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The 8 Best Electric Guitars for Beginners. Updated 2026

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The 8 Best Electric Guitars for Beginners. Updated 2026

If you’re just getting started in the world of electric guitar, you’ll quickly realise there are countless options within your reach.

Choosing an electric guitar is not an easy task for anyone. There are so many models on the market, and that can make picking your first guitar more difficult than it seems.

At Mat Guitars, we want to help make this process easier and more enjoyable with a few basic tips for choosing your first electric guitar.

We also wanted to lend a hand by putting together a selection of the electric guitars we like most for players starting out on this instrument:

1. Cort CR100 Cherry Red Sunburst

This is an affordable guitar with very capable features. Its Powersound pickups deliver classic humbucker punch and tone, with a price-to-performance ratio that is hard to beat. It also features a high-quality classic finish.

Once again, Cort proves with this guitar that it is one of the brands that competes best in more affordable price ranges.

Take a look at the different finishes of the Cort CR100.

2. Ibanez AZES31

A guitar in pure Strat-style spirit, based on the well-known AZ model but aimed at student players. The Ibanez AZES31 was designed in collaboration with Tomo Fujita, guitar professor at Berklee, and comes in different configurations: one with a fixed bridge and SSS setup, and another with a tremolo bridge and HSS configuration.

It is a very comfortable guitar for learning to play styles such as blues, rock, funk and many other genres. Its clear, sparkling tone is especially worth highlighting, making it ideal for clean sounds and light overdrive.

Take a look at the different finishes of the Ibanez AZES31.

Interested in seeing other Ibanez AZ Essentials models?

3. Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster

The Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a guitar we consider ideal for getting started in the world of guitar.

It is a comfortable and straightforward instrument that allows you to progress quickly and effectively, while enjoying an authentically Fender-inspired look and feel in your hands.

Take a look at the different finishes.

4. Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster

The Affinity Telecaster offers that unmistakable Fender style and makes it accessible to everyone. It is a very comfortable and stable guitar, with components and tonewoods that perform really well within its range.

It is without doubt one of the best affordable options if you want to start with a Telecaster.

Take a look at its different finishes and configurations.

5. Ibanez GRGR131EX

The Ibanez GRGR131EX is an electric guitar that is ideal for learning and especially suited to styles related to metal and progressive rock.

This guitar belongs to the Ibanez GIO series, the brand’s entry-level range, aimed mainly at beginner guitarists looking for an Ibanez instrument at an affordable price.

These guitars offer solid quality control and very good ergonomics.

See all the info on the Ibanez GRGR131EX.

Interested in seeing other models from the GIO series?

6. Jackson JS22 Dinky

With the Jackson JS22 Dinky, you get great playing comfort and a powerful sound. It is a perfect model for beginners, and its looks have nothing to envy from guitars in higher ranges.

Lightweight, with a slim neck and ideal for distorted tones, it is a very interesting choice for players who want to get started in heavier styles.

Jackson guitars are usually associated with heavier and darker genres within heavy metal and related styles.

Take a look at the different Jackson JS22 options.

7. Jackson JS11

Jackson offers a wide range of models at very competitive prices. The JS11 is one of its most affordable guitars and a very serious option for anyone looking for a beginner instrument aimed at heavier sounds.

If you want to spend as little as possible while still getting a guitar that is suitable for metal, this is without doubt one of the best options we can recommend.

See all the info on the Jackson JS11.

Discover Jackson’s full beginner range.

8. Yamaha Pacifica 012

The Yamaha Pacifica 012 is one of those guitars that always deserves a place in the conversation when we talk about beginner instruments.

Thanks to its pickup configuration and comfortable feel, it is a very appealing option for playing pop, rock, blues and even somewhat heavier styles. On top of that, the Pacifica series has built a strong reputation over the years among beginners and teachers alike for offering reliable, well-built instruments with very competitive value for money.

It is, without a doubt, one of the most recommendable options for taking your first steps with an electric guitar.

Take a look at the different Yamaha Pacifica 012 options.