Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
See all posts Rohit MittalBest Budget Electric Guitars of 2024
Updated on April 24, 2024
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Electric guitars are versatile and varied, but finding the right one can be challenging, especially on a budget. Budget guitars are a fantastic choice for beginners or budget-conscious musicians due to their affordability and decent sound quality. When purchasing, consider the type of wood, which impacts tone and playability, and the guitar’s pickups, which convert vibrations into amplifiable signals. The best budget guitar ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.
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Best Budget Electric Guitars
As music enthusiasts, we know that finding a good electric guitar that doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve scoured the market to bring you the best budget electric guitars available. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these guitars offer great value for their price and won’t disappoint. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best budget electric guitars.
LyxPro Electric Guitar Starter Kit
LyxPro Electric Guitar 39" inch Full Beginner Starter kit Full Size with 20w Amp, Package Includes All Accessories, Digital Tuner, Strings, Picks, Tremolo Bar, Shoulder Strap, and Case Bag - Natu...
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If you're a beginner or intermediate player looking for a budget-friendly electric guitar, the LyxPro Electric Guitar Starter Kit is worth considering.
Pros:
- The complete set includes everything a novice player needs to start playing right out of the box.
- The guitar is made with high-quality materials including a premium rosewood fingerboard, Canadian maple neck, and S-S-S pickups.
- The 20W amplifier with built-in speaker and controls for gain, bass, treble, volume, and grind allows for versatile sound options.
Cons:
- The natural color of the guitar may not appeal to all players.
- The battery-operated mini clip-on tuner may not be as accurate as other tuning options.
- The 20W amplifier may not be loud enough for larger performance settings.
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We were impressed with the LyxPro Electric Guitar Starter Kit’s overall quality and ease of use. The guitar is comfortable to play and produces a clear, bright sound. The included accessories, such as the digital tuner and shoulder strap, make it easy for beginners to get started. The 20W amplifier is perfect for practicing at home, but may not be powerful enough for larger venues.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly electric guitar starter kit, the LyxPro Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a great option.
ZENY 39″ Full Size Electric Guitar with Amp, Case and Accessories Pack Beginner Starter Package, Blue Ideal Christmas Thanksgiving Holiday Gift
ZENY 39" Full Size Electric Guitar with Amp, Case and Accessories Pack Beginner Starter Package, Blue Ideal Christmas Thanksgiving Holiday Gift
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If you're looking for an affordable electric guitar to start your musical journey, the ZENY electric guitar package is a great option.
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need to start playing out of the box
- All-wood construction with steel strings and smooth finish
- Nylon carrying case for easy storage and transportation
Cons:
- Some users reported issues with the guitar's intonation and dry fretboard
- Amp may not be powerful enough for larger venues
- Picks and other accessories may not be of the highest quality
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We were impressed by the overall quality of the ZENY electric guitar package. The guitar itself is well-constructed and has a smooth finish that looks great. The included accessories, such as the nylon carrying case and extra strings, make it easy to get started playing right away.
One potential downside of this package is that some users reported issues with the guitar’s intonation and dry fretboard out of the box. However, these issues can be easily addressed with some adjustments and maintenance. Additionally, the included amp may not be powerful enough for larger venues, but it’s perfect for practicing at home or small gigs.
Overall, we think the ZENY electric guitar package is a great choice for beginner guitarists on a budget. It’s a complete package that includes everything you need to start playing, and the guitar itself is well-made and looks great.
Donner Solid Body Electric Guitar
Donner Solid Body Electric Guitar, Matte Finish 39 Inch Metal Electric Guitar Beginner Kits with Bag, Strings, Strap, Cable, Strings Dampener for Rock Music Lover, DMT-100 (Matte Black)
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If you're looking for an affordable electric guitar that packs a punch, the Donner Solid Body Electric Guitar is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- The H-H high-output pickups make this guitar perfect for heavier rock songs, delivering granular melodic phrases on stage.
- The matte paint finish is extremely wear-resistant and scratch-resistant, so you don't have to worry about scratches or scuffs.
- The C-shape maple neck, Indian Laurel fingerboard, and solid Poplar body provide a punchy tone, with 24 copper-nickel frets allowing for a wider range of tones.
Cons:
- The stock strings are a bit too stiff for some players' tastes, so you may want to consider changing them.
- Some players may prefer a guitar with a tremolo bridge, which this guitar does not have.
- The guitar may require some setup adjustments out of the box, such as adjusting the intonation and action.
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Overall, we think the Donner Solid Body Electric Guitar is a great value for the price and is perfect for beginners or intermediate players looking for a budget-friendly option. The guitar comes with a padded black gig bag, cable, strap, full set of extra strings, and special noise-reducing strings dampener, making it a complete beginner kit.
The H-H high-output pickups provide a dynamic tone control system with 3-way switches and a tone knob that can hold powerful rock tones and interpret a wide range of musical styles. The matte paint finish is not only wear-resistant and scratch-resistant but also enhances the aesthetics of the guitar. The curved body was polished via 30 processes to further optimize the body fit of the curve on the back.
The string-thru fixed bridge improves tone accuracy, and the inline string design lets you bend or pull the string effectively, enabling the Donner solid body electric guitar to produce flawless tones in any position. The guitar has a hand orientation of right, with a string material type of cobalt-nickel steel. The fretboard material type is Laurel Wood, and the back and top material type is Poplar and Maple, respectively. The guitar pickup configuration is H-H, and the scale length is 25.5.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly electric guitar that doesn’t sacrifice quality or sound, the Donner Solid Body Electric Guitar is definitely worth checking out.
Donner 39 Inch LP Electric Guitar Solid Body Beginner Kit Sunburst Full Size
Donner 39 Inch LP Electric Guitar Solid Body Beginner Kit Sunburst Full Size, with Bag, Strap, Cable, for Beginner,DLP-124S
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If you're looking for a budget electric guitar that doesn't compromise on quality, the Donner 39 Inch LP Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- The humbucker pickups offer a great range of tones, making it versatile for different genres of music.
- The Okoume neck with a "C" shaped profile provides a comfortable grip for extended playing sessions.
- The guitar comes with a gig bag, guitar strap, and guitar cable, making it a complete package for beginners.
Cons:
- The guitar may require some setup and adjustments before it's ready to play.
- The quality of the accessories may not be as high as those sold separately.
- The fixed saddle bridge may limit the ability to adjust the intonation.
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We were impressed with the Donner 39 Inch LP Electric Guitar’s solid build quality and smooth playability. The humbucker pickups offer a wide range of tones, making it suitable for different genres of music. The Okoume neck with a “C” shaped profile provides a comfortable grip for extended playing sessions. The guitar comes with a gig bag, guitar strap, and guitar cable, making it a complete package for beginners.
However, the guitar may require some setup and adjustments before it’s ready to play. The quality of the accessories may not be as high as those sold separately. The fixed saddle bridge may limit the ability to adjust the intonation. Overall, the Donner 39 Inch LP Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners who want a budget-friendly electric guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Best Choice Products Electric Guitar Starter Kit
Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/Case, Strap, 10W Amp, Strings, Pick, Tremolo Bar - Hollywood Blue
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If you're looking for an affordable electric guitar starter kit, the Best Choice Products Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a great option.
Pros:
- The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including an amplifier, cable, nylon carrying case, extra strings, pick, whammy bar, electronic tuner, and shoulder strap with an attached pick holder.
- The custom design features a quality paint finish, custom black tuning pegs, and accented binding for a sleek, sophisticated electric guitar look.
- The adjustable sound allows you to play anything from blues to rock, and the tremolo bridge system allows you to bend the pitch as you play.
Cons:
- The amp has a loud hum when plugged in to the guitar.
- The shoulder strap that comes with the kit is not very durable.
- The case that comes with the kit is also not very high quality.
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We were impressed with the overall quality of the guitar and the sound it produced. The Rosewood fretboard and maple neck create a rich, quintessential rock sound, and the three single coil pickups allow for a lot of versatility in terms of tone. The tremolo bridge system and removable whammy bar also allow for some fun experimentation with sound.
While the amp that comes with the kit is not the best quality, it gets the job done and is a great starting point for beginners. The same can be said for the shoulder strap and case – they may not be the best quality, but they are functional and get the job done.
Overall, we highly recommend the Best Choice Products Electric Guitar Starter Kit for anyone looking for an affordable way to get started with playing electric guitar.
Donner 30 Inch Junior Electric Guitar Beginner Kit ST Style Mini Electric Guitar Starter Package for Teens with Amp, 600D Bag, Tuner, Picks, Cable, Strap, Extra Strings DSJ-100 ST-30 INCH Green
Donner 30 Inch Junior Electric Guitar Beginner Kit ST Style Mini Electric Guitar Starter Package for Teens with Amp, 600D Bag, Tuner, Picks, Cable, Strap, Extra Strings DSJ-100
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If you're looking for an affordable electric guitar for your child, the Donner 30 Inch Junior Electric Guitar Beginner Kit could be a good option.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy for kids to play
- Designed specifically for beginner kids with a shorter neck length and fingerboard width
- Exquisite craftsmanship protects skin from damage caused by long-term friction
Cons:
- Shorter scale may require tuning up to 1 or 2 notes above standard tuning for increased string tension and pitch stability
- Some may find the sound quality lacking compared to higher-end guitars
- May not be suitable for older or more experienced players
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The Donner 30 Inch Junior Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is a great option for parents looking to introduce their child to the world of guitar playing. The guitar is lightweight and portable, making it easy for kids to play and practice without feeling weighed down.
One of the standout features of this guitar is its design, which has been specifically tailored to suit the needs of beginner kids. The shorter neck length and fingerboard width make it easier for smaller hands to play and fret notes accurately. Additionally, the ergonomic design protects skin from damage caused by long-term friction against the inner forearm.
Despite its smaller size, the Donner 30 Inch Junior Electric Guitar still produces a full sound, thanks to its classic single-coil pickup. It’s suitable for most musical styles and comes with a professional amp with both distortion and clean channels, as well as other accessories like picks, cables, a gig bag, and a strap.
While the shorter scale may require tuning up to 1 or 2 notes above standard tuning for increased string tension and pitch stability, this is a minor inconvenience that can be easily remedied. Overall, the Donner 30 Inch Junior Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is a great option for parents looking for an affordable, high-quality guitar for their child.
AODSK Electric Guitar with Amp Beginner Kit 39 Inch Solid Body Full Size,SSS Pick Up,All Accessories,Digital Tuner,Six Strings,Four Picks,Tremolo Bar,Strap,Gig Bag,Starter kit-Blue
AODSK Electric Guitar with Amp Beginner Kit 39 Inch Solid Body Full Size,SSS Pick Up,All Accessories,Digital Tuner,Six Strings,Four Picks,Tremolo Bar,Strap,Gig Bag,Starter kit-Blue
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We recommend this AODSK electric guitar for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that comes with everything you need to start playing right away.
Pros:
- The pickup system on this guitar offers a wide range of options, making it suitable for different musical styles and skill levels.
- The full-size electric guitar kit includes all the necessary accessories, so you don't need to buy anything else to start playing.
- The 5w amplifier that comes with the set is small but powerful, with built-in dual speakers, gain and reverb functions, and Bluetooth capabilities.
Cons:
- The quality of the materials is not as high as more expensive guitars, but it's still good enough for beginners and casual players.
- The sound quality is not as clear and rich as more expensive guitars, but it's still decent for the price.
- The guitar is a bit heavy and bulky, which may be uncomfortable for some players.
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The AODSK electric guitar is a great choice for beginners and casual players who want a budget-friendly option that comes with everything they need to start playing right away. The pickup system offers a wide range of options, including 5 types of pickup switches and 2 types of tone and volume controls, making it suitable for different musical styles and skill levels. The full-size electric guitar kit includes all the necessary accessories, such as a high-quality guitar bag, electronic tuner, 6 spare strings, guitar picks, whammy bar, capo, cleaning cloth, and guitar strap, so you don’t need to buy anything else to start playing.
The 5w amplifier that comes with the set is small but powerful, with built-in dual speakers, gain and reverb functions, and Bluetooth capabilities. It also features a headphone jack and AUX input for playing music on your phone or MP3 player, making it a versatile option for practicing at home or on the go. The custom-designed and handcrafted laurel fingerboard and birch neck translate vibrations into rich, classic tones through 3 pickups. The design of the C-type neck is more comfortable, and the tremolo bridge system allows you to bend the pitch while playing, with the detachable tremolo arm producing a tremolo effect. The overall dimensions of the guitar are 46.4514.963.14 inches.
While the quality of the materials is not as high as more expensive guitars, it’s still good enough for beginners and casual players. The sound quality is not as clear and rich as more expensive guitars, but it’s still decent for the price. The guitar is a bit heavy and bulky, which may be uncomfortable for some players, but it’s still manageable. Overall, we think this AODSK electric guitar is a great value for the price, and the after-sales guarantee of an unconditional refund for quality problems makes it a low-risk purchase.
AODSK Electric Guitar with Amp Beginner Kit
AODSK Electric Guitar with Amp Beginner Kit 39 Inch Solid Body Full Size,HSS Pick Up,All Accessories,Digital Tuner,Six Strings,Four Picks,Tremolo Bar,Strap,Gig Bag,Starter kit -Black
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly electric guitar that comes with all the necessary accessories, the AODSK Electric Guitar with Amp Beginner Kit is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- The kit includes everything you need to get started, including an amplifier, guitar cable, high-quality guitar bag, electronic tuner, six spare strings, guitar picks, whammy bar, capo, cleaning cloth, and guitar strap.
- The 5w amplifier has built-in dual speakers, headphone jack, and AUX input for playing music on your phone or MP3 player. It also has gain and reverb functions.
- The custom-designed and handcrafted laurel fingerboard and birch neck translate vibrations into rich, classic tones through 3 pickups. The C-type neck design is more comfortable, and the tremolo bridge system allows you to bend the pitch while playing.
Cons:
- The 5w amplifier may not be loud enough for some users who prefer louder sounds.
- The guitar's quality may not be as high as some more expensive models.
- The guitar may require some tuning and setup before use.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Overall, the AODSK Electric Guitar with Amp Beginner Kit is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly electric guitar. The kit includes everything you need to get started, and the guitar itself has a solid build and produces good sound quality. While it may not be as high-quality as some more expensive models, it’s a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Donner DST-100B 39 Inch Electric Guitar Beginner Kit Solid Body Full Size Black HSS for Starter, with Amplifier, Bag, Digital Tuner, Capo, Strap, String,Cable, Picks Black 39″ Right Handed
Donner DST-100B 39 Inch Electric Guitar Beginner Kit Solid Body Full Size Black HSS for Starter, with Amplifier, Bag, Digital Tuner, Capo, Strap, String,Cable, Picks
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If you're looking for an affordable electric guitar kit that comes with everything you need to get started, the Donner DST-100B is a great option.
Pros:
- The H-S-S pickups provide a versatile range of sound options for different musical styles.
- The Canadian maple neck with a "C" shaped profile makes it comfortable to play for extended periods of time.
- The all-in-one beginner package includes everything you need to start playing right away, including a portable amplifier, bag, capo, strap, extra string, digital tuner, amp cable, and picks.
Cons:
- The guitar may require some setup and tuning out of the box.
- The quality of the accessories included in the package may not be as high as those purchased separately.
- The sound quality of the mini amplifier may not be as good as larger, more expensive amplifiers.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Overall, the Donner DST-100B is a great option for beginners or those on a budget who want a complete guitar kit to start playing right away. The H-S-S pickups provide a range of sound options, the Canadian maple neck is comfortable to play, and the all-in-one beginner package includes everything you need to get started. While the guitar may require some setup and tuning out of the box, and the quality of the accessories may not be as high as those purchased separately, the overall value of the package makes it a great choice for those looking for an affordable electric guitar kit.
GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar for Beginner with Amp and Accessories Pack Guitar Bag (Dark blue) 39″ Right Handed DARK BLUE
GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar for Beginner with Amp and Accessories Pack Guitar Bag (Dark blue)
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly electric guitar that comes with everything you need to start playing right away, the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar for Beginner with Amp and Accessories Pack Guitar Bag is a great option.
Pros:
- The guitar comes with a complete set of accessories, including an amplifier, guitar bag, shoulder strap, plectrums, tremolo arm, connecting wire, and spanner tool.
- The fretboard and face/back material are made of basswood, which gives the guitar a warm, rock sound that's both strong and durable.
- The guitar bag is portable and makes it easy to take your instrument with you wherever you go.
Cons:
- The pickup selector switch may be defective and not work in the center position.
- The quality of the guitar may be inferior to other brands of electric guitars on Amazon for comparable prices.
- The amp may start to make a weird kind of noise after a while.
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We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of this guitar, considering its low price point. The basswood material gives it a warm, rock sound that’s perfect for beginners who want to learn to play guitar. The complete set of accessories that comes with the guitar makes it easy to start playing right out of the box, and the portable guitar bag is a nice touch.
One potential downside is that the pickup selector switch may be defective and not work in the center position. Additionally, the quality of the guitar may be inferior to other brands of electric guitars on Amazon for comparable prices. Finally, the amp may start to make a weird kind of noise after a while.
Overall, we think the GLARRY Full Size Electric Guitar for Beginner with Amp and Accessories Pack Guitar Bag is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a budget-friendly electric guitar that comes with everything they need to get started playing right away.
Buying Guide
When looking for a budget electric guitar, there are a few key features to consider in order to find the best product for your needs. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Body Type and Material
The body of an electric guitar can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique sound and feel. Some common materials include mahogany, alder, and basswood. Additionally, there are different body types to consider, such as solid-body, semi-hollow, and hollow-body. It’s important to choose a body type and material that matches your playing style and desired sound.
Pickups
Pickups are an essential component of electric guitars, as they convert the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. There are two main types of pickups: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright and clear sound, while humbuckers offer a thicker and more powerful sound. Consider which type of pickup will best suit your playing style and the type of music you want to play.
Neck and Fretboard
The neck and fretboard of an electric guitar play a crucial role in how comfortable and easy it is to play. Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck shape and a fretboard that is easy to navigate. Additionally, consider the number of frets on the guitar and whether it has a bolt-on or set neck.
Hardware
The hardware of an electric guitar includes the bridge, tuners, and other components that affect the guitar’s tuning stability and overall sound. Look for high-quality hardware that is durable and easy to use. Additionally, consider whether the guitar has a tremolo system or other special features that may affect its sound or playability.
By considering these factors, you can find a budget electric guitar that offers great sound and playability without breaking the bank.
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Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.