The most comprehensive selection of budget-friendly starter electric guitars from the best manufacturers like Squier, Gretsch, Yamaha, Epiphone and Ibanez. Kickstart your guitar playing in style with a great quality and affordable top starter electric guitar.
Selecting your beginner electric guitar is a huge step in your musical journey. While this is an exciting time, with the plethora of options available to those looking to buy a starter electric guitar, it can also be overwhelming. Just like selecting a digital piano or an acoustic guitar, it's important to conduct research and carefully consider many factors to ensure that you choose the perfect beginner electric for your needs. Thankfully, we've compiled the most comprehensive guide for buying a starter electric guitar in 2024 in order to help you navigate through the vast array of choices.
When it comes time to purchase an entry level electric guitars, there are many factors that you should consider. From the guitar's playability and tone to durability and build construction and staying within your budget, finding the perfect instrument can seem like a daunting task. However, with a little bit of guidance from our expert Toronto guitar teachers, you can confidently select a wonderful entry level electric guitar that doesn't break the bank and suits your needs and preferences.
Beginner electric guitars offer novice guitarists an accessible and fun option for learning and playing music. They have the ability to produce a wide range of sounds and work in many different styles so musicians will have endless opportunities for experimentation and to be creative. Moreover, compared to their acoustic counterparts, they require minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for budding players.
Our guide to buying best beginner electric guitars in 2024 goes far beyond simple recommendations. Using their professional experience and expertise, our top guitar instructors have tested each model listed in this article to provide unbiased reviews and evaluations of every instrument on the list. Each guitar has been carefully assessed and rated on a scale of 1 to 5, considering factors like playability, tone quality, build durability, and overall value.
Whether you're just starting from scratch or already have some experience playing the guitar, this post has something for you. From extremely budget-friendly options to more intermediate level instruments, we've curated a selection of beginner electric guitars that cater to a wide range of budgets and styles. We've also included some of our favourite electric guitar accessories to help keep you rocking.
So, if you've found yourself ready to get started on your journey into the vibrant world of electric guitars, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will share with you all of the information required in order to make the right choice and set you on the way to becoming a top notch guitarist.
What You'll Find In This Blog
Time to Compare: The Best Electric Guitars For Beginners
We've curated the best electric guitar guide for beginners and included instruments and accessories you can conveniently buy online from home. Each item mentioned in this post has been carefully tested by our expert team with beginner guitarists in mind. With the wide array of choices on the market today, there is most definitely an electric guitar for every skill level, musical interest and budget!
The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is more than just a guitar; it's your ticket to jumpstarting your musical journey with confidence and style. Manufactured by Squier, an offshoot of the world famous Fender brand, this guitar is offered at an affordable price point without sacrificing the quality of the instrument. The Affinity Series Stratocaster boasts the iconic and timeless Stratocaster design and sound, making it a top entry level guitar for beginners looking for the classic rock 'n' roll sound and look.
This guitar comes equipped with timeless features and versatile performance capabilities and should inspire novice and experienced players alike. It boasts three single-coil pickups, giving the Affinity Series Stratocaster the ability to produce a rich palette of tones, from cleans to gritty overdrive, making the Affinity Series Stratocaster is an ideal entry level electric guitar for individuals who are keen on exploring many musical genres and styles. Its comfortable C-shaped neck and medium jumbo frets ensure effortless playability, allowing novice players to navigate the fretboard with ease and confidence.
The Affinity Series Stratocaster, in addition to its quality build, great tone and excellent playability, comes in a range of beautiful colour options, allowing individuals to select one that matches their personality and aesthetic style. Whether you prefer an elegant Sunburst look, the bold statement of Arctic White like Jimi Hendrix, or the minty coolness of Surf Green, the Affinity Strat is available in a colour that will suit everyone's tastes.
Unlike their acoustic guitars, electric guitars require a few accessories to play them. The Affinity Stratocaster is conveniently available in bundle packages which provide everything you need, right out of the box. Included in these bundles are the guitar, an amplifier, soft case, guitar tuner, guitar strap, and picks. Purchasing the Affinity Stratocaster in a bundle ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable start to your guitar playing adventure.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Iconic Stratocaster aesthetics and sound without the Fender price tag
Comfortable neck profile is helpful for learning
Versatile pickup configuration allows plays to explore a range of tones
A high quality and affordable entry level electric guitar. Even in the bundle, this comes in at under $500
Players can choose from many colour options
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
This guitar's stock pickups may lack the depth and clarity found in higher end models
Guitarists may eventually decide to upgrade the tuning mechanisms or bridge for long-term performance
Rating For This Entry Level Acoustic Guitar: 4.5/5
After significant testing, our team of expert guitar instructors have awarded The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster a commendable rating of 4.5 out of 5. It has earned this score for its exceptional value, versatility, and playability. While it may not share the same prestige of its Fender counterparts, it surpasses expectations without breaking the bank, making it a fantastic choice for budding guitarists who are keen to learn on a great instrument.
Those who choose to buy the bundle option will receive not only a quality beginner electric guitar, but also a complete setup to begin playing right away. It's a wonderful solution for those looking for convenience and value without compromising on quality. Some players may prefer to choose their own accessories, however, so preferences and priorities should be considered when choosing between the bundle or purchasing items separately.
The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is your passport to learning how to play the guitar with confidence and finesse. Crafted by Epiphone, a subsidiary of the legendary Gibson brand, this top electric guitar for beginners offers exceptional value without compromising on performance. The Les Paul Special II features the famous and sought-after Les Paul design and tone, making it a favourite entry-level electric guitars for beginners who are after that classic rock sound and look.
This starter electric guitar is jam-packed with features that are sure to inspire both novice and experienced players. With its powerful dual humbucking pickups, the Les Paul Special II can easily produce a versatile range of tones, from warm, velvety cleans to aggressive, gritty overdrive, making it a fantastic starter electric guitar for exploring a variety of musical genres. It boasts a comfortable SlimTaper D-profile neck and smooth fretboard, ensuring easy playability. This allows beginners to navigate their guitar with ease, facilitating learning and instilling confidence in novice guitarists.
The Les Paul Special II is available in a variety of beauitful finishes, allowing players to choose a colour that is reflective their personality and style. Whether you opt for the timelessness of Vintage Sunburst, the rock 'n' roll attitude of Ebony, or the vibrant charm of Heritage Cherry Sunburst, there's an option to suit every taste.
Just like the Affinity Stratocaster, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II is conveniently available in bundle packages that are sold with everything you need to begin playing right away. Included in these bundles are the guitar, an amplifier, soft case, guitar tuner, guitar strap, and picks.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Iconic Les Paul look and sound without breaking the bank
SlimTaper D-profile neck offers great playability and facilitates learning
Humbucking pickups offer a wide range of tones
Incredible value for an entry-level electric guitar, even in the bundle package, priced under $500
Multiple colour options allow players to express their individuality
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Some players may find the weight of this guitar to be more than other entry level models. While the weight contributes to its warm and rich tones, it may be less comfortable for youngsters or players with smaller bodies
The Les Paul does not have a double cutaway making the higher frets a little bit more difficult to access
Rating For This Entry Level Electric Guitar: 4.5/5
After extensive testing, our team of guitar experts has awarded the Epiphone Les Paul Special II an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5. This speaks to its exceptional balance amongst affordability, versatility, and playability. The Les Paul Special II is as a fantastic choice for budding guitarists, offering a great entry point into the word of electric guitar without breaking the bank. It's built with great craftsmanship, ensuring durability and longevity for years to come.
Opting for the bundle option offers more than just convenience; it gives players the ability to dive right into their guitar playing experience right out of the box. By purchasing the guitar in a package with essential accessories, including an amplifier, gig bag, tuner, strap, and picks, Epiphone ensures that beginners are equipped with everything they need. Players with preferences for their accessories might consider buying the guitar alone and choosing an amp, strap and any other accessories that they desire.
The Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V stands out as an innovator and is an extremely reliable beginner electric guitar. Engineered by Yamaha, a leading name in the world of musical instruments, this guitar delivers outstanding performance at a reasonable price point. It boasts a sleek design and versatile range of tones, so the PAC112V emerges as one of the most popular choices for beginners searching for a dynamic and expressive entry-level electric guitar to dive into begin learning.
Crafted with Yamaha's renown precision and attention to detail, the PAC112V boasts three pickups - including a bridge humbucker and two single-coils. This array of pickup choice deliver a diverse palette of tones, from crisp cleans to scorching leads, making the PAC112V an ideal entry-level electric guitar for exploring various musical genres and playing styles. It's economically designed and including a comfortable neck and smooth fretboard, ensuring a comfortable playing experience for beginners and experienced players alike. Guitarists will be able to seamlessly navigate across the fretboard with precision and ease. From Vintage White to Raspberry Red, the PAC112V, the PAC112V from Yamaha is available in 6 unique and gorgeous finishes allowing guitarists to select a colour that reflects their personality and taste.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Features a trio of pickups to deliver a rich palette of tones, suitable for various musical styles and playing styles
Comfortable neck and smooth fretboard for effortless playability
6 beautiful finishes to choose from
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
This guitar is not available in a bundle package, forcing players to source their own amplifier, strap, tuner and picks.
While playing in a seated position, some players may notice a slight tendency for the neck to dip forward. This could be a minor drawback for players who prefer a perfectly balanced guitar.
Rating For This Entry Level Electric Guitar: 4.3/5
After extensive testing and examination, our guitar experts proudly granted the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V a solid overall rating of 4.3 out of 5. This rating reflects the exceptional value that this particular guitar offers. What makes the the PAC112V standout from other guitars in this price range is its exceptional tonal range, thanks to its unique pickup configuration, consisting a bridge humbucker and two single-coils. This pickup configuration allows players to achieve a diverse palette of tones, ranging from smooth, warm cleans to edgy, aggressive overdrive. It truly is suitable for any playing style or musical genre. Moreover, the PAC112V's boasts a solid alder body which provides a resonant and balanced sound. With its high-quality craftsmanship, ergonomic design and sonic excellence, the Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V stands out as a wonderful instrument at an accessible price point.
The Ibanez GRX70QA demonstrates Ibanez's dedication to manufacturing high quality instruments at an affordable price point. Designed with attention to detail and craftsmanship, this beginner electric guitar delivers a spectacular blend of affordability, versatility, and performance, making it a top choice for beginner guitarists keen to get started on their musical journey with style and confidence.
Equipped with a striking quilted maple top, the GRX70QA's visually stunning design sets it apart from other entry-level electric guitars. Moreover, the GRX70QA features a trio of high-output Infinity pickups, allowing players to achieve a diverse range of tones suitable for many musical genres and playing styles. Whether you're looking for velvety cleans or edgier distorted tones, the GRX70QA offers exceptional sonic flexibility that facilitates creativity and musical exploration.
The guitar's silky and comfortable neck combined with a smooth rosewood fretboard creates effortless playability, allowing even beginner guitarists to move around the fretboard with ease. Additionally, the GRX70QA boasts a balanced and lightweight body, making it an ideal guitar for long playing sessions. Available in many eye-catching finishes, including blue, red, black and green, players can select the style that matches their personality and tastes.
For added convenience, the GRX70QA is available in bundle packages that include essential accessories such as an amplifier, gig bag, tuner, strap, and picks. These bundles provide beginners with everything they need to dive into their musical journey with confidence and enthusiasm, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable playing experience from the very beginning.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Quilted maple top gives this guitar a beautiful appearance
Boasts 3 pickups making it a great guitar for many genres and playing styles
Lightweight body and balanced construction provide comfort for extended playing sessions
Available in a variety of eye-catching finishes to suit individual preferences
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Limited control layout with only a single tone & volume knob
Sold with bridge saddles that are constructed from a lower-quality material, which could potentially affect sustain and tone transfer
Rating For This Entry Level Electric Guitar: 4.4/5
After vigorous evaluation and extensive testing, our team of guitar experts is pleased to award the Ibanez GRX70QA a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5. This rating directly reflects the GRX70QA's high-quality craftsmanship and outstanding performance, setting it apart for beginner guitarists. Its unparalleled versatility and tonal capabilities truly set this guitar apart. It boasts three high-output Infinity pickups, so this guitar delivers a wide range of tones, that are suitable across all genres and playing styles. Moreover, the GRX70QA is built with an ergonomic design and fast-playing neck so it provides great playability, even during extended sessions. The Ibanez GRX70QA is a testament to the brand's dedication to manufacturing outstanding instruments that exceed expectations. It a top choice for novice guitarists looking for a fantastic instrument to learn on.
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Unleash your full musical potential with the Squier Bullet Mustang HH, a powerhouse of tone and style that is a great option for anyone looking to get started in the world of electric guitar playing. Crafted by Squier, a subsidiary of the world renown Fender guitars, who are renowned for their commitment to quality and affordability, this electric guitar for beginners offers an exciting blend of versatility and performance that's sure to impress both beginner and seasoned guitarists alike.
Sporting a hip and distinguished design, the Bullet Mustang HH gives off a sense of modernity and edge, setting it apart from the other beginner electric guitars. With its dual humbucking pickups, this guitar packs a bold and edgy tone that's perfect for rock, metal, and other heavy styles. Whether you're cranking out riffs or ripping through solos, the Bullet Mustang HH will deliver a sound cuts through the mix with clarity and precision.
Moreover, the Bullet Mustang HH is built for comfort and playability. It features a slim and lightweight body, ergonomic contours, and a silky smooth maple neck, making this guitar feel like an extension of your body. Additionally, the Bullet Mustang HH is built with a short scale length, making it a perfect instrument for kids, those with a small frame, small hands or someone just looking for a more portable guitar. Available in a range of beautiful finishes, the Bullet Mustang HH will allow for the player to choose a guitar that matches their personality and style.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Bold and distinctive design
Powerful and aggressive tones are great for rock playing
Short scale length makes it a great option for those with a smaller frame
Available in a variety of eye-catching finishes to suit your style
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Limited tone shaping options
Not a great guitar for those seeking a standard scale instrument
Rating For This Entry Level Electric Guitar: 4.2/5
After comprehensive testing buy our team of guitar connoisseurs, we have awarded the Squier Bullet Mustang HH a commendable rating of 4.2 out of 5. This rating is a testament to the Bullet Mustang HH's performance and features. This guitar's distinctive design and tonal prowess set it apart from the rest. It comes equipped with dual humbucking pickups and boasts a powerful yet dynamic sound that make it an ideal instrument for many styles, from blues to rock to metal. Moreover, the Bullet Mustang is built with an ergonomic body shape and comfortable neck profile which ensures the playability required for players to express themselves with confidence and accuracy. Its affordable price point makes it accessible to even the most beginner guitarists who don't want to compromise on quality but are not yet ready to splurge on a professional level guitar.
The Yamaha Revstar RS502T is a unique option for entry-level electric guitars. It features a limited-edition flame top in ash grey, embodying the perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary artistry. This instrument exudes a sense of speed, style, and sophistication that reminds of the classic street-racing motorcycles of London and Tokyo. The RS502T is a beautifully crafted instrument that features a flamed maple top and a mahogany body that together produce a rich, resonant tone with remarkable sustain. This beginner friendly electric guitar stands out compared to other options whether you’re recording in the studio or performing live thanks to its unique design and high-quality build.
Every feature of the Yamaha Revstar RS502T has been meticulously crafted for unmatched performance and adaptability. With two VP5 vintage output P-90 pickups, this instrument can produce a broad variety of tones, from warm and velvety clean to crunchy and overdriven. Beginner players can precisely adjust the sound they want thanks to the unique tone control feature of the specially built Dry Switch. When combined with an aluminum tailpiece, die-cast tuners, and a Tune-O-Matic bridge, the RS502T offers outstanding tuning stability and dependable performance—even during the busiest performances.
The RS502T's smooth mahogany neck and fretboard are designed for both comfort and playability, providing players of all skill levels with a comfortable feel and simple playability. Beginner guitarists can easily express their creativity thanks to the instrument’s hand-oriented design, which guarantees a natural playing experience. The Yamaha Revstar RS502T Limited Edition Flame Top is also a great option for skilled guitarists looking for a genuinely remarkable instrument since it provides the optimal balance of style, tone, and performance, regardless of your level of experience.
This Yamaha electric guitar stands out as a bold and distinctive instrument that expresses the uniqueness and creativity of its owner thanks to its limited-edition Flame Top finish in Ash Grey. Whether you're recording in the studio, playing live, or just jamming with friends, the RS502T offers the ideal fusion of cutting-edge technology, classic style, and unmatched craftsmanship. Discover why the Yamaha Revstar RS502T Limited Edition Flame Top is the finest option for guitarists who want nothing less than the best when it comes to choosing the right electric guitar.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Vibrant Ash Grey Limited Edition Flame Top design for a distinctive and striking look. •Dual VP5 Vintage output P-90 pickups provide adaptable tones appropriate for a wide range of musical styles.
The combination of the flamed maple top and the mahogany body produces a rich, resonant sound with outstanding sustain.
Additional tone options are provided by Custom Dry Switch for increased versatility and expression.
Reliable performance and tuning stability are ensured by high-quality construction and components, such as die-cast tuners and Tune-O-Matic bridge.
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
P-90 pickups might not be to everyone's taste in tone, especially for those who like a more conventional humbucker or single-coil sound
The cost of premium features and materials might be more than that of entry-level electric guitars.
Rating For This Entry Level Electric Guitar: 4.6/5
The Yamaha Revstar RS502T Limited Edition Flame Top is a great choice for beginner guitarists looking for a high-quality instrument that offers both style and performance. In the world of electric guitars, the RS502T distinguishes out for its superb craftsmanship, adaptable tonal qualities, and distinctive design. The RS502T is a great addition to any collection for guitarists looking for a guitar with modern performance and vintage-inspired looks, even though its limited-edition availability and unique pickup arrangement may not be to everyone's taste. Its Ash Grey special edition Flame Top finish gives it a unique and sophisticated touch that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Ignite your guitar playing with the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22, an exceptional instrument crafted to unleash your creativity and take your playing to the next level. Jackson, well known for their commitment to building high-quality guitars, crafted this instrument to offer an exciting blend of versatility and playability for beginner and experienced guitarists alike.
The JS22 beginner electric guitar boasts a stylish arch top construction that not only contributes to its resonance and balanced tone all while creating a cool aesthetic appeal. Boasting with dual humbucking pickups, the JS22's powerful and dynamic sound is perfect for heavy chugging and intense shredding and everything in between. No matter if you're playing aggressive metal riffs or ripping melodic leads, this guitar will ensure that your playing cuts with clarity.
The JS22 is a guitar that's built for comfort and performance. Its sleek and ergonomic contours, smooth maple neck, and fast-playing rosewood fretboard make this guitar feel like an extension of your body. Our guitar experts report being able to play with speed and accuracy for extended periods of time. The JS22 is made in a range beautiful finishes, so you can pick one that you love.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Sleek and stylish design with an elegant arch top construction
Dual high-output humbucking pickups deliver a powerful and dynamic sound
Smooth maple neck and fast-playing rosewood fretboard offer comfort and performance
Compound radius fretboard ensures effortless playability across the entire neck
Available in a range of stunning finishes to suit your style
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Limited control layout may restrict tone-shaping options
Stock hardware may require upgrades for optimal performance
Heavier weight may not be suitable for players seeking a lighter instrument
Rating For This Entry Level Electric Guitar: 4.4/5
After carefully evaluating the JS22, our team of guitar experts has awarded an outstanding rating of 4.4 out of 5. This guitar, thanks to it's dual high-output humbucking pickups and arch top construction, impressively delivers a powerful and dynamic sound. It boasts a ergonomic design and a fast-playing neck with a smooth fretboard, ensuring top-notch playability and comfort, even during extended sessions. No matter if you are unleashing soaring solos or churning out heavy riffs, the JS22 will rise to the occasion, making it a top choice for any aspiring shredder or metal enthusiast.
The Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club is a highly recommended choice for beginners navigating the process of choosing the right electric guitar. This instrument is one of our top picks for novice guitarists due to its brilliantly crafted beginner-friendly features, that make it a fun and engaging playing experience for those just starting their musical journey. According to our experts, the G2210 is one of the greatest affordable electric guitars for beginners because of its stylish appearance and easy playing feel.
Achieving the ideal mix between price and quality is crucial when it comes to entry-level electric guitars. In this sense, the Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club shines, providing outstanding value without sacrificing performance. Aspiring guitarists may build a solid foundation and refine their talents on this guitar thanks to its sturdy Nato body, Nato neck, and Laurel fingerboard. It may be used in a variety of musical genres and styles due to its two humbucking pickups, which offer a wide range of tone options.
Our top guitar teachers highly recommend the Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club as a great option for beginner electric guitar, especially for those on a budget.
Its soft fretboard and ease of playing will appeal to aspiring guitarists, who can focus on honing their craft. This guitar provides the ideal mix of quality and price, whether you're practicing at home or playing live. It's the perfect option for novices who are serious about pursuing their passion for music because of its elegant design and versatile tone.
Pros Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
The Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club is affordable for beginning players, offering a great value for the money.
The guitar's solid Nato body and neck provide stability and longevity, making it suitable for practice and performance wear and tear.
The G2210 presents modern elegance with its gunmetal finish and stylish body shape, making it an aesthetically pleasing option for electric guitar novices.
Wide variety of tones that are appropriate for a versatility of musical genres, including rock and blues.
The Laurel fingerboard offers a comfortable and smooth playing surface, making the fretboard navigation simple and comfortable for beginners.
Cons Of This Beginner Electric Guitar:
Even though the gunmetal finish offers a distinctive touch, the G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club is only offered in one colour choice, which limits options for players who desire more diversity.
The G2210 is an entry-level guitar that may lack some of the more sophisticated features that more experienced players might want, such coil-splitting or integrated effects.
Rating For This Entry Level Electric Guitar: 4.4/5
Our music experts recommend the Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club for beginners due to its affordability, high-quality build, and adaptable tone. For beginners starting out in music, this guitar is a great option because of its stylish appearance and pleasant playability. Despite its limited colour options and its less advanced built-in effects, the G2210 provides a dependable performance that will motivate you to keep playing and getting better, whether you're practicing at home or giving a live performance.
Our Favourite Electric Guitar Accessories For Beginners
Should you opt to purchase any of the starter electric guitar bundles listed above then you can skip this section because you will already have all of the accessories that you require. For those of you who prefer to choose your own accessories according to your tastes and preferences, you are in the right spot. Unlike the acoustic guitar, to begin playing the electric guitar there are some must have accessories. Without an amplifier and patch cable, your guitar will not produce a sound. Other highly recommended accessories for beginner guitarists include a guitar tuner, a guitar strap, a case or gig bag, a guitar stand, music stand and effect pedals. At Greater Toronto Music School, our accredited guitar instructors have used many different popular guitar accessories and have provided their recommendations for the best ones for beginners.
Electric Guitar Amplifier
Unlike an acoustic guitar, electric guitars do not produce full bodied sound on their own. An amplifier is the most essential accessory for electric guitarists as it makes the sound produced by the strings of the instrument audible. For beginners, choosing the right amplifier can be almost as important as choosing the right guitar. Amongst the many options available, our team of expert guitar instructors have selected our favourite amps for budding guitarists. The Fender Mustang LT25 stands out for its versatility since it comes with 30 presets spanning many genres. Its user friendliness and headphone output make it ideal for beginners. The Vox Pathfinder 10 delivers classic Vox tone in a small and budget-friendly package, an ideal choice for those just starting out and looking for simplicity without sacrificing quality. For guitarists prioritizing portability, the Blackstar Fly 3 is a miniature amp that still delivers a big sound. It features two channels and many built-in effects, allowing guitarists to practice anywhere. We have selected three great amplifiers, each catering to different needs, and are confident that you will love whichever you choose.
Guitar Patch Cable
A patch cable is used used to connect a guitar to an amplifier and to connect pedals or effects units together. They come in a wide range of sizes and are most often flexible. It's an essential accessory for electric guitarists, allowing audio signals to flow amongst the guitar, amplifiers and pedals. Patch cables are 100% necessary for guitarists to be able to achieve their desired sound. Choosing to buy a quality patch cable, like those made by Planet Waves, minimizes the risk of interference and guarantees reliable signal transmission. Plus, Planet Waves offers a lifetime warranty so musicians can have peace of mind knowing their cables will last forever. Check out Planet Waves Patch Cables here.
Guitar Tuner
Even the most skilled and knowledgeable guitarists will sound bad if their guitar is out of tune. Therefore, a guitar tuner is an essential accessory for any guitarist, whether novice or professional. There are various styles of guitar tuners on the market, but our favourite is a clip on tuner. Our recommendation is the Fender FT-1 Professional Clip-On Tuner. Just clip it it to the headstock of your electric guitar and you'll be ready to rock in no time. Bonus - this tuner will also work for acoustic guitars, bass guitars, ukuleles and more!
Guitar Strap
Using a guitar allows guitarists the freedom to play while standing. Even for those who play mostly while sitting down, straps offer many advantages. They provide stability and evenly distribute the weight of the guitar, reducing strain on the body. With a strap, players have the ability to customize the guitar's height and angle, increasingplayability and comfort. Increased comfort will facilitate proper technique and improved playing. Our favourite guitar straps are the Amumu Cheveron Jacquard guitar strap, and the Perri's Leathers LTD guitar strap. Both straps are sold in a variety of colours and designs to suit your personality and preferences.
Guitar Picks
Use of a guitar pick offers many benefits that will improve your playing experience and technique. Guitar picks facilitate faster playing and can help to reduce finger fatigue, particularly for technically demanding pieces of music. Picks create a brighter and more defined sound than finger style playing, making them ideal for use in many musical styles and playing situations. If you're fairly new to playing guitar, we recommend that you opt to buy a variety packs of picks. Picks come in many shapes and sizes so a variety pack will allow you to develop your own preference for size and weight. Jim Dunlop manufactures high quality picks and sells in a variety pack. Our expert guitar teachers recommend starting here. Click here to check it out.
Guitar Stand
Guitar stands allow musicians to store and display their prized guitars in an upright position and simultaneously reduce the risk of accidental damage that can occur by laying your guitar down horizontally. Stands will also make your guitar visible and easily accessible, which might inspire you to pick it up and play. Guitar stands are available to hold single guitars, multiple guitars or even units with room to store and display vinyl records, turntables and more. If you're searching for the perfect stand for your new electric guitar, we suggest this Folding A-Frame guitar stand from Rock-Jam or this stylish wall-mounted guitar hanger. If you're looking to display multiple guitars in your home alongside other cool music merch, you might consider this quadruple guitar stand with storage. Not only does it have the capacity to hold up to 4 guitars, but there is also space for your amplifier, a record player, records and more. This unit will create a cool vibe in any room of your home.
Gig Bag or Hard Case
If you plan to travel your new electric guitar, you will need a protective case. Gig bags and hard cases are both are enclosures, designed to protect your instrument during transportation or storage. Gig bags are generally made from padded nylon or canvas and are lightweight for easy travel. They frequently come equipped shoulder straps to facilitate easy carrying and zipper pockets for additional storage. Gig bags provide protection light bumps but are best suited for short distances. On the other hand, hard cases are made from durable materials such as wood or plastic and offer more complete protection, not only against damage from high impact, but also against moisture and changes in temperature. This makes them a better option for long-distance and frequent travel. Hard cases generally feature sturdy locking mechanisms and additional storage compartments in the inside of the case. Whether you're heading to your in-person guitar lessons, rehearsing with a band, or heading to perform at a club or festival, it's important to invest in a gig bag or hard case to keep your axe safe!
Cahaya offers a fantastic gig bag for electric guitars. It is water resistant, boasts backpack straps and it's equipped with sturdy protection. Best of all, at under $50, it offers fantastic value for budding guitarists. Click here to check it out.
If you're after a hard case for additional protection, Gator offers a fits-all hard case for electric guitars. It's lightweight, extremely protective and has sufficient space to fit your strap, tuner and more. Click here to check it out.
Buying Advice: Choosing The Best Beginner Electric Guitar For You
It's important to consider many factors to make sure that you find the perfect entry-level electric guitar for your needs. Here are the most important things to take into consideration while you for the perfect guitar.
Playability & Comfort
Consider the guitar's neck profile and action. Make it a priority to select an electric guitar that feels effortless on your fingers. A guitar with excellent playability will make you enjoy playing and learning far more, especially for those who are just starting their electric guitar journey.
Quality Craftsmanship & Materials
Look for a starter electric guitar with a great build quality, constructed from durable materials. A well-built guitar not produces better sound, but also ensures that it will last forever if taken care of properly. This means that your guitar will be reliable and will continue to be a valued member of your guitar collection for years to come. If you choose to one day sell your beginner electric guitar to upgrade, it will maintain its value for resale.
Sound Quality & Tone
Actively listen to the tone and sound while playing the. While personal preference plays a role, a quality electric guitar produces a balanced tone with highs, mids and lows all sounding clearly. The sound of your guitar should inspire you to pick it up and play. The more you play your guitar, the faster you will improve and meet your musical goals.
Consider Your Budget
Assess your financial situation and set a realistic budget. There are a plethora of affordable beginner electric guitars on the market, so you can surely find one that suits your budget without compromising on quality. This is your first electric guitar and it's important to remember that it most likely will not be your last. Many guitarists will eventually upgrade their guitar once they have worked on their craft.
Where Is the Best Place to Get Beginner Piano Lessons?
Now that you have purchased (or at least chosen) your electric guitar and accessories, as a beginner, you are probably wondering how to play. Very few people are fortunate enough to have skilled guitarists in their family or friend groups who are willing to help them get started. Some people can get begin playing by ear or by watching tutorial videos on the internet, however, it is difficult to really develop strong technique and master the instrument in these ways. Therefore, it is recommended to start your guitar journey at a reputable school if you are able, as they build a strong foundation for new learners. At Greater Toronto Music School, our top guitar teachers are available for online guitar lessons or in-person guitar lessons in Toronto. Contact us today, we would love to help!
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Another great post! Thanks for sharing all of this valuable information.