An electric guitar is an exciting way to break into the music world — it gives you the freedom to play everything from jazz to hard rock, so you can express yourself in a wide range of musical styles.
But if you’ve never played before it can be difficult to figure out which instrument is right for you. Choosing an option depends on a variety of factors. Most newcombers to guitar do not want to spend a lot of money. It can therefore be difficult to make your first purchase because you do not want to spend too much not knowing if you will enjoy it.
Then, you should consider the size, as well as the number of cutouts — the curves in the guitar body that allow you to reach the frets. Another important consideration is the style of the guitar. If you buy a model that you love, and that suits the style of music you want to play, you might be more likely to stick with it.
If you’ve started to look, you know that there are many options on the market. When you’re just starting, the sheer volume can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve done the legwork for you. These are our favorite five electric guitars for beginners; they’re a great place to start your search.
Top 5: Electric Guitars For Beginners Review
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With its full-size body, this LyxPro Starter Kit is a great option for adult players. It comes with a variety of supplies to get you started on your guitar-playing journey, including picks, a shoulder strap, and a carrying case. We love that it comes with an amplifier — this is something you need to get started playing, and this way, you don’t have to buy a separate amp.
The guitar itself is sleek, with a classic shape. And with the curved body, it is easier to reach the strings and frets. The black and white color scheme looks great, whether you’re playing in your basement or planning to use the instrument in concert. It’s crafted with a rosewood fingerboard and a Canadian maple neck for excellent durability and sound quality. With the volume and tone controls, you can customize the sound to suit your space or your preferred style of music.
When you’re just starting out, this guitar kit performs well. You can use the tuner to get the strings in tune, or experiment with your sound using the tremolo bar. As you get accustomed to playing, you may decide to replace the strings and picks.
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If you’re dreaming of playing in a rock band, this Davidsons Guitar is a great option. It comes with a humbucker pickup — a special set of coils that cancels out the interference in the tone and gives you a rock sound. The guitar also comes with an amp that features an Overdrive button, which distorts the sound and allows you to create a more intense sound on the choruses of your favorite songs.
This starter package, which is specifically geared toward beginners, comes with all of the things you need to get started. In addition to the guitar and the amp, you’ll get a gig bag, a strap, and a cable that connects to the amp. The included picks and pitch pipe help you play and tune the strings.
Built with a maple fretboard and neck, this one is designed for a powerful sound. The maple-maple pairing creates a clear tone with a solid foundation. Since the maple is strong and dense, it creates a guitar that’s tough and well-suited to intense, aggressive playing.
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If you’ve never played the electric guitar, you probably don’t have any of the supplies you need. That’s where this Donner Pack comes in handy. In addition to a full-size option, it also includes an amplifier, a strap, and a case. A set of strings, a cable, and picks complete the package, giving you a complete set of supplies.
Built in a classic shape with simple black and white coloring, this guitar looks right at home in a rock band or a jazz combo. The guitar’s body is made from basswood, an affordable material that creates a broad, balanced sound. The Canadian maple adds a crisp, clear tone, for a result that’s pleasing and even. The finishing touch is the ebony fingerboard, which looks beautiful and adds a hint of brightness to your playing.
On the body of the guitar, you’ll find a pickup selector switch and two different tone knobs, which make it easy to customize your sound. The built-in volume controls make it easy to increase or decrease the audio, whether you’re practicing or playing with a group. Plus, with the steel tuning pegs, it’s easier to get your strings vibrating at the correct frequency. The C-shaped neck profile fits smoothly into your palm, creating a comfortable playing experience.
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With its blue, black, and white coloring, this ZENY Guitar is designed to stand out; it’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a strong aesthetic. This right-handed guitar comes with all of the accessories you need to start, including an amp, cable, strap, case, and cables. You’ll also get a set of steel strings, so you can test out your new instrument as soon as it arrives — no need to wait for other supplies to arrive.
On the body of this guitar, you’ll find all of the controls you need as a beginning player. The volume control helps you control the decibel level, which is ideal if you’re practicing in an apartment or a shared house. With the treble and bass controls, you can adjust the quality and balance of your sound.
The neck of this guitar is crafted from maple. This is a sturdy wood that will create a pleasant, clear sound that can help you hear tonal shifts as you learn to play. Combined with the solid wood body, the maple delivers a smooth, responsive playing experience. The durable top profile features fine curves that are engineered to support maximum control. As a result, you can easily play this instrument standing, sitting or jumping around.
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Do you have a larger frame? If so, this Best Choice Products Guitar might be a good fit; it’s a 41-inch model, so it gives you a little extra playing room. It features a classic design, complete with 22 frets, so you can tackle a wide variety of styles. The frets are designed specifically for easy, mellow playing — perfect for new players.
This bundle includes all of the equipment you need to start practicing your new guitar. The included amp features a connector for a guitar and a microphone, which is handy if you plan to play and sing. The strap helps support the instrument when you’re sitting or standing, and the strings and picks so you can set up and play immediately.
When it comes to playing the guitar, controls are important. This model has you covered. On the amp, you’ll find controls for volume, treble, bass, and drive; as a result, it’s a breeze to experiment with different settings as you develop your own signature sound. Plus, since the amp runs on batteries, you can practice anywhere in the house. Three single-coil pickups deliver a balanced sound to the amp.
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beginner electric guitar Buying Guide
If you want to learn how to play the electric guitar, a beginner set is a great place to start. These instruments are usually shaped for easy playing, making them accessible for new players. Even more importantly, they include the supplies you need. As you look at different options, consider the following factors in your choice.
Style
Although the style of a guitar may seem superficial, it can have a big impact on your playing. If you choose a guitar that looks beautiful and suits the image you have in your mind of a guitar player, you’re probably more likely to be excited about practicing. Since practice is essential to getting better at the guitar, style can be a powerful motivator. Don’t be afraid to choose a model that calls to you visually.
Included Accessories
Playing the guitar requires more than the instrument itself. You also need things like strings, picks, and an amp before you can make a sound. At a minimum, you should look for a guitar that comes with those items, as well as a cable, a strap, and a carrying case. You may also find sets that include tremolo bars or capos; these items aren’t necessary for beginners, but you may be able to use them as you improve.
Shape
The shape of a guitar is part of its aesthetic, but it can also affect your ability to play. Look for top-profile curves that allow your hand to reach the frets easily. This is especially important if you’re a smaller player. Guitars that are designed for beginners usually have generous, finely crafted curves and durable bodies.
best electric guitar for a beginner
No matter which of these guitars you choose, you’ll get a full set of accessories that make it easy to get started. Our top pick is the LyxPro Complete Beginner Starter Kit; with its quality construction and beautiful design, it’s a versatile option as you’re getting to know your personal guitar-playing style. Check out the guitar today to start your musical career.
ELectric guitar FAQ
What is the difference between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar?
While both electric guitars and acoustic guitars share a lot of similarities, there are a few key differences between the two types that can help you decide which model you'd like to play. Acoustic guitars feature a simpler look. They are made up of the body, sound hold guitar strings, fret board, bridge, and tuning pegs.
Electric guitars share nearly all of these parts (minus the sound hole), but they have additional parts as well, like the jack, volume and tone controls, and pickups.
Acoustic guitars and electric guitars product very different sounds. Acoustic guitars give off that classic guitar sound where you're in complete control of your instrument.
With an electric guitar, however, you're able to create more varied sounds. You can choose to use the clean channel or the distortion channel on your amp to play with the different sounds you can make. You will also be able to add sound effects when playing an electric guitar.
There is also a different in how you play electric guitars and acoustic guitars. Acoustic guitars have heavier strings that will be harder to play at first until your finger strength improves with practice. However, there is also more space between the strings on an acoustic guitar, which can make it easier to space your fingers correctly when playing different cords.
Electric guitars are smaller than acoustic guitars, which can make them easier and more comfortable to hold.
Electric guitars and acoustic guitars each lend themselves better to different musical genres. Acoustic guitars produce sounds associated with folk, country, and bluegrass, while electric guitars are often better for playing rock, metal, punk, or blues.
Should I learn to play guitar with an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar?
Learning on the type of guitar that you ultimately want to play is probably the best idea. You can find all sorts of reasons why one guitar type is better to learn on than the other, but when you are more interested and motivated to play, it should make learning to play a little easier.
If you're not sure which instrument you want to learn, visit a local shop and try both out. You can also think about some of your favorite musicians and your inspirations and which type of guitar they play to help you select the one you'd most like to learn.
Should I buy a full-size guitar?
While many may suggest starting with a smaller guitar, it is probably a good idea to just start with a full-size guitar, if you're an adult. You may find that a smaller guitar is able to hold, but if you are looking to become a more serious player, you'll eventually want to upgrade to a full-size guitar. Starting with a smaller guitar will just mean you'll have to re-learn and adjust to having a full-size guitar down the road, so you're saving yourself this step.
Smaller guitars typically don't have the same quality you find with full-size guitars. So, it is more likely the instrument you purchase will be sub-par, which isn't ideal for learning on or producing music.
How much should I spend on my first electric guitar?
Spending somewhere between $150 and $350 on your first electric guitar is probably a good idea. This will help you ensure that you are getting a quality entry level guitar without spending too much on an instrument you are just learning.
As your skills grow, you can look into purchasing a more expensive model, but you likely won't want to spend too much on your first guitar. You'll want to confirm that playing the guitar is something you are actually interested in and will want to keep up with.
What other accessories do I need to play an electric guitar?
There are a few key accessories you'll also need to purchase if you want to play an electric guitar. These include an amp, guitar lead, picks, a tuner, a case, and a guitar stand.
What should I look for when choosing an electric guitar?
When you're looking for an electric guitar, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, try to find a model that feels comfortable. Pay attention to how high the strings are, if the guitar feels like it is slipping away from you as you play, or if it seems too big for you to hold.
Feel-comfortable overall to hold, pay attention to how high the strings are, if the guitar seems too big for you to hold comfortably, or if it feels like it is slipping away from you as you play.
You should also look for the material, referred to as tonewoods, used to make the guitar. Some of the possible tonewoods you'll see include ash, mahogany, maple, alder, and poplar.
Each tonewood has its own characteristics and can affect the feel and sound of the guitar. For example, an alder tonewood produces a balanced tone and is relatively lightweight, while a mahogany tonewood gives off very warm tones and is a bit heavier.
There are also different wood types used for the necks and fretboards of electric guitars, so you'll want to pay attention to these as well.
Another thing to look at is the number of frets. Most electric guitars have 22 frets, but some will have 24 frets, allowing you to play in the high register.
You can also look at the bridge included on the guitar. Electric guitars come with either a tremolo bridge or a stoptail bridge.
If you're looking to play metal styles of music, you may want to opt for a tremolo bridge since it will let you bend all of the guitar strings at the same time. For other music styles, a stoptail bridge is probably best because it will help keep the strings in tune and is more stable.
Consider if there are any accessories, such as an amp or storage/carrying case, included with the different electric guitars you're looking at. You'll need to purchase these items in order to be able to play your guitar and store it safely, so finding a kit that includes them can help you save some money.
Finally, be sure to keep your budget in mind. As a beginner, you don't want to spend too much money on a guitar until you have some experience and are sure it is the instrument you want to play.
Can I teach myself to play the electric guitar?
You can find lots of resources and videos online to help you learn how to play the guitar. These resources can extremely helpful in learning some of the more basic chords and simple songs.
Many people can pick up the guitar quickly after learning the basics, while others will benefit from more direct instruction. Think about your learning style and needs to help you decide whether you'd prefer to sign up for a class or have a go at learning on your own. You can always change your mind if you start on your own and decide you want the assistance of a teacher.
10 Tips For Beginner Guitar Players
A guitar is a somewhat complex musical instrument. As a result, beginners may experience some challenges before they transition to professional guitar players. Beginners may have a hard time differentiating the right from the wrong. So, when you think you are doing the right thing while practicing, you may be making mistakes that may be holding you back.
There are specific tips that are suitable for beginner guitar players. In this context, we will look into ten tips that may prove to be of great use to beginner guitar players. Those tips include:
1. A Beginner Should Not Just Learn Pieces and Bits of a Song
As a beginner, you may be wondering what is the most exciting part when playing the guitar. Generally, the solos are quite interesting. When you are practicing a new song, you should not skip to your favorite parts. Focus on the entire song.
You may be wondering why it is important to focus on the entire song. Well, when you have joined a group of musicians during a jam session, you will be interested in showcasing your skills as a guitar player.
Nevertheless, you may be frustrated if you are unable to play a whole song throughout the session. The frustrations will arise since you had initially focused on studying bits and pieces of different songs.
As a beginner guitar player, you should think about what your friends may say when they request you to play a particular song, and you have to stop for a few seconds since you have not mastered the entire song. In such an instance, your friends will be disappointed.
When you focus on learning an entire song, you will learn more about how the song has been structured. You will also gain access to the tools you need to compose a new song on your won. As a guitar player, wouldn’t you be fascinated by the ability to come up with your own song?
You do not have to learn all the songs in the world. Nevertheless, learning a few songs as a beginner guitar player will come in handy as you focus on improving your skill set.
2. Do Not Be Ashamed of Using a Capo
The guitar capo can be likened to a clamp. It is used on the neck of the guitar. It helps to hold down the guitar strings at a go while also changing their pitch.
By using the capo, a beginner guitar player can easily change the key and pitch of the guitar strings without adjusting the strings using tuning pegs. Furthermore, when using the capo, you can easily avoid the irritating barre chords.
The capo is an accessory meant for beginners. Nevertheless, professional guitar players usually use the capo for practical reasons.
3. You Should Record Yourself
As a beginner, you should record yourself as you play the guitar. You will then listen to the sessions that you had recorded earlier. In the process, you can easily identify where you’re going wrong. For instance, your phrasing may be off, and you will have to play more dynamically.
By recording yourself, you will be able to learn how to evaluate and monitor your skills as a beginner guitar player in real-time; this method has proven to be very effective.
Always listen to the recordings at three-to-four minute intervals. You should listen to the recordings over and over again. In the process, you can ask yourself whether you got the flow right.
Also, you will be in a position to evaluate whether there are some unwanted noises in the background, whether you were able to express your feelings right, did you play the accents correctly, did you convey the message in the song accordingly, among other questions. It is also advisable to ask yourself whether you were able to visualize the positions and chords that you used while playing the guitar.
After some time, the recordings will help you determine whether you have improved your skills as a guitar player. You can easily track your progress.
You do not need to have a recording studio to record your guitar playing sessions. Nonetheless, you can also record the tracks in a studio. You can record your guitar playing sessions using a guitar player or a smartphone. Also, you can use any device that has sound recording capabilities.
If you are using a PC to record, you can utilize different software, including Tracktion, Audacity, Guitar Rig, or Adobe Audition.
4. Try to Improvise
Professional guitar players may serve as an inspiration to beginner guitar players. A beginner should try to learn their parts. They can then reinvent them while putting their own spin on those parts.
Beginners should study how professionals play. They should also observe their solos, riffs, and licks. You should also not settle there. After familiarizing themselves with their work, beginners should try to play with the structure of their solos or riffs. You might also change up their notes. Also, play with the phrasing, key signature, or the tempo. You can also try to play the piece backward.
Some backing tracks are available for free. You can play the backing tracks alongside short melodies. The best training for a beginner guitar player is when they use their listening skills and imagination.
5. Attending Live Concerts
By attending a live concert, you will be inspired, and you can improve your skills as a beginner guitar player. You may sit at the front row during a live show so that you can watch your favorite guitar player play the solos and riffs that you enjoy.
While attending live concerts, you may try to imagine yourself playing like professionals. Also, you can observe them so that you may learn how to play professionally.
As you watch every move the musicians make during the live concert; you will enjoy listening to the music while also studying. You should consider purchasing tickets to the shows that you can manage to attend. Most importantly, you can even attend shows where you can see international artists playing when they visit your state.
6. Never Ignore the Basics
It may take a significant amount of time to master how to play the guitar. Some things may prove to be important as compared to ensuring that you have set up a solid foundation for yourself. As a beginner, you may fail to do some things correctly.
For instance, you may be too distracted, or you are unable to spare enough time to practice. For example, you may have spared 40 minutes of your free time to practice. During this 40 minutes, you may end up focusing on the material that you will need for about 20 minutes. You will end up practicing for only 20 minutes.
If you fail to work on the material that may have been assigned by your coach or teacher, you will not practice the right things. For starters, you should work on the rudiments. You can then go ahead and explore different aspects of the guitar.
The basics may be boring, but with time you will grasp every concept. With time, you will gain significantly from the time that you will spend learning. You should mainly focus on your goals and what you expect to accomplish.
7. Do Not Rush
It is not possible to play every song overnight. Before you can improve your speed, you should first focus on perfect phrasing.
8. You Should Not Sacrifice Technique for Expression
A professional guitar player will advise you not to sacrifice technique for expression. Most guitar players had gone through this when they were beginners. At first, they tend to play well. It may even feel like the guitar can synchronize perfectly to the beat every single time.
The main reason why a beginner may play perfectly is because they may be adhering to the lessons being issued by their coaches accordingly. When you work on your rhythm, you will become a better player. Nevertheless, you should not be too rigid when it comes down to music. There are instances when you just have to close your eyes and play.
It is advisable not to ignore techniques. Always accept that from the start. Your music should also balance between technique and expression.
Some people usually ignore their musical theory, and they end up failing terribly since they focus more on techniques. The main focus should be on striking a balance between technique and expression, as mentioned earlier.
9. Meet and Learn from Different Sources and Musicians
There is a lesson that you can always learn from every musician. You should not limit your progress by just utilizing one source.
For starters, you may opt to attend guitar forums. You will eventually find the answers to the dilemmas that you may have as a beginner guitar player. You can also make friends who are interested in music.
As a beginner, you can try and seek website recommendations from other people who may be interested in music. Beginners can also congregate in forums such as social media. Such forums enable people to exchange ideas while also seeking answers to different questions.
It is advisable also to find a partner whom you can partner with as you practice. You may improvise together while also talking about guitar accessories and setups. Also, you may delve into the technical issues that you have been facing as beginners.
When people team up to learn together, their learning experience will be effective and fun. Beginners can also follow artists who host shows in clubs. They may offer a sense of inspiration. Additionally, beginners may also try playing the guitar in a band. In the process, they can improve their coordination skills.
10. Listening to Different Music Styles
By listening to different music styles, your style and creativity will be influenced. Do not stick to listening to one genre your entire life. Always give every album or artist a chance. Make sure you have opened your heart to the music. You can only become a professional by remaining open to new experiences.
Additional Tips For Beginner Guitar Players
Although the main focus was on ten tips that may prove to be beneficial to beginner guitar players, some additional tips may prove to be important. Some of the additional tips include being disciplined as you practice, trying out difficult chords, and using correct fingering.
Practice usually makes perfect. While practicing, you should also place emphasis on the latest lessons. You can spare at least 10 minutes daily to practice how to play the guitar, depending on your schedule.
Some useful techniques usually come from a person’s mind. The fingers should also remember how everything works, especially when dealing with tricky fingerings. Set aside some time daily and try to develop better playing habits.
As a beginner, you may tend to shy away from the difficult chords. Well, professional guitar players can easily play difficult chords. It may take time to master these cords; nevertheless, persistence and discipline will come in handy as you focus on achieving your goals. In this case, the main goal is to become a professional guitar player.
Some of the difficult chords include the B minor chord. When playing such a cord, you will realize the fingering may be difficult, and you may end up using capos in a bid to evade the bar chord.
It is advisable to focus on these difficult chords. You should spend more time on perfecting such difficult chords. You will eventually manage to evade the mental barrier to the challenges that you may be facing as a beginner guitar player.
Overview
Some tips are quite distinct, and they can be termed as common sense. Nevertheless, some beginners will make simple mistakes since they may be looking forward to playing some exciting stuff.
At first, a beginner should focus on learning the basics. They should also learn more about proper techniques from the beginning as they learn about how to play the guitar professionally. At the end of it all, you will become a professional player.
The tips that have been outlined in this context have helped numerous beginners. If you are interested in becoming a professional guitar player and you are a beginner, you should adhere to the mentioned tips, and you will eventually achieve your ultimate goal.
Final Verdict
In the end, choosing an electric guitar is a highly personal decision. By aiming for a mix of price, style, and design, you can select an instrument that grows with you as you become a more skilled player.
