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I remember it like it was yesterday, a big tall box standing next to the Christmas tree. What could it be, who was it for?
Wait.
My name is on the label.
When I tore off the red and gold wrapping paper, I was in shock - Something that I had been wishing for - well, forever. In front of me was a sunburst Fender Squire pack that came with everything I needed - a big jump from the old busted nylon string classical guitar I had been spending all my time with.
Like a lot of people who play the guitar, this was my first but definitely not my last electric guitar.
Looking back at the day, it really makes me smile - not just because of the present itself but it really felt like my parents believed in me. We didn't have heaps of money but for them to go out and pick this up was really something.
My parents were able to go out then to the local music store and pick the present up. Now days, with the unfortunate demise on real world music shops - the biggest shame - it is hard to do that.
Because of this, I've attempted to pick through some options from online retailers to get an idea on what is now available and to give you some suggestions on what to pick for guitars that are at an entry level price.
Why have I picked these guitars?
The beginner guitar packs below are all similar beginner packs that I was given for that Christmas I wrote about above. I pulled out some of the different brands that are available, a few of them even non players would have heard of.
There are a few different styles and I was really surprised to find some famous artist models found at this entry level price.
Any of these products would be great for a beginner guitarist, young and old.
How Much Should I Spend On a Beginner Guitar
I have given options from under $100 up to around $400.
The under $100 are extremely affordable but obviously you will get what you pay for in terms of quality. I added these because I want everyone to have a go at playing guitar and I know that the $300 - $400 range will still be outside of some peoples range.
In saying that, it will get you playing.
One thought to keep in mind when buying a guitar for a beginner is that for some beginners, the instrument just might not be right for them.
This is another reason why I have selected the price range that I have - If you don't like it, you haven't had to max out your credit card.
My Beginner Electric Guitar suggestions
Under $100
Master Play beginner with Complete Starter Kit
ZENY Full Size Electric Guitar Beginner Starter Package
GearIT Electric Guitar Kit Bundle GST-100 Mission Series
Around $360
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack
Around $400
Epiphone Slash "AFD" Les Paul Special-II Performance Pack
Epiphone Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) Les Paul Junior Player Pack
Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack
BONUS! Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster Electric Guitar
I added this one because when I saw it, it reminded me of the guitar that I bought after the squire I found under the Christmas tree- and to my parents delight, I was old enough to buy this one for myself!
If I Had To Recommend One of the Guitar options
If I could only pick one of my suggestions from the list for a beginner guitarist, I would have to go with the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack - and not just because it is similar to the one I got on that Christmas sooooo long ago.
I think it has everything someone starting out would need - and at a price right in the middle that won't break the bank (as they say). It is a brand name that everyone knows + you get the amp, bag, strap leads and pick +++ A 3 month subscription to Fender PLAY, there only guitar course.
The Summary
Learning guitar has been an amazing experience for me over the years and the best thing is that your learning will never stop - I just saw a video of John Mayer talking about having to practice not doing what feels comfortable to him on stage.
Learning the guitar is not only rewarding in itself, it is everything that comes along with it. I have increased my reflexes and concentration, made friends by playing with people & build a confidence that I lacked while growing up.
I hope that this post has given some insight and suggestion on what to look out for when buying a beginner guitar.
Any question or comments, please leave a note below and I will be happy to help in anyway I can.
About The Author
Matt A, Founder and Head Writer @ Music Thought House
I have had a lifelong passion for music. I picked up my first guitar when I was 10 and it's been there, most of the time haha, ever since. I have played and studied music ever since that time, always trying to learn more and get better. There is not one aspect of music that I am still not in awe of.
I have gathered a lot of information over time and now, with Music Thought House, I have decided to release it on the world.
I know that music can be daunting and seemingly complex and I am not a complicated person. The blog posts I write am to keep things simple and straightforward so everyone can get a better understanding of music.
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