Strumming on a Budget: 33 Best Affordable Electric Guitars for Aspiring Musicians

Get ready to strum your way into amazing music with our roundup of cheap electric guitarsguitars! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to add to your collection, these budget-friendly options pack a punch with great sound and quality. Dive in and discover the perfect fit for your musical journey!

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn through qualifying purchases.

Reviews

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Electric Guitar Package: Vintage Sunburst with Accessories

Experience the iconic sound of a Les Paul with the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack, a versatile guitar package perfect for any guitar enthusiast. This budget-friendly bundle includes a Les Paul Special II electric guitar, a Studio 10 amplifier, a guitar cable, a clip-on headstock chromatic tuner, and various accessories like straps, picks, and an instructional DVD. With its powerful sound, comfortable feel, and all the essentials you need to get started, this pack offers exceptional value for its price.

Affordable Light Blue-Silver Full-Size Electric Guitar Kit

Ashthorpe’s electric guitar kit, perfect for beginners and intermediate players, boasts a classic, iconic design. With three single-coil pickups and a 5-position pickup switch selector, this guitar offers versatile sounds from clean and clear to heavy and distorted. The affordable starter package comes with a 5-star rating and glowing reviews, praising the guitar’s craftsmanship and sound quality.

Affordable Full-Size Electric Guitar with Humanized Design

This Glarry GST-E Electric Guitar stands out for its sleek and comfortable design, suitable for both beginners and experienced players. The full-size HH pickup system boasts a rich, standard tone that enhances your audio experience. Lightweight and highly portable, it’s a perfect companion for music lovers on-the-go. Additionally, the first-rate pick helps protect your hands while you play. This versatile guitar also arrives with a range of accessories, including a power cord, guitar bag, strap, and more, making it a great value for the price.

Affordable Maple Fingerboard Electric Guitar by Glarry GTL

Experience the ideal fusion of style and sound with the Glarry GTL Electric Guitar, which flaunts a breathtaking maple fingerboard and robust durability. Delight in composing, recording, and performing music on this streamlined, lightweight contoured guitar. Equipped with a 22-fret maple neck and ergonomic bolt-on design, navigating and maintaining tuning is a breeze. The Glarry GTL Maple Fingerboard Electric Guitar is a splendid addition to any collection at an enticing price point.

Ibanez Grgm21m Mikro Series Affordable Electric Guitar in Metallic Purple

Experience the perfect balance of style and sound with the Ibanez GRGM21M electric guitar. This compact, 22.2-inch scale length makes it an ideal choice for young rockers and seasoned musicians alike, while the lightweight construction ensures comfortable and effortless play. Boasting high-quality pickups, a maple neck for stability and bright tonal character, and a maple fretboard for precision, this guitar is a solid contender for those seeking an affordable yet effective option. Complete with a natural and flat tone from the basswood body, the GRGM21M also comes equipped with durable hardware to ensure smooth and reliable performance on stage or in the studio.

Affordable Burning Fire Style Electric Guitar with 20W Amplifier

Get ready to embrace the exhilarating Glarry Burning Fire Style Electric Guitar, an outstanding choice for both budding musicians and grandchildren. Featuring a sleek and lightweight contoured basswood body alongside a cozy maple neck, this guitar boasts exceptional sound quality and striking aesthetics. Perfect for those on-the-go or looking to practice, the guitar is also equipped with precise intonation and comes with an array of accessories, making it an enlightening and inspiring inclusion for any music enthusiast’s collection.

Affordable Sycamore Body Electric Guitar with Maple Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard

Experience the perfect balance of craftsmanship and sonic versatility with the KGD Electric Guitar. Crafted with a sycamore body, this guitar delivers dynamic soundscapes that captivate the senses, elevating your playing to new heights. Paired with a carbonized maple neck and luxurious rosewood fingerboard, enjoy a versatile sonic palette suitable for a wide range of musical styles and playing techniques. Get ready to unleash your creativity and make your mark on the world of music with the KGD Electric Guitar.

Budget-Friendly Schylling Electric Guitar for Aspiring Musicians

The Schylling Classic Electric Guitar is perfect for aspiring rock stars looking to make a statement. With a glossy guitar body, realistic metal strings, and shoulder strap, you’ll feel like a true performer. Featuring a guitar rhythm track and multiple guitar solo sounds, this electric guitar is a crowd pleaser and perfect for various occasions. Don’t forget the 3 AA batteries included for endless entertainment! Recommended for ages 3 years and older.

Affordable Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar by Squier

Experience the perfect blend of style, sound, and affordability with the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster FMT HSS. This Stratocaster guitar boasts a poplar body with a striking flame maple veneer top, providing a versatile and captivating look. Featuring a combination of dual single-coil pickups and a humbucker, the five-way switch allows for unparalleled sonic flexibility. The upgraded hardware ensures smooth playability and reliable tuning, making this Stratocaster a standout choice for both beginners and experienced guitarists alike. Enjoy legendary Stratocaster style at a practical price, and discover why this model is a crowd favorite among music enthusiasts.

Affordable Full-Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit for Beginners

The Glarry electric guitar is a fantastic choice for beginners, offering an impressive range of features that make it perfect for those looking to learn. The 39-inch full-size guitar comes with a 20W amp, allowing for a rich, deep sound, while its comfortable hand feel and stylish outlook contribute to a pleasing overall experience. Additionally, the guitar’s balanced tone makes it ideal for accompanying vocals. This well-rounded package also includes a guitar bag, shoulder strap, plectrum, crank, connecting wire, and spanner tool for added convenience. Whether for personal use or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, the Glarry electric guitar is sure to prove a worthwhile investment.

Ashthorpe Budget Electric Guitar Kit for Beginners (Red-Black)

Ashthorpe’s solid-body electric guitar, inspired by a legendary design, provides beginner and intermediate guitarists with an affordable, high-quality option. Featuring an iconic look, contoured body, and versatile 5-position pickup switch selector, you can expect a wide range of tones from clean and clear to heavy and distorted. This electric guitar kit includes a durable, compact case and essential accessories for a seamless playing experience.

Affordable Full-Size Electric Guitar Kit for Beginners

Ready to rock out like a pro? STRINGO’s Full Size electric guitar beginners kit is the ultimate gift for those just dipping their toes into the world of music. With a C-shaped neck, this guitar boasts increased playability and versatility across various genres, from blues to metal. The bundle comes complete with a 20W amplifier, carry bag, and accessories like guitar strings and wrenches. Perfect for aspiring musicians, this kit allows you to jam and perform with ease.

Glarry GTL Sunset Electric Guitar with Maple Fingerboard

This Glarry GTL electric guitar is a delightful find for both beginners and experienced musicians. With its stylish sunset design and comfortable maple fingerboard, it provides an excellent play and sound quality experience. Weighing just 5.95lbs, it is a lightweight guitar to carry around while offering a fine-toned performance with its 2 single coil pickups. The guitar’s contoured basswood body and bolt-on maple neck add to its durability, ensuring you can enjoy creating, recording, and playing music for years to come.

Affordable Full Size Electric Guitar Kit for All Styles

The RockJam Full-sized Electric Guitar Kit in blue is an ideal choice for both beginners and enthusiasts, with a versatile ST shape that’s loved worldwide. The EG1 series boasts three single coil pickups, allowing for a range of sounds from mellow and warm to brighter and sharper. Included in the kit is a 10W matching amplifier, gig bag, adjustable strap, and more, making it easy to transport and use. Whether you’re starting your guitar journey or searching for an instrument that can play all styles, the EG1 kit is the perfect companion.

Full Size Electric Guitar Starter Kit for Beginners

Upgrade your music game with the Full Size Electric Guitar set, perfect for beginners or pros alike! This stylish guitar is built with a maple wood neck for a smooth playing experience, and its single coil pickups deliver that classic guitar sound you’ll love. It comes complete with a 10-watt amplifier, tremolo bar, and a gig bag case, so you’ll have everything you need right out of the box. With a metallic blue finish that’ll make you stand out on stage, this guitar is not just an instrument, but a statement. So what are you waiting for? Rock on with this fantastic electric guitar set!

Affordable Semi-Hollow Wine Red Electric Guitar by Glarry

The Glarry GTL Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar is a classic and stylish choice for guitarists. With its solid Basswood body and Maple neck, it offers a great sound and sustain. The combination of Humbucker and Single-Coil Pickups, Rosewood Fingerboard, and White Pearl Pickguard ensures great sound quality, durability, and staying in tune. This attractive lightweight guitar is perfect for beginners or those on a budget, as it allows room for customization and upgrades.

Affordable Burning Fire Style Electric Guitar from Glarry

Indulge in the delightful thrill of creating harmonious melodies with the Glarry Burning Fire Style Electric Guitar. This visually appealing and featherweight musical instrument boasts a contoured basswood body, complemented by a comfortable maple neck that enables easy navigation across the rosewood fingerboard. Boasting impressive sound quality and resilience, the guitar features a tremolo bridge, empowering you to express your artistic prowess through the whammy bar. With all the essential accessories provided, this electric guitar stands as an ideal pick for both novice and seasoned musicians.

Affordable Electric Guitar Package with Amp & Accessories

Take your first steps towards becoming a guitar maestro with the Monoprice Indio Cali Complete Electric Guitar Package. This package offers a full-size electric guitar, a 10-watt guitar amplifier, and all the basic accessories you need to start rocking out right away. Its double-cutaway solid body design ensures a comfortable playing experience and its 4.4-star rating from satisfied customers speaks volumes about its quality and convenience.

Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS - Affordable Electric Guitar

Experience the perfect blend of affordability and quality with the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS MN. Ideal for beginners, this electric guitar boasts a gloss polyurethane body, Stratocaster-style headstock, and a comfortable “C”-shaped maple neck. The HSS configuration, featuring a ceramic humbucker and two ceramic single-coil pickups, delivers a rich, versatile sound you’ll love. With 5-way pickup selection and tone knobs, you’ll have control over your sound for a personalized performance. The satin urethane finish on the neck ensures a smooth playing experience, while the synthetic bone nut and tuning machines keep this guitar in tune. Stand out on any stage and enjoy the long lifespan of this durable, attractive, and comfortable-to-use instrument.

Indio Cali Classic Electric Guitar for Beginners with Gig Bag in Blue

Indio Cali Classic, a fantastic electric guitar for beginners or those looking for an affordable backup instrument. This guitar comes in various finishes and styles and offers great value for its price. It’s easy to play and produces exceptional sound quality, making it ideal for guitar enthusiasts or for those who simply want to enjoy practicing the guitar without breaking the bank. Plus, the included gig bag ensures your guitar remains protected during lessons, rehearsals, or gigs. With its durable construction, comfortable to use design, and impressive sound quality, the Indio Cali Classic is a perfect guitar for any beginner guitarist.

Affordable Retro Classic Electric Guitar by Indio

Indio Retro Classic electric guitars provide an amazing value for musicians. With a choice of several finishes and styles, these guitars offer great tone, playability, and build quality. Ideal for beginners, they can also serve as a backup or for use with alternate tunings. The included gig bag ensures safe transportation to lessons, rehearsals, or gigs. If you’re prepared for some setup work, the Indio Retro Classic electric guitar is a solid, budget-friendly option.

Affordable 38-inch Electric Guitar with Rosewood Fingerboard for Beginners & Intermediates

The Kcelarec electric guitar offers a full-size 38-inch body for a rich, vibrant tone that’s perfect for various music styles. Made from high-quality rosewood and paulownia, this instrument comes equipped with standard accessories like picks, strap, cord, and gig bag, making it ideal for traveling or as a special gift. Suitable for both beginners and intermediate players, this affordable electric guitar delivers an exquisite sound and stunning appearance.

DIY St Style Electric Guitar Kit with Mahogany Body and Maple Neck - Perfect for Guitar Enthusiasts

Embark on a musical journey with Leo Jaymz’s DIY guitar kit. This Mahogany and Maple masterpiece boasts a stunning finish, allowing you to focus on crafting your perfect sound. With a 21-fret Maple neck and all components included, you’re ready to bring your passion to life.

Glarry Electric Guitar Kit with Amp for Beginners (Dark Blue)

Discover the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one with the Glarry Full Size Electric Guitar for Beginners. Standing out with its dark blue finish, this guitar comes with a sleek black fender plate, amplifier, power cord, guitar bag, strap, and plectrum. Designed for comfort, it boasts a humanized design and high-quality materials, providing a fantastic touch and an overall unbeatable experience.

Glarry GTL Maple Fingerboard Electric Guitar - Sleek and Durable for Music Creation

Experience the perfect blend of style and sound with the Glarry GTL Electric Guitar in Green. This stylish and durable guitar boasts a lightweight contoured body, making it an ideal choice for any musician. It features a comfy maple fingerboard, complete accessories, and a superb sound quality that sets it apart from others in its price range. A must-have for music enthusiasts looking for a professional, yet affordable, electric guitar.

Ashthorpe 30” Beginner Electric Guitar & Amplifier Kit - Black

Get acquainted with Ashthorpe’s 30-inch electric guitar beginner kit, an optimal choice for young music enthusiasts. The guitar boasts a stylish Strat-inspired appearance with its glossy black finishing. This extensive introductory bundle is complete with a practice amp, gig bag, secure shoulder strap, necessary cable, extra strings, and a trio of picks. Delight in the excitement of learning to play music with this versatile package, tailored for aspiring musicians.

Affordable Epiphone Les Paul Special-I Electric Guitar - Worn Black

Experience the raw power and versatility of Epiphone’s Les Paul Special-I Electric Guitar, now available in a limited edition worn black finish. This exceptional instrument is perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros, boasting a comfortable D-shaped profile and a sturdy basswood body. Whether you’re playing the blues, rocking out, or serenading with ballads, the Special-I delivers an authentic Les Paul sound that’s sure to impress.

Squier Sonic Stratocaster: Beginner-Friendly Electric Guitar in Arctic White

Experience jaw-dropping sound quality and exceptional craftsmanship with the Squier Sonic Stratocaster, an electric guitar perfect for beginners. This sleek instrument boasts a comfortable “C”-shaped maple neck and a thin, lightweight body for optimal playability. Featuring Squier single-coil pickups, it offers a wide range of versatile tones. The 6-saddle hardtail bridge ensures reliable intonation while the chrome-plated hardware adds a touch of style. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Squier Sonic Stratocaster has everything you need to unleash your inner rockstar.

Master Play: Affordable Electric Guitar for Kids & Beginners

Say hello to the Master Play 39-inch electric guitar, tailor-made for kids and beginners. This beauty boasts a sleek, all-wood construction, giving it a smooth sound perfect for rocking out. It comes complete with an all-in-one starter kit, including a gig bag, 20 Watt amp, 6 extra strings, picks, and a shoulder strap. The vibrant finish, combined with its lightweight design, ensures ease of use and ultimate playability. So why wait? Let the music flow with this fantastic guitar package.

Glarry Starter Electric Guitar Kit with 20W Amplifier

Experience the versatile sound of the Glarry GST Electric Guitar, perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts. With a durable maple neck and fingerboard, this guitar delivers an attractive and comfortable playing experience. The classic control layout and simple design make it an excellent choice for any genre, while the 6-string saddle bridge ensures stability and resonance. At just 6lb, this guitar is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a great option for your music journey. With a 4.6-star rating and over 400 reviews from satisfied customers, the Glarry GST Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of electric guitars.

Rogue RR100 Electric Guitar for Beginners - Wine Burst Finish

Experience the perfect blend of affordability and quality with the Rogue RR100 Rocketeer Electric Guitar. This guitar boasts a contoured double-cutaway paulownia body and an ultra-thin maple neck, making it lightweight yet incredibly comfortable to play. With its humbucker/dual single-coil pickup configuration, you can create a wide range of tones to suit your playing style. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, this guitar delivers impressive sound quality and excellent tuning stability. So why wait? Try the Rogue RR100 Rocketeer Electric Guitar today and unleash your inner rockstar!

Affordable Mitchell TD100 Blue Electric Guitar

The Mitchell TD100OR is a charming short-scale electric guitar featuring a traditional wooden design, all finished in an eye-catching shade of orange. With a sleek maple neck and jatoba fretboard, this guitar is effortless to play and perfect for both beginners and pro guitarists alike. The humbucker and single-coil pickups offer a versatile sound, while the ultra-carve heel joint provides easy access to the upper frets. Featuring a hard-tail bridge, solid bridge saddles, and through-body string loading, this guitar provides solid tuning stability and resonant sound quality.

Affordable Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar - Mahogany Body, Maple Neck

Epiphone’s SG Special is an affordable way to experience the iconic SG sound and style. This model comes with all the features you’d expect from Epiphone, making it the perfect choice for budget-conscious guitarists looking to make a statement. Featuring a solid mahogany body, hard maple neck with a SlimTaperTM “D” profile, and a rosewood fingerboard, this electric guitar delivers the classic look and feel of a high-quality instrument. With 22 frets, a 24.75” scale length, and an HH pickup configuration, the SG Special offers versatility and customization options for any playing style. Plus, with a gloss finish and a stop-bar tailpiece, it’s built to last and ready to take center stage.

Buyer’s Guide

When searching for a budget-friendly electric guitar, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure you get a quality instrument that meets your needs. Here, we’ve compiled a buyer’s guide to assist you in making an informed decision about the best value electric guitar for your money.

Important Features to Consider in Cheap Electric Guitars

To ensure you get the best cheap electric guitar, here are some of the most important features to consider. They influence the overall performance and playability of the guitar, and thus significantly affect your buying decision. Some essential features include: body material, neck material, frets, and tuning pegs.

Choice of Body Material

The body material is an essential factor when choosing a cheap electric guitar. Some of the most common body materials include wood, metal, and plastic. The wood used in the making of the body could be mahogany, maple, or basswood. For a beginner, a solid body or semi-hollow body with a cheap wood type like poplar or basswood would be an affordable choice.

Quality of Neck Material

The quality of the neck material is another vital factor to consider when purchasing a cheap electric guitar. Typically, the neck is made of either maple, mahogany, or rosewood. These materials offer different tonal qualities. As a beginner, you might opt for a maple neck, which is known for its bright and snappy tone, or go for a mahogany neck with a warm and full-bodied sound.

The Number of Frets

The number of frets on a guitar’s fretboard is important, especially for beginner guitarists learning to play. A standard guitar has 22 frets, but some cheap electric guitars may have only 18 or 20. As a beginner, you might start with an electric guitar that offers fewer frets to keep things simple or explore one with a 22-fret scale length for a better range of playing options.

FAQ

Are these electric guitars suitable for beginners?

Yes, all of the electric guitars featured in our roundup are great for beginners. They are affordable, easy to play, and come with essential features that make them ideal for beginners looking to learn the instrument and eventually move up to higher-end models. These electric guitars are designed to offer optimum beginner-friendly performance at an affordable price.

Additionally, many of these guitars come with accessories, tutorials, or online lessons that can further enhance the learning experience for beginner guitarists. In most cases, the companies even provide customer support to help resolve any issues or questions that may arise during the learning process.

Are there any disadvantages to buying a cheap electric guitar?

One potential disadvantage of purchasing a low-cost electric guitar is that they may not have the same build quality, sound quality, or playability as more expensive models. Although the guitars in our roundup are designed to offer a good balance between price and performance, some trade-offs are inevitably necessary in the budget market.

That being said, some of these budget guitars can still offer a surprisingly rich sound and responsive playability, and many players choose to upgrade specific components to customize their instruments over time. With proper care, these guitars can last for years and even be a stepping stone to more advanced, custom-built instruments in the future.

Are there any left-handed electric guitars available in your roundup?

Yes, many of the electric guitars featured in our roundup are available in both right-handed and left-handed variations. Some manufacturers have entire lines of left-handed guitars, including budget options that cater specifically to this population of musicians. A number of the guitars in our roundup are suitable for lefties and should be available for purchase from various online retailers, including the manufacturer.

As always, it’s a good idea to check with the specific guitar manufacturer and retailers to ensure that a left-handed version of the guitar you’re interested in is available before making a purchase. This can be especially important for budget guitars, as some manufacturers may not offer left-handed options due to lower production costs.

What are the essential accessories to purchase along with an electric guitar?

When buying an electric guitar, some of the essential accessories to purchase along with the guitar itself include a guitar amp, a set of replacement strings, a strap, a guitar case or gig bag, and a guitar tuner. These accessories are essential for basic functionality, performance, and maintenance of your electric guitar.

It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality guitar amp or practice amplifier, as it will provide a more authentic sound and help you develop your tone. You should also regularly change the guitar strings to maintain the instrument’s playability and prevent string breakage during performances or practice sessions.

How do I know which guitar model is right for me?

Choosing the right electric guitar can be a personal and subjective decision, but there are some general factors to consider when making your choice. The size, shape, and wood composition of the guitar body, the number of strings, scale length, and pickups can all influence the guitar’s sound, feel, and playability.

Consider your preferred musical style, skill level, and playing habits when making a decision. If you’re a beginner, an electric guitar with simple features and good playability might be a better choice. More experienced players may prefer more complex or advanced instruments with additional tone shaping options. Additionally, researching online reviews and reading expert opinions can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of various guitar models.

What types of electric guitars are featured in your roundup?

The electric guitars featured in our roundup come in a variety of styles and categories, with the aim of catering to different musical tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular types of electric guitars include Solid-Body Electric, Semi-Hollow Electric, and Hollow Body Electric guitars. Each type offers unique sound, playability, and visual appeal, depending on the player’s specific needs and preferences.

In the roundup, you will find beginner-friendly options, affordable models with great sound quality, and versatile instruments suitable for various music genres. By considering the features and the intended use of each guitar, you can determine which type would be the best fit for you and your musical goals.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn through qualifying purchases.