7 Best Cheap Electric Guitars for Aspiring Musicians

The myth that great electric guitars must cost thousands of dollars needs to die.

Many aspiring musicians abandon their dreams because they think finding a good budget electric guitar means poor quality. This idea couldn’t be more wrong in 2024. Manufacturing improvements have made quality instruments more available than ever.

Musicians can now choose from several budget electric guitars that sound impressive and play well without emptying their wallets. The versatile Squier Affinity Stratocaster and the strong PRS SE Standard 24 stand out among seven remarkable electric guitars that show affordable doesn’t mean low quality. This piece gets into these options that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to play great music.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS

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The Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS stands out in the budget electric guitar market. It blends classic Fender design with modern versatility. This guitar gives players an affordable entry into the Fender family with premium features usually found in costlier models.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Features and Specs

A lightweight poplar body and comfortable “C”-shaped maple neck make up the core of this Stratocaster HSS. Players will appreciate its 25.5-inch scale length and 9.5-inch fingerboard radius that make it easy to play. The guitar comes with:

Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Sound Quality

The HSS pickup configuration makes this model special. It combines one humbucker at the bridge with two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions. This setup delivers:

• Clean, crisp tones from the single-coil pickups
• Rich, fat sound from the bridge humbucker
• Crystal clear notes with authentic bell-like chime

Ceramic pickups make this guitar perfect for blues to light metal. The bridge humbucker really comes alive with overdrive, producing thick tones for heavier styles.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Price and Value

The Affinity Stratocaster HSS costs between USD 200.00 and USD 350.00. This price point offers great value for new musicians. Many retailers bundle the guitar with:

• Padded gig bag
• Frontman 15G amplifier
• Instrument cable
• Guitar strap
• Picks
• 3-month subscription to Fender Play

Build quality exceeds expectations at this price point. Some users mention simple setup needs like fret sprout. Recent manufacturing improvements have made this guitar an even better choice for beginners who want a reliable instrument without spending too much.

Yamaha Pacifica 112V

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Yamaha’s Pacifica 112V shows proof of quality in the budget guitar segment, backed by decades of reputation in musical instruments. This model has reliably served aspiring musicians since its release in 1990.

Yamaha Pacifica 112V Build Quality

The Pacifica 112V demonstrates excellent craftsmanship through its solid alder body and maple neck combination. The construction features include:

The guitar exceeds quality expectations with precise fret work and smooth edges. Players will appreciate its C-shaped neck and comfortable playability. The satin finish lets your hand glide smoothly during long practice sessions.

Yamaha Pacifica 112V Versatility

The Pacifica 112V’s sophisticated pickup configuration showcases its versatility. The HSS setup (Humbucker/Single/Single) uses Alnico V pickups to deliver:

• Rich, full tones from the bridge humbucker
• Bright, clear sounds from single coils
• Five-way pickup switching for varied tonal options
• Push/pull coil-split feature for additional sound possibilities

The coil-splitting feature stands out. Players can activate it through the tone knob to convert the humbucker into a single-coil pickup for wider tonal range. This adaptability makes the guitar perfect for blues, funk, rock and metal alike.

Yamaha Pacifica 112V Price Point

The Pacifica 112V costs around USD 219.99 and delivers great value. This guitar has premium features you’d expect in pricier instruments:

• Alnico V pickups that produce superior tone
• Block-style tremolo bridge that improves sustain
• Quality tuners that keep pitch stable
• Comfortable armrest contour that helps during long sessions

The Pacifica 112V competes strongly in the budget electric guitar market through its solid build quality, diverse sound options, and affordable price. Strict quality control ensures each unit performs consistently, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate players who want a versatile guitar without spending too much.

Epiphone Les Paul Special

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The Epiphone Les Paul Special brings Gibson’s legendary design heritage to life with classic rock tones at a budget-friendly price. This guitar belongs to Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection and captures the sound of those rare 1950s single-cutaway Les Pauls that most players can afford.

Epiphone Les Paul Special Design

A solid mahogany body with the iconic TV Yellow finish makes this guitar stand out. The guitar’s core components include:

The P-90 PRO™ soapbar pickups work with CTS electronics to create that authentic vintage tone. You’ll find a Lightning Bar Wrap Around bridge and vintage-style Deluxe tuners with ivory buttons that add classic looks while keeping your guitar in tune.

Epiphone Les Paul Special Playability

Players will love the 50s Vintage neck profile’s substantial grip that never feels too much. The guitar shines with these playability features:

• A 12-inch fingerboard radius makes chord work feel natural
• Medium jumbo frets let you bend strings smoothly
• The glued-in neck joint adds great sustain
• Weight distribution feels just right during long playing sessions

Rhythm players will appreciate the neck’s substantial profile, though guitarists used to thinner necks might need some time to adjust. The guitar’s weight hits the sweet spot, perfect for those marathon practice sessions or gigs.

Epiphone Les Paul Special Value for Money

This Les Paul Special costs under $500 and delivers amazing value. It costs just a third of its Gibson counterpart but keeps all the important features. The P-90 pickups give you tons of tonal options:

• The neck pickup produces warm, jazzy sounds
• Bridge position delivers raw, biting tones
• Both pickups together create bright, chimey characteristics

Solid construction and attention to detail make the build quality impressive. Some players might upgrade the tuners or electronics later, but the stock guitar performs beautifully right out of the box. This model stands out in the budget electric guitar market by combining authentic Les Paul design elements with quality materials and versatile sounds.

Ibanez GRX70QA

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The Ibanez GRX70QA stands out as a versatile performer in the budget electric guitar market. It beautifully blends eye-catching looks with practical features. Modern manufacturing techniques have made premium features more available at budget-friendly prices.

Ibanez GRX70QA Construction

The GRX70QA features a carefully chosen poplar body with a quilted maple art grain top. Its maple neck ensures stability and bright tone, and the Jatoba fretboard produces rich midrange sounds with crisp highs. Here are the key specs:

The guitar’s mono-unit output jack deserves special mention. It’s built from solid material as a single piece that prevents unwanted movement and connection problems.

Ibanez GRX70QA Performance

The HSH pickup configuration with Infinity R pickups gives you amazing tonal variety. Here’s what the pickup system brings to the table:

• Bridge and neck Infinity R humbuckers that deliver accurate, tight sound
• Middle Infinity RS single-coil with vintage clarity
• 5-way switching that opens up diverse tonal options
• T106 tremolo bridge for fine-tuning string height and intonation

The neck measurements (42mm at nut, 57mm at 22nd fret) make playing comfortable. Medium frets help create smooth action whether you’re playing chords or lead. The T106 tremolo bridge lets you adjust height and intonation for each string on its own.

Ibanez GRX70QA Price Range

At USD 199.99, the GRX70QA packs incredible value. You can get it in several finishes: Transparent Red Burst, Transparent Black Sunburst, and Transparent Blue Burst.

Your investment gets you features you’d expect in pricier guitars:

• High-output Infinity pickups with ceramic magnets
• Professional-grade tremolo system
• Durable hardware with chrome finish
• Precise 5-way pickup switching system

The build quality exceeds what you’d expect at this price point. Smooth-operating tuners and clean fretwork show attention to detail. Quality components paired with versatile sound options make this guitar perfect for players who want a reliable instrument without breaking the bank.

Jackson JS22 Dinky

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The Jackson JS22 Dinky is a dream guitar for metal and hard rock lovers. It packs aggressive tones and super-fast playability into a wallet-friendly package. Jackson shows its steadfast dedication to creating guitars that rock hard without emptying your bank account.

Jackson JS22 Dinky Features

The JS22 Dinky blends quality materials with smart design choices. Here are the specs:

The guitar’s speed neck profile with graphite reinforcement lets you move your hands quickly while keeping everything stable. You’ll find the compound radius fingerboard changes from round to flat as you move up the neck. This smart design makes chord work comfortable and lead playing a breeze.

Jackson JS22 Dinky Sound Profile

Jackson’s high-output humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets pump out the powerful tones you need for aggressive playing. The sound breaks down like this:

• Bridge pickup cuts through with edgy, biting tones for metal riffs
• Neck pickup gives you warm, full sounds for clean passages
• Three-way toggle switch lets you mix and match tones

The 2-point fulcrum tremolo system helps you bend notes wildly while staying in tune. Players love how this guitar handles high-gain settings without buzzing or feeding back.

Jackson JS22 Dinky Cost Analysis

At USD 199.99, the JS22 Dinky gives you amazing bang for your buck. You get premium features usually found in pricier guitars:

• A graphite-reinforced neck that stays solid
• High-output ceramic pickups for aggressive sounds
• Die-cast sealed tuners that hold their pitch
• Compound radius fretboard for smooth playing

Strict quality control keeps performance consistent between guitars, though you might spot minor finish flaws that won’t affect your playing. The limited lifetime warranty adds extra peace of mind.

Metal and hard rock players will love this guitar. Its hot pickups and quick neck let you nail pro-level tones without spending big money.

Gretsch G2622 Streamliner

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The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner stands out in the budget electric guitar market. Its semi-hollow body design brings a unique character that blends classic esthetics with modern functionality.

Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Design Elements

The G2622 demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship through its arched laminated maple body and center block construction. Players with hands of all sizes will find this balanced design comfortable. Here are the specifications:

The guitar’s thin U-shaped neck profile and 12-inch fretboard radius create excellent playability. Players will appreciate how the center block design reduces feedback and enhances sustain, making this guitar work well in any environment.

Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Tonal Quality

Broad’Tron BT-3S pickups with Alnico 5 and Alnico 2 magnets give this guitar its voice. The sound characteristics shine through:

• Clean settings showcase rich low-mids with pristine highs
• Overdriven tones feature powerful midrange presence
• Master volume’s push/pull offers coil-splitting capability
• Precise tonal shaping comes from independent volume controls

The master volume control with coil-splitting substantially expands the tonal options. The BT-3S humbucker produces thick, sweet tones with throaty midrange in neck position. The bridge pickup delivers punchy articulation that cuts through dense mixes perfectly.

Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Investment Value

The G2622 Streamliner costs about 44% less than its competitors yet delivers professional features in a budget-friendly package. Premium features typically found in pricier models include:

• Anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge ensures reliable intonation
• Die-cast sealed tuners provide stable tuning
• Three-ply tortoise pickguard displays authentic Gretsch logo
• Master volume and tone controls offer versatile operation

Jazz, blues, and rock players will find the G2622’s build quality and sonic versatility especially appealing. Higher volume performances benefit from the center block construction’s feedback resistance, while the semi-hollow design maintains its characteristic warmth. This guitar handles both clean and overdriven tones expertly, making it a versatile choice for budget-conscious players.

PRS SE Standard 24

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The PRS SE Standard 24 showcases Indonesian craftsmanship at its finest. This guitar delivers premium features at a great price point. It’s proof of PRS’s steadfast dedication to quality standards in guitars of all price ranges.

PRS SE Standard 24 Construction Quality

The guitar has a bound mahogany body matched with a three-piece maple neck. Its longitudinal laminate construction improves stability. Here are the key specs:

The Wide Thin neck profile measures 20.75mm at the first fret and 23.5mm at the twelfth fret. Players can enjoy comfortable extended playing sessions. The PRS-designed tremolo bridge uses quality steel components that deliver reliable performance, though it’s not quite a match for its USA counterpart.

PRS SE Standard 24 Versatility

PRS 85/15 “S” pickups give this guitar an impressive tonal range. The sound characteristics shine through:

• Mahogany body produces dark and warm base tones
• Maple neck adds bright articulation
• Split-coil options create single-coil tones
• Clean and distorted settings both offer excellent clarity

The 10-inch fretboard radius helps with chord work without limiting lead playing ability. The guitar needs attention during setup, especially with the tremolo system. After a few weeks of breaking in, it stays in tune beautifully.

PRS SE Standard 24 Price Comparison

This guitar sells for USD 499.00, about 17% less than similar competitors. You get several premium features usually found in pricier guitars:

• PRS-designed pickups with coil-split functionality
• Quality tremolo system with steel components
• Professional-grade tuners
• Bound body and neck construction

Progressive metal and hard rock players will love this guitar, but it works well in other genres too. Quality control stays consistently high. Players rarely report issues beyond setup priorities.

The SE Custom 24 costs USD 700.00-750.00. The Standard model keeps many premium features while cutting costs through smart material choices and simpler manufacturing. Its build quality beats many guitars in this price range, particularly in fretwork and neck construction.

Smart buyers can find great deals in the used market. The stock configuration delivers professional-grade performance for both studio work and live shows. Some players might upgrade pickups or hardware later, but they don’t need to rush.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Modern manufacturing has really changed the game for electric guitars. You don’t need deep pockets anymore to get your hands on these seven outstanding instruments. Today’s budget-friendly guitars pack professional features thanks to better production methods.

The lineup starts with the $200 Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS and goes up to the feature-rich PRS SE Standard 24 at $499. Musicians can pick an instrument that fits their style and budget perfectly. These guitars deliver impressive build quality, solid electronics, and great playability – features you’d expect in much pricier models.

You’ll find guitars here for every playing style. The Yamaha Pacifica 112V serves up classic single-coil tones. Metal players will love the Jackson JS22 Dinky’s aggressive sound. The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner offers rich semi-hollow tones at a reasonable price.

These guitars show how far entry-level instruments have come. Manufacturers have found smart ways to keep costs down while delivering high standards. The result? Guitars that work great for both beginners and experienced players.

New musicians can start their musical experience with any of these guitars confidently. They can focus on growing their skills instead of wondering if their equipment holds them back.

FAQs

Q1. What is a good budget range for a beginner electric guitar?
For beginners, a budget of $200-$500 is ideal. This range offers guitars with good build quality and features from reputable brands like Squier, Yamaha, and Epiphone.

Q2. Are cheap electric guitars harder to learn on?
Not necessarily. While budget guitars may have some limitations, many affordable models today offer good playability and sound quality suitable for beginners. Proper setup can significantly improve the playing experience.

Q3. What features should I look for in a budget electric guitar?
Look for guitars with solid construction, comfortable neck profiles, decent pickups, and stable tuning machines. Versatile pickup configurations like HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) offer a wide range of tones.

Q4. Which pickup configuration is best for versatile playing styles?
An HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) configuration, found on guitars like the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS, offers great versatility. It allows for both thick humbucker tones and crisp single-coil sounds.

Q5. Can I get professional-quality sounds from a budget electric guitar?
Yes, many budget guitars today can produce professional-quality sounds, especially when paired with good amplification and effects. Models like the PRS SE Standard 24 offer premium features at accessible price points.