Beginner electric guitar buying tips

You’ve decided to start playing electric guitar. Maybe you’re into rock, metal, indie or blues, but as soon as you start looking for an instrument you’re hit with hundreds of models, shapes and acronyms: Stratocaster, Les Paul, Superstrat, HSS, SSS, HH…

In this guide we’ll break things down and look at:

• how much it makes sense to spend on your first electric guitar,
• which body shapes and pickup layouts are more versatile for beginners,
• some brands and series to keep an eye on (Squier, Yamaha Pacifica, Ibanez GIO, Cort, Eko…),
• whether it’s better to buy new or used,
• what else you need besides the guitar itself (amp, headphones, “silent” setups).

When you’re ready to see real instruments, you can explore electric guitars on Muviber and filter by price, brand and condition (new/used).

How much should you spend on your first electric guitar?

To avoid getting lost in deals and bundles, it helps to split the budget into three ranges:

Under €150

• Guitars from “all-in-one” beginner packs with mini amps.
• Very basic quality: noisy electronics, tuning issues, setups that may need work.

They’re okay only as a very cheap first taste, knowing you’ll probably want to upgrade soon.

€150–300: the sweet spot for beginners

Here you’ll find:

• entry-level models from reliable brands,
• shapes inspired by the classics (Strat, Les Paul, Superstrat, Tele),
• instruments that are more than enough for practice, rehearsals and first gigs.

This is the range with the best price/quality ratio for most beginners.

€300–500: for those who know they’ll keep playing

If you’re sure you’ll stick with it, you can consider:

• slightly better build quality,
• improved electronics,
• guitars that will still make sense as you progress.

With used gear, this range can become accessible even with a budget around €200–300.

Classic shapes: Strat, Les Paul, Superstrat or Tele?

To make choosing easier, think in terms of the big shape families:

Strat-style

• Contoured body, three single coils or HSS layout.
• Versatile tone: rock, pop, funk, blues, indie.
• Entry-level examples: Squier Stratocaster, Yamaha Pacifica (often HSS and very popular among beginners).

Les Paul-style

• Single cutaway body, two humbuckers.
• Thick, warm tone with lots of sustain.
• Great for rock, hard rock and some metal styles.
• Examples: Epiphone Les Paul, and some Cort and Eko LP-inspired models.

Superstrat

• Strat-like shape with a more modern look.
• Often with hotter humbuckers (HH, HSH), sometimes with a tremolo or Floyd Rose-style bridge.
• Ideal for modern rock, metal and shred.
• Examples: Ibanez GIO, various Cort and Jackson entry-level guitars.

Tele-style

• Simple body, two single coils.
• Bright, cutting, very defined tone.
• Perfect for country, rock, indie and pop.
• Examples: Squier Telecaster in various configurations.

There’s no universally “right” choice: what matters most is that the guitar inspires you and makes you want to play.

Pickups: single coil or humbucker (and why HSS is a great idea)

In simple terms:

• Single coil

  • Bright, defined, cutting sound.
  • Great for clean tones, funk, pop and blues.
  • More sensitive to noise and interference.

• Humbucker

  • Fuller, more powerful tone with less noise.
  • Perfect for distorted sounds, rock, hard rock and metal.

For beginners, an HSS layout (humbucker at the bridge + two single coils) is often the most versatile choice:

• humbucker at the bridge for powerful distorted tones,
• single coils for cleaner and crunch tones.

Many Yamaha Pacifica models, some Squier and several Cort entry-level guitars use this configuration.

Brands and series worth checking out

In the €150–300 range, a few series are particularly popular among beginners:

• Squier (by Fender)

  • Entry-level Stratocaster and Telecaster models.
  • Great if you want the Fender feel without the Fender price tag.

• Yamaha Pacifica

  • Often with HSS pickup layout.
  • Very versatile, often recommended as a “first and not-so-temporary” guitar.

• Ibanez GIO

  • Superstrats aimed at rock and metal players.
  • Comfortable necks and easy-to-play fretboards, even for smaller hands.

• Cort

  • Wide model range, generally good build quality.
  • Often a very strong price/performance ratio.

• Eko, Harley Benton

  • Interesting for budget-conscious players, especially if paired with a good setup.

On Muviber you can find these brands both new and used, comparing prices and conditions in the guitars section.

New or used? How to evaluate a used electric guitar

New:

• Manufacturer or shop warranty.
• No wear on frets, bridge or tuners.
• No cosmetic damage (at least at the beginning).

Used:

• Better price/quality ratio.
• The chance to step up a range with the same budget.
• Sometimes already set up by the previous owner.

When checking a used guitar:

• Inspect the neck (it shouldn’t be obviously twisted or warped).
• Look at the frets (deep grooves may require fretwork).
• Test intonation and tuning across the neck.
• Check the electronics (no extreme noise, pots that turn smoothly).

Do you really need an amplifier to start?

To truly hear what an electric guitar can do, you need some kind of amplification. Common options:

• Traditional combo amps (small solid-state amps)
  Great for beginners: simple controls, many have a headphone output.

• Modelling / digital amps
  Simulate various amps and effects, often with USB or app integration.

• Audio interface + software
  Plug the guitar into your computer and use amp simulation plugins:
  perfect if you want to record or play silently with headphones.

For the first months, even a small practice amp with headphones can be enough. The key is having a sound that makes you want to play every day.

A simple rule to choose your first electric guitar

If you want a quick, practical guideline:

1. Aim for a guitar in the €200–300 range (new or used in good condition).
2. Choose a Strat or Superstrat-style body with an HSS pickup layout for maximum versatility.
3. Consider series like Yamaha Pacifica, Squier Strat/Tele, Ibanez GIO, Cort.
4. If possible, try several guitars in the same price range and pick the one that feels and sounds best to you.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the first electric guitar

How much should I spend on my first electric guitar?

In most cases, a budget between €200 and €300 is ideal for a first electric guitar. In this range you can find instruments from brands like Squier, Yamaha Pacifica, Ibanez GIO and Cort with a solid balance of quality and price.

Is it better to start with a Strat-style or a Les Paul-style guitar?

It depends on the sound you like. A Strat-style guitar (especially HSS) is very versatile and covers many genres. A Les Paul-style guitar is more focused on thick, powerful tones. For a first all-rounder, a Strat or Superstrat with HSS pickups is usually the most practical choice.

Should I buy my first electric guitar new or used?

If you don’t have anyone experienced to help you inspect the guitar, buying new is safer. If a teacher or a knowledgeable friend can check it for you, used can often get you a better instrument for the same money.

Do I really need an amplifier to start playing electric guitar?

Yes, you need some form of amplification to fully hear the sound of an electric guitar. It doesn’t have to be a big amp: a small practice combo, a digital amp or even an audio interface with headphones is enough to get started.