A Good Starter Electric Guitar: Top Picks and Buying Guide
Quick Answer
A good starter electric guitar is comfortable to hold, stays in tune, has low, even string height and sounds clean through a small practice amp. Choose a solid-body guitar with a slim neck, check the frets aren't sharp and budget for a proper setup, which makes any guitar easier to play. Single-coil pickups sound bright and clear, humbuckers sound thicker and quieter, and both are fine for beginners.
Key Takeaways
- A starter electric guitar should stay in tune and feel comfortable first.
- Low string height (action) makes chords easier and learning faster.
- A professional setup can transform a budget guitar.
- Budget for an amp or headphone amp, tuner, cable, strap and picks.
- Short-scale guitars suit smaller hands and younger players.
What Makes a Good First Guitar?
Any starter electric guitar worth buying should get these basics right:
- Tuning stability: tuners that hold pitch through a practice session.
- Playable action: strings close enough to the frets to press down easily.
- Smooth fret ends: no sharp edges along the sides of the neck.
- Comfortable neck: a slim, rounded profile that suits your hand.
- Manageable weight: light enough to play standing up.
- Reliable electronics: no crackles when you turn the knobs or flick the switch.
Body Styles and Pickups Compared
| Feature | Options | What it means for beginners |
|---|---|---|
| Body shape | Double-cutaway, single-cutaway, semi-hollow | Double-cutaways reach high frets easily and feel balanced |
| Pickups | Single-coil, humbucker or a mix | Single-coils sound bright; humbuckers sound warmer and hum less |
| Scale length | Short or standard | Short scales feel easier for small hands |
| Bridge | Fixed or tremolo | Fixed bridges stay in tune more easily |
If you're unsure, a double-cutaway starter electric guitar with a fixed bridge is easy to play and simple to keep in tune. Our guide to the easiest electric guitar to play goes deeper into necks and scale lengths.
How to Choose a Starter Electric Guitar
- Pick a guitar that suits the music you want to play.
- Hold it seated and standing to check weight and comfort.
- Check the action and fret ends, or ask the seller about a setup.
- Plug it in and turn every knob to listen for crackles.
- Tune it and play for a few minutes to see whether it stays in tune.
- Leave room in your budget for an amp and accessories.
Still deciding on style? See which electric guitar is right for you.
What Else You'll Need
Budget for these extras alongside your starter electric guitar:
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Practice amp or headphone amp | An electric guitar needs amplification to be heard properly |
| Instrument cable | Connects the guitar to the amp |
| Clip-on tuner | Keeps every practice session in tune |
| Strap and picks | For playing standing up and strumming |
| Gig bag and spare strings | Protects the guitar and covers breakages |
Starter packs bundle many of these with a guitar, which can be good value, though the included amp is often basic.
Get a Proper Setup
A setup adjusts the neck, string height and intonation so the guitar plays in tune all the way up the neck. Even an inexpensive starter electric guitar can feel far better after one, and a good setup often makes the difference between practising daily and giving up. Ask about a setup when you buy, or book one with a local guitar technician.
Protect Your Hearing
Whatever starter electric guitar you choose, practise at moderate volume and take regular breaks, because long exposure to loud sound can damage hearing over time. Headphone amps are great for quiet practice, but keep the volume comfortable. Coil cables neatly so nobody trips over them.
What to Expect at Each Price
- Under $200: basic guitars and starter packs that may need a setup.
- $200 to $400: better hardware, smoother necks and more reliable electronics.
- $400 to $700: upgraded pickups and builds you won't outgrow quickly.
- Accessories: allow $50 to $150 for an amp, tuner, cable and strap.
Prices vary by region and retailer. The best starter electric guitar is the one you'll want to pick up every day, so prioritise playability over features.
What Good Makers Do
Rather than chasing a name, look at how a maker builds guitars at your budget. Our guide to electric guitar brands explains the quality signs to check.
The Bottom Line
Choose a comfortable guitar that stays in tune, has low action and smooth frets, then budget for a setup, an amp and the basic accessories. Get those right and a starter electric guitar will make learning fun from the very first chord.
Guitar Accessories at Global Swanky
We don't stock guitars at the moment, but these accessories from our range suit a starter electric guitar setup.
1. Metal Guitar Capo
The Metal Guitar Capo with Strong Spring for Acoustic and Electric Guitars is $21.78, for beginners who want to play songs in new keys with easy chord shapes.
2. Replacement Machine Heads
The Guitar Machine Heads with 6 Tuning Pegs for Electric and Acoustic Guitars is $12.58, for upgrading worn tuners on a second-hand guitar. Check they match your headstock before fitting.
3. Wireless Transmitter System
The Wireless Guitar Transmitter Receiver System for Electric Bass is $30.52, for cable-free practice with an electric guitar or bass.
4. USB Recording Cable
The USB to XLR Guitar Recording Cable 3m for Studio and Stage Use is $40.60, for players starting to record at home. Check it suits your amp or interface first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good starter electric guitar?
One that's comfortable, stays in tune, has low action and smooth frets, and sounds clean through a small amp.
Is electric guitar easier than acoustic for beginners?
Often, yes. Lighter strings and lower action make chords easier to press, though you'll need an amp.
Do I need an amp to learn electric guitar?
Yes, or a headphone amp. Unplugged, an electric guitar is too quiet to hear properly.
Are guitar starter packs worth it?
They can be good value, but the included amp is basic. Check the guitar's playability before buying.
What size guitar should a child use?
Younger or smaller players often find short-scale guitars easier to hold and fret.
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