Electric guitar buyer’s guide: from your first Strat-style to your dream instrument

At some point it happens to everyone: you see a white Strat with a black pickguard, a slightly relic Tele, a honey‑burst Les Paul… and you realise it’s time to take your electric guitar seriously.

The moment you start looking around, though, things get messy:

• model codes and specs you’ve never heard of;
• endless debates on woods, pickups and bridges;
• prices ranging from budget starter packs to “dream guitar” territory.

This guide is here to walk you from your very first Strat‑style to a conscious dream‑guitar choice, without wasting money and without chasing hype.

We’ll look at:

• what you really need from your first electric guitar;
• the real‑world differences between Strat, Tele, Les Paul, superstrat and offset designs;
• how to think about budget (new vs used, realistic price ranges);
• which specs actually matter for sound and playability;
• how to build a sensible upgrade path towards your dream instrument.

For real‑world examples you can browse listings on Muviber:

• used Strat‑style electric guitars
• electric guitars for beginners
• high‑end electric guitars

1. Your first electric guitar: what you really need

Before diving into models and specs, be clear about what you’ll do with the guitar over the next 2–3 years.

Ask yourself:

• Where will you play?

  • only at home with a small amp or modeller;
  • at the rehearsal room with a band;
  • on stage, even occasionally.

• What do you actually want to play?

  • classic rock, blues, pop;
  • metal, hard rock;
  • funk, indie, alternative;
  • a bit of everything because you’re just starting out.

• How much time will you realistically put in?

  • a couple of hours a week;
  • 20–30 minutes a day;
  • almost every day because you want to improve fast.

Your answers determine:

1. how much versatility you need (a Strat‑style covers a lot of ground);
2. how important neck comfort is compared to looks;
3. whether you should buy a smart workhorse first, or aim straight for something more long‑term.

Key idea: for your first electric guitar it usually makes sense to choose a reliable, balanced and resellable instrument rather than a “forever guitar”.

2. Main types of electric guitar: Strat, Tele, Les Paul, superstrat and offset

There are countless variations, but it’s easier to think in terms of a few big families.

2.1 Strat‑style: the queen of versatility

The classic Stratocaster and all Strat‑inspired designs are often a perfect starting point because they offer:

• three single coils (or HSS / HSH layouts) for great sound variety;
• a very ergonomic body shape;
• comfortable necks that suit many hand sizes and styles.

Strengths:

• great for rock, pop, funk, blues;
• iconic in‑between pickup positions with that glassy, bright sound;
• available in every price range from beginner to custom shop.

Potential downsides:

• single coils can be noisy under high‑gain settings;
• some players find them less “beefy” than humbucker‑equipped singlecuts.

To explore this family:

• mid‑range Strat‑style guitars

2.2 Tele‑style: simple, direct, full of character

The Telecaster has a simpler layout (two pickups, few controls) but a very strong identity.

Characteristics:

• tight attack and great note definition;
• brilliant bridge pickup, sometimes quite cutting;
• tough, no‑nonsense workhorse vibe.

It’s a great choice if you like:

• dry, articulate tones;
• straightforward instruments with no tremolo and fewer moving parts.

2.3 Les Paul & singlecut: sustain and thickness

The Les Paul / singlecut family is all about sustain and thickness.

Typically you get:

• two humbuckers;
• a slightly shorter scale than a Strat;
• often a mahogany body with some weight to it.

Pros:

• perfect for classic rock, hard rock and heavier styles;
• round, mid‑rich tones;
• a huge part of rock history lives here.

Possible cons:

• heavier on the shoulder for long gigs;
• necks that can feel chunkier, especially to smaller hands.

2.4 Superstrats, offsets and other families

Beyond the “big three” you’ll find:

• superstrats:

  • Strat‑inspired shape;
  • hotter humbuckers;
  • flatter radius;
  • jumbo frets;
  • often more extreme tremolos; great for metal, shred and modern rock.

• offsets (Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Mustang and similar):

  • asymmetrical body shapes;
  • more idiosyncratic pickup and control layouts;
  • ideal for indie, alternative, shoegaze.

If this is your first guitar, it’s usually simpler to start with a Strat, Tele or singlecut, and consider superstrats/offsets as step two.

3. Budget and price ranges: how much should you spend?

The big question: how much is reasonable for an electric guitar?

3.1 Entry‑level range

Roughly:

• new: 150–350 € (or equivalent);
• used: 120–300 €.

You’ll find:

• instruments aimed at beginners, but often far better than older “starter” guitars;
• perfectly playable and intonated guitars if they’re set up properly.

Suggestions:

• avoid ultra‑cheap full starter packs with terrible amps;
• a good guitar + decent amp, even used, is a much better start;
• the used market is full of barely played beginner instruments.

Check for example:

• used entry‑level electric guitars

3.2 Mid‑range

Roughly:

• new: 400–900 €;
• used: 300–700 €.

Here you’re in the zone of guitars that can easily:

• handle rehearsals and gigs;
• stay with you even after you later buy a “nicer” instrument.

Typical advantages:

• better quality control;
• more reliable hardware and pickups;
• instruments that keep decent resale value.

Examples:

• mid‑range Strat‑style
• mid‑range Les Paul‑style

3.3 High‑end and dream guitars

Roughly:

• new: from 1,000 € upwards;
• used: depends heavily on brand, series and condition.

This includes:

• professional‑level instruments made in the US, Japan or by boutique builders;
• limited runs, custom shop models and artist signatures.

Before jumping in, it really helps if you:

• have a few years of playing experience;
• know what you want in terms of scale length, radius, pickups, neck feel;
• have tried enough guitars to recognise what works for you.

4. Specs that matter (and those that matter less at first)

Specs can become a rabbit hole. Keep in mind: a few things change a lot, many things change very little.

4.1 What really matters

• Neck comfort

  • thickness, profile, nut width;
  • if the neck doesn’t feel right, you’ll never truly love the guitar.

• Scale and string tension

  • longer scale (Strat‑style) = slightly tighter feel;
  • shorter scale (Les Paul‑style) = looser feel, easier bends.

• Pickups

  • single coils: bright, open, more noise;
  • humbuckers: thicker, smoother, less noise;
  • mixed layouts (HSS, HSH) for extra versatility.

• Bridge

  • fixed: simple, stable tuning;
  • vintage‑style trem: some whammy fun, still manageable;
  • locking trem/Floyd: huge range, but more complex setup.

4.2 Things not to obsess over (at the beginning)

• exotic body woods;
• exact pickguard colour;
• small fret size differences if you don’t have experience yet;
• hyper‑custom wiring schemes you don’t fully understand.

Often it’s smarter to:

• invest in a proper setup;
• use fresh strings in the right gauge for you;
• learn to use your volume and tone controls on both guitar and amp.

5. From first Strat‑style to dream guitar: a realistic path

Instead of endlessly chasing “the perfect guitar”, think of your journey in three stages.

Step 1 – A reliable, versatile first guitar

Goal:

• start playing;
• discover what you like;
• avoid overspending.

Typically:

• a solid Strat‑ or Tele‑style in the low to mid‑range;
• possibly used, in good condition, with a decent setup.

Step 2 – A “serious” guitar that reflects your style

After a few years:

• you know whether you’re more into bright single coils or thick humbuckers;
• you’ve learned which neck shapes and radii feel good;
• you know where your first guitar falls short.

Here it makes sense to aim for:

• a strong mid‑range instrument that can follow you into live and studio work;
• a guitar that speaks your musical language.

Step 3 – A conscious dream guitar

At this point your dream guitar is no longer a random fantasy but the outcome of experience:

• you know which body style, neck profile and pickups feel like home;
• you’ve tried enough brands and models to recognise your favourites;
• you understand how much you really play and which investment level is healthy.

Again, the used market can help:

• used high‑end electric guitars

FAQ – Electric guitar buyer’s guide

Is a Strat‑style always the best first electric guitar?

Not always, but it’s a very safe and versatile option. If you love heavy rock and high‑gain tones you might prefer a humbucker‑equipped guitar. Still, for many beginners a Strat‑style is a great way to explore different genres before specialising.

Should I buy new or used?

If you can try the instrument (or bring someone experienced with you), used gear often gives you more guitar for the same money. Buying new makes sense if you value warranty, a clean instrument and no unknown history, but remember that it will lose some value as soon as you walk out of the shop.

Can I start directly with a high‑end guitar?

You can, as long as the expense is comfortable for you. Just remember that your tastes might change. Many players buy an expensive guitar very early and later realise they actually prefer a different neck, pickup configuration or scale length. A staged journey helps you understand yourself before making a big purchase.

How important is brand?

Brands matter in terms of:

• consistent quality;
• resale value;
• association with certain classic sounds.

That said, every brand has stronger and weaker series. A less famous logo on a great‑playing, inspiring guitar is often a much better deal than a big name on a mediocre instrument.

How many electric guitars do I really need?

At the beginning: one good guitar is enough. Later, having both a single‑coil guitar and a humbucker‑equipped one can cover most musical situations. Until then, focus on playing a lot on a guitar you know well, instead of collecting instruments you barely touch.