Choosing electric guitar brands can be tricky because nowadays, almost every guitar manufacturer offers some kind of electric guitars for beginners, or even several – even brands like Gibson, who used to be reserved for those with deep pockets (and mostly these were pros willing to invest in their instrument) now have entry level models like Les Paul Junior or Studio.

Then there are classic “beginner” brands like Epiphone, Squier, Behringer and some others. With top level manufacturers releasing entry level models, and beginner brands starting to announce themselves in medium and upper segments, the choice becomes harder and harder, so in this post, I will try and compare the available options and hopefully, make it easier for you to decide what should you get as your beginners electric guitar.

The very first thing you have to decide is the amount of money you can spend on an electric guitar. It will already eliminate a lot of difficulties when deciding – because you will be sure in which price bracket to look and will be less confused with the myriad of choices in the store – be it a virtual store or a real one.

Brands and models from $200 – $300

For this price, you will get a true entry-level guitar and nothing more. So it makes sense to go after one that doesn’t have as many bells and whistles, but plays well and is versatile. I wouldn’t really look at guitars that have floating bridge like Floyd Rose because at this price, it will not be of the best quality and will just make your life harder. However, if you really want it – go ahead, afterall we’re supposed to have fun playing our instruments

Recommended models in this price range:

• Ibanez GRGA32T – I know, contrary to my previous advice, this guitar has Floyd Rose tremolo, but Ibanez is the only company I know that can make them more or less reliable at this price range
• ESP LTD Viper-100FM – highly recommended metal workhorse (until you can afford something better)
• Squier Jagmaster – a very decent guitar for hipstermusic (think Arctic Monkeys and such)
• Epiphone Les Paul 100 – a good all-rounder for almost everything

Brands and models from $300 – $500

In this price bracket, you can find a truly decent guitar that will last you at least a year or perhaps even more while you go through the learning phases. Since you’re not a pro yet, in my opinion it is important to pick a guitar that can serve you will in variety of situations – who knows, how your taste might change, so while I don’t have nothing against those BC Rich guitars, stay away from them because you might find yourself wanting to play a jazz gig and you’ll simply look like a buffoon with it, and while this might be something that you are going for, the tone definitely won’t be. Remember, that you can always play metal on a Telecaster and be cool, but you won’t be very cool playing your BC Rich Virgin in your sisters wedding.

At this price, if you want, you can start looking at guitars that have floating tremolos – they will be most likely be decent and playable.

Here’s some very decent beginners electric guitars in the price bracket of $300-$500.

• Fender Standard Telecaster – a very nice guitar that can serve you nicely through variety of styles, and for country music, it is the guitar to get.
• Ibanez RG321 – a classic guitar for fretboard warriors because of its thin, fast neck and very easy access to upper frets. Tone is a bit on the thin side, but still a very good choice if you’re into soloing.
• Epiphone Les Paul Standard – a very good quality guitar that is well suited for multitude of styles, but sounds great for almost any style of rock music.

There are a lot more guitars out there, both cheaper and expensive, but since this post is about few that I can recommend to beginners, I have to draw a line here. I haven’t mentioned beautiful guitars like Yamaha Pacifica 112, highly recommended by the way, and also I haven’t mentioned guitars to stay away from (Behringer), because that would simply take up too much of your time.

So hopefully by now you get the idea – the beginners first electric guitar should be as versatile as possible, and don’t go for frills yet, unless you have learned what do they mean and do you really want them. For more information check our posts about electric guitars for beginners and how to playelectric guitars for beginners.