In the case of purchasing a new electric guitar, you would want to make sure that the instrument matches your playing style and personal choice.

However, a solid electric guitar with all of the qualities you want is the most significant investment you can make in your musical career.

You should also remember that electric guitars are very different from acoustic guitars in terms of sound and feel.

Consider the pros and cons of each model before deciding to invest your hard-earned money in one of the best electric guitars on the market today, which are detailed in this article.

Factors to consider when choosing one of the best electric guitars

• The shape
• The material
• The size
• The pickups
• The hardware

1. Best cheap guitar – Yamaha Pacifica 112V
2. Best guitar for deep pocket buyers – PRS SE Hollow body Standard
3. Best overall – Fender Player Stratocaster

Our top choices for the Best Electric guitars

1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V

This particular electric guitar has long been regarded as a gold standard in terms of quality and equipment, and the 112V remains a popular option among newcomers. The 112 isn’t flashy and focuses only on the essentials. Despite this, the structure is of high quality. 

Trust us when we say that this instrument will last a lifetime if properly cared for. This fact is what makes it one of the top electric guitars on the market.

This specific guitar’s laminated maple top neck has a superb glossy surface. It is practically oiled, and it is securely fastened to the guitar body with the traditional neck plate and four screw attachments. Slim and well-formed throughout, with a complete ‘C’ shape that is slightly rounded at the back.

The end of the gaps is filled, the sides of the fingerboard are subtly curved, and the fretting is great with a medium-size wire around 2.37mm in width x 1.36 in height. The top corner of the fingerboard is even slightly rounded.

The classic Pacifica six-in-a-line headstock has held up nicely over the years and still looks great. A basic silk-screened script logo dominates the efficient, square Yamaha logo. The industry’s tuning fork logo is tossed in for good measure to ensure that everyone knows you’re shredding on a Yamaha.

Furthermore, the vibrato cover plate has six unique holes for string access. However, changing strings with a single large hole is more efficient than six little ones. Yamaha has reported that the pickups have been upgraded to Alnico V-loaded pickups, similar to those used in prior Pacifica models.

The introduction of block saddles to the very common old vibrato construction is meant to give the tone a bit more solidity, which is a slight but significant shift. T

They also specify an exact break-point for the string. It is impossible to use shorter screws since they are all the same height. Those on the outside bent steel saddles protrude – inserting smaller screws would be simple and would fix the issue.

While it retains its basic design, with a screw-in arm and no strain adjustment, the block has been deeply drilled to reduce dead string and improve stability. It is also heavily contoured, as was typical of modern rock electric guitars from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It also has a mahogany neck.

With lots of percussions and some mid-range strength provided by the amp, the solo single-coil pickups transport you to the heart of Texas acoustic guitar territory. It’s a fantastic current Strat-like blend produced by the neck and middle pickups combined – the increased brightness will break through a multi-effects patch beautifully.

Hum cancellation is also effective – only single coils can pick up the hum, whilst any blends and, of course, the full-bridge humbucker is pleasant and quiet in comparison. 

On the downside, the bright sound becomes muddy when the tone control is turned completely off; a better value capacitor might probably provide a more Clapton-esque tone. Despite this, the volume taper is great and suitable for delicate adjustments and smooth violin sunburst effects, among other things.

Although the vibrato has the potential to cause tuning stability issues, it can be quite effective when used for more traditional shimmer. However, don’t expect things to return to the perfect pitch after a session of heavy down-bending without some further tinkering.

Yamaha Pacifica 112V Advantages

• It features a five-position switch that comes with a single coil tap
• It comes in a wide range of colors
• It’s an affordable electric guitar
• It features maple frets

Yamaha Pacifica 112V Disadvantages

• The vibrato could use some improvement

2. Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet

Gretsch’s Double Jet electric guitar is one of the greatest all-purpose rock ‘n’ roll electric guitars that the company produces. You could use it to play indie, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, country, or jazz music, and we’d promise you’d have a great time doing it.

This Electromatic version offers incredible value for money and is available in several visually stunning finishes. For a more authentic Malcolm Young feel, go with Natural. It is the most classy of the finishes. Alternatively, go for one of the metallic primer-style finishes, which will make you seem like you’re on top of the world.

Powered by two Black Top Broad’Trons, the Double Jet is fast to show its fangs, and it comes equipped with a Treble Bleed circuit to extract every drop of tone possible from them. Although the narrow U-profile neck is very rapid, it is also quite comfortable, with a 24.6″ scale length and 12″ fretboard radius giving it a modern feel. The chambered mahogany neck and the body style are also extremely comfortable on the back.

Gretsch describes it as having a “thin U” shape that is welcoming to a guitar enthusiast of various types in terms of neck profile. It features a shortish 24.6-inch scale length and a 12-inch fretboard with 22 standard-size frets.

This all adds up to make the song seem reassuringly modern, even though it’s being played on an electric guitar that’s all about discovering tones that precede the invention of color television. The neck is permanently attached to the solid body. 

With a hollow mahogany body and a maple neck, it pays homage to famous Jets of old while remaining light and producing resonant sound.

Even though Gretsch’s four-knob configuration seems to be a bit confusing at first glance, it makes complete sense when used in conjunction with an amplified valve amplifier. It provides complete control over the electric guitar’s tone. The treble bleed circuit in the master volume enables you to reduce the level without sacrificing any brightness.

The Black Top Broad’Tron pickups are wound relatively hot compared to other Gretsch pickups. Yet, they maintain the balance you would expect from a Gretsch pickup.

With lots of trebly attitudes, the bridge pickup is an excellent choice. You can turn down the tone control by a notch or two, which helps to soften some of the meanness. 

The Double Jet is most at home in the classic rock area when both pickups are used simultaneously, and some distortion or fuzz is applied. There is no lack of middle sustain on the Double Jet, however.

Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet Advantages

• It comes in various cool designs
• It has a significant amount of resonance and sustains
• The v-stop tail makes it easier to play

Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet Disadvantages

• It’s an expensive guitar

3. Epiphone Les Paul Standard by Gibson Les Paul

When it comes to determining value, one electric guitar immediately comes to mind. It’s no surprise that the Epiphone Les Paul Standard by Gibson Les Paul has become the first choice for thousands of guitarists throughout the years, and with good cause. 

To put it another way, this instrument checks a lot of boxes for guitar players. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard by Gibson Les Paul is very well-made, and it also sounded fantastic. Most significantly, it is reasonably priced compared to the Gibson Les Paul Studio.

This particular electric guitar weighs 9 pounds. That type of weight is an acknowledged part of the LP experience, and it seems balanced in play, but we’d recommend investing in a cushioned strap with a 3″ width or more for comfort in the long term.

The slim neck and rosewood fingerboard radius are very personal preferences. We cannot suggest comparing and contrasting Epiphone’s ’59, the ’60s, and ’50s models in person enough to choose your preferred era.

Neck profiles are indeed subjective, but the construction quality, in this case, is not. We have no concerns; this is an outstanding example of Epiphone QC in the year 2020. But it’s the act of connecting that’s the most enjoyable.

This is exactly what we expect from a Les Paul, and it’s worthy of the Gibson Les Paul name — a wide range of tones to choose from, thanks to two flexible ProBuckers and four settings. Midrange bite, touch sensitivity, and singing highs are all present and accounted for!

Because of the taper of the controls here, you can go incredibly clean with the volume while still maintaining clarity and treble; if you ignore her, you’re really losing out on the adaptable vintage LP experience that giants like Clapton took advantage of.

Most importantly, the neck humbucker is dead-on, powerful with a wide singing sustain. All of this comes together to offer you a large palette for much more than just classic rock and roll.

The neck is the more precise point of differentiation here. The prevailing view is that the Les Paul by Gibson Les Paul necks of the 1950s were thicker in profile, whilst the necks of the 1960s were sleeker. The specifics of this are up for contention since the carving varies from one instrument to the other.

In the opinion of many players, this best electric guitar strikes the ideal balance between quality, affordability, and overall performance. Suppose a genuine Gibson Les Paul Studio is not an option due to budgetary constraints. In that case, you won’t go wrong with one of these replicas.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard Advantages

• It’s capable of producing a wide range of classic Gibson Les Paul notes
• It’s very similar to Gibson by Gibson Les Paul but costs less
• It’s ideal for beginners
• The o Matic bridge, an electric guitar hardware, is perfect for this
• It features rosewood frets

Epiphone Les Paul Standard Disadvantages

• The humbuckers are not flexible
• It’s heavier than standard electric guitars

4. Fender Player Stratocaster

This Fender Stratocaster s is made at Fender’s Mexican plant and offered at a very low price point, using conventional electric guitar designs from Fender and adding a broad number of features for a decked standard that makes them acceptable for the current generation of artists.

With the Player Series Strat, you have a variety of possibilities, just as you do with the Fender Telecaster. A maple fingerboard (maple fret) or pau Ferro’ board’ is available. 

There are HSS and HSH pickup combinations available. The flame maple-topped Plus Top and HSS Plus Top are the most expensive models in the series at roughly £729 street.

There are no big complaints about the build quality, with the exception of some somewhat stiff tuners – which is a minor quibble. It has a satin neck for a rapid playing experience, and there aren’t any major issues with the tone.

There is a broad spectrum of tones available from humbucker and the five-way selector, which is a nice bonus. The sound quality is a lot like Fender’s big Texas Hot single-coil pickups, and as a result, they function very well. You don’t lose any treble when you turn the volume knob all the way down.

In mid-priced Strats, the bridge pickup’s sound quality may be a bit weedy, but here it is rich and cutting – and if the bridge pickup does start to become a touch spiky, the tone dial is satisfyingly responsive and allows for precise treble cutting. This is significant in terms of your vocal tone.

Let’s have a look at the wiring for the two-tone knobs. Tone 1 is responsible for the neck and middle pickups, whereas tone 2 is in charge of the bridge pickup. That feature is not available on older Strats, which do not control the bridging, but it is really handy anyway.

Suppose somehow the neck single-coil pickups are lacking. In that case, it comes to life when combined with the single center coil, which has some significant quack attack on it to provide a dazzling display.

The new two-point vibrato effect is very nice. It’s one of the smoothest-running systems we’ve seen at this price, and it returns to pitch flawlessly every time. You could run into the old familiar issue with the whammy bar loosening in the socket, but a little piece of tape wrapped around it will solve the problem for you.

As long as Stratocasters exist, they will never be able to escape their past. They will always respect their predecessors, but what is fantastic about the Player Series model is that it draws on tones from throughout the Strat’s history and brings them right up to speed with the present.

The dreaded ‘loose arm in the socket’ issue persists, but it is easily remedied by wrapping a little piece of tape over the threads of the socket. 

While Stratocasters will always respect the past, this specific model has a rich tone that transcends the decades while also bringing the format up to the present, making it one of the greatest Fender Stratocasters available today.

Fender Player Stratocaster Advantages

• It produces amazing strat tones
• It’s very easy to play
• It’s one of the affordable Fender electric guitars

Fender Player Stratocaster Disadvantages

• The knobs for the tuners are a little hard to turn

5. PRS SE Hollow body Standard

Joe Knaggs was the man behind PRS’s f-holed hollow body design electric guitars. While the original designs from the 1990s are still available in PRS’s USA Core line, these SE versions represent a full overhaul.

The new SE models, on the other hand, have a more traditional semi-acoustic guitar or hollow-body electric guitar shape. For instance, the electric guitar bodies are made entirely of laminate, similar to the Gibson ES-335. The Standard is made of five-ply mahogany, and the top laminate is about 4mm thick.

The Hollow body doesn’t have a central block. However, a little block beneath the bridge connects the top and rear, enabling PRS to accommodate its Stoptail bridge. Both SE models include an adjustable style. The block, which is seen via the f-holes, is obviously a distinct piece of wood with a maple-like appearance.

There are kerfed linings to offer ample adhesive area to connect the top and back to the comparatively thin sides. This corresponds to the more acoustic-like building approach shown here.

Unlike semi-hollow-body guitars, hollow-body electric guitars may be unfamiliar. But the mahogany neck is a familiar face. PRS’s Wide Fat profile has been bonded into a huge neck block. The backs of the headstocks state that they were produced in China by Cor-Tek. 

The SE features a bound headstock that matches the fingerboard and the top and back borders of the body, as well as a striped ebony or rosewood fret and face. This, on the other hand, is a basswood veneer that has been stained.

The ebony fingerboards are less well-known, having been utilized by PRS just a few times. The frets are on the tiny side for PRS, measuring 2.64mm wide by 1.17mm, compared to the current SE Santana Trem (2.79mm wide by 1.40mm). 

The fret ends are positioned above the binding, and the fingerboard is a standard 245mm (10-inch) cambered design. This is visibly striped on the Standard but not so much on the II. The bird inlays have a faint sheen to them as well, much more subtle than the other bird inlay features employed by PRS.

The upsized pattern may seem unnoticeable on paper, but it’s really rather obvious. The original Hollow body Spruce is a bit lighter electric guitar than any SE, and it now feels rather small when played sitting. 

However, the improved SE form is still a long way from the ES-335 dimensions, which include a 406mm (16 inches) broad body.

Even though some conventional Hollow body aficionados may disagree, we feel that the SE version is better in every way. Because of its larger dimensions, it seems to be a genuine semi-truck.

The deeper sound quality of the Standard could make it more of a professional’s electric guitar. It becomes a bit fuzzy when you pull that tone back. If you want to replicate that Standard’s deeper voice, you may turn it all the way down on the II, then bring it back up whenever you need a balanced mode tone.

Without a doubt, this is a professional electric guitar, with a wide fat neck shape that matches the moniker on the headstock and a plain top that looks great.

PRS SE Hollow body Standard Advantages

• It comes with high-quality humbuckers
• The designs are unique and very eye-catching, unlike most electric guitars

PRS SE Hollow body Standard Disadvantages

• It is strictly for right-handed musicians, unlike most electric guitars
• It’s quite pricey for an electric guitar

6. PRS SE Custom 24

The PRS SE series has consistently delivered robust, well-built electric guitars with great sound quality throughout the years. The PRS SE Custom 24 is a shining example of this.

This Korean-built hunk of maple, mahogany, and rosewood is a handsome instrument with a sophisticated appearance. This year’s Fire Red Burst finish is a new addition to the lineup, and it’s a touch more beautiful than previous year’s Crimson Red paint job. 

The solid-body electric guitar draws attention to this, with the aesthetics provided by the instrument’s natural wood finishing.

It is also a fantastic instrument to play. All of the knowledge that has gone into manufacturing these exorbitantly costly electric guitars is visible from the minute you take it up in your hands. Take, for example, the bridge, which has a very low profile. As a result, palm-muting becomes a lot more pleasurable experience.

The finish on the neck does have a slight tackiness to it, which is particularly noticeable if you sweat through your palms a lot. The board never felt too thin or too wide, but the frets could have been slightly more accurately set. There’s some mild constriction while bending at the 12th fret, but it’s a minor issue that is easy to resolve.

They are both three-piece constructions made of very light-colored mahogany. Our 44mm-thick CE 24 has an overall body depth of over 46mm, making it somewhat deeper than the 46mm-thick CE 24, which appears thinner at the rim due to a more graded top cut.

Because it is cast as PRS likes, rather than machined stock, this well-proven design rests parallel to the guitar’s top and is more durable than the Core level vibratos.

Stainless steel is used throughout, with brass serving as the core vibrato. To sum up, these SEs respect the PRS detail assertion, notwithstanding their differences.

Despite the fact that the Custom 24-08s are equipped with zebra bobbins, they are classified as TCI “S” humbuckers, which are likely identical to those found on the SE Paul’s Guitar. The 24 is equipped with a three-way lever switch that controls the master volume and tone and a pull switch that affects both slug coils at once.

The Wide Thin neck is quite playable. It has a shallow depth of about 20mm at the 1st fret and 22.5mm at the 12th, which may turn off any guitar player who prefers a deeper neck. 

These best electric guitars traverse a lot of territories. If we were to be fussy, we’d like the silky neck feel that we have on the CE 24, and although it would be a very simple after-purchase modification, the more we play, the less we think about it.

When it comes to new electric guitars, it takes time for them to settle in, and our 24-08 is no different, needing a little more string stretching than the average. On the other hand, their settings are quite similar, with each fret being mirror-polished and the fingerboard edges being delicately rolled.

You will quickly realize there is no cliché that can be applied to the SE Custom 24 after using it for a significant amount of time. And therein lays the appeal of this piece. Neither the instrument nor the brand has ever been concerned with building a popular image; instead, they have always prioritized more apparent measures like high-quality production, excellent sound quality, and classic aesthetics.

PRS SE Custom 24 Advantages

• This solid-body guitar is capable of producing a wide range of tones
• It features coil splits
• The vibrato is amazing on this solid-body guitar
• It is one of the most affordable solid body PSR electric guitars
• It has a rosewood fingerboard or frets

PRS SE Custom 24 Disadvantages

• The neck is wider than average electric guitars

7. Gretsch G2622 Streamliner

The Streamliner goal is straightforward: to make Gretsch electric guitars more inexpensive while maintaining their distinctive character. In true Gretsch fashion, the two new Broad’Tron humbuckers are controlled by a master volume control, a three toggle selector switch, and finally, a trio of knobs near the treble-side f-hole for individual-pickup level and master tone.

The G2622 is somewhat neck-heavy, but the location of the top horn strap buttons ensures that it rests rather normally on the neck. And with the straps, it’s far from being balanced.

The G2622’s build differs from previous Gretsch new releases in terms of responsiveness and resonance. It drifts farther away from the Gretsch tone when equipped with these pickups. 

Moreover, although its construction lends it a more substantial, or at the very least ES-335-like, tone, it’s a touch lighter and less punchy, with a squashier and softer tonality, for example, as compared to a lower output Guild Newark St Starfire V.

Although the beefier pickups don’t quite capture the traditional Gretsch sound, they widen the sonic possibilities, particularly for more aggressive types, while remaining true to the original Gretsch iconography. Suppose you’re looking for an excellent bargain semi-hollow. In that case, this is one of the greatest electric guitars.

Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Advantages

• Despite its affordable price, it’s a high-quality electric guitar
• It features a broader sonic potential

Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Disadvantages

• The tuners are described as “spongey” or soft compared to other electric guitars

8. PRS McCarty 594

This guitar gets its name mostly from the length of the scale, which is 24.5 inches. Nonetheless, the 594 is not just concerned with scale length but also with recreating, as precisely as possible, the “holy grail” of vintage Gibson Les Paul’s tone, the 1959 Sunburst, in the context of a contemporary double-cut electric guitar.

The 594 has a number of extra tricks under its sleeve for those looking to distinguish themselves from the traditional McCarty. For starters, the body is somewhat deeper than in the previous edition, and the mahogany-to-maple top wood ratio is higher than on the prior model. 

Essentially, it means that the rim depth is a little thicker than that of the McCarty, which is itself a little thicker than that of the Custom.

We receive bonded, dark rosewood frets with a 10-inch radius, and old-school bird inlays, much like the regular McCarty. Besides the nut, which is changed from the typical friction-reducing formula to a more traditional bone, the Phase III tuners have been “tweaked” to include a little nut on the neck of the button post collar.

In 2000, PRS released their Singlecut best electric guitar, which had four controls but was set out in a distinct diamond form than the Gibson SG by Gibson Les Paul. As a result, apart from a Gibson SG, you can not really manipulate both volume and tone controls at the same time with a rapid grip of your right hand.

The four-control arrangement reverts to the old procedure and feels instantly familiar to any player who is familiar with the Gibson Les Paul configuration, which has been widely imitated. It’s all extremely recognizable, even down to the toggle switch that’s positioned on the shoulder.

There is a distinct feeling of depth in the lower locations of the neck – in a positive manner – and girth in the upper places; less evident is the asymmetrical form.

When the 594 is plugged in, the change is more subtle than a black-and-white distinction: the sound quality, particularly those of the bridge pickup, have a small loss of clarity, as though you’ve dialed your tone down a notch, but it hasn’t muddled your tone in the least. When you combine it with the oh-so-classic drive, you might be playing a single-cut without even opening your eyes.

The electric guitar produces a warmer sound with both pickups turned on, whether in full humbucking mode or with partial coil splits engaged. It’s dynamic and expressive, and it’s one of the greatest electric guitars you’ll ever play.

PRS McCarty 594 Advantages

• It has an amazing structure and overall build
• It features a toggle switch on the shoulder and a four-control layout
• It features classic single-cut tones
• It has high-quality rosewood frets
• A lot of guitar players say this is a great electric guitar

PRS McCarty 594 Disadvantages

• It is one of the most expensive PRS electric guitars

9. Ibanez RG550

It’s fair to say that the Japanese-made 2018 vintage is a masterpiece in everything that is great about shred and metal electric guitars. As a result, the neck feels slender, and your palm glides around the fretboard rather than merely moving it, while the Edge vibrato is rock-solid, and the entire workmanship is outstanding. 

The RG550 has a wide range of tonal options. It always did despite its pointed look, allowing you to easily straddle a wide range of musical genres with no difficulty.

The V7 bridge humbucker, made in the United States, provides the razor-sharp riff foundation you’d expect, while the V8 neck ‘pup provides a touch of compression at higher volume settings, which helps to level off lead lines. 

That makes it one of the finest shred electric guitars available today since it is everything you loved about the original in the best manner possible.

Ibanez RG550 Advantages

• It features a basswood body
• It has versatile tones
• It’s a very affordable electric guitar

Ibanez RG550 Disadvantages

• The designs are a bit questionable

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding The Best Electric Guitar

What’s the best electric guitar?

This is based on personal preference. A lot of guitar enthusiasts prefer a laminated maple neck, while others want an alder neck. Some want a solid body type, while others want hollow-bodied guitars. Some prefer Gibson Les Pauls guitars, while others like PRS guitars more.

The short answer is there is no one such guitar. It all depends on your personal preference.

How do I know if a guitar is perfect for me?

The overall feel of the guitar should determine if it’s perfect for you. By this, we’re talking about the body shape, neck shape, and size. You should be able to hold and play it comfortably.

How much should I spend on an electric guitar?

If you’re fairly new to playing electric guitar, don’t invest in a high-end guitar that costs thousands of dollars. There are a couple of great beginner electric guitars that are worth less than $600.

What’s the difference between a single-coil and a humbucker?

Single coil pickups provide a richer, more dramatic tone and are ideal for clear tones. Humbuckers play richer, softer, and more forceful tones than other pickups, making them ideal for metal, rock, or blues.

Is buying an electric guitar online ideal?

Ideally, you should purchase your instrument from a physical shop. This way, you can test it out to see if the size and shape are perfect for you. Also, you can check if it produces the tones that you are looking for.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting a new electric guitar, a lot of guitar aficionados are meticulous in their research. Some players prefer a semi-hollow body with a maple top neck, but others prefer a solid guitar with an alder neck. 

The guitar body shape makes a significant difference when it comes to how a guitar plays or how a guitar sounds. The neck pickup is a critical component of the overall sound when it comes to electric guitars.

While our editors have selected the greatest electric guitars on this list, they are not always the best for everyone. There is no such thing as a single guitar. Everything, after all, is a matter of personal choice.

Prior to making a financial commitment to any of these goods, take the time to do some preliminary research on them.