- Topic: Best electric guitars for the money (2026 guide)
- Best for: Beginners, budget players, versatile home and stage use
- Price range: Affordable guitars under $700
- Styles covered: Rock, blues, jazz, pop, alternative
- Updated: 2026
Finding the best electric guitars for the money means getting solid build quality, reliable hardware, and flexible tone without paying premium prices. Many well-known brands now produce affordable guitars that perform far beyond their cost.
This 2026 guide focuses on electric guitars that balance sound, comfort, and durability. Each pick below fits a different playing need, whether you are starting out or adding a dependable guitar to your collection.
| Guitar | Body Type | Pickups | Best For | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha Pacifica 112V | Solid | HSS | Beginners, learning styles | $300–$350 |
| Gretsch G2622 Streamliner | Semi-hollow | Humbuckers | Jazz, blues, rock | $450–$550 |
| PRS SE Standard 24 | Solid | Dual humbuckers | Genre flexibility | $500–$600 |
| Epiphone SG Special P-90 | Solid | P-90 | Classic rock tones | $400–$500 |
| Squier Bullet Mustang HH | Solid (offset) | Humbuckers | Budget playability | $200–$250 |
| Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster | Solid (offset) | Single-coil | Alternative, indie | $450–$500 |
Best Electric Guitar for Beginners
Yamaha Pacifica 112V
The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is widely regarded as one of the best electric guitars for the money for beginners. Its comfortable neck profile and balanced body make long practice sessions easier.
The pickup layout allows players to explore clean tones, mild crunch, and heavier sounds without switching guitars. This makes it a strong long-term learning instrument rather than a short-term starter.
Best Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar for the Money
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner
The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner offers semi-hollow tone at a price that stays within reach. It delivers warm lows, airy mids, and enough bite for blues and rock styles.
This guitar suits players who want a fuller sound that reacts well to dynamics. If you also record music at home, pairing it with the right gear matters—see the best microphone for vocals for clean recording setups.
Most Versatile Electric Guitar for the Money
PRS SE Standard 24
The PRS SE Standard 24 is one of the most flexible guitars in this price range. It handles clean tones, overdrive, and heavier styles with ease.
Its coil-split feature gives players more tonal options without needing pedals. For players who like switching genres often, this guitar covers a lot of ground.
Best Electric Guitar with P-90 Pickups
Epiphone SG Special P-90
The Epiphone SG Special P-90 brings classic tones at an accessible price. P-90 pickups sit between single-coils and humbuckers, giving clarity with extra punch.
This guitar works well for players chasing raw, expressive tones. If you enjoy experimenting with tone shaping, combining it with the best pedals for bass concepts can inspire creative signal chains.
Best Budget Electric Guitar for the Money
Squier Bullet Mustang HH
The Squier Bullet Mustang HH is proof that a low price does not mean low quality. Its short scale length makes it comfortable and easy to handle.
This guitar fits beginners, casual players, or anyone needing a backup instrument. Despite the budget price, it delivers solid tuning stability and strong output.
Best Offset Electric Guitar for the Money
Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster
The Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster stands out for its offset design and unique tone. It offers bright cleans and smooth breakup that works well for indie and alternative styles.
This guitar appeals to players who want something different from traditional designs. If you enjoy textured tones, pairing it with good monitoring gear like the best speakers for vinyl can help you hear subtle details while practicing.
Buying Advice: Choosing the Best Electric Guitar for the Money
Focus on Playability First
A guitar that feels comfortable encourages more practice. Neck shape, weight, and balance matter more than flashy finishes.
Pickups Shape Your Sound
Single-coils sound bright, humbuckers sound thicker, and P-90s sit in between. Choose based on the music you play most.
Don’t Overspend Early
Many affordable guitars now offer excellent quality. Spend wisely and upgrade later if needed.
FAQs
A: Strong picks include the Yamaha Pacifica 112V, PRS SE Standard 24, and Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster.
A: Yes, many modern budget guitars offer solid construction and reliable tone.
A: The Yamaha Pacifica 112V and Squier Bullet Mustang HH are beginner-friendly choices.
A: It can be, especially for blues and jazz, though solid-body guitars are easier to manage at first.
