First Electric Guitars for Beginners: A Complete Guide

You've decided to pick up an electric guitar. You're excited but also probably nervous—guitars look intimidating, beginners worry they might waste money on the wrong one, and the sheer number of options feels overwhelming. Here's the good news: choosing your first electric guitar is genuinely simpler than you think, and you don't need to spend hundreds of pounds to start well. This beginner's guide talks you through selecting first electric guitars without the confusion, the cost guilt, or the fear of making a "wrong" choice.

You Don't Need an Expensive Guitar to Start

This is the biggest thing beginners get wrong. Some people spend £800 on their first electric guitar, then stop playing after two weeks because their fingers hurt and they weren't actually sure they'd enjoy it. Others spend £150 and play confidently for years. Your first electric guitar's job isn't to be perfect—it's to help you discover if you actually like playing guitar. Spend around £150 to £300, and you'll get something that sounds professional, feels good to play, and won't make you feel guilty if you decide guitar isn't for you.

The real factor isn't price—it's playability. A reasonably priced first electric guitar that's set up well will play better and feel nicer than an expensive guitar that's badly set up. That's genuinely important when you're building calluses and learning to push strings down.

What "Playable" Actually Means

String action—the height of the strings above the fretboard—is crucial. If the strings sit too high, your fingers hurt, you get tired quickly, and playing feels unnecessarily difficult. Too low, and the strings buzz against the frets. Most first electric guitars in the reasonable price range have decent action from the factory, but sometimes they don't. Before buying, if you can, try playing the guitar. Does it feel comfortable? Can you press the strings down without your hand cramping? That's what matters.

The neck should be smooth to play on and not warped. Run your eye down the back of the neck—it should look straight. Try fretting notes all the way up the neck. If anything feels rough, uneven, or uncomfortable, it's worth trying a different model. Your first electric guitar should feel like it's welcoming you to play, not punishing you for trying.

Solid Body vs Semi-Hollow: Don't Overthink This

Solid body first electric guitars are the standard choice. They're versatile, reliable, don't feed back easily, and sound good plugged in. Almost every beginner should start here. They're also the cheapest option, which is helpful.

Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars sound warmer and more organic, which some beginners prefer. But they're more expensive, more delicate, and more prone to feedback if you're playing through an amplifier. Leave these for later, when you've decided what tone you actually want. For your first electric guitar, solid body is the right choice.

Which Body Style Feels Right?

Stratocaster-style guitars (Fender-inspired) are comfortable to hold, versatile, and well-balanced. They suit most playing styles and are genuinely beginner-friendly. Many of your guitar heroes probably played something Strat-shaped.

Telecaster-style guitars are similarly comfortable but feel a bit more angular. They work great for rock, country, and blues. Perfectly fine for beginners.

Les Paul-style guitars are heavier and bulkier but have a beautiful, warm tone. They suit rock and blues. The weight can be tiring for beginners during long practice sessions, but if you love how it feels, that matters.

The real answer: try a few. If you have access to a guitar shop, pick up a few first electric guitars and see which body style feels natural in your hands. Your comfort matters more than any expert's recommendation.

Don't Waste Money on Unnecessary Extras

When buying your first electric guitar, you need: the guitar itself, a cable, an amplifier, and a tuner. That's it. You don't need an expensive effects pedal board, a fancy case, or twenty different tools. These things are fun later, but not now. Your money is better spent getting a decent amplifier than an expensive guitar case.

Many beginner packages bundle a guitar, amplifier, cable, and strap together. Some are genuinely terrible, but some are decent value. Check what amplifier is included—if it's a tiny, tinny 5-watt box, you're better off buying pieces separately. If it's a real 15 or 25-watt amplifier with a decent speaker, the bundle might make sense.

Common First Electric Guitar Mistakes

Buying purely on looks. That gorgeous guitar with the wild finish might be a nightmare to play. Appearance matters, but playability matters more. A plain-looking first electric guitar that feels like a dream to play will keep you motivated.

Choosing based on what you saw someone famous playing. Every guitar player develops a preference for specific instruments, but your job right now is learning to play, not copying your heroes. A well-chosen £200 first electric guitar will teach you just as much as a £2,000 signature model.

Not trying the guitar before buying. Online shopping is convenient, but if possible, visit a shop and try guitars in person. Your hands will tell you what works.

Neglecting the amplifier. Some beginners spend £400 on a guitar and £30 on an amplifier. That backwards approach will make your gorgeous guitar sound awful. A decent 15 or 25-watt amplifier matters. Spend around £80–150 here—it makes a real difference.

Brands That Work Well for First Electric Guitars

Fender Squire, Epiphone, Ibanez, and Yamaha all make solid first electric guitars in the £150–300 range. These brands have been around for decades, they're reliable, and they're widely available. You'll find tutorial videos and community support because so many people start with these instruments.

Avoid no-name brands or suspiciously cheap guitars. A £50 guitar from an unknown maker might be genuinely unplayable. Stick with brands that have a reputation to maintain.

Setup Matters More Than You Think

Even a decent first electric guitar can feel awful if it's not set up properly. String action, intonation, and neck relief all affect playability. Some shops set guitars up before selling them; others don't. Ask. If the guitar you want isn't set up, factor in £40–80 for a professional setup. It's worth every penny and will transform how the guitar plays.

For a comprehensive look at different electric guitar types, features, and more detailed information, check out the complete guide to first electric guitars.

The Bottom Line: Pick One and Start Playing

Your first electric guitar doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be playable, to feel good in your hands, and to inspire you to pick it up and practise. Spend around £200 on the guitar, £100 on an amplifier, grab a cable and a tuner, and start learning. Within three months, you'll know far more about what you want in a guitar than any buying guide can tell you. That's when you decide whether to keep this one or upgrade. For now, stop overthinking it. Pick a decent first electric guitar, plug it in, and enjoy the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions