Ever dreamed of shredding like your favorite rockstar or laying down smooth blues riffs? That dream can start today! The electric guitar is an awesome instrument, but stepping into a music store or browsing online for your very first one can feel overwhelming. So many brands, so many shapes, and what even *is* a “combo amp”? It’s easy to get lost in the noise and feel discouraged before you even strum your first chord.
That’s where this guide comes in. We know the struggle of wanting to play but not knowing where to begin. We’ll cut through the confusion and show you exactly what to look for in a beginner electric guitar set. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about choosing gear that sounds great, feels good to play, and won’t break the bank. Get ready to ditch the overwhelm and get excited about making music!
Our Top 5 Beginner Electric Guitar Set Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Beginner Electric Guitar Set Detailed Reviews
1. Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to rock? The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit in Black is your all-in-one ticket to learning guitar. Fender, a name trusted for 75 years, designed this kit specifically for new players. It includes everything you need to start playing right away, making it a fantastic gift for anyone who dreams of making music.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package with the guitar, amp, gig bag, strap, cable, picks, stand, and extra strings.
- The Stratocaster guitar is designed for comfort with a “c” shaped neck and a lightweight body.
- You get classic Strat tones from the three single-coil pickups and 5-way switching.
- The kit comes with free lessons through Fender Play, helping you learn songs you love.
- It’s backed by a 2-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.
- This kit is suitable for all ages looking to start their guitar journey.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Frontman 10G amp is great for practice, it might be a bit basic for more advanced players down the line.
- The gig bag offers basic protection, but a hardshell case would provide more security for travel.
This Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster kit makes learning guitar fun and accessible. It’s a solid foundation for any aspiring musician.
2. Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/Case
Rating: 9.3/10
Dreaming of shredding on an electric guitar but don’t know where to start? The Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit in Hollywood Blue is your all-in-one ticket to musical adventure. This kit gives you everything a budding guitarist needs to begin their journey, right out of the box.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package! You get the guitar, a 10W amp, a case, strap, picks, extra strings, and a tremolo bar. No need to buy anything else.
- This guitar is designed for beginners and even intermediate players. It’s ready to play as soon as you open it.
- The guitar looks super cool with its Hollywood Blue finish, black tuning pegs, and stylish binding.
- You can change your sound to play different kinds of music, from blues to rock. The tremolo bar lets you make cool pitch bends.
- It’s built to sound good. The maple neck and composite fretboard help create a rich rock sound with its three single-coil pickups.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great starter kit, some experienced players might want to upgrade the amplifier or guitar components later on.
- The included pick holder on the strap is a nice touch, but it might not hold many picks.
This electric guitar starter kit makes learning to play fun and easy. It’s a fantastic way to jump into the world of music and start making your own tunes.
3. Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to rock and roll? The Donner DST-100S 39 Inch Full Size Electric Guitar Kit is your all-in-one ticket to learning the guitar. This sunburst beauty comes with everything a beginner needs to start playing right away, making it a fantastic starter package.
What We Like:
- Versatile H-S-S pickups let you play many music styles, from blues to rock.
- The Canadian maple neck with a “C” shape feels comfy in your hands.
- Smooth, 22 copper-nickel frets are easy on your fingers.
- It’s a complete package with an amp, bag, tuner, and more!
- The mini amplifier is portable and includes a headphone jack for quiet practice.
- Online lessons are included, so you can start learning immediately.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, serious players might want more advanced features later on.
- The included accessories are good for starting, but you might upgrade them as you improve.
This Donner guitar kit makes learning fun and easy. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to pick up the electric guitar.
4. Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.5/10
Ready to rock? The Donner DST-152R Electric Guitar in stunning Metallic Ice Blue is your all-in-one ticket to learning guitar. This 39″ beginner-friendly kit comes with everything you need to start playing right away. It’s designed to make learning fun and easy, with features that help you sound great from the start.
What We Like:
- Versatile Sound: The HSS pickups, inspired by Korean craftsmanship, deliver warm, clear tones. With 5 pickup switch positions and a cool coil-split function, you can get 7 different sounds. This means you can play many music styles without much extra noise.
- Extra Tonal Options: The push-pull switch lets you split the humbucker pickup. This gives you classic single-coil sounds, adding even more variety to your playing.
- Comfortable Playability: The satin-finished maple neck has a C-shape, which feels good in your hand. The laurel wood fingerboard with 22 frets and clear markers makes it easy to find your notes.
- Stable Tuning: Vintage-style tuning machines keep your guitar in tune, so you spend more time playing and less time fiddling.
- Complete Starter Pack: This kit includes a mini amplifier, gig bag, capo, strap, strings, tuner, Allen wrench, guitar rocker, cable, and picks. It’s truly a plug-and-play experience.
- Great Value: You get a lot of guitar and accessories for the price, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mini amplifier might have slight appearance differences between old and new versions, but its quality remains the same.
This Donner DST-152R guitar kit is an excellent starting point for aspiring musicians. It offers a wide range of sounds and comfortable playability, all bundled in a complete package that’s ready to go.
5. RVONE RST-150 39″ Beginner Electric Guitar Kit with Amp & HSS Pickups
Rating: 9.3/10
The RVONE RST-150 39″ Beginner Electric Guitar Kit is your all-in-one solution to kickstart your musical journey. This black electric guitar comes with everything a new player needs, including a practice amp and essential accessories. It’s designed to make learning fun and easy, whether you dream of rocking out or playing mellow tunes.
What We Like:
- The guitar is super comfortable to play, even for beginners. Its thin neck and smooth frets help you change chords easily and keep your wrist in a good position.
- You get a lot of cool sounds with the HSS pickups. You can go from bright, clear notes to warm, full tones, making it great for learning different music styles like rock and pop.
- The solid ash wood body gives the guitar a great sound. It rings out nicely and lasts longer than guitars made with cheaper materials. The matte finish looks awesome and doesn’t show fingerprints.
- Practice anytime with the included amp’s headphone mode. You can play loud rock riffs or quiet jazz without disturbing anyone.
- The strings are easier on your fingers, making practice sessions more comfortable. You even get an extra set, so you’re always ready to play.
- This kit is packed with useful items. You get a gig bag, tuner, capo, strap, and picks. It’s a complete package for lessons and performances.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the amp is great for practice, it might not be loud enough for jamming with a full band.
- The included picks are standard celluloid; some players might prefer different materials for specific sounds.
This RVONE kit offers fantastic value and makes learning the electric guitar accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s the perfect starting point for aspiring musicians.
Your First Strum: A Beginner Electric Guitar Set Buying Guide
So, you want to learn to play the electric guitar? Awesome! Starting with a beginner electric guitar set makes it super easy. These sets usually come with everything you need to plug in and play. This guide will help you pick the best one for you.
What to Look for in a Beginner Electric Guitar Set
When you’re just starting, you don’t need the fanciest guitar. You need something that’s fun to play and helps you learn. Here are the most important things to consider:
Key Features to Look For
- Playability: This means how easy the guitar is to hold and play. A comfortable neck and strings that aren’t too high off the fretboard make a big difference. You don’t want to fight your guitar while you’re learning.
- Sound Quality: Even beginner guitars can sound good! Listen to some demos online if you can. A good beginner guitar will sound clear and not buzzy.
- Included Accessories: Most sets come with an amplifier, a gig bag, a pick, a strap, and a cable. Make sure these are decent quality. A small, practice amp is perfect for beginners.
- Durability: You want a guitar that can handle a few bumps. Beginner sets are usually built to last through those early learning stages.
Important Materials
- Body Wood: Common woods include basswood, alder, and poplar. Basswood is lightweight and good for a balanced sound. Alder is a classic choice, giving a warm and resonant tone. Poplar is also a good, affordable option.
- Neck Wood: Maple is the most common wood for guitar necks. It’s strong and smooth, making it easy to move your hand around.
- Fretboard Wood: Rosewood and maple are popular choices. Rosewood is smooth and often feels warmer. Maple is bright and responsive.
- Pickups: These are the parts that turn your guitar’s vibrations into an electrical signal. Humbuckers offer a thicker, fuller sound, while single-coils are brighter and twangier. Many beginner guitars have a mix.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Craftsmanship: How well the guitar is put together matters. Check for smooth edges on the fretboard and a neck that feels solid.
- Hardware: Things like tuning machines and bridges affect how well your guitar stays in tune and how it sounds. Better hardware usually means better performance.
- Finish: A nice paint job looks good, but more importantly, a smooth, well-applied finish can contribute to the guitar’s overall feel.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making great beginner instruments. Doing a little research on brands can be helpful.
User Experience and Use Cases
- Learning: The main use case is learning! A comfortable guitar makes practicing less frustrating and more fun.
- Practicing: Beginner sets are perfect for jamming in your room. The small amps are usually quiet enough not to disturb others.
- Exploring Genres: Different guitars and pickup combinations can help you explore different music styles, from rock to blues to pop.
- Gigs (Small Scale): While not for huge concerts, a beginner set can even be used for playing at a small gathering or open mic night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beginner Electric Guitar Sets
Q: What is included in a typical beginner electric guitar set?
A: A typical set usually includes the electric guitar, a small amplifier, a guitar cable, a guitar strap, a few guitar picks, and a gig bag to carry it all.
Q: Do I need to buy anything else besides a beginner set?
A: For most beginners, a set has everything you need to start playing right away. You might want to get some extra picks or a tuner later on.
Q: How important is the amplifier in a beginner set?
A: The amplifier is very important! It makes your guitar loud enough to hear and practice with. A good practice amp will have basic controls for volume and tone.
Q: Can a beginner electric guitar set sound good?
A: Yes! While they won’t sound like professional guitars, good beginner sets offer decent sound quality that is perfect for learning and practicing.
Q: What is the difference between a humbucker and a single-coil pickup?
A: Humbuckers are usually thicker and louder, good for rock. Single-coils are brighter and clearer, good for blues or country.
Q: How do I know if a guitar is comfortable to play?
A: Try to hold it. The neck shouldn’t feel too thick or too thin for your hand. The strings shouldn’t be so high off the fretboard that it’s hard to press them down.
Q: Are all beginner electric guitars the same?
A: No, there are many different styles and brands of beginner electric guitars. They can vary in shape, color, and sound.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a beginner electric guitar set?
A: Beginner sets can range from around $150 to $400 or more, depending on the brand and what’s included.
Q: Can I learn any song on a beginner electric guitar?
A: Yes, you can learn almost any song! Beginner guitars are versatile enough for many different music styles.
Q: Will a beginner set help me improve my skills?
A: Absolutely! A good beginner set makes learning enjoyable and helps you develop your technique and musical ear.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.