Beginner and Looking to Buy Your First Electric Guitar?

I'm a Beginner and I'm Looking to Buy My First Electric Guitar – Please Help!

If you're reading this, chances are you're starting your guitar journey, and you're overwhelmed by all the choices out there. It's a complicated decision, right? You've got to consider your style, goals, and even the aesthetics of the guitar. But don't worry I'm here to make it easy for you.

The Simplified Answer for Beginners

Okay, I get it. You don’t need a bunch of complex advice right now. You’re a beginner, and you just want to know the best first electric guitar for you. Here's my simple answer: Buy a super cheap Strat or S-style knockoff.

I know what you're thinking: "But why this specific style?" Well, let me explain why this is the best choice for most people starting out.

Why a Strat or S-Style Knockoff?

1. Accessibility and Testing in Stores The first thing that makes a cheap Strat or S-style knockoff a great choice is that it's available in almost every guitar store. You can test it before buying it! You get to feel it, see how it looks in real life (not just online photos), and make sure it feels comfortable. You can even bring a friend who knows more about guitars to help you try it out.

2. Affordable and Great Value These guitars are typically in the $100-$200 range, making them very budget-friendly. And here's the thing: You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a guitar that plays well and sounds decent for a beginner. You can easily find one that suits you without breaking the bank.

3. Easy Upgrades Later Let's say you fall in love with guitar and want to try more intense styles or high-gain sounds (maybe you’re into metal!). These guitars are super easy to upgrade. With a Strat or S-style, you can easily swap out pickups, especially the bridge pickup, to suit your style. Plus, the plastic pickguard makes this process simple, and there are plenty of affordable, high-quality pickups you can choose from. But that’s something to think about later—you don’t need to worry about it when you're just starting.

4. Common and Well-Tested Strat-style guitars are extremely common and well-tested. This means if you encounter any issues, there are tons of discussions and resources online about fixing them. Plus, you won’t end up with a super complicated guitar like one with a floating bridge (which is cool but a nightmare for beginners). A basic Strat or S-style knockoff will be easy to maintain, and you won’t get discouraged from playing guitar just because of complex issues.

Final Thoughts

I know people love to overcomplicate this decision, but I’m tired of that. The reality is: it’s not about the gear, it’s about playing and staying inspired. You need a guitar that feels good, sounds good enough to start with, and gets you excited to play.

So, go ahead and grab yourself a cheap Strat or S-style knockoff. Play it, enjoy it, and don’t stress about needing fancy equipment right now. If it feels good in the store and you like the look, you're golden!

Keep rocking, and good luck with your first electric guitar!

--Kris