The best electric guitars for beginners (2025)
The best electric guitars for beginners 2025: Explore the top brands, what to look out for when buying, whether it makes more sense to rent or buy, as well as learning methods and accessories. Ideal for beginners! Find out more now.
This blog article provides a comprehensive overview of the best electric guitars for beginners in 2025 and tells you everything you need to know about prominent brands, guitar shapes, fingerboards, pickups and playability to find the perfect electric guitar. The article also gives tips on whether it makes more sense to hire or buy a guitar and compares the pros and cons of buying online or from a specialist dealer. Differences in quality and price-performance ratios are also discussed. We also look at guitar models for children and the most important accessories you need to get started. The article is rounded off with a list of the five best electric guitars for beginners.
What makes a good electric guitar for beginners?
When buying an electric guitar for beginners, there are a few key criteria that not only make it easier to get started, but also increase the joy of learning:
Shape and weight: The shape of the guitar not only has a visual significance, but also has an influence on the playing feel and sound. Common shapes such as the Stratocaster and Les Paul differ in design and weight. Lighter guitars, such as the Squier Stratocaster, are often more comfortable for beginners as they are easier to handle and can be played comfortably for longer.
Fingerboard and neck: The fingerboard and neck shape of the guitar are decisive for playability. A thin, narrow neck makes it easier to grip and is particularly suitable for beginners and small hands. Most entry-level models have rosewood or maple fingerboards, which offer a pleasant feel and good sound behaviour.
Pickups: The sound of the electric guitar is mainly influenced by the pickups. Single-coil pickups deliver a clear, bright sound, ideal for blues, rock and funk, while humbuckers offer a fuller, warmer tone and are suitable for harder music styles. Beginners can experiment with both to find their favourite sound.
Playability and workmanship: Brands such as Yamaha, Ibanez and Squier are known for offering well-made instruments with high playability, even in the lower price segment. The more comfortable a guitar is to play, the more likely it is to keep you motivated to practise.
Should I rent or buy an electric guitar?
The decision to rent or buy a guitar depends on various factors. Here are the most important advantages and disadvantages:
Renting:
Advantages:Flexible and lower initial costs.Ideal if you are still unsure or want to try out several guitars. Rental instruments are often well maintained and can be replaced regularly.
Disadvantages:More expensive in the long term than buying. In addition, the selection of rental models is often limited.
Buying:
Advantages: You invest in your own instrument, which you can customise. If you want to play guitar in the long term, buying is usually cheaper.
Disadvantages: Higher initial costs. You are responsible for the care and maintenance of the instrument.
Buying online or from a specialist retailer?
Online purchase:Online shops such as Thomann and Music Store offer a huge selection and often lower prices. However, you should be aware that the sound and playability can only be assessed to a limited extent via photos and product descriptions.
Advantage: Large selection, often lower prices, convenient shopping from home.
Disadvantage: Lack of personal advice and no opportunity to test the guitar in advance.
Specialist retailer: At a specialist retailer, you have the opportunity to play various guitars and speak to an expert.The advice and the opportunity to hold the instrument in your hand and try it out are clear plus points.
Advantage: Personalised advice and service, test the guitar before buying.
Disadvantage: Higher prices than online, limited selection of models.
The best-known guitar body shapes
The shape of an electric guitar has a major influence on its appearance, sound and playability. Here are the best-known body shapes that are not only legendary, but also unique in design:
Fender Stratocaster: the Stratocaster has an ergonomic, contoured design with two cutaways. This design makes it easier to reach the higher frets and ensures a high level of playing comfort. Its shape and versatility make it an icon in rock, blues and funk.
Fender Telecaster: The Telecaster is known for its minimalist, angular shape with a single cutaway. This body shape is very robust and uncomplicated, which makes the Telecaster particularly popular for country, rock and blues.
Gibson Les Paul: The Les Paul is characterised by a round, fuller shape with a single cutaway. Its solid mahogany body and design provide a powerful, warm sound. The Les Paul is particularly popular in genres such as rock, blues and metal.
Gibson SG: The SG has an aggressive, slim shape with two pointed cutaways, which makes it easy to reach the high frets. Its body shape is light and has a rock look. It is often used in hard rock and metal.
Gibson Flying V: The Flying V has an iconic, V-shaped form that stands out visually. This eye-catching design is lightweight and allows the guitar to be played comfortably while standing. The Flying V is particularly popular in rock and metal, where it also acts as a visual statement.
Price ranges and quality: How much should I invest?
There are guitars in every price range, and the quality usually increases with the price - up to a certain point. Beginners will find good guitars in the CHF 200 to CHF 500 range, which are perfectly adequate for the first few years. Here is a rough overview:
Under CHF 200: entry-level models, often with minor compromises in terms of materials and workmanship. Suitable for absolute beginners, but less durable.
200-500 CHF: Good quality for beginners, solid workmanship and decent pickups. Brands such as Yamaha and Squier offer excellent options in this price range.
From 500 CHF: Better materials and higher quality pickups. Ideal if you are already sure that you want to play for a long time. Guitars in this price range usually offer long-lasting quality.
Tip: From around CHF 700, differences in quality are often minimal, so higher prices are more likely to be justified by brand image and exclusive materials.
The 5 best beginner guitars (2025)
Electric guitars for children
There are smaller models in 1/2 or 3/4 size especially for children. These guitars are lighter and have a narrower neck, which makes them easier to grip. When choosing, pay attention to weight and ease of handling. Good beginner models for children are available from Squier and Ibanez, for example, who often offer their standard models in smaller sizes.
Necessary accessories for the electric guitar
In addition to the guitar itself, you will also need some important accessories for an optimal playing experience. Here is an overview:
Accessories | Beschreibung | Price (CHF) |
Amplifier | Amplifies the guitar sound | ca. 50–150 |
Cable | Connects guitar and amplifier | ca. 10–20 |
Tuner | Keeps the guitar in tune | ca. 10–20 |
Strap | Enables you to play standing up | ca. 10–25 |
Strings | Reserve in case of a broken string | ca. 5–15 |
Picks | For striking the strings | ca. 1–5 |
Gig bag | Protects and facilitates transport | ca. 20–40 |
Conclusion
This guide has given you all the important information you need to find the ideal electric guitar to get you started. Regardless of whether you decide to buy or hire, your journey into the world of the electric guitar begins with the right instrument and the right accessories. Have fun practising and learning!
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