10 Best Electric Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Epiphone, Yamaha and More

While it may not have the pizzazz of some of the other models in the list, this offering from Yamaha makes more than up for it with its quality construction and playability. We think a lot of this is due to the body shape, which is based on a Stratocaster, but slightly more ergonomic – great whether you're stood or s(tr)at playing.

This model has both a humbucker and two single-coil pickups that provide plenty of tonal depth, making it flexible for many different tones and genres. Additionally, it also includes a tremolo bridge that is known for its security, so you'll be able to hone your technique without too much re-tuning involved. 

If you're working on a tight budget, then the Bullet Mustang is perfect for you. However, don't let the low price fool you, as pound-for-pound this is probably the best value for money you can get for any guitar, anywhere. It's astonishingly well-built for the price, and the sound is far more elaborate than one could ever imagine. 

Surprisingly, the guitar comes with two humbuckers, something which is not generally associated with Fender styles. What it does have is the classic, offset Mustang body and short scale, meaning that pretty much anyone will have fun playing this.  

This Casino Coupe takes many of the classic and popular features of a classic Epiphone 335's semi-hollow body and packs them into a smaller, more hollow, more accessible size. 

This smaller shape allows the guitar to be easily transported from home to practice, as well as keeping it usable for smaller humans. On top of that, this guitar is the only one in our list that utilises the P90 pickups, which produce a huge yet crisp sound, meaning they're perfect for both rhythm and lead parts. 

After the Stratocaster, we think it's fair to say the Les Paul style guitar is the second most revered style on the planet. It's seen in the hands of many a legend from Slash to Jimmy Page and is renowned for being a go-to rock 'n' roll machine. 

This style allows for beginners to get in on a bit of that action with two meaty humbuckers, as well as the traditional mahogany neck and body. Be warned, though, that it isn't for the faint-hearted, as this guitar isn't just heavy in a musical sense. 

This offering is for the budding jazz and blues players out there. Gretsch has managed to bring the archetypal hollow tone into a very reasonably-priced piece of kit. The guitar has a chunky U-shaped neck, which allows for fast and dynamic playing, plus jumbo frets that provide an increased playing area.

The humbuckers are going to produce a high-output sound, whatever scale you're noodling with, and you'll hear clear highs, thundering lows and just overall immense clarity with pretty much every note – as long as you don't turn that gain up.

Another of the Classic Vibe range from Squire, this 50s inspired Telecaster is perfect for those that are looking recreate that vintage, single-coil charm. The original model this is based on uses the combination of the pick-ups and maple neck to create one of the most recognisable, twangy guitar sounds ever, and it's fair to say this does a damn good job of replicating that. 

Furthermore, we like the beginner-friendly simplicity of the dual onboard switches, where there is just tone and volume. Plus, there are a couple of different finishes that you can find to suit your style, from the white blonde here to the classic Fender butterscotch.

If you're looking to 'rock' then the SG style is held in high regards by many of the worlds leading guitarists, including the infamous Angus Young of AC/DC. This guitar utilises its slightly smaller neck length to allow players to bend the strings to their will, which really helps to make the guitar sing. 

On top of this, the sound that comes from the two humbuckers is excellent for a budget guitar. It might not be the most versatile, so don't expect any twinkling clean tones, but it's brilliant at what it does. 

If you're looking for a guitar that excels at playing big, ringing open chords, then this semi-hollow body with dual humbucker pickups is going to be right up your street. The guitar can vary from clean to mid-range distortion and can achieve some wonderfully rich tones whether you're dialling in some blues, jazz, indie or rock. 

Of course, as with all of these styles, you'll want to be careful on the gain switch as it can create a load of ear-splitting feedback if you're not careful. That said, this isn't made for thrash or death metal, so most other players should be happy with what comes out. 

You'd be hard-pressed to find a guitar more iconic than the Stratocaster, and the company has many different lines that all vary in price. However, while there are cheaper alternatives, their Classic Vibe range gives you a great balance between performance and value. 

With this, you'll have three single coils, which is generally one more option than most other guitars, plus a tremolo bridge so you can get a little whammy action going. It does have a long neck that those with smaller hands might struggle with, but the tonal versatility makes it a solid beginner option for those who don't. 

First up, we have this unique offering from Squire by Fender. On the whole, Fender isn't known for producing semi or hollow-body guitars, so in 1976 they gave it a go. It didn't go down particularly well and was discontinued in 1980. But, since then the popularity began to rise in the vintage market.

Unfortunately, most folk can't afford to delve into the vintage market, so Squire decided to release a budget range, and now the guitar is accessible to everyone. It has an individual voicing and peculiar offset shape, each which adds to its charm, however, some might find a little too different.