Choosing your first electric guitar can feel a little overwhelming.

Walk into a music store or start browsing online and you’ll quickly find hundreds of options. Different body shapes, pickups, woods, necks, bridges, colours, brands, and prices can make it difficult to know where to begin.

The good news is that you don’t need to understand every guitar specification before choosing an instrument.

The best electric guitar is one that feels comfortable, suits the music you want to play, fits your budget, and makes you want to pick it up and practice.

In this guide, we’ll look at the most important things to consider when choosing an electric guitar, including body styles, pickups, necks, scale length, weight, tonewoods, and budget.

What Should You Look for in an Electric Guitar?

For most beginners, these are the most important factors:

1. How comfortable the guitar feels
2. The type of music you want to play
3. The guitar’s pickup configuration
4. Neck shape and scale length
5. The weight and body shape
6. Build quality and setup
7. Your budget

Don’t worry if some of these terms are new to you. We’ll explain each one.

Start With the Music You Want to Play

Before comparing guitars, think about the kind of music you actually want to play.

You don’t need to choose a guitar based entirely on genre, but your musical interests can give you a useful starting point.

Rock and Classic Rock

If you enjoy rock, you might want a guitar with:

• Humbucking pickups
• A solid body
• Good sustain
• A comfortable neck
• Easy access to the higher frets

A versatile pickup configuration can also give you clean and distorted sounds.

Blues

Blues players use many different types of guitars.

Single-coil pickups are popular because they can produce a bright, clear sound, while humbuckers can provide a warmer, thicker tone.

The important thing is not to assume that one particular guitar is required to play blues.

Metal and Heavier Music

For heavier styles, many players prefer:

• Humbucking pickups
• A solid-body guitar
• Good tuning stability
• Comfortable access to higher frets
• A pickup and amplifier combination that handles high gain well

A comfortable neck can also be particularly important if you’re going to spend a lot of time playing riffs and lead parts.

Jazz

Jazz guitarists often use hollow-body or semi-hollow guitars, although solid-body guitars are also used.

A warm, clean amplifier sound and humbucking pickups are common choices.

Again, these are preferences rather than rules. You can play jazz on a solid-body guitar or rock on a hollow-body guitar.

The Three Main Electric Guitar Body Styles

Electric guitars generally fall into three broad body categories:

• Solid-body
• Semi-hollow
• Hollow-body

Each has different characteristics.

Solid-Body Electric Guitars

Solid-body guitars are the most common type of electric guitar.

The body is primarily solid rather than having a large resonating chamber.

They’re popular because they’re versatile, durable, and generally less prone to feedback at high volume and gain.

Solid-body guitars are used in almost every style of modern popular music.

They can be a particularly good choice for beginners because there are so many options available.

Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars

Semi-hollow guitars have hollow sections inside the body, usually combined with a solid centre block.

This design can provide some of the resonance associated with hollow-body guitars while retaining characteristics that make them suitable for louder playing.

Semi-hollow guitars are popular in blues, jazz, rock, indie, and many other styles.

They can be extremely versatile.

Hollow-Body Electric Guitars

Hollow-body guitars have a larger internal acoustic chamber.

They are often associated with jazz and blues and can produce a warm, resonant sound.

However, hollow-body guitars can be more susceptible to feedback when played loudly with high-gain amplification.

That doesn’t make them bad guitars. It simply means their design may be better suited to certain playing situations.

Solid-Body vs. Hollow-Body: Which Is Better?

Neither is automatically better.

A solid-body guitar may be a better choice if you want to play loud rock or use lots of distortion.

A hollow-body guitar may appeal to you if you prefer warm, resonant clean tones.

A semi-hollow guitar can provide a useful middle ground.

If you’re not sure what you like yet, a versatile solid-body guitar is often a practical first choice because it can cover a huge range of sounds.

Understanding Electric Guitar Pickups

Pickups are one of the most important parts of an electric guitar.

They detect the vibration of the strings and convert it into an electrical signal that can be amplified.

Different pickup designs produce different sounds.

Single-Coil Pickups

Single-coil pickups often have a bright, clear, and articulate sound.

They’re commonly associated with:

• Blues
• Country
• Funk
• Pop
• Rock

One drawback is that traditional single-coil pickups can be more susceptible to electrical hum.

Humbucking Pickups

Humbuckers use two coils and are designed to reduce unwanted electrical noise.

They often produce a fuller and thicker sound than traditional single-coil pickups.

They’re commonly used for:

• Rock
• Hard rock
• Metal
• Jazz
• Blues

Can You Get Both?

Absolutely.

Many guitars combine different pickup types.

A common example is an HSS configuration, which uses a humbucker at the bridge and single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions.

This type of setup can provide a wide range of sounds, making it a popular choice for players who want one guitar to cover several styles.

Bridge Pickup vs. Neck Pickup

Pickup type isn’t the only thing that affects sound.

Where the pickup is located also matters.

Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup generally produces a brighter, more focused sound.

It’s often useful for:

• Riffs
• Rock
• Distorted sounds
• Lead guitar
• Rhythmic parts that need extra definition

Neck Pickup

The neck pickup generally produces a warmer, fuller sound.

It’s often useful for:

• Clean tones
• Blues
• Jazz
• Smooth lead playing
• Warm chord sounds

Many guitars allow you to switch between pickups or combine them.

Learning to use these different positions is one of the easiest ways to get more sounds from the same guitar.

Does the Wood Make a Difference?

You’ll often hear guitar manufacturers talk about tonewoods.

Common woods include:

• Mahogany
• Maple
• Alder
• Ash
• Rosewood
• Basswood

Different woods have different physical properties, and guitar builders use them in different ways.

However, beginners should be careful about making their decision based entirely on a list of woods.

The overall construction of the guitar, pickups, electronics, strings, amplifier, setup, playing technique, and many other factors all contribute to the final sound.

Don’t reject a guitar simply because it doesn’t use the particular wood you expected.

If two guitars feel and sound good to you, the one you enjoy playing is usually the better choice.

Pay Attention to the Neck

The neck is one of the most important parts of the guitar from a player’s perspective.

You can have a beautiful guitar with excellent pickups, but if the neck doesn’t feel comfortable in your hand, you may not enjoy playing it.

Necks can vary in:

• Thickness
• Width
• Shape
• Finish
• Radius

Some players prefer a thin, fast-feeling neck.

Others prefer a thicker, more substantial shape.

Neither is objectively better.

What About Fretboard Radius?

The fretboard radius describes how curved the fretboard is across its width.

Some guitars have a more rounded fretboard, while others are flatter.

You don’t need to understand the measurements to choose a guitar.

If possible, simply hold the instrument and see how it feels when you play chords and individual notes.

Scale Length: Why Does It Matter?

Scale length is the distance from the nut to the point where the strings contact the bridge, measured according to the instrument’s design.

Different guitars use different scale lengths.

Scale length affects the feel of the strings, including their tension and how far apart the frets are.

For some players, especially those with smaller hands, a shorter-scale guitar can feel more comfortable.

For others, a longer scale may feel more natural.

If you’re buying a guitar for a child or younger beginner, scale length and overall guitar size are particularly worth considering.

Don’t Forget About Weight

This is easy to overlook when you’re looking at guitars online.

A guitar might sound fantastic but be uncomfortable to hold for an hour.

Some electric guitars are surprisingly heavy.

If you’re planning to:

• Practice for long periods
• Play standing up
• Perform
• Carry the guitar regularly

then weight matters.

A lighter guitar can be much more comfortable for some players.

On the other hand, some players prefer the feel and balance of a heavier instrument.

Once again, comfort is personal.

The Shape of the Body Matters Too

Electric guitars come in almost endless body shapes.

Some are rounded and traditional. Others have sharp angles and dramatic designs.

Body shape isn’t just about appearance.

It can affect:

• Weight
• Balance
• Access to higher frets
• Sitting position
• Comfort while standing

A guitar that looks fantastic but constantly digs into your ribs or feels awkward when sitting down may not be the best choice.

What About the Bridge?

Electric guitars use different bridge designs.

You may encounter:

• Fixed bridges
• Tremolo systems
• Floating tremolo systems
• Other specialized designs

A fixed bridge is relatively straightforward and is often a practical option for beginners.

A tremolo system allows you to change the pitch of notes by moving the bridge mechanism with an attached arm.

These systems can be great fun, but some types can be more complicated to set up and maintain.

If you’re buying your first guitar, don’t choose a complicated bridge simply because it looks impressive.

Choose the guitar that fits your needs.

How Important Is the Guitar’s Setup?

Very important.

A guitar that hasn’t been properly set up can be uncomfortable or difficult to play.

A setup can address things such as:

• String height
• Neck relief
• Intonation
• Pickup height
• Tuning stability

If you’re trying a guitar and the strings feel extremely high, notes are buzzing badly, or the instrument won’t stay in tune, don’t assume that all guitars of that model are like that.

The instrument may simply need adjustment.

For a beginner, a comfortable, properly set-up guitar can make a huge difference.

How Much Should You Spend on Your First Electric Guitar?

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars.

At the same time, buying the absolute cheapest guitar you can find isn’t always a good idea.

The goal is to find the best combination of quality, comfort, reliability, and price that fits your budget.

A good beginner guitar should:

• Stay reasonably well in tune
• Have comfortable string height
• Have properly finished frets
• Feel good in your hands
• Have reliable tuning machines
• Suit the music you want to play
• Be something you actually enjoy looking at

Yes, appearance matters.

You don’t need to choose the most fashionable guitar, but if you love the way your guitar looks, you’re probably more likely to pick it up and play.

Should You Buy a Cheap Guitar or an Expensive One?

Neither extreme is necessary.

A very inexpensive guitar can be perfectly usable, particularly if it has been properly set up.

An expensive guitar can offer excellent materials, construction, electronics, and craftsmanship, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right guitar for a beginner.

For someone just starting, playability is usually more important than prestige.

I’d rather see a beginner playing a comfortable, well-set-up guitar regularly than owning an expensive instrument that sits in its case.

Should You Buy Online or In Person?

Both options have advantages.

Buying in person

If you’re new to guitar, trying instruments in person lets you compare:

• Neck feel
• Weight
• Body shape
• Balance
• String height
• Overall comfort

You can also ask questions and, where possible, have the instrument checked before buying.

Buying online

Online shopping provides a huge selection and makes it easy to compare prices and specifications.

If you buy online, pay attention to:

• Return policies
• Warranty
• Seller reputation
• Setup options
• Shipping conditions

If possible, have the guitar inspected or set up after it arrives.

Should a Beginner Buy a Used Electric Guitar?

A used guitar can be an excellent option.

You may be able to get a better-quality instrument for your budget than you could buying new.

However, beginners may have difficulty spotting problems.

Before buying a used guitar, check:

• The neck
• Frets
• Tuning machines
• Electronics
• Bridge
• Pickups
• Output jack
• Overall condition

If you’re not sure what to look for, take someone experienced with you.

A guitar teacher or qualified guitar technician can sometimes spot issues that aren’t obvious to a new player.

Don’t Forget the Amplifier

The guitar is only one part of your electric guitar setup.

Your amplifier has a major effect on your overall sound.

For home practice, a small modelling or solid-state amplifier can be an excellent starting point.

Many modern practice amps offer several amplifier sounds and built-in effects, allowing you to experiment without buying a collection of pedals.

You can learn more about choosing the rest of your setup in our guide to electric guitar equipment.

What Is the Best Electric Guitar for a Beginner?

There isn’t one answer.

The best beginner guitar is the one that:

• Fits your budget
• Feels comfortable
• Is properly set up
• Matches your musical interests
• Is easy enough to play
• Makes you excited to practice

If you don’t know what style you want to play yet, choose a versatile guitar.

You can always buy another guitar later when you have a better understanding of your preferences.

A Simple Electric Guitar Buying Checklist

If you’re standing in a music store and feeling overwhelmed, use this checklist.

Before buying

Ask yourself:

• What kind of music do I want to play?
• How much can I comfortably spend?
• Will I mostly play sitting or standing?
• Is the guitar too heavy?
• Does the neck feel comfortable?
• Can I reach the higher frets comfortably?
• Does it stay in tune?
• Are the strings at a comfortable height?
• Do I like the sound?
• Do I actually enjoy holding the guitar?

If you’re buying for a child

Also consider:

• Overall guitar size
• Scale length
• Weight
• Neck width
• Comfortable reach
• Whether the child can hold the guitar safely

A guitar that’s physically too large can make learning unnecessarily frustrating.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an Electric Guitar

Choosing only by appearance

A beautiful guitar isn’t necessarily a comfortable guitar.

Focusing too much on brand names

A famous brand doesn’t automatically make an instrument the right choice for you.

Obsessing over tonewood

Wood is only one part of the overall sound.

Buying more guitar than you need

You don’t need a professional-level instrument to learn your first chords.

Ignoring comfort

If the guitar hurts your shoulder, feels awkward, or is difficult to hold, you’re less likely to practice.

Forgetting about setup

A poorly adjusted guitar can make even a good instrument feel difficult to play.

Buying based on someone else’s preferences

Your favourite guitarist’s instrument may not be the best guitar for you.

Use other players for inspiration, but make your final decision based on your own needs.

Can One Electric Guitar Play Different Styles?

Absolutely.

This is an important point for beginners.

You don’t necessarily need a different guitar for every style of music.

A versatile electric guitar can handle:

• Rock
• Blues
• Pop
• Country
• Funk
• Indie
• Alternative
• Jazz
• Heavier styles

Your amplifier, pickups, effects, strings, technique, and playing style can all change the sound.

In many cases, learning how to use the guitar you already own is more valuable than constantly searching for another guitar.

What If You Don’t Know What Kind of Guitar You Want?

That’s completely normal.

Most beginners don’t know their exact preferences yet.

If you’re unsure, look for a versatile guitar that feels comfortable and gives you several pickup options.

Then spend time playing it.

After a year or two of learning, you may discover that you prefer:

• A particular neck shape
• A certain pickup type
• A specific scale length
• A lighter or heavier guitar
• A particular body style
• A specific musical sound

That’s when buying another guitar can become much more meaningful.

Your first guitar doesn’t have to be your forever guitar.

Choosing an Electric Guitar in Kelowna

If you’re shopping for an electric guitar in Kelowna or the Okanagan, it’s worth trying several instruments before making a decision.

This is particularly important for beginners because specifications on a website can’t tell you everything about how a guitar will feel in your hands.

Private guitar teachers can also be a useful source of practical advice. An experienced teacher can help you understand which features actually matter for your playing rather than simply recommending the most expensive instrument.

At Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna, guitar students learn on both acoustic and electric guitars, with private one-on-one lessons for children, teens, and adults. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Noel Wentworth works with beginners as well as more experienced players.

Lessons can focus on songs, chords, rhythm, lead guitar, technique, music theory, songwriting, or other personal goals. Students can also choose optional performance opportunities or Rockschool examinations.

You can learn more about [Guitar Lessons Kelowna] or read [About Upbeat Music Academy] to learn more about the academy and its teaching approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of electric guitar for a beginner?

A versatile solid-body guitar is often a practical choice because it can work well for many styles. However, the best guitar is ultimately one that feels comfortable, is properly set up, suits your interests, and fits your budget.

Should a beginner get a Stratocaster or Les Paul?

Neither is automatically better. They have different designs, pickup configurations, scale lengths, controls, and playing feels. Try both if you can and choose the one that feels and sounds better to you.

Are electric guitars easier to play than acoustic guitars?

It depends on the individual guitar and how it is set up. Electric guitars often use lighter strings and can have lower string height, which some beginners find comfortable. However, a properly set-up acoustic guitar can also be very easy to play.

Are humbuckers or single-coil pickups better?

Neither is better overall. Single-coils often provide a brighter, more detailed sound, while humbuckers generally provide a thicker, fuller sound. Your preferred music should help guide your choice.

How many pickups should a beginner guitar have?

There is no required number. A guitar with multiple pickups gives you more tonal options, but a simple one- or two-pickup guitar can be excellent. Choose based on the sound and playing style you prefer.

How much should I spend on my first electric guitar?

There is no universal price. Focus on finding a comfortable, reliable, properly set-up guitar within your budget. You don’t need a professional-level instrument to learn.

Should I buy a new or used electric guitar?

Either can be a good choice. Used guitars can offer excellent value, but beginners may have trouble identifying problems. If buying used, consider having an experienced guitarist or technician inspect the instrument.

Do I need an amplifier when I buy an electric guitar?

You’ll normally want an amplifier to hear the guitar at a useful volume and experience its full sound. A small practice amplifier is generally enough for home learning.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an electric guitar doesn’t have to mean finding the “perfect” guitar.

Instead, look for a guitar that is comfortable, reliable, appropriate for your music, and enjoyable to play.

Don’t get too caught up in brand names, tonewood descriptions, or complicated specifications. Those things can be interesting, but they shouldn’t distract you from the basics.

If possible, hold several guitars. Play a few chords. Try individual notes. Check the weight. Feel the neck. Listen to the pickups.

Then ask yourself the most important question:

“Do I want to pick this guitar up and play it?”

If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.

 

– At Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna, guitar instruction is available for children, teens, and adults, with private lessons taught in a welcoming, no-pressure environment. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Noel Wentworth works with students on both acoustic and electric guitar.

Students can also choose to take part in performance opportunities or work toward Rockschool examinations if those goals interest them. Neither is required to enjoy learning guitar.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can explore Guitar Lessons Kelowna or learn more about Upbeat Music Academy and its approach to music lessons.