#1
Squier Affinity Stratocaster
Electric Guitar · Alder body, maple neck, 3 single-coil pickups, 21 frets$200 new | $80–$140 usedBest for: First-time players wanting a true Fender-designed guitar.
The Affinity Strat is the definitive beginner electric. It's actually designed by Fender, not a knockoff. Used examples regularly appear at $80–$120, often barely played from players who received it as a gift. The Stratocaster shape and three single-coils define "electric guitar" for most players.
What to check used: Single-coil pickups buzz near power lines and tube amps (normal, not a flaw). The tremolo system requires setup if you plan to use it heavily. Check the neck for straightness and frets for wear. Verify the tuners turn smoothly.
#2
Epiphone Les Paul Special
Electric Guitar · Mahogany body, 2 humbuckers, bolt-on neck, 22 frets$150–$180 new | $70–$120 usedBest for: Beginners preferring humbucker tone (heavier rock and classic rock).
The Special has two covered humbuckers that give a warm, full sound without single-coil hum. Heavier than a Strat but sits well on a strap. Gibson's design, made by Epiphone. If you want rock and blues, start here instead of a Strat.
What to check used: Mahogany and the Les Paul body shape make it 2–3 lbs heavier than a Strat — some beginners find the weight tiring on a strap. The bolt-on neck is adequate but not as resonant as set-neck guitars. Check the finish for cracks or bubbling on used units.
#3
Squier Bullet Stratocaster
Electric Guitar · Poplar body, C-shaped maple neck, 21 frets, hardtail bridge$150–$180 new | $70–$110 usedBest for: Players who want a genuine Squier Strat at the lowest price point.
The Bullet Strat strips down the Affinity to a hardtail bridge (no tremolo) but keeps the neck profile and construction quality. Fewer parts to misalign means more reliable tuning stability. Great for players who don't plan to use a whammy bar.
What to check used: No tremolo system limits your ability to experiment with effects. Poplar body is less resonant than alder. The Bullet is not visually distinguished — doesn't look expensive, which is fine if you don't care about appearance.
#4
Yamaha PAC112V
Electric Guitar · Alder body, HSS pickup config, vintage tremolo, 22 frets$300 new | $100–$160 usedBest for: Serious beginners wanting a guitar that lasts 3+ years.
The Pacifica 112V is significantly better than most guitars under $150. Yamaha's manufacturing consistency means every neck arrives properly set up and in tune. HSS config (humbucker + two single-coils) handles clean, crunch, and heavy tones. Used examples regularly appear at $100–$150 from players upgrading.
What to check used: Vintage tremolo is different from modern systems — takes practice to use properly. The single-coils in the middle and neck positions buzz near power lines. This is a Japanese-made guitar, so fewer parts available locally if repair is needed.
#5
Epiphone SG Special
Electric Guitar · Mahogany body, 2 humbuckers, slim-taper neck, 22 frets$150–$200 new | $70–$120 usedBest for: Players who prefer the SG's lighter weight and faster neck.
The SG Special is lighter and easier to handle than a Les Paul due to its lighter body and slimmer neck profile. The slim-taper neck suits players transitioning from acoustic (thinner grip). Gibson's SG design is iconic in hard rock and metal.
What to check used: The body horns are sharp — can jab your side when sitting. Less body mass means thinner tone than a Les Paul (not bad, just different). Check the headstock for stress cracks (SGs are prone to this) on used units. Verify the neck bolts are tight.
#6
Squier Affinity Telecaster
Electric Guitar · Alder body, 2 single-coil pickups, hardtail bridge, 21 frets$200–$230 new | $90–$140 usedBest for: Players interested in country, rock, and pop tones.
The Affinity Tele is the go-to for country and roots players. Used examples are abundant from players who upgraded or tried the genre and moved on. The hardtail bridge stays in tune well. Single-coils give the bright, punchy tone that defines Telecaster sound.
What to check used: Single-coil buzz near power lines is more pronounced on Teles than Strats. The slab body shape is less comfortable for long practice sessions than a Strat's contour. Thin pickguard can crack if you drop the guitar.
#7
Jackson JS11 Dinky
Electric Guitar · Basswood body, 2 humbuckers, jumbo frets, double-cutaway, 24 frets$150–$200 new | $70–$110 usedBest for: Beginners interested in rock and metal.
The JS11 Dinky features a double-cutaway body that accesses upper frets easily. Jumbo frets feel fast and give a modern vibe. Two humbuckers handle high-gain tones without buzz. Jackson is known for shredder guitars, but the JS11 is beginner-friendly.
What to check used: Jumbo frets require light touch and finger precision — harder for absolute beginners than regular-sized frets. The double-cutaway looks aggressive (cool, but not for everyone). Basswood body is bright and thin; not ideal for warm tones. Resale value is lower than Fender/Epiphone.
