Picking up an electric guitar opens up a world of exciting musical possibilities. From iconic lead lines to powerful solos and a vast range of tones, the electric guitar is a rewarding instrument to learn. If you’re coming from the acoustic world, or are completely new to guitars, choosing your first electric guitar might feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, selecting a Starter Electric Guitar doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important thing at this stage is to find an instrument that inspires you to play and practice. Let’s dive into what you need to consider when choosing your first electric guitar.
Why Choose an Electric Guitar as a Beginner?
Electric guitars often appeal to beginners for several reasons. Firstly, the strings are typically lighter gauge and set closer to the fretboard than on acoustic guitars, making them significantly easier on your fingers. This can make the initial learning process less physically demanding and more enjoyable. Electric guitars also offer immediate gratification. You can plug into an amplifier and explore different sounds and effects from day one, which can be incredibly motivating. Learning riffs and solos on an electric guitar can be a thrilling experience that keeps you engaged and wanting to play more.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your First Electric Guitar
When you’re looking for a starter electric guitar, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Budget
It’s wise to set a budget for your first electric guitar. Luckily, there are many excellent starter electric guitar options available at affordable prices. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality instrument that will serve you well as you learn. Focus on finding the best value within your budget.
Guitar Type and Body Style
Electric guitars come in various body styles, with the most common being solid-body guitars. Popular body shapes include:
- Stratocaster (Strat): Known for its versatility and comfortable contours. A classic choice for many genres.
- Telecaster (Tele): Offers a bright, twangy tone, popular in country, rock, and blues.
- Les Paul: Features a thicker, warmer tone, favored in rock, blues, and heavier genres.
- SG: Lighter than a Les Paul with a distinctive double-cutaway design, popular in rock and hard rock.
For beginners, a Stratocaster or Telecaster style guitar is often recommended due to their versatility and comfortable playability.
Playability
Playability is crucial for a starter electric guitar. Look for a guitar with:
- Comfortable Neck Profile: Necks come in different shapes (C, V, U). A C-shape neck is generally considered comfortable for most beginners.
- Reasonable String Action: String action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action is generally easier to play. While action can be adjusted, try to find a guitar with decent action from the start.
- Good Fretwork: Frets should be smooth and level to avoid buzzing and ensure comfortable playing across the neck.
Pickups and Sound
Pickups are the devices that capture the vibrations of your strings and convert them into an electrical signal that is sent to your amplifier. Common pickup types include:
- Single-Coil Pickups: Bright, clear, and articulate sound, often found in Stratocasters and Telecasters.
- Humbucker Pickups: Thicker, warmer, and higher output sound, common in Les Pauls and SGs, and suited for rock and heavier music.
For a starter electric guitar, versatility is often a plus. Guitars with a combination of pickup types (e.g., Stratocasters with three single-coils or HSS configurations with a humbucker in the bridge) can offer a wide range of tones to experiment with.
Guitar Setup
A proper setup is essential for any guitar, especially a starter electric guitar. A good setup ensures comfortable playability and optimal performance. If you buy online, consider taking your new guitar to a local guitar tech for a setup. If buying in a store, ask if a setup is included or available.
Essential Accessories for Your Starter Electric Guitar
Besides the guitar itself, you’ll need a few essential accessories:
- Amplifier: An amplifier is crucial to hear your electric guitar. Combo amps are popular for beginners as they combine the amplifier and speaker in one unit.
- Guitar Cable: To connect your guitar to your amplifier.
- Picks: Experiment with different thicknesses to find what you prefer.
- Tuner: Keeping your guitar in tune is essential. A clip-on tuner is a convenient option for beginners.
- Guitar Strap: If you want to play standing up.
- Case or Gig Bag: To protect your guitar when not in use and for transport.
Brands to Consider for Starter Electric Guitars
Several reputable brands offer excellent starter electric guitars. Some popular choices include:
- Squier (by Fender)
- Epiphone (by Gibson)
- Yamaha
- Ibanez
- Jackson
- Sterling by Music Man
These brands are known for producing quality instruments at various price points, including budget-friendly options perfect for beginners.
Getting Inspired to Play
Ultimately, the best starter electric guitar is one that makes you excited to pick it up and play. Don’t get too caught up in the minute details in the beginning. Focus on finding a guitar that feels good in your hands, looks appealing to you, and inspires you to start your electric guitar journey. Once you have your guitar, plug in, turn up, and start playing!
