*This article contains affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission from the product seller if you make a purchase. For more info, check out our privacy page.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re kicking off this guide with electric guitars<\/a> because it\u2019s probably the most confusing of the categories. Electric guitars come in a wide variety of body styles, pickup configurations, scale lengths, and price points. Ultimately, one style of guitar isn\u2019t better than another and it just comes down to personal preference and preferred music styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll give our recommendations for the most popular styles at every price point so you\u2019re sure to find something your guitar-playing friend will love no matter what your budget is. Here is a quick way to identify the differences between the electric guitars in this buyer\u2019s guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Body Style<\/strong>: The quickest way to tell different electric guitars apart is by their body style. Stratocasters<\/a>, Telecasters<\/a>, Mustangs<\/a>, and Jazzmasters<\/a> all come from the same company but have totally different looks. Les Pauls<\/a> and SGs<\/a> are also from the same company but offer different aesthetics from one another. Choosing the best body style is like choosing the best pair of shoes \u2013 everyone is going to have a different preference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pickup Configuration<\/strong>: There are two primary categories of guitar pickups \u2013 single coils<\/a> and humbuckers<\/a>. Single coil pickups are half the width of humbuckers and have a brighter, more articulate sound. They sound great for country, blues, pop, soul music. Humbuckers both sound thicker and are physically thicker than single coils. They are the go-to pickup type for rock and metal guitarists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scale Length<\/strong>: Did you know that some electric guitars are longer than others? Fender (and Fender-style) guitars are actually slightly longer from the saddles to the nut. This creates a small increase in string tension when tuned to pitch that can be desirable or undesirable depending on the guitarist. Keep in mind that scale length does make a slight tonal difference \u2013 guitars with a shorter scale length (Gibson-style guitars) tend to sound darker while the guitars with longer scale lengths sound brighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Budget<\/strong>: Last but not least, we need to talk about price point. In this guide, we\u2019ve included guitars that fit into every budget. Keep in mind that construction quality, electronics, playability, tone, finish quality, and resale value are all noticeable factors and can be affected by how much you spend. That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t get a great guitar for a great price \u2013 but sometimes spending a little more is worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Stratocaster<\/a> really is the swiss army knife of guitars. A true classic found in the hands of legendary players from every genre imaginable and a million and one options to adapt to any player\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry-Level<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Squier Fender Bullet Strat<\/strong><\/a> – An amazing entry-level Stratocaster with all the features and options you could ever hope for in your first guitar. This guitar features a 5-way switch and 3 single coil pickups for nearly every Strat tone you\u2019d ever want. It\u2019s also offered with a humbucker pickup in the bridge position as the <\/a>Squier<\/a> Fender Bullet Strat HSS<\/a>. – $189.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Intermediate:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster<\/strong><\/a> – The Squier Affinity Stratocaster offers a step up in performance from the Squier Bullet Strat. It includes 3 single coil pickups, a 5 way switch plus a robust vibrato\/”whammy bar” for all of your Van Halen needs! This is also the most varied guitar in the Affinity lineup in terms of options. It\u2019s offered with two humbuckers as the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HH<\/a>, a versatile humbucker and double single coil model as the Squier Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS<\/a> and the Squier Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack<\/a> with a Fender Frontman 10G amplifier<\/a>, cable, carrying bag, strap and guitar picks. – $249.99 – $349.99 USD<\/strong> (based on model)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V<\/strong><\/a> – The Pacifica sits proudly alongside some of the most expensive instruments in many players\u2019 collections and not just out of notalgia, but because many years on it’s still an amazing guitar! It features a 5-way switch, a humbucker in the bridge, two single coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, two knobs (as compared to the usual 3 found on Fenders), a sturdy vibrato, and an incredibly small nut-width that makes playing a breeze. The Pacifica has truly stood the test of time and has found a place in the hearts of players of every level. – $309.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Fender Player Stratocaster<\/strong><\/a> – The newest version of the beloved Made in Mexico Strat bridges the gap between the Squier Series and American-made Fender guitars beautifully with all the trimmings of an American Strat strat and a boost in quality across the board compared to the Squier series! It\u2019s also available in HSS<\/a> as with most Fender\/Squier Strats! – $799.99 USD to $829.99 USD<\/strong> (based on pickup configuration)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Professional:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fender American Professional Stratocaster<\/strong><\/a> – This is the most feature-packed Stratocaster Fender has ever produced and not a single one of these features goes to waste. On the surface, this may appear to be just another high-quality Fender Strat, but under the hood you\u2019ll find a gorgeously assembled modified electronics set-up that\u2019s wholly unique to this strat. The tonal variety offered from the V-Mod pickups, vibrato, five-way switch, and push-push tone knobs set this guitar apart from any other strat and offers a range of sounds that most players could only dream of! It\u2019s also available in an HSS configuration<\/a>. – $1,499.99 USD – $1,549.99 USD<\/strong> (based on pickup configuration)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The stylish little sibling of the Fender\/Squier lineup<\/a> may look small and unassuming, but it packs a huge punch in all of its variants! Its smaller size and shorter 24\u201d scale length offers smaller guitarists an easier playing experience compared to Fender\/Squier\u2019s standard 25.5\u201d scale length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry-Level<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squier Fender Bullet Mustang<\/strong><\/a> – The Bullet Series Mustang is equipped with some of the best features and hardware available on a beginner guitar at this price point. The three-way switch and two humbuckers do everything from the twangiest of country tones to the heaviest of metal sounds with ease. As mentioned previously, the shorter scale length makes playing a breeze and the dual humbuckers recall a sound and feel that\u2019s akin to a mix between a Strat and an SG. This is a small guitar with a huge sound! – $189.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Intermediate:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Squier Classic Vibe \u201860\u2019s Mustang<\/strong><\/a> – The Classic Vibe Mustang really lives up to its name with a classic sound that\u2019s perfect for indie, country, rock, blues, and funk. It\u2019s a very different beast from the Bullet offering that stays much more true to the original Mustang\u2019s \u201cvibe\u201d. This guitar offers two single coil pickups, a floating vibrato, and a massive variety of switching options that make this aesthetically simple guitar a distinguished and complex force to be reckoned with. – $449.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Professional:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fender American Performer Mustang<\/strong><\/a> – This is Fender\u2019s American-made Mustang offering and it truly earns its place in the Performer series. It offers a simplified two single coil and three way switch set-up with a vintage-style vibrato. It plays and sounds as great as you\u2019d expect an American Fender to (which is to say very well). – $1,299.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The alternative hero of the electric guitar world<\/a>! This is a truly unique looking, sounding, and feeling guitar that\u2019s fit for nearly any scenario! Despite its name, this guitar has been most prominently played outside of the bounds of jazz, although it suits that style of playing as well. It found a home early on in the hands of the surf and rock innovators of the 60s and today, it\u2019s used by legends from all walks of music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry-Level<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster<\/strong><\/a> – The Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster acts as the perfect counterpoint to the more traditional Strat while retaining some of its best features like the Strat-style vibrato\/whammy bar. This is a more stripped back, no-frills iteration of the Jazzmaster with two huge (and huge-sounding) single-coil pickups, a three-way switch and some of the best hardware found on an entry-level guitar to date! An awesome take on a truly classic guitar for a great price. – $279.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Intermediate:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Squier J Mascis Signature Jazzmaster<\/strong><\/a> – This is a Jazzmaster designed and approved by one of the Jazzmaster\u2019s most prominent players. The J Mascis Jazzmaster (affectionately dubbed the \u201cJM JM\u201d by its many fans) is a fantastic take on the classic Fender formula that stays true to the original with a few modifications to some of the less popular aspects of the original design. The pickups, while Jazzmaster sized, are actually gorgeously articulate and higher output P-90s. The bridge pickup can drive nearly any amp into a crisp overdrive and the neck pickup is as clean as clean gets while keeping the fuzzy warmth of a classic Jazzmaster tone intact. It features a faithful recreation of the Jazzmaster\u2019s floating vibrato, a modified bridge for extra stability and the traditional wiring of a three-way switch plus a dedicated \u201crhythm circuit\u201d for a great variety of tones. This is one of the guitars on this list that really punches above its price point. – $499.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Professional:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>– The Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster may be the most complete and well-rounded Jazzmaster Fender has produced to date. Just like the American Professional Stratocaster, this guitar is a gorgeously realized and tasteful update to the guitar in question. It really brings the Jazzmaster into the modern guitar world with grace. There\u2019s a laundry list of features hidden in the wiring including the \u201cbridge tap\u201d function that allows you to select between a beautifully delicate vintage Jazzmaster sound and a driving modern tone akin to the growl and bite of a P90 pickup. Every aspect of this guitar feels, plays and sounds great! – $1,599.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The most classic of Fender\u2019s guitars. The Telecaster<\/a> shares quite a bit in common with the Stratocaster in terms of versatility and tonal variety, but make no mistake, this is a guitar without rival in terms of its feel and sound. Since its introduction in 1949 as the \u201cFender Esquire\u201d (the very first solid-body electric guitar ever sold), the Telecaster has seen countless updates to fit the needs of players from every genre. This guitar has remained a staple of stages across the world for over 70 years and for good reason. Nothing can really beat the feel and sound of a good Tele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry-Level<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/a>Squier Affinity Telecaster<\/a> <\/strong>– This Squier Affinity Series model is worthy of any blues, indie, country, or rock guitarist\u2019s collection. It gives you all the simplicity and tonal variety of a true Tele with the classic layout of a three-way switch and two clean and articulate single coil pickups. This guitar packs all the twang and bluesy warmth you could ever need in an affordable package. A modernized dual humbucker<\/a> deluxe version is also available for players looking to play their Tele in a rock or metal setting.- $249.99 USD – $279.99 USD<\/strong> (based on pickup configuration)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Intermediate:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Squier Classic Vibe 70\u2019s Telecaster Custom<\/a><\/strong> – Squier\u2019s take on the 70\u2019s Telecaster Custom really demonstrates the huge array of options available for the Tele. With a Les Paul-esque 4 knob layout, single coil in the bridge and a Wide Range humbucker in the neck, it\u2019s difficult to get a bad sound from this guitar! – $479.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Fender Player Series Telecaster<\/strong><\/a> – Fender\u2019s Player series has long been the perfect choice for players who want the quality of a Fender guitar without the higher price tag. The Mexican Tele has been the flag bearer for the performance and value of the Made in Mexico line for nearly thirty years. It has stayed true to form with its vintage Telecaster stylings and has earned every bit of acclaim it has received. Every year the Fender Mexico team seems to up the level of performance while staying true to their low price point and this guitar puts those qualities on full display. – $799.99 USD<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Professional:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fender American Professional II Telecaster<\/strong><\/a> – Every offering from the American Proffessional II series really brings its all in terms of innovation, value, versatility, and performance and the Tele Pro II is no exception. With a push\/push control on the tone knob that allows you to switch up the wiring with one click, it\u2019s practically two Teles in one. In addition to this, Fender offers a \u201872 Deluxe inspired Tele Pro II<\/a> with two awesome-sounding Tim Shaw V-Mod Wide Range humbuckers. This is a nearly flawless modern Tele that lives up to the promise of the rest of the Professional II lineup. – $1,499.99 USD – $1,549.99 USD<\/strong> (based on pickup configuration)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Gibson\u2019s tried and true classic may be the most iconic guitar in rock n\u2019 roll history (and that\u2019s saying a lot). There have been many iterations of the Les Paul<\/a> over the years and the selections on this list really stand out for offering their own unique takes on Gibson\u2019s classic formula. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Kind of Electric Guitar Should I Buy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stratocaster<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMustang<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nJazzmaster<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTelecaster<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLes Paul<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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