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10 Best Beginner Electric Guitars 2025 in the UK

Fender Squier Mini Stratocaster, Electric Guitar, 2-Colour Sunburst, Ideal for Beginners

Body Type: Stratocaster
Neck Profile: Slim 'C'-shaped
Scale Length: 25.5 inches
Pickups: Three single-coil
Bridge Type: Fixed tremolo
Wood Type: Poplar body, Maple neck, Maple fretboard
Fretboard Material: Maple
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Squier by Fender Debut Collection Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Laurel Fingerboard, White Pickguard, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,399
Pickups
Pickups
The guitar has the expected Stratocaster chime sound, with pots working as expected.

The Squier by Fender Debut Collection Stratocaster is a solid choice for beginner guitarists, offering a blend of quality and playability that can appeal to both adults and kids. With its laurel fingerboard and comfortable 'C'-shaped neck profile, it provides a smooth playing experience, making it easier for beginners to practice for extended periods. The iconic Stratocaster design, coupled with the black finish and white pickguard, gives it a classic look that many may find appealing.

A standout feature is the three single-coil pickups that allow for classic Strat tones, which is great for exploring various music styles. The 5-way switching adds versatility, letting beginners experiment with different sound combinations. The tremolo bridge and removable arm offer flexibility for creative string-bending effects, although these might take some time for a newcomer to get accustomed to.

While the body is made with quality wood, note that it's on the heavy side, weighing 4.5 kg, which might be slightly cumbersome for younger players. The scale length is standard at 648 millimeters, suitable for most adult and growing children, but those with smaller hands may need to adjust.

Being designed by Fender, it's backed with a 2-year warranty that ensures the guitar's durability and quality, providing peace of mind for new players investing in their first instrument. However, the tremolo system might require occasional tuning adjustments, which is common with this type of bridge.

This guitar offers a great balance of playability, sound variety, and build quality, making it an excellent companion for anyone starting their musical journey in the electric guitar world.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,399
Pickups
Pickups
The guitar has the expected Stratocaster chime sound, with pots working as expected.
#2

3rd Avenue XF Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Ultimate Kit with 10W Amp, Cable, Stand, Gig Bag, Strap, Spare Strings, Picks, Capo – Black

The 3rd Avenue XF Full Size 4/4 Electric Guitar Ultimate Kit is designed with beginners in mind, offering a comprehensive package that includes essential accessories such as a 10W amp, cable, stand, gig bag, strap, spare strings, picks, and a capo. This makes it convenient for those just starting out, as they have everything they need to begin playing right away. The guitar features a poplar body and maple neck, which are durable and provide a decent sound quality. The redwood fretboard is smooth and comfortable, making it easier for beginners to learn and practice chords. The C-shaped neck profile is particularly beginner-friendly, allowing for better grip and hand positioning.

The guitar is equipped with three single-coil pickups, offering versatility in sound suitable for modern pop and rock genres. The fixed bridge system ensures stable tuning, which is crucial for new players who may struggle with maintaining their instrument's tune. The included 10W amp has basic controls for volume, treble, bass, and an overdrive function, which adds an extra layer of sound variety. However, the amp's low wattage might limit its use to only practice sessions, not performances. On the downside, the build quality may not be as high-end as more expensive models, which could result in less durability over time. Additionally, while the guitar is full-sized, smaller individuals or younger children might find it cumbersome.

The kit also offers six months of free online lessons, which is a great resource for beginners to get structured guidance. The guitar's poplar wood construction and nickel strings are adequate for starters but might not satisfy more advanced players seeking richer tones and higher quality materials. This kit is a practical and affordable option for beginners looking to start their musical journey without investing heavily upfront.

#3

RockJam Full Size Electric Guitar Kit with 10-Watt Guitar Amp, Lessons, Strap, Gig Bag, Picks, Whammy, Lead and Spare Strings - SunBurst

Rating
9.8
Fretboard Material
Fretboard Material
The guitar holds its tune well and features smooth frets, contrary to some concerns about roughness.

The RockJam Full Size Electric Guitar Kit offers a comprehensive package for beginner guitarists making their first foray into the world of electric guitars. Featuring a full-sized guitar made from basswood, it provides a lightweight feel, which is beneficial for comfort during extended practice sessions. The ergonomic ST design and high-gloss SunBurst finish give it an appealing look, likely to motivate budding musicians.

One of the guitar’s strengths is its three single-coil pickups, which provide a range of tones suitable for beginners exploring different music styles. The inclusion of tone controls and a whammy bar adds to the versatility, allowing beginners to experiment with their sound. The fixed bridge system supports stable tuning but might limit more advanced playing techniques such as dive-bombing.

This kit is especially beginner-friendly due to the inclusion of a 10-watt amp, which is compact and portable. It includes essential controls for tone and gain, enabling newcomers to adjust their sound easily. The headphone output is a thoughtful addition, allowing for private practice, which can be particularly valuable for those living in shared spaces. However, the guitar utilizes basswood for the neck and fretboard, which might not provide the same durability or sound quality as harder woods like maple or rosewood. This could be a consideration for those looking for a longer-lasting instrument. Additionally, while the package includes useful accessories like a gig bag, strap, and spare strings, some may find the quality of these extras to be basic, potentially necessitating upgrades over time.

This kit is a sensible choice for beginners who want a cost-effective introduction to electric guitar playing, offering all necessary components to start learning and practicing immediately, although more experienced players might seek higher quality in materials and sound output.

Rating
9.8
Fretboard Material
Fretboard Material
The guitar holds its tune well and features smooth frets, contrary to some concerns about roughness.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Electric Guitars

Choosing your first electric guitar can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With so many options available, it's important to understand the key specifications that will impact your playing experience. By focusing on these specs, you can find a guitar that suits your needs and helps you enjoy your musical journey.
Body TypeThe body type of an electric guitar affects its sound and comfort. Solid body guitars are the most common and versatile, offering a wide range of tones suitable for various music styles. Hollow and semi-hollow body guitars provide a warmer, more resonant sound, often preferred for jazz and blues. Consider the type of music you want to play and choose a body type that complements it.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the guitar neck. Common profiles include C-shaped, U-shaped, and V-shaped. A C-shaped neck is generally comfortable for most players, while U-shaped and V-shaped necks may offer more support for larger hands. Try different neck profiles to see which feels most comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the instrument. Shorter scale lengths (around 24.75 inches) are easier to play and bend strings, making them ideal for beginners. Longer scale lengths (around 25.5 inches) provide a tighter feel and are often preferred for genres like rock and metal. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable and suits your musical preferences.
PickupsPickups are the devices that capture the sound of the strings and convert it into an electrical signal. Single-coil pickups offer a bright, clear tone, while humbuckers provide a thicker, warmer sound with less noise. Some guitars come with a combination of both. Consider the type of music you want to play and choose pickups that match the desired sound.
Bridge TypeThe bridge type affects the guitar's tuning stability and ease of string changes. Fixed bridges are simple and reliable, making them a good choice for beginners. Tremolo bridges allow for pitch bending effects but can be more challenging to maintain. If you're just starting out, a fixed bridge may be the best option for ease of use.
Wood TypeThe type of wood used in the guitar's construction can influence its tone and weight. Common woods include alder, basswood, mahogany, and maple. Alder and basswood are lightweight and provide a balanced tone, making them suitable for beginners. Mahogany offers a warmer sound, while maple provides brightness and sustain. Choose a wood type that complements the sound you want to achieve.
Fretboard MaterialThe material of the fretboard can affect the feel and playability of the guitar. Common materials include rosewood, maple, and ebony. Rosewood offers a smooth feel and warm tone, while maple provides a brighter sound and a slick surface. Ebony is known for its durability and smoothness. Try different fretboard materials to see which feels best under your fingers.