Buying your first Electric Guitar

In this blog post, we are going to recommend some specific makes and models that we think are particularly good for beginners. Buying your first guitar can be a little bit daunting, especially if you do not know what to look for. So take your time to have a look through this article, check out some of the links and if you have any questions do not hesitate to message us!

Things to look for when buying a guitar

When buying your first electric you will be primarily be looking for a few things.

  1. Build quality. Does it look well made? are all the parts put together nicely? There are lots of cheap guitars out there that look fine but are actually really poorly assembled and will eventually cause problems later.
  2. Is it a reputable brand? Brand is not everything but its safer to go with a name that is well known. Here is a few recommendations: Squier by Fender, Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha, Harley Benton. (A short list of our personal favourite budget brands).
  3. Is it comfortable to play? even if you don’t know how to play it yet, check you can move your hands around the neck comfortably and press down the strings easily.

Beginner Electric Guitar Recommendations

Harley Benton

Harley benton give you a lot of bang for your buck! these guitars are excellent in our opinion and at a very affordable price point. Shipped from Thomann in Germany so will take a week or so to get to you. But a great piece of kit! You may want to check out some of their packages that include a small Amp.

Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series – Only £85!

Harley Benton ST-20 BK Standard Series – Available in a few different colours and only £66!

We are really impressed with these instruments. However, do remember that amps and leads are extra, if in doubt go for one of their guitar sets Thomann Guitar Set G13 Black which includes some extra goodies for only £125

Here are some other guitars beginners love

Squiers

https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/squier-bullet-strat-ht-in-black-w-laurel-fingerboard

https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/squier-bullet-strat-sss-in-sunburst-w-indian-laurel-fingerboard

Ibanez

https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/ibanez-grx40-bkn-guitar-in-black-night

Yamaha Pacifica

https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/yamaha-pacifica-012-in-black

Guitar Package Deals we think rock!

To be honest, most package deals from reputable brands are fine. In our opinion, the only thing that lets it down is the guitar amps (being very honest). However, if you’re just getting started, getting a guitar that you can develop your skills on first is key. Below is a list of our current recommendations

Squier Stratocaster Bundles

https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitar-bundles-starter-packs/squier-stratocaster-ht-laurel-black-bundle-w-accessories

Epiphone Packages

https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitar-bundles-starter-packs/epiphone-les-paul-player-pack-in-black

Eastcoast Bundle Deal

https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitar-bundles-starter-packs/eastcoast-gs100-race-red-electric-guitar-bundle-w-amp-accessories

If you find these items to be out of stock just cut and paste the item name on the shop into google!

Guitars for younger players (1/2 Size)

Younger players may find it difficult playing a full size guitar. So it might be worth considering a 3/4 size or 1/2 size guitar. We recommend electric guitars for learners of smaller stature and small hands because they are easier to play as the neck profile (thickness of the neck) is generally smaller and easier to fit your hand around. Many guitar stores will recommend 3/4 or 1/2 classical guitars for beginners. We have found these to be “Ok” in some cases but can sometimes put a learner off playing as the neck profile (thickness of the neck) is considerably larger, therefore, making it tricky for smaller hands.

Anyway! thats a lot of info.

Let us start by looking at some guitars designed for younger players and smaller hands. These guitars are in the 3/4 and 1/2 size category that we think are particularly good.

IBANEZ GRGM21 MIKRO ELECTRIC GUITAR

We got a couple of these in a while ago. They are well made, have really cool designs and small. Perfect for younger players that are not yet ready to play a full-size guitar.

Average RRP: £159

EPIPHONE LES PAUL EXPRESS

The Epiphone les paul express is a small size electric guitar. Good brand, well made and comes in a couple of different colours. What’s not to like.

Average RRP £109

SQUIER MINI GUITAR

Another good choice of small guitars from iconic brand Fender. These guitars are smaller versions of the iconic fender strat.

Retails around £109 for the Guitar alone.

Conclusion

So half size electric guitars are not as common as you would believe. They do exist but primarily online and some larger stores. The one piece of advice I would give in buying a smaller guitar is to always look for build quality. Try and avoid unknown brands and eBay deals. Some of the smaller guitars I have seen that have been randomly purchased from eBay have been shocking.

If you can wait a little longer until you can play a full-size guitar. You will be getting more for your money and a better quality item that will last longer. Many of these smaller guitars are priced so closely to a full-size guitar.

Anyway, hope you found this useful. If you want to contribute anything to the article let us know!