Top 5 Electric Guitars For Beginners

We have compiled a list of our Top 5 Electric Guitars For Beginners, encompassing a range of brands and styles that we think are great beginner guitars – featuring classic designs, high-quality hardware and great value for money.

Are you a beginner that’s looking to buy your first guitar? Are you buying a guitar for someone else and don’t know where to start? Read on!

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Buying Your First Electric Guitar FAQs

Epiphone Les Paul Standard ’50s, Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster, 3-Colour Sunburst

Squier Sonic Telecaster, Butterscotch Blonde

Yamaha Pacifica 112V Vintage White

PRS SE Standard 24-08, Translucent Blue 


Choosing Your Guitar 

When it comes to learning the guitar, it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest model available. Why invest money in something you’re just starting to explore?

We believe that a slightly higher price point (while still remaining affordable) can provide better value for your money. And don’t worry, if you decide guitar playing isn’t for you or you wish to upgrade later, a higher-quality guitar will hold its value much better than a cheaper alternative.

By investing a little more in your first instrument, you can experience the benefits of better tonewoods, superior build quality, and improved playability. 

Buying Your First Electric Guitar FAQs:

How Much Should I Spend On My First Guitar?

Our selection falls within the £175 – £600 range, offering a range of high-quality electric guitars for beginners. You don’t need to break the bank and spend thousands, but we advise against opting for the absolute cheapest model available.

What Type of Guitar Is Easiest To Learn On?

Our list focuses exclusively on electric guitars as they are generally more beginner-friendly. The neck is thinner than that of an acoustic guitar, making it easier to navigate the fretboard for first-time guitarists.

You’ll also find the strings are thinner and have a lower action, meaning they are closer to the fretboard and require less pressure to play, resulting in a more comfortable learning experience. 

What else will I need to buy?

We have some great electric guitar packages for beginners that include everything you need, from amps to accessories, to start practising in your bedroom. Before you know it, you’ll be gigging on stage!

Alternatively, if you’d like to really tailor your rig and create your ideal set-up, watch our Beginner Buyer’s Guide To Guitar video below to get started.

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GAK’s Top 5 Electric Guitars for Beginners

When browsing electric guitars for beginners, it’s important to consider factors like playability, tone, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for vintage, timeless designs, or modern versatility, there’s a guitar on this list that will suit you.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard ’50s, Heritage Cherry Sunburst

There are few shapes of guitar that inspire the sort of passion that single-cut Les Paul does. Epiphone’s 2020 reissue of this model allows you to emulate the screeching rock tones and stadium-filling sustain which the original models became infamous for.

High-quality woods including mahogany and maple, with Probucker Humbuckers with 50s-style wiring, allow players to travel back to the golden era of guitars at a very reasonable price. These models take inspiration from the current Gibson USA range, making them high-quality first guitars that won’t let you down. 

Key Beginner Features:

  • Comfortable mahogany medium “C” neck
  • Cutaway body for easy playability

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Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster, 3-Colour Sunburst 

A Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic instruments you can buy, made famous by many legendary guitarists, like Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler. This Squier Classic Vibe series Stratocaster is a mid-priced guitar from Fender’s Squier Series, designed for beginners, making it an ideal first purchase.

If you’re looking for a first guitar with the history of some of the greats attached to it, whilst remaining at an affordable price, the Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Stratocaster is a great choice.

Key Beginner Features:

  • Easy playability with a 9.5” radius fingerboard and tall narrow frets
  • Comfortable “C” Shape neck

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Squier Sonic Telecaster, Butterscotch Blonde 

The Squier Sonic Telecaster offers authentic Tele looks and tones at an affordable price. This striking entry-level guitar features the crisp, bright tones that made these models famous, without breaking the bank.

The Squier Sonic Series is the new and improved take on Squier’s Bullet series. Bringing modern tones and quality tonewoods to your fingertips at an affordable price. This is an excellent choice for a beginner’s electric guitar, whilst also providing immense potential for modding and customisation as you progress as a guitarist. 

Key Beginner Features:

  • Slim “C” shaped neck which beginners will find easy to grip
  • Thin, lightweight body which is incredibly comfortable whilst practising or gigging

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Yamaha Pacifica 112V Vintage White

The Yamaha Pacifica Series is geared towards versatility and will suit a guitarist in any setting – on stage, in the studio, or simply practising at home. This Pacifica 112V is an exceptionally built guitar, boasting a diverse array of tones at a great price.

Another impressive feature is the push/pull knob, allowing you to switch from humbucker to single coil tones with ease while you breeze up and down the 22-fret rosewood fretboard. For a stunning retro look along with many impressive features, this mid-range price option is a great electric guitar for beginners. 

Key Beginner Features:

  • Maple neck and rosewood fretboard, perfect for beginners who are still toughening up their fingertips
  • Saddle vintage-style tremolo ensures super stable tuning

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PRS SE Standard 24-08, Translucent Blue 

Although a slightly more expensive option, PRS pride themselves on using the finest materials to construct their SE range guitars. Evident through their powerful humbucking and true single coil tones, and easy playability due to their thin neck profiles.

The PRS SE Standard 24-08 is crafted for the modern player. With PRS TCI “S” pickups, able to produce eight pickup configurations for you to dial in the perfect tone and the ability to cover two octaves using 24 frets. With sonic range and rock-solid reliability, this is an ideal purchase if you’re looking for elegance and longevity.

Key Beginner Features:

  • Thin neck profile that makes it easier for learning new techniques 
  • Ability to experiment with different tones

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At GAK, we’re here to help you find the right instrument. That’s why you can contact us for advice on your next purchase, our friendly and knowledgeable team are happy to help. Visit our store or browse our website to explore our wide range of electric guitars for beginners.