of the best economical and cheap guitars for students and beginners is very extensive. There are guitars for all musical tastes and for all prices. Studying guitar today is much easier, as the quality of electric guitars for beginners has improved incredibly. As we said at the beginning, there are all kinds of electric guitars for beginners. This list of guitars covers all prices, qualities, designs, musical styles and tastes.
In this selection of guitars for beginners, we include all full-size guitars for adults or teenagers over 10 years old. But there are other sizes for children, women or men with small builds or hands. That is why we recommend that you visit this tutorial on sizes of electric, acoustic and classical guitars for children and adults. You might also be interested for children to know about the best cheap ukuleles for beginners.
You can share opinions about this review or chat about what are for you the best cheap, affordable and cheap electric guitars for beginners and more with other musicians in the comments section.
Also, you can read our guide on the best electric guitar brands.
