What Electric Guitar Should I Buy? 6 Smart Tips

With the vast array of options available today, knowing what electric guitar should I buy can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Whether you’re purchasing your first electric guitar or expanding your collection, the sheer variety of electric guitars on the market makes it difficult to know where to start. However, understanding key aspects like body shape, pickup types, and features like a whammy bar or a double-locking tremolo can help narrow your options.

Not all types of electric guitars are going to be the bargain that the price tags indicate they could be. This electric guitar buying guide will cover everything you need to know, from selecting the right pickups to considering mod-friendly guitars, helping you find the right electric guitar for your needs and budget.

1. If Playing Live Is the Goal, Prioritize Tuning & Reliability

For many guitar players, the dream is to perform live. If that’s your goal, you’ll want a guitar that remains reliable, even during intense playing sessions. When considering what electric guitar to buy for live performances, prioritize tuning stability and durability over looks or even brand name. A reliable guitar will stay in tune longer, and that’s essential during a performance.

Fender guitars, particularly the Fender Stratocaster, are known for their tuning stability and solid construction. These solid-body guitars are not only visually appealing but can also handle the wear and tear of frequent gigging.

If you plan on modding your guitar later, the Fender Strat is a fantastic choice due to its ease of customization. You can easily upgrade pickups, and guitar knobs or install a double-locking tremolo for more tonal flexibility.

If you’re more into rock or heavier music, you might be looking at something like a Gibson Les Paul. These guitars, equipped with humbucker pickups, deliver a thick, warm sound, perfect for genres like rock and metal. However, it’s important to check the neck stability and neck profile, as set neck or bolt-on neck designs can affect the guitar’s overall feel and reliability on stage.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Try a Brand You’ve Never Heard Of

When you ask yourself, “Which electric guitar should I buy?” it’s easy to gravitate toward well-known brands like Fender or Gibson, but don’t overlook lesser-known names. Brands like Paul Reed Smith (PRS), particularly their PRS SE line, offer excellent value for money. There are also brands like Squier, Epiphone, or ESP LTD. These guitars are often on par with better-known models and offer features that suit a variety of playing styles at a more affordable price.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with versatile guitars from different brands, especially if you’re trying them out in-store. If you feel comfortable with a brand you haven’t heard of, like Harley Benton or Tagima, and the guitar sounds good, there’s no reason not to go for it. Whether it’s your first guitar or an addition to your collection, sometimes the best instruments come from unexpected places.

For example, many professional guitarists have famously played unconventional or budget guitars. Jimi Hendrix made history playing a Fender Stratocaster, and Jack White made his name playing inexpensive pawnshop guitars. With the availability of YouTube reviews and online resources, it’s easier than ever to research electric guitar recommendations and make informed choices. You also get to try different types of electric guitars when you don’t limit yourself to particular brands.

3. Go with the Most Mod-Friendly Guitar

If you’re torn between several guitars, consider which one is easiest to modify. Being able to upgrade or personalize your guitar is essential as you grow as a player. For instance, Squier Classic Vibe guitars are popular for their modding potential. These guitars offer an affordable starting point, and you can easily swap out single coil or humbucker pickups, adjust the neck profile, or add new hardware like locking tuners or a whammy bar.

Fender Stratocasters and Squier Classic Vibe models are particularly good for DIY upgrades due to their modular nature. If you’re after a hybrid sound, like the warmth of a Gibson Les Paul with the brightness of a Fender Strat or Tele, you can mix and match pickups to suit your needs. Many players find that upgrading pickups or adding a double-locking tremolo can drastically improve the guitar’s performance.

The key here is to buy a guitar that grows with you. Even if it’s your first electric guitar, you’ll appreciate having the flexibility to make modifications as you develop your style. Opt for guitars with easily accessible electronics and parts that can be swapped out with minimal hassle.

Loving the bridge humbucker on an Epiphone Les Paul or Gretsch Electromatic? If you also love the pickup versatility of a Squier Classic Vibe Strat, you can always swap a hot humbucker into the bridge and get the best of both worlds.

4. Don’t Overthink It — Sometimes a Best Seller is Best for a Reason

When you’re overwhelmed by choices and can’t decide “what electric guitar should I buy,” it’s often wise to go with a popular model. The best electric guitar for beginners is a great place to start looking if you’re just starting to take guitar playing seriously.

Bestsellers like the Squier Classic Vibe series or Fender Strat are tried-and-true for a reason—they provide excellent value, reliable performance, and are a favorite among both beginners and seasoned guitarists alike.

A Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster may cost slightly more than other budget guitars, but its reputation for delivering authentic Fender Stratocaster tones at a fraction of the price is unmatched. This is the guitar that many people recommend when asked “what is a good electric guitar for beginners”.

Similarly, the Gibson Les Paul has earned its status as a classic due to its powerful sound and durability. The thick, full-bodied tones that come from the humbucker pickups in a Les Paul are perfect for blues, rock, and heavy metal.

If you want something versatile that can handle different genres, going with a best-seller will rarely lead you astray. These guitars are reliable, well-reviewed, and have been refined over the years to meet the needs of guitarists of all levels.

5. Look for Versatility

When shopping for a guitar, consider how versatile the instrument is. If you play a range of genres, from punk to jazz, you’ll want a guitar that can handle different sounds. For instance, guitars equipped with both single coil pickups and humbuckers allow for a wider tonal range. The Fender Stratocaster with an HSS configuration (humbucker in the bridge and single coils in the neck and middle positions) is a fantastic example of a versatile guitar.

Alternatively, the Gibson Les Paul can also deliver versatility through its use of humbuckers and its ability to handle distortion and clean sounds alike. When considering what is a good electric guitar for multi-genre play, focus on options that offer coil splitting or phase switching features. These options will allow you to go from smooth, clean tones to heavier, distorted sounds with ease.

Also consider adjusting pickup height to get more response from the pickups.

6. Consider Used Guitars

If you’re working with a tight budget, exploring the used market can unlock best quality electric guitars that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether you’re searching for a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Stratocaster, or even a PRS guitar, buying used can offer significant savings.

Many guitarists actually prefer the feel of used guitars since they often come “broken in,” offering greater comfort and playability right from the start.

A used guitar can also provide better value for money, allowing you to get more bang for your buck. For example, if you’re after a Gibson Les Paul, buying second-hand might let you afford a higher-end model without breaking the bank. The main downside is that you have to know how to choose an electric guitar from the myriad of used guitars in the market. Be sure to check the guitar’s overall condition, including the neck profile, neck joint, and the condition of the frets.

Getting used gear also stretches your budget substantially so that you can get essential effects and accessories like a Guitar Tuner. Don’t forget to consider getting a Left Handed vs Right Handed Guitar if you’re a lefty. Looking at used guitars should be at the top of the list in an electric guitar guide for buyers.

Have you considered or compared the best DIY guitar kits as an option? If you are the more hands-on and creative type, you may want to learn how to build your own DIY guitar.

Conclusion – What Electric Guitar Should I Buy?

Whether you’re buying your first electric guitar or adding another instrument to your collection, this electric guitar buying guide should help you better understand how to pick out a guitar. Focus on reliability, versatility, and upgrade potential when narrowing down your options. Whether it’s a Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, or a lesser-known brand, there are plenty of great choices out there that fit every budget and playing style.

By following these tips, you’ll not only find a guitar that suits your needs but one that inspires you to keep playing guitar for years to come.