Trystan Casey
Electric guitars are a great instrument to learn, but it can be difficult to know which one to start with. The best electric guitar for beginners will depend on the style of music you want to play, the shape and style of the guitar, and the cost. When choosing an electric guitar, it's important to consider how it feels in your hands and whether it sparks your creativity. While the choice of wood may not make a huge difference to beginners, the weight, neck, and fretboard of the guitar should be considered. Some electric guitars are easier to play than others, and some can even be played straight out of the box.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scale length | Shorter scale length guitars are easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands |
| Neck shape | A thin neck provides more room to maneuver your fingers, making chords easier to play |
| Weight | Lighter guitars are easier to play |
| Body shape | The body shape should be comfortable for the player |
| Neck profile | A smooth neck profile is ideal for various playing styles |
| Neck width | People have different hand sizes, so the width of the neck should match the player |
| Neck length | People have fingers of different lengths, so the length of the neck should match the player |
| Frets | Smaller frets are easier for beginners |
| Action | Low action is easier for beginners |
| Pickup types | Single-coil pickups offer versatility and a wide range of tones |
| Control layout | Multiple volume/tone controls offer more options for the player |
| Bridge design | Floating vs fixed, TOM vs hardtail |
| Electronics and wiring | Beginner guitars are wired to just work, and that is what a beginner needs |
| Wood choice | As a beginner, focus on how the guitar feels in your hands |
| Fret type | Find a fretboard that feels good to you, but don't get caught up in tiny details |
| Price | Yamaha Pacifica, Squier Affinity Stratocaster FMT HSS, and Gretsch G2622 Streamliner are good beginner options under $500 |
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What You'll Learn
Comfort is key
When it comes to electric guitars, comfort is key, especially for beginners. The feel of the guitar in your hands is more important than technical specifications, and a comfortable guitar will encourage you to practice and develop your skills.
The scale length, or the distance between the nut and the bridge, is an important factor in determining the comfort of the guitar. A shorter scale length is often easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands. The neck profile, or the shape of the neck, is also crucial. A thin neck gives your fingers more room to manoeuvre, making chords easier to play. Additionally, the body shape and overall ergonomics of the guitar, including how it feels when resting on your lap, should be considered.
Some guitars are renowned for their comfort and ease of play. The Yamaha Pacifica, for example, is consistently recommended by guitar teachers and praised by Amazon reviewers for its versatility, great tone variety, and lightweight, easy-to-play design. The Squier Affinity Stratocaster FMT HSS is another option that offers excellent playability and a wide range of tones, all at a budget-friendly price.
While the specific model of the guitar is a factor, it's important to remember that comfort is subjective and depends on individual preferences and body types. What may be comfortable for one person may not be for another, so it's essential to try out different guitars and find the one that suits your unique needs and feels right for you.
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Scale length matters
When it comes to electric guitars, scale length matters. The scale length of a guitar is the distance between the nut (the top of the guitar neck) and the bridge (where the strings are anchored). This measurement typically ranges from 24 inches to 26.5 inches, with some variations in between. Guitars with different scale lengths will have different "feels", tonal characteristics, and tuning possibilities.
The scale length of a guitar affects the spacing between the frets, with longer scale lengths generally having wider fret spacing. This can be advantageous for soloing and fretting tough chords. Shorter scale lengths, on the other hand, are often preferred by players who fingerpick or those with smaller hands as they provide more comfortable spacing. Additionally, shorter scale lengths require less tension for their strings to be brought up to pitch, making them easier to play for beginners.
The choice of scale length can also impact the tension and string feel of the guitar. Longer scale lengths tend to have higher string tension, requiring more effort to fret the strings. This can be a consideration for players with varying finger strength. Shorter scale lengths offer reduced string tension and a more relaxed string feel, making them popular among rhythm players and lead guitarists who play in the lower or middle sections of the fretboard.
While there is no universally ideal guitar that is easier to play for everyone, the scale length is an important factor in determining the playability and feel of a guitar. It is worth noting that other factors such as tonewoods, construction, hardware, and electronics also play a crucial role in the overall experience of playing an electric guitar.
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Body shape and weight
The body shape and weight of an electric guitar are critical factors in determining its playability and comfort. While the shape and weight may not significantly affect the plugged-in tone of a solid-body electric guitar, they can influence the playability, comfort, and endurance of the guitarist.
The weight of an electric guitar can vary, with some weighing as little as 4 to 4.5 lbs, while others can weigh more than 7 lbs. The weight of a guitar depends on various factors, such as the type of body, the materials used, and the amount of wood used in its construction. Hollow-body guitars, for example, tend to be lighter than solid-body guitars because they have a more open structure. However, as the Strandberg NX6 demonstrates, solid-body guitars can also be designed to be extremely lightweight. Ultimately, the weight of a guitar is a matter of personal preference, as some players may prefer the comfort of a lighter guitar, while others may not find weight to be a significant factor.
The body shape of an electric guitar can affect how easily it can be played in different positions, whether sitting or standing. Certain shapes may be better suited for seated playing, while others might be optimised for standing performances. The shape also influences the accessibility of upper frets and the balance of weight distribution, making certain shapes more popular among technical players. For instance, the Fender American Acoustasonic Series offers a lightweight, hollow body with a comfortable forearm contour, providing easy access to higher frets. Similarly, the Yamaha Revstar series features a shorter scale length, jumbo frets, and a chunky neck profile, enabling easy note bends with reduced string tension.
Additionally, the body shape of a hollow-body electric guitar can impact its sound, especially when played unplugged. The interaction of the strings with the hollow body can influence the tonal characteristics and resonance of the guitar. For example, the Yamaha SA2200 semi-hollow body is known for its warm, "woody" tone, achieved through its large body dimensions, acoustic chambers, and soft maple centre-block construction. On the other hand, solid-body guitars, like the Flying V, tend to have better sustain due to their greater mass and minimal acoustic resonance, allowing for longer drawn-out notes.
When choosing an electric guitar, it is essential to consider both body shape and weight. The right guitar body shape should align with the player's style, physical requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Testing different shapes and weights is crucial to finding the most ergonomically efficient guitar for comfort and playability.
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The right fretboard
When it comes to choosing an electric guitar, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which is the easiest to play. The right fretboard and overall guitar for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
The fretboard, or fingerboard, is the part of the guitar neck where you press down the strings to form chords and notes. Different types of wood are used for fretboards, each with its own advantages. For example, rosewood fretboards, like the one found on the Fender Player II Telecaster, are known for their smooth feel and elegant look. Maple fretboards, on the other hand, are often brighter in colour and provide a snappier tone.
The size and shape of the fretboard are also important considerations. A wider fretboard can provide more room for your fingers, making it easier to play complex chords. The spacing between the frets is another factor to consider. Smaller hands might find it more comfortable to play on a guitar with a shorter scale length, as the frets will be closer together.
Additionally, the shape and profile of the neck can impact the overall playability of the guitar. A guitar with a "C" neck profile, like the Fender Player II Telecaster, provides a smooth and comfortable feel, accommodating various playing styles. A thin neck, like that of the Yamaha Pacifica, can also make the guitar easier to play by providing more room for finger manoeuvrability, especially when it comes to more complex chord shapes.
Ultimately, the right fretboard and guitar for you should feel comfortable and spark your creativity. Don't get too caught up in the tiny details; focus on finding a guitar that feels good in your hands and inspires you to play.
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Guitar setup
When choosing an electric guitar, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The "easiest" guitar for you will depend on your body and preferences. Factors such as neck shape, scale length, thickness, weight, and fret size all play a role in how easy a guitar is to play. For example, a shorter scale length is generally easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.
Neck Evaluation
The neck of the guitar should be evaluated for any “up-bow", "back-bow", humps, or high/loose frets. This can be done by sighting down the neck or using a straightedge and feeler gauges. If there is too much bow, the truss rod must be tightened; if there is a back bow, the truss rod must be loosened.
Truss Rod Adjustment
The truss rod, which runs the length of the neck and counteracts string tension, can be adjusted to change the amount of bow in the neck. Loosening the truss rod will result in higher action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard), while tightening it will bring the strings closer to the fretboard.
Nut Adjustment
If any open strings buzz, the nut may need to be shimmed up and the other slots deepened to compensate. A high slot will cause the notes at the 1st fret to sound sharper, so the slots must be deepened. This is a delicate procedure that may require specialized tools and skills.
Electronics Check
A good setup includes checking the guitar's electronics. Make sure the switches are functioning properly and there is no unwanted noise when adjusting the volume.
String Setup
The setup of the strings can also impact the playability of the guitar. With the guitar strung and tuned to pitch, press one of the strings at the 1st fret and one of the frets near the neck-body joint. If the neck is perfectly straight, there should be a small gap between the string and the frets in the middle of the neck.
While some of these steps can be done at home, it is always recommended to consult a professional for a guitar setup to ensure your instrument is properly maintained and adjusted.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good electric guitar options for beginners include the Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster, the Yamaha Pacifica 112V, the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio, and the Ibanez Gios.
As a beginner, you should look for an electric guitar that feels good in your hands and sparks your creativity. You should also consider the type of music you want to play, as some guitars are more suited to certain genres than others. Additionally, pay attention to the nut width, as a narrower neck is generally easier to play.
Electric guitars are almost always easier on your fingers than acoustic guitars. Additionally, electric guitars offer a wider range of sounds and are more versatile for different genres of music.
