Best Beginners Electric Guitars : Rocking Musical Journey

 

Discover the best beginners electric guitars with our comprehensive guide! Dive into the world of electric guitars, explore key considerations, and understand the three main types. Get valuable tips for choosing the perfect instrument as you embark on your rocking musical journey.

Electric guitar for beginner

An electric guitar is a stringed musical instrument that converts the vibrations of its metal strings into electrical signals using electromagnetic pickups. These amplified signals enable a wide range of tones and effects.

Electric guitars can be used by someone who is just starting out or has been playing for two years. For beginners, an electric guitar is advantageous because:

·         Lower string tension: Less strain on beginners' fingers as they grow stronger.

·         Sound Versatility: Allows for the exploration of various genres and tones.

·         Amplification: Amplification provides clearer feedback on progress.

·         More Neck Options: For ease of play, some models have narrower necks.

·         Exploration of Sounds: The ability to experiment with sounds promotes creativity and engagement.

Factors to consider while choosing a beginner electric guitar

Guitar body & scale length

A beginner's choice of guitar body and scale length is critical. Different body shapes, such as the classic Stratocaster or the iconic Les Paul, provide distinct tonal characteristics and levels of comfort.

String tension and ease of use are affected by scale length and the distance between the bridge and the nut. Guitars with shorter scale lengths may be more forgiving on beginners' fingers because fretting notes requires less effort, making it easier to navigate the fretboard.

Electric guitar necks

The neck of an electric guitar is extremely important in determining how easy it is to play. Neck profiles, which range from slim and fast (common in Ibanez guitars) to more substantial and rounded (found in vintage-style instruments), can have a significant impact on playability. A neck with a comfortable profile and width is preferred by beginners because it allows for smoother transitions between chords and notes.

Electric guitar pickups

An electric guitar's pickups are critical to its sound. Single-coil pickups, such as those found in Fender Stratocasters, produce a bright and clear tone, whereas humbucking pickups, such as those found in Gibson Les Pauls, produce a thicker and warmer tone. A guitar with versatile pickups allows beginners to experiment with different genres. Some guitars even have a combination of single-coil and humbucking pickups, giving aspiring guitarists a wide range of sonic options.

Electric guitar hardware

An electric guitar's hardware includes parts like the bridge, tuners, and controls. A solid bridge ensures proper intonation and tuning stability. A guitar with quality tuning machines is essential for beginners because it simplifies the tuning process and helps maintain pitch stability while playing. Furthermore, guitars with user-friendly control layouts allow beginners to experiment with different tones without becoming overwhelmed.

Electric guitar craftsmanship

Craftsmanship is an important factor in determining the overall quality and durability of a beginner electric guitar. Pay close attention to details like finish quality, component alignment, and overall build integrity. A well-crafted guitar improves the playing experience and ensures that the instrument will last. A well-made guitar can make learning more enjoyable for beginners and inspire confidence in their playing.

Electric guitar frets

The number and condition of frets on a guitar neck are important factors in its playability. A guitar with well-leveled and polished frets ensures smooth neck movement with no buzzing or intonation issues. Beginners may find that guitars with a moderate number of frets, typically 21 to 24, are more practical for learning because they provide enough range for playing a variety of music without being overly complex.

Electric guitar price

While many newcomers face financial constraints, it is critical to strike a balance between affordability and quality. Fortunately, excellent entry-level guitars are available at a variety of price points. Consider the brand's reputation, the features provided, and the overall value for money. Purchasing a slightly more expensive but higher-quality guitar can frequently result in a more enjoyable playing experience. It may reduce the need for an upgrade in the near future.

3 Main Body Types of Electric Guitars                                   

Hollow body instruments

These guitars, which have a fully hollow body, have a warm, full-bodied tone that makes them popular in jazz and blues. When played unplugged, they can produce a rich, acoustic-like sound. They are, however, susceptible to feedback at high volumes, limiting their use in louder rock settings. Hollow-body guitars are popular among those who appreciate a vintage aesthetic and mellower tone due to their unique blend of acoustic resonance and electric versatility.

Semi-hollow body guitars

These guitars strike a balance between the rich tone of hollow bodies and the sustain and feedback resistance of solid bodies. They have a central block that runs through the body, reducing feedback while allowing for some acoustic resonance. Semi-hollow guitars are versatile and excel in the genres of rock, blues, and jazz. They can produce both warm, rounded tones and biting, driven sounds, making them a favorite among players who value sonic variety.

Solid body instruments

The most common type is solid-body electric guitars, which have a completely solid body with no hollow chambers. This design reduces feedback, making them ideal for high-gain situations like those found in rock and metal. They are well-known for their clarity, sustain, and adaptability to a variety of playing styles. While solid-body guitars lack acoustic resonance, which may be a disadvantage in some styles, they excel in situations where controlled amplification and distortion are required. Musicians of all genres appreciate the dependability and versatility of iconic models such as the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul.

Top Beginner Electric Guitars

Squier Stratocaster

The Squier Stratocaster, a less expensive version of the iconic Fender Stratocaster, has a versatile and classic design.

·         Body: The Squier Stratocaster has a classic double-cutaway body shape made of solid agathis or poplar, which provides a comfortable and iconic design.

·         Neck: Its comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile makes it easy to play for both beginners and experienced players.

·         Scale: Has a standard scale length of 25.5 inches, which contributes to bright and articulate tones.

·         Fingerboard: A maple or rosewood fingerboard is commonly used, providing smooth playability and tonal variation.

·         Frets: There are 21 medium-jumbo frets, which balance playability and note accessibility.

·         Pickups: Featuring three standard single-coil pickups, the guitar provides a classic Stratocaster tonal palette with clear and versatile sounds.

·         Squier: Stratocasters are well-known for their low cost. , making them an excellent choice for beginners. Prices usually range from $150 to $400.

Yamaha Pacifica 112 V

The Yamaha Pacifica 112 V is a well-known and versatile electric guitar known for its consistent performance in a variety of musical styles.

·         Body: The Yamaha Pacifica 112 V has a solid alder body that produces a balanced and resonant tone.

·         Neck: A comfortable and slim maple neck contributes to the ease of playability.

·         Scale: A standard 25.5-inch scale length provides a familiar feel for players.

·         Fingerboard: Depending on the model, the fingerboard is made of rosewood or maple, which improves the overall playability of the guitar.

·         Frets: Most guitars have 22 frets, which allows for a wide range of notes and versatility.

·         Pickups: The Pacifica 112 V is known for its versatile HSS (humbucker-single-single) pickup configuration, which provides a wide range of tones appropriate for a variety of genres.

·         Cost: Yamaha Pacifica guitars are known for their excellent value for money, with prices ranging from $300 to $500.

Jackson JS22 Dinky

The Jackson JS22 Dinky is a stylish and affordable option for players looking to get into heavy rock and metal.

·         Body: The Jackson JS22 Dinky has a sleek and contoured solid body made of basswood that provides a comfortable and lightweight playing experience.

·         Neck: A bolt-on maple neck with a speed profile allows for quick and smooth playability.

·         Scale: Has a 25.5-inch scale length, which contributes to a bright and cutting tone.

·         Fingerboard: The is made of rosewood or maple, which improves playability and tone.

·         Frets: 24 jumbo frets provide extended range and accessibility for soloing and shredding.

·         Pickups: Two high-output, powerful-chiming Jackson humbucking pickups are frequently installed.

·         Price: Jackson JS22 price Dinky guitars are known for their low prices, starting at $200.

Tips for Choosing the Right Beginner Electric Guitar

Play before buying

Nothing beats the feeling of holding and playing a guitar before purchasing one. Visit a local music store and spend some time experimenting with various models. Always consider how the guitar feels in your hands, how comfortable it is to play, and whether or not you like the sound it produces. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only happy with the aesthetics of the guitar, but also with how it fits your playing style and preferences.

Choose the right shape

Electric guitars come in a variety of shapes, each of which affects the instrument's playability and aesthetics. The body shape of your guitar, whether it's the classic double-cutaway design of a Stratocaster, the iconic single-cutaway shape of a Les Paul, or the angular contours of a superstrat, can affect your comfort and ease of access to higher frets. To find a guitar shape that resonates with you, you should consider both the visual appeal and the ergonomic aspects.

Check weight and size

The weight and size of the guitar are important considerations, especially for beginners. A heavy guitar may cause discomfort during long practice sessions, whereas a small or large guitar may affect your playing posture. As a result, strike a balance that feels right for you, and make sure the guitar you buy is comfortable to hold and play. A beginner's electronic guitar should weigh between 6 and 9 pounds.

Choose pickup configuration

Pickups aid in shaping the sound of an electric guitar. You must eventually decide whether you prefer the bright and clear tones of single-coil pickups (common on Fender Stratocasters) or the thicker and warmer tones of humbucking pickups (common on Gibson Les Pauls). Some guitars even combine the two, providing versatility for a variety of playing styles. Consider the genres you're interested in before selecting a pickup configuration that matches your musical preferences.

Check frets

The condition and quality of the frets have a significant impact on playability. Make sure the frets are well-seated, smooth, and free of sharp edges. Run your hand along the fretboard's edges to check for any discomfort or unevenness. Inspect the fret spacing and height to ensure a comfortable and accurate playing experience, especially for beginners who are still developing their finger strength and dexterity.

Make sure it’s balanced

For comfort and ease of play, a well-balanced guitar is essential. When standing with the guitar on a strap, it should not lean too far forward or backward. A well-balanced guitar allows you to concentrate on your playing without constantly adjusting its position. Examine how the guitar feels in various playing positions to ensure it remains stable and comfortable.

Check for clean and heavy tones

To evaluate the guitar's versatility, experiment with different amplifier settings. Examine the guitar's ability to produce clear and articulate sounds by listening for clean tones. You should also test the guitar with distortion or overdrive to see how well it handles heavy and distorted tones. A good beginner electric guitar should be able to handle a wide range of tones, allowing you to experiment with different genres as you progress in your musical journey.

Conclusion:

Electric guitars are ideal for beginners because of their lower string tension, which is easier on the fingers. They provide a diverse range of tones, encouraging genre exploration, and their user-friendly features, such as amplification, make learning fun and versatile.