Which Electric Guitar Should I Buy? (for any budget)

When it’s time to buy a new electric guitar, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast array of options on the market. In this video, we hope to help you narrow down the search and hone in on your perfect electric guitar.

The main guitar camps covered in this lesson: Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, & Ibanez.

The first question you need to ask yourself is “how much do I want to spend?”. You can get a great guitar at almost any price point these days, so even if you don’t have much money to spend, you can still get yourself a quality instrument. It is important to note that it’s typically best to go no lower than about $300 USD.

The first thing you want to consider is whether you want humbuckers or single coil pickups. After that, you’ll need to decide on a set neck guitar or a bolt-on neck guitar. Next, you’ll need to choose whether you want a solid body, semi-hollow body, or fully-hollow body. Finally, you should ask yourself if you need a tremolo or not.

Once you’ve made your choices, you can start shopping for your new electric guitar. In the end, it’s important that you like the way it feels and that you like the way it looks. This is YOUR guitar after all.

Lastly, remember to check out used guitars on websites like Craigslist. You can usually find a great deal on a higher-quality guitar. If you don’t know a lot about guitars, make sure you bring a knowledgeable friend so you don’t get ripped off!

Special thanks to Long & Mcquade - Abbotsford for hosting us!

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[MusoraMedia]

Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Guitareo!

[virginia.malone]

Does anyone else hear the high pitched background in this video?

-- Or is that the tinnitus kicking in?

[topcat]

The guitar you can afford and the guitar that feels comfortable..

But most importantly, the one that makes you want to pick up and play.

Simples.

[frederickthompson]

Surprisingly, there aren't more episodes like this on YouTube that actually go into the side-by-side comparisons of the various guitar options at various price points. This was worth watching for any aspiring player who needs the basics. My only criticism is that it wasn't long enough... and I understand the time limitations many people have. Ideally, you'd continue this series and even address more features and their benefits, like construction details, bridge types, neck integrity, etc., and of course additional price points. But good job, guys. Well done.

[Tim_Nelmes]

a first time guitar purchase for under $500.00 I would recommend a Jackson js32 model. Sounds, feels and looks great.

how can anybody watch this video with like 17000hz stabbing your eardrums for 9 minutes straight?

[iamjokerdhruv]

Me watching this without knowing how to play

[johninama]

I would say that country of origin matters in some respects, especially in the lower end. If you're looking under $300, especially under $200, either buy something used, or look for Indonesia-made guitars. There is a distinct difference between Chinese and Indonesian guitars at that really low price point. There are some good Chinese guitars in the mid-priced range - both the Classic Vibe Tele and the Epi Les Paul the guys are holding in the video are two of them - but usually the hierarchy of mass-produced guitars are USA/Japan, then South Korea, then Indonesia, then China, with some others thrown in (ESP LTDs made in Vietnam aren't bad).

[johnpeccarelli]

Excellent job in laying this all out for first time electric players. One other consideration might be single cut (Tele or traditional Les Paul) vs. double cut (Strat or SG) for soloing on higher frets.

[erinescence]

Something I'd like to see in videos of this type is what else you need to consider when setting your budget if you are an absolute beginner. You're also going to need some peripherals right out of the gate whether you're starting on an electric or an acoustic. I think it can come as a shock to some folks who have about $200 to spend on a guitar that they may be spending half again as much on the peripherals. Might be less of an issue for folks with larger budgets.

[leoserrano]

I have a ibanez blazer from the 80's that I can't live without, from the feel to the finish, they really rock for something cheaper than 500€, only changed the pickups due to a personal preference

[beascott]

Love the new Gretsch Jets...incredible instrument for the price. Almost any PRS SE is a worthy budget guitar, too.

[strwbrrysanhwa]

When I say I cried when he said he hated pastels- :'D

[ghostguy]

Thanks for making this video! I'm about to buy my first electric guitar and there was some stuff here I definitely didn't know

[swipe]

The background noise sounds like an old TV turned on

[markcummings]

The Ibanez RG450DX is a good choice at $400. Includes HSH pickup config, coil split, 5 way, 24 frets and Trem system.

[sbabe]

For me personally. My dream guitar is the richie kotzen strat (the creamy coloured one). Omg it looks and sounds like an angel

[paulboyenga]

As someone that plays mostly blues, classic rock, and metal, picking just ONE guitar is hard enough. I've always had a soft spot for strats, and I've owned two squiers that I love dearly. However for more versatility I would recommend -- wait for it -- an Ibanez RG! The RG350 I aquired nearly 8 years ago is still one of my favorite guitars; the wizard neck is a futuristic godsend of speed infused awesomeness and although the stock pickups are not super great or anything, the HSH setup is versatile and sounds great playing any genre. For $350 it's one of the best guitars I own and I still pick it up over my Jackson DKMG Dinky (around $900) and my Ibanez JS100. But---if I'm going to be playing only blues (and maybe some jazz) I pick up the strat. You just can't replicate that sound and feel!

[replay_hd]

best guitar for the money is the yamaha pacifica, one of my first guitars...
the sound is just awsome (for around 200 bucks)
also a perfect beginners guitar with 2 single coil
and a humbucker.
for me the way to tho as I could afford I grabbed myself a gibson les paul standard, because it feels best for me...

[JoeLeonardo]

Fender HSS Strat is a perfect mid-tier guitar that's around $500. It's also a good balance regarding pickups. I still play mine that I got 10 years ago!