5 Best Cheap Electric Guitars in 2024

Choosing the right cheap electric guitar is essential for your musical journey. This guide explores budget-friendly options, from the Squier Classic Vibe to other affordable guitars, to suit various needs and preferences. By the end of this article, you will learn:

• The Key Features and Specifications: Understand what makes each guitar unique, from body material and neck profile to pickups and bridge systems.
• Who Each Guitar is Best Suited For: Whether you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate player, discover which guitar fits your specific needs.
• Why These Guitars Stand Out: Learn why these guitars are considered the best in their class, with detailed reviews and expert insights.

 

What Are The Best Cheap Electric Guitars?

1. Yamaha Pacifica PAC012
2. Epiphone Les Paul Special-II LE
3. Ibanez miKro GRGM21
4. Ibanez Gio GRX20Z
5.  Squier Affinity Series Strat HSS

 

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1. Yamaha Pacifica PAC012

Why Someone Should Buy:

This pack is ideal for beginners who need a reliable and affordable guitar that comes with all the essential accessories, including a 15-watt Yamaha amp, picks, a tuner, cable, strap, and a protective gig bag. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to jumpstart their musical experience without the hassle of buying each item separately.

Technical Features:

• Body Material: Spruce with agathis back
• Neck Material: Nato
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Pickup Configuration: H-S-S (humbucker-single-single)
• Bridge System: Tremolo
• Amp Power: 15 watts
• Color: Black

Review:

The Yamaha GigMaker Electric Guitar Pack offers great value for beginners. It includes everything you need to start playing with solid build quality and sound.

Verdict:

This starter pack offers exceptional value for beginner guitarists. With Yamaha’s trusted quality and a complete set of accessories, it stands out as one of the best electric guitar kits for those looking to begin their musical journey.

This Pack is Perfect For:

• Beginner Guitarists: Looking for an affordable and complete starter pack.
• Students: Needing a reliable guitar for practice and learning.
• Gift Buyers: Searching for a budget-friendly gift for aspiring musicians.

 

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2. Epiphone Les Paul Special-II LE

Why Someone Should Buy: 

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is ideal for beginners who want the iconic look and sound of a Les Paul at an affordable price.  It’s perfect for any beginner guitarist with guitars and for those interested in playing rock, blues, or any genre that benefits from the rich, warm tones of humbucking pickups, making it one of the best cheap electric guitars.

Technical Features:

• Body Material: Wood
• Neck Material: Maple
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Pickup Configuration: H-H (Humbuckers)
• Color: Vintage Sunburst
• Product Dimensions: 41 x 18.9 x 5.9 inches
• Item Weight: 22.2 pounds

Review:

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack delivers iconic tone at an affordable price. It includes an amp and accessories, perfect for beginners.

Verdict:

The Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack is a budget-friendly option for beginners seeking classic Les Paul sound. It's perfect for exploring rock, blues, and more with humbucking pickups.

This Pack is Perfect For:

• Beginner Guitarists: Who want the classic Les Paul sound at an affordable price.
• Rock and Blues Players: Looking for a budget-friendly guitar with humbuckers.
• Students: Searching for a reliable first electric guitar that offers great value.

 

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3. Ibanez miKro GRGM21

Why Someone Should Buy: 

The Ibanez miKro GRGM21 is ideal for beginners, especially younger players or those with smaller hands, who need a guitar that’s easier to handle but still sounds good. It’s perfect for those who want the quality of a full-size Ibanez guitar in a more manageable size.

Technical Features:

• Body Material: Mahogany
• Neck Material: Maple
• Fretboard Material: Jatoba Wood
• Pickup Configuration: Single Humbucker
• Color: Black
• Product Dimensions: 37 x 3 x 14 inches
• Item Weight: 9 pounds

Review:

The Ibanez miKro GRGM21 is perfect for beginners and those who prefer a smaller guitar. Despite its size, it offers great build quality and powerful sound.

Verdict:

The Ibanez miKro GRGM21 is a top compact, budget-friendly electric guitar. It's perfect for beginners seeking easy handling and great sound.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Young Beginners: Who need a smaller, more manageable guitar.
• Players with Small Hands: Looking for a guitar that’s comfortable to play.
• Traveling Musicians: Who want a portable guitar that still delivers on sound quality.

 

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4. Ibanez Gio GRX20Z 

Why Someone Should Buy: 

The Ibanez Gio GRX20Z is ideal for beginner guitarists who want a reliable, affordable electric guitar that sounds great across various music styles, particularly rock and metal.  With its high-output humbucking pickups and comfortable neck profile, it’s a fantastic budget instrument for those starting their musical journey.

Technical Features:

• Body Material: Alder
• Neck Material: Maple
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Pickup Configuration: H-H (Humbuckers)
• Color: Jewel Blue
• Product Dimensions: 42 x 16 x 4 inches
• Item Weight: 9.93 pounds

Review:

The Ibanez Gio GRX20Z is perfect for beginners seeking great looks and powerful sound. High-output humbuckers deliver gritty tones for rock and metal with smooth playability.

Verdict:

The Ibanez Gio GRX20Z is a top budget choice for beginners. Its versatile features make it perfect for aspiring rock guitarists.

This Guitar is Perfect For:

• Beginner Guitarists: Who want a powerful, affordable guitar with versatile tones.
• Rock and Metal Players: Looking for a guitar that delivers the gritty tones needed for heavier music.
• Students: Needing a reliable and budget-friendly instrument to practice and perform with.

 

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5. Squier Affinity Series Strat HSS

Why Someone Should Buy: 

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster is ideal for beginners who want a higher-quality guitar that offers better durability and sound.  It’s perfect for those who are committed to learning guitar and want an instrument that will last for years.  For those who appreciate vintage aesthetics and playability, the Squier stratocaster Classic Vibe series is another excellent option to consider.

Technical Features:

• Body Material: Basswood
• Neck Material: Maple
• Fretboard Material: Laurel Wood
• Color: Candy Apple Red
• Product Dimensions: 43 x 24 x 9.5 inches
• Item Weight: 1 pound

Review

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster Beginner Pack offers a reliable, durable guitar for beginners. With a Fender Frontman amp and accessories, it's perfect for serious learners.

Verdict

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a top choice for beginners seeking quality on a budget. It's built to last through years of playing and practice.

This Pack is Perfect For:

• Serious Beginners: Who want a better quality guitar that will grow with them.
• Versatile Players: Looking for a guitar that offers a range of tones for different genres.
• Students: Committed to learning guitar and needing a reliable instrument with all the necessary accessories.

 

Buyer's Guide for Choosing the Best Cheap Electric Guitar

Selecting the best cheap electric guitar involves more than just picking a popular brand. You need to consider features, build quality, and what makes a great cheap electric guitar for beginners.

Build Quality and Materials

A good budget instrument should have solid build quality. Look for guitars made from durable woods like basswood or poplar, commonly used in Fender models. Fine materials in the neck and fretboard, such as maple or rosewood, enhance playability and longevity of expensive guitars.

Pickups and Electronics

Pickups are crucial in determining how a guitar sounds. Single-coil pickups, like those found in Strat models, offer bright tones, while humbuckers provide a thicker sound, ideal for various genres. It's a personal preference, but ensure the guitar sounds good across different styles.

Neck Profile and Playability

A comfortable neck profile, like the "C"-shaped neck found in many beginner guitars, is essential. Check for sharp fret ends, as these can affect comfort. The scale length also influences playability, making it important to choose one that suits your hands.

Accessories and Starter Packs

Many budget guitars come with starter packs that include everything you need: an amp, gig bag, tuner, picks, and even a whammy bar. These packs offer great value, making it easier to start playing right away.

Budget Considerations

Guitars in the $150-$300 range, including brands like Harley Benton and Squier, provide a good balance between quality and affordability, even when compared to cheaper guitars. Investing a bit more money in new tuners, strings or setup can enhance the guitar’s tuning stability, ensuring it stays in tune longer, just like more expensive Gibson models.  

Cheap Electric Guitars: Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the best cheap electric guitar?

The best cheap electric guitar can vary depending on your specific needs, but several brands consistently stand out for their quality and affordability. For example, Yamaha, Squier, and Epiphone are known for producing budget-friendly electric guitars, that offer great value for beginners. These brands provide a range of options that cater to different playing styles and preferences, making them popular choices among new guitarists.

How do I choose a cheap electric guitar?

Choosing the right electric guitar depends on several factors:

• Build Quality: Ensure the guitar is well-constructed with durable materials.
• Pickups: Consider whether you prefer the brighter tone of single-coils or the warmer sound of humbuckers.
• Comfort: Choose a guitar with a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hands.
• Starter Packs: Look for guitars that come with essential accessories if you're just starting out.
• Budget: Decide on a budget and try to find the best quality guitar within that price range.

Conclusion: Buying Your First Electric Guitar

Choosing the best cheap electric guitar requires careful consideration of various factors, from build quality and playability to the type of pickups and included accessories. By understanding these key features and how they apply to your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that ensures your first cheap electric guitar provides a solid foundation for your musical journey.