The Best Electric Guitars For Every Budget (2024 Edition)

A common question for beginners is: How much should I spend on my first guitar?

It comes up all the time, and honestly, it depends on your budget and what you want to do with the guitar.

The good news?

Budget guitars have come a long way, and some of the more affordable options today are fantastic instruments.

How Much Should I Spend On My First Guitar?

Expect to spend between $150 and $500 for a good beginner guitar from a reputable brand.

Stick with trusted names like Epiphone, Squier, Harley Benton, or Schecter.

The more you pay, the better the features, but that doesn’t mean you need to drop a fortune for your first guitar.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll stick with guitar, go for something like a Squier Telecaster or an Epiphone Les Paul.

These are solid, affordable choices that won’t break the bank.

If you know you’re committed to learning, consider spending a bit more so you can “grow into” the guitar.

A higher-priced guitar often offers better sound, playability, and durability.

And remember, if your budget allows, there’s no rule that says your first guitar has to be cheap. If you can afford something better and it excites you, go for it!

Why Budget Guitars Are Worth It

We’ve tested plenty of budget guitars, and a lot of them are great for beginners.

But keep this in mind: you get what you pay for.

A $150 guitar will get you started, but spending a little more can get you better pickups, nicer finishes, and smoother playability.

That said, we’ve found some budget gems that punch way above their price, and these are what we recommend new players use right now.

What To Look For In Your First Guitar

Not all budget brands are created equal, so it’s important to stick with reliable, name-brand guitars.

There are a lot of cheap, no-name guitars on sites like Amazon that you should avoid.

We recommend brands that we’ve personally tested, like Harley Benton, Epiphone, and Squier—they’re affordable but built with quality components.

Try Before You Buy

If you can, visit a local music store and try some guitars in person. You don’t need to know how to play yet; just holding a guitar can give you a feel for what you might like.

Here’s what to check for:

• Body Comfort: Is the guitar comfortable to hold?
• Neck Feel: Every neck is different, so find one that feels good in your hand.
• Weight: Some guitars are heavier than others. Make sure you’re comfortable with the weight.

Don’t be nervous about trying out guitars in-store. Music store employees are used to beginners, so let them know you’re new and they’ll guide you to a solid choice. Stick to trusted brands, and you’ll be in good hands.

Want to Play Like Your Guitar Heroes?

A lot of people want to get the same guitar as their favorite player—and that’s totally fine!

If you love Slash, try out a Les Paul. If you’re into Kurt Cobain, grab a Jaguar or a Mustang.

Just make sure it feels good to you, and don’t be afraid to try different guitars until you find the right fit.

Things to Avoid with Your First Guitar

Tremolo Bridges: AVOID!

Here’s my top advice for beginners: stay away from guitars with a whammy bar (also known as a Tremolo Bridge or “trem”).

They look cool, but they can be a nightmare to deal with as a beginner. Stick to a guitar with a fixed bridge for easier tuning and maintenance.

And don’t worry about what anyone says about certain guitars being “wrong” for certain genres.

You can play metal on a Stratocaster, blues on a Flying V, or rock on anything in between. Get the guitar that appeals to you, and ignore the noise.

When it comes to your first guitar, stick to trusted brands, focus on comfort and feel, and don’t overthink it.

Whether you’re spending $150 or $500, just make sure you’re getting a guitar that makes you want to play.