Guide to Choosing an Electric Guitar: Types, Prices and Models

Is Electric Guitar Ok for Beginners?

These guitars are undoubtedly the best option for beginners, thanks to their lightweight design and thin, easy-to-press strings. This makes playing effortless, even for those with no prior experience. Since they require minimal finger strength, they’re also an excellent choice for young children. So, when browsing for sale electric guitars, you can be confident that there’s a perfect option for both adults and kids.

Types

For sale electric guitars come in a variety of styles, each designed to produce unique sounds. They also vary in type to accommodate different playing techniques. Understanding these differences will give you a clearer idea of which guitar best suits your needs.

Solid Body Guitars

These are the most popular types of electric guitars used by musicians, known for their solid wood construction, which contributes to their powerful sound—something that’s hard to achieve with other guitars.

The most popular models in this style include:

• Fender Stratocaster: Renowned for its versatile sound, the Stratocaster is ideal for blues, rock, and other genres that require a bright, crisp tone.
• Gibson Les Paul: Famous for its warm, rich tone, the Les Paul is a go-to choice for heavier genres like hard rock and metal.

Semi-Hallow and Hollow Bodies

Unlike solid-body guitars, hollow-body and semi-hollow-body guitars have a different construction. Hollow-body guitars feature a fully open interior, while semi-hollow guitars have a solid block in the centre. Both types are known for their warmer tones, making them perfect for genres like blues and jazz. The most popular models of this kind include:

• Gibson ES-335: A classic guitar known for its rich, full sound, making it a versatile choice for many genres.
• Gretsch G262: Famous for its unique aesthetic and bright, distinctive tones that stand out in rockabilly, jazz, and blues.

Unique Body Types

There are also guitars with unique body designs that are specifically crafted to enhance tone and playability. These include:

• Stratocaster: This guitar features a contoured body that improves comfort and provides easier access to higher frets, making it a popular choice for players looking for a more ergonomic design.
• Telecaster: Known for its simple, flat design, the Telecaster offers a balanced feel and tone, making it ideal for players seeking clarity and precision in their sound.

Factors that Affect the Cost

Brand

As you can assume by now, brands can significantly affect the guitars’ price. Guitars from well-known and trusted brands usually come with a higher price tag, as these guitars are known for their incredible quality, durability, and amazing sound.

Material

The guitars’ material can also affect the price, where guitars made from more quality wood are pricier than those made from wood of lower quality. Some of the best woods used for creating amazing guitars are:

• Ash—this is a wood used for guitars that need to create brighter tones.
• Mahogany—this is a wood used for guitars that need to produce warmer tones.

Quality of Hardware

Aside from the guitar’s body, the hardware plays a crucial role in determining its quality. Investing in a guitar with high-quality components enhances performance, improves durability, and ensures a better playing experience. However, keep in mind that superior hardware often comes at a higher price.

Special Features

Other factors that can drive up a guitar’s price include special features like custom designs and unique finishes. While these elements appeal more to professional musicians, they’re not essential for beginners. As a beginner, it’s best to focus on a simple, well-built guitar that offers great value without unnecessary extras.

Choosing the Right Model

Choosing the right guitar model means considering every detail, from playability and type to budget. Each factor significantly impacts your comfort, performance, and overall playing experience.

Sound and Tone

By now, you know that different guitars produce distinct sounds and tones. To choose the right model, these should be your top considerations:

• Body Type – Affects the resonance and overall tone.
• Pickups – Single-coil pickups deliver clear, bright tones, while humbuckers produce warmer, richer sounds.

If possible, try out different guitars to find the sound that best matches your style and preferences.

Playability and Comfort

The final factors to consider are the guitar’s neck profile and weight. Different neck shapes impact comfort and playability, especially when reaching higher or lower notes. Ideally, you should choose a shape that feels natural in your hand. As for weight, lighter guitars are easier to hold, making them a great option for longer playing sessions.

One thing is certain—no matter which guitar you choose, investing in a high-quality protective case is essential. A good case helps preserve your instrument’s condition, ensuring it lasts for years. Plus, if you ever decide to sell it, a well-maintained guitar will hold its value and fetch a better price.