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10 Best Budget Electric Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit, Beginner Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, with Padded Gig Bag, Frontman 10G Amp, Strap, and More, Includes Free Lessons, Black

The Fender 6 String Electric Guitar Pack is an excellent option for beginners looking for a comprehensive guitar kit without breaking the bank. It includes a Squier Debut Series Stratocaster, a Frontman 10G amplifier, and various accessories like a padded gig bag, strap, cable, picks, guitar stand, and extra strings. This all-in-one package is particularly appealing for new players, both kids and adults, who want to start their musical journey with everything they need.

#2
9.6 score

Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish

The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of electric guitars without breaking the bank. Its lightweight body and comfortable 'C' shaped neck make it easy to handle for both kids and adults, promoting extended play sessions without discomfort. Additionally, the guitar features three single-coil pickups with a 5-way switching system, providing a wide array of classic Strat sounds that new players will appreciate as they explore different musical styles.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Body Type
Lightweight and thin, with good-sounding pickups and reliable tuners.
Neck Profile
No sharp fret ends and highly polished frets make for a comfortable playing experience.
Pickups
The pickup switch and output jack work smoothly, and the pickups align well under the strings, delivering a classic Strat sound.
Bridge Type
The tremolo bridge requires a lot of pressure to work, suggesting it is better left unused for beginners.
#3
9.3 score

GEARit GI-150 Canyon Series, 39" Electric Guitar Set w/Amplifier, HSS Pickup with Coil Split, All-Inclusive Starter Kit with Tuner, Gig Bag, and Guitar Strap, Cable, Picks, Strings - Riptide Blue

The GearIT GI-150 Canyon Series 39" electric guitar in Riptide Blue is a solid option for beginners or those on a budget. It features a Poplar wood body, which is often used in budget guitars for its lightweight and resonant properties. The maple neck with a Pau Ferro fretboard ensures a decent feel and playability. One of its standout features is the HSS pickup configuration with a coil-split option, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities, from thick, warm humbucker sounds to brighter single-coil tones. This flexibility is great for players experimenting with different genres.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Pickups
Pickups sound great through a Vox amp, offering impressive quality for the price.

Top 10 Best Budget Electric Guitars 2025 in the United States

Epiphone SG Standard, Ebony

Body Type: SG
Neck Profile: comfortable
Pickups: Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers
Bridge Type: Tune-O-Matic
Tonewood: Ebony top, Cherry back, Mahogany body

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack, Ebony

Body Type: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Mahogany
Pickups: H-H
Scale Length: 24.75
Bridge Type: Tune-O-Matic
Tonewood: Mahogany

Ibanez GIO Series GRX70QA - Transparent Black Sunburst

Body Type: Basswood
Neck Profile: fast, slim
Pickups: Infinity R H-S-S
Scale Length: 25.5
Bridge Type: Tremolo
Tonewood: Maple, Basswood, Oak

Jackson JS Series King V JS32 - Gloss Black

Body Type: Poplar
Neck Profile: Maple
Pickups: 2 humbucking
Scale Length: 25.5 Inches
Bridge Type: Tremolo
Tonewood: Poplar
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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Electric Guitars

Choosing the right budget electric guitar can be a rewarding experience if you know what to look for. The key is to find a guitar that suits your playing style, feels comfortable, and sounds good to your ears. While budget guitars may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, many offer excellent value and can be a great starting point for beginners or a solid addition to any guitarist's collection. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a budget electric guitar.
Body TypeThe body type of an electric guitar affects its sound and playability. Common body types include solid, semi-hollow, and hollow. Solid body guitars are versatile and produce a consistent tone, making them suitable for various music genres. Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars offer a warmer, more resonant sound, often preferred for jazz, blues, and rockabilly. Choose a body type that aligns with the music you enjoy playing.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck. Common profiles include C-shaped, U-shaped, and V-shaped. A C-shaped neck is comfortable for most players and is a good all-around choice. U-shaped necks are thicker and may be preferred by players with larger hands, while V-shaped necks offer a unique feel that some players find comfortable for certain playing styles. Try different neck profiles to see which one feels best in your hand.
PickupsPickups are the components that capture the sound of the strings and convert it into an electrical signal. There are two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear tone and are often used in genres like rock, blues, and country. Humbuckers offer a thicker, warmer sound with less noise, making them ideal for heavier music styles like metal and hard rock. Consider the type of music you want to play when choosing pickups.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the guitar's nut and bridge. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the guitar. Common scale lengths include 24.75 inches (short scale) and 25.5 inches (long scale). Shorter scale lengths result in less string tension, making the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners. Longer scale lengths provide a tighter feel and are often preferred for genres that require precise intonation, like metal and jazz. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable for your playing style.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type can influence the guitar's tuning stability and playability. Fixed bridges, such as hardtail or tune-o-matic, offer better tuning stability and are easier to maintain, making them a good choice for beginners. Tremolo bridges, like the Fender-style or Floyd Rose, allow for pitch bending effects but can be more challenging to set up and keep in tune. Consider your playing style and whether you need the additional functionality of a tremolo bridge.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar. Common tonewoods for budget electric guitars include alder, basswood, and mahogany. Alder and basswood are lightweight and produce a balanced tone, making them suitable for various music styles. Mahogany is heavier and offers a warmer, more resonant sound, often preferred for rock and blues. Choose a tonewood that complements the sound you are looking for.

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