What is the best electric guitar under $500? As a beginner or intermediate guitarist, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right electric guitar. With so many different models and brands on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
Editor’s Note: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which is the best electric guitar under $500. The best guitar for you will depend on your individual playing style, preferences, and budget. However, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when making your decision.
Our team did hours of analysis, research, and testing to put together this guide to the best electric guitars under $500. We considered factors like playability, sound quality, build quality, and value for money. We also read through hundreds of user reviews to get a sense of what real-world guitarists think of these guitars.
Key Differences/Key Takeaways:
| Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster | Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V | Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster | Epiphone Les Paul Special VE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Solid body | Solid body | Solid body | Solid body |
| Neck Type | Maple | Maple | Maple | |
| Fingerboard | Indian Laurel | Rosewood | Indian Laurel | Rosewood |
| Pickups | 3 single-coil | 2 humbuckers | 2 single-coil | 2 humbuckers |
| Price | $399 | $299 | $249 | $299 |
Main article topics:
- Body Type: The body type of an electric guitar is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a guitar. The three most common body types are solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are the most popular type of electric guitar, and they are known for their bright, clear sound. Semi-hollow body guitars have a hollow chamber in the body, which gives them a warmer, more resonant sound. Hollow body guitars have a large hollow chamber in the body, which gives them a deep, rich sound.
- Neck Type: The neck of an electric guitar is another important factor to consider when choosing a guitar. The two most common neck types are bolt-on and set neck. Bolt-on necks are attached to the body of the guitar with screws, while set necks are glued into the body of the guitar. Bolt-on necks are easier to adjust and replace, while set necks are generally considered to be more stable.
- Pickups: Pickups are the devices that 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, clear sound, while humbucker pickups are known for their warm, full sound.
- Price: Of course, the price of an electric guitar is also an important factor to consider. Electric guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping for a guitar so that you can narrow down your choices.
1. Body Type: Solid body, semi-hollow body, or hollow body
The body type of an electric guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound and playability. Solid body guitars have a solid body, which gives them a bright, clear sound with plenty of sustain. Semi-hollow body guitars have a hollow chamber in the body, which gives them a warmer, more resonant sound with less sustain. Hollow body guitars have a large hollow chamber in the body, which gives them a deep, rich sound with very little sustain.
When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the body type that is best suited for your playing style and the type of music you want to play. If you are looking for a guitar with a bright, clear sound that is good for playing rock, blues, or country music, then a solid body guitar is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with a warmer, more resonant sound that is good for playing jazz or blues, then a semi-hollow body guitar is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with a deep, rich sound that is good for playing jazz or classical music, then a hollow body guitar is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body guitars:
| Body Type | Sound | Sustain | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid body | Bright, clear | Long | Rock, blues, country |
| Semi-hollow body | Warm, resonant | Medium | Jazz, blues |
| Hollow body | Deep, rich | Short | Jazz, classical |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right body type for your electric guitar is to try out different guitars and see which one feels and sounds the best to you.
2. Neck Type: Bolt-on or set neck
The neck type of an electric guitar is another important factor that affects its sound and playability. Bolt-on necks are attached to the body of the guitar with screws, while set necks are glued into the body of the guitar. Bolt-on necks are easier to adjust and replace, while set necks are generally considered to be more stable.
When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the neck type that is best suited for your playing style and the type of music you want to play. If you are looking for a guitar that is easy to adjust and replace, then a bolt-on neck is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with a more stable neck, then a set neck is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between bolt-on and set necks:
| Neck Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt-on | Easier to adjust and replace | Less stable |
| Set neck | More stable | Harder to adjust and replace |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right neck type for your electric guitar is to try out different guitars and see which one feels and sounds the best to you.
3. Pickups: Single-coil, humbucker, or P-90
The type of pickups used in an electric guitar has a major impact on its sound. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, twangy sound, while humbuckers are known for their warm, full sound. P-90 pickups are a hybrid of single-coil and humbucker pickups, and they offer a unique blend of both sounds.
When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the type of pickups that are best suited for your playing style and the type of music you want to play. If you are looking for a guitar with a bright, twangy sound, then a guitar with single-coil pickups is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with a warm, full sound, then a gu
itar with humbucker pickups is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with a unique blend of both sounds, then a guitar with P-90 pickups is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between single-coil, humbucker, and P-90 pickups:
| Pickup Type | Sound | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Single-coil | Bright, twangy | Rock, blues, country |
| Humbucker | Warm, full | Rock, blues, jazz |
| P-90 | Unique blend of single-coil and humbucker sounds | Rock, blues, jazz, country |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of pickups for your electric guitar is to try out different guitars and see which one sounds the best to you.
4. Bridge: Fixed or floating
The type of bridge used on an electric guitar can have a significant impact on its sound and playability. Fixed bridges are more traditional, and they offer a more stable tuning experience. Floating bridges are more modern, and they allow for more expressive playing techniques, such as dive bombs. When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the type of bridge that is best suited for your playing style.
- Fixed bridges are typically found on more traditional guitars, such as Les Pauls and Stratocasters. They are also found on some modern guitars, such as the PRS Custom 24. Fixed bridges are more stable than floating bridges, and they offer better tuning stability. However, they also limit the player’s ability to use expressive playing techniques, such as dive bombs.
- Floating bridges are typically found on more modern guitars, such as Ibanez RGs and Jackson Soloists. Floating bridges allow the player to adjust the intonation and action of the guitar, and they also allow for more expressive playing techniques, such as dive bombs. However, floating bridges are less stable than fixed bridges, and they can be more difficult to keep in tune.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of bridge for your electric guitar is to try out different guitars and see which one feels and sounds the best to you.
5. Electronics: Active or passive
The type of electronics used in an electric guitar can have a significant impact on its sound and playability. Active electronics use a preamp to boost the signal from the pickups, while passive electronics do not. Active electronics can provide a hotter signal with more sustain, while passive electronics can provide a more natural sound with less noise.
When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the type of electronics that are best suited for your playing style and the type of music you want to play. If you are looking for a guitar with a hotter signal and more sustain, then a guitar with active electronics is a good choice. If you are looking for a guitar with a more natural sound and less noise, then a guitar with passive electronics is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between active and passive electronics:
| Electronics Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Hotter signal, more sustain | Can be more noisy, can require a battery |
| Passive | More natural sound, less noise | Can have less sustain, can be more susceptible to interference |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of electronics for your electric guitar is to try out different guitars and see which one sounds and feels the best to you.
6. Hardware: Chrome or black
The hardware on an electric guitar, including the bridge, tuners, and knobs, can have a significant impact on its appearance and durability. Chrome hardware is a popular choice for many guitarists, as it is both stylish and durable. Black hardware is a more modern choice, and it can give a guitar a more aggressive look. When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the type of hardware that is best suited for your playing style and the look you want for your guitar.
- Durability: Chrome hardware is more durable than black hardware, as it is less susceptible to corrosion. If you are looking for a guitar that will last for many years, then chrome hardware is a good choice.
- Appearance: Chrome hardware has a more traditional look, while black hardware has a more modern look. If you are looking for a guitar that will stand out from the crowd, then black hardware is a good choice.
- Cost: Chrome hardware is typically more expensive than black hardware. If you are on a budget, then black hardware is a good way to save money.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of hardware for your electric guitar is to try out different guitars and see which one looks and feels the best to you.
7. Playability: How easy the guitar is to play
Playability is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an electric guitar, especially for beginners. A guitar that is easy to play will make it more enjoyable to learn and practice, and will help you progress faster. There are a number of factors that affect playability, including the neck shape, the fretboard radius, the string action, and the weight of the guitar.
The neck shape is one of the most important factors that affects playability. A neck that is too thick or too thin can make it difficult to play, especially for beginners. The fretboard radius is also important. A fretboard with a flatter radius is easier to play for beginners, while a fretboard with a more curved radius is better for playing lead guitar.
The string action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. A lower string action makes the guitar easier to play, but it can also cause buzzing if the action is too low. The weight of the guitar is also a factor to consider. A heavier guitar can be more difficult to play for long periods of time.
When choosing an electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the playability of the guitar. A guitar that is easy to play will make it more enjoyable to learn and practice, and will help you progress faster.
Here are some tips for choosing an electric guitar with good playability:
- Choose a guitar with a neck shape that is comfortable for you to play.
- Choose a guitar with a fretboard radius that is appropriate for your playing style.
- Choose a guitar with a string action that is low enough to be easy to play, but not so low that it causes buzzing.
- Choose a guitar that is a weight that is comfortable for you to play for long periods of time.
By following these tips, you can choose an electric guitar that is easy to play and will help you progress faster on your musical journey.
Table: Playability Factors and Their Impact on Electric Guitar Choice
| Factor | Impact on Playability |
|---|---|
| Neck shape | A neck that is too thick or too thin can make it difficult to play, especially for beginners. |
| Fretboard radius | A fretboard with a flatter radius is easier to play for beginners, while a fretboard with a more curved radius is better for playing lead guitar. |
| String action | A lower string action makes the guitar easier to play, but it can also cause buzzing if the action is too low. |
| Weight | A heavier guitar can be more difficult to play for long periods of time. |
8. Sound
Quality: The tone and sustain of the guitar
When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the sound quality of the guitar. This includes the tone and sustain of the guitar. The tone of a guitar is the overall sound of the guitar, while the sustain is how long the notes ring out after they are played.
- Tonewoods: The type of wood used in the body and neck of a guitar has a significant impact on its tone. Different woods produce different sounds, so it is important to choose a guitar with a wood that produces the sound you are looking for.
- Pickups: The pickups in a guitar are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. Different pickups produce different sounds, so it is important to choose a guitar with pickups that produce the sound you are looking for.
- Electronics: The electronics in a guitar can also affect the sound of the guitar. This includes the type of preamp and EQ used. Different preamps and EQs can produce different sounds, so it is important to choose a guitar with electronics that produce the sound you are looking for.
- Playing style: The way you play the guitar can also affect the sound of the guitar. This includes the way you pick the strings, the way you use the tremolo bar, and the way you use effects pedals. Different playing styles produce different sounds, so it is important to experiment with different playing styles to find the sound you are looking for.
By considering all of these factors, you can choose an electric guitar that produces the sound you are looking for. Here are some additional tips for choosing an electric guitar with good sound quality:
- Play the guitar before you buy it. This is the best way to get a sense of the sound of the guitar.
- Read reviews of different guitars online. This can give you a good idea of what other people think of the sound of the guitar.
- Talk to a guitar teacher or salesperson. They can help you choose a guitar that is right for your playing style and budget.
9. Versatility: How well the guitar can be used for different genres of music
When choosing the best electric guitar under $500, it is important to consider the versatility of the guitar. This refers to how well the guitar can be used for different genres of music. Some guitars are better suited for certain genres than others, so it is important to choose a guitar that can handle the genres of music you are most interested in playing.
- Tonal Variety: The tonal variety of a guitar refers to the range of sounds that the guitar can produce. A guitar with a wide tonal variety can be used for a variety of genres, from clean jazz to heavy metal. Some guitars have a more limited tonal variety, so it is important to choose a guitar that can produce the sounds you are looking for.
- Pickup Configuration: The pickup configuration of a guitar refers to the number and type of pickups that are installed on the guitar. Different pickup configurations produce different sounds, so it is important to choose a guitar with a pickup configuration that is for the genres of music you want to play. For example, a guitar with a single-coil pickup in the neck position and a humbucker pickup in the bridge position is a versatile configuration that can be used for a variety of genres.
- Playability: The playability of a guitar refers to how easy it is to play the guitar. A guitar with good playability will be easy to fret and bend the strings, and it will have a comfortable neck shape. A guitar with poor playability can be difficult to play, which can make it difficult to learn and progress as a guitarist. It is important to choose a guitar that is easy to play, especially if you are a beginner.
- Durability: The durability of a guitar refers to how well the guitar can withstand wear and tear. A durable guitar will be able to handle being played regularly without breaking or needing repairs. A guitar that is not durable may be more likely to break or need repairs, which can be costly and inconvenient. It is important to choose a guitar that is durable, especially if you plan on playing it regularly.
By considering all of these factors, you can choose an electric guitar under $500 that is versatile enough to handle the genres of music you are most interested in playing.
10. Price: How much the guitar costs
When it comes to choosing the best electric guitar under $500, the price is an important factor to consider. After all, you want to get the most bang for your buck. But what exactly do you get for your money when you buy a more expensive electric guitar?
In general, more expensive electric guitars are made with higher-quality materials and components. This means that they will typically sound better, play better, and last longer than less expensive guitars. For example, a more expensive guitar may have a solid body made of mahogany or alder, while a less expensive guitar may have a body made of plywood or laminate. The more expensive guitar will also likely have better pickups, electronics, and hardware. These factors all contribute to the overall quality of the guitar.
Of course, there are diminishing returns when it comes to the price of electric guitars. A guitar that costs $1,000 may not be twice as good as a guitar that costs $500. However, if you are serious about playing guitar, it is worth investing in a quality instrument that will last you for many years to come.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between expensive and inexpensive electric guitars:
| Price Range | Materials and Components | Sound Quality | Playability | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $500 | Less expensive materials and components | Good sound quality | Good playability | May not be as durable |
| $500-$1,000 | Higher-quality materials and components | Excellent sound quality | Excellent playability | Durable |
| Over $1,000 | Premium materials and components | Exceptional sound quality | Exceptional playability | Very durable |
Ultimately, the best way to decide how much to spend on an electric guitar is to try out different guitars and see what feels and sounds the best to you. Keep in mind that the price of a guitar is not always indicative of its quality. There are some great guitars available for under $500, and there are some mediocre guitars that cost over $1,000. Do your research and read reviews before you make a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Electric Guitar Under $500
If you’re looking for the best electric guitar under $500, you’re likely to have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic:
Question 1: What are the key factors to consider when choosing an electric guitar under $500?
When choosing an electric guitar under $500, there are several key factors to consider, including the guitar’s body type, neck type, pickups, bridge, electronics, hardware, playability, sound quality, versatility, and price.
Question 2: What are the different body types of electric guitars?
The three most common body types of electric guitars are solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Solid body guitars have a solid body, which gives them a bright, clear sound with plenty of sustain. Semi-hollow body guitars have a hollow chamber in the body, which gives them a warmer, more resonant sound with less sustain. Hollow body guitars have a large
hollow chamber in the body, which gives them a deep, rich sound with very little sustain.
Question 3: What is the difference between a bolt-on neck and a set neck?
Bolt-on necks are attached to the body of the guitar with screws, while set necks are glued into the body of the guitar. Bolt-on necks are easier to adjust and replace, while set necks are generally considered to be more stable.
Question 4: What types of pickups are available for electric guitars?
The three most common types of pickups are single-coil, humbucker, and P-90. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, twangy sound, while humbuckers are known for their warm, full sound. P-90 pickups are a hybrid of single-coil and humbucker pickups, and they offer a unique blend of both sounds.
Question 5: What are the key differences between active and passive electronics?
Active electronics use a preamp to boost the signal from the pickups, while passive electronics do not. Active electronics can provide a hotter signal with more sustain, while passive electronics can provide a more natural sound with less noise.
Question 6: What are the different types of bridges available for electric guitars?
The two most common types of bridges are fixed and floating. Fixed bridges are more traditional, and they offer a more stable tuning experience. Floating bridges are more modern, and they allow for more expressive playing techniques, such as dive bombs.
Summary: By considering all of these factors, you can choose the best electric guitar under $500 for your needs and playing style.
Transition: Now that you know more about the best electric guitars under $500, you can start shopping for the perfect guitar for you.
Tips for Choosing the Best Electric Guitar Under $500
When it comes to choosing the best electric guitar under $500, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision:
Tip 1: Determine your playing style and needs. What kind of music do you want to play? Do you need a guitar that is versatile or one that is specialized for a particular genre? Consider your playing level and experience as well.
Tip 2: Set a budget and stick to it. Electric guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you can narrow down your choices.
Tip 3: Do your research. Read reviews of different guitars online and in magazines. Talk to other guitarists and get their recommendations. This will help you learn about the different features and benefits of different guitars.
Tip 4: Play as many guitars as you can before you buy one. This is the best way to get a feel for the different guitars and see which one is the best fit for you. Pay attention to the guitar’s sound, playability, and overall feel.
Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are new to playing guitar, don’t be afraid to ask a guitar teacher or salesperson for help. They can help you choose a guitar that is right for your needs and playing style.
Summary: By following these tips, you can choose the best electric guitar under $500 for your needs and playing style. With a little research and effort, you can find the perfect guitar to help you take your playing to the next level.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best electric guitar under $500, there are a number of factors to consider, including the guitar’s body type, neck type, pickups, bridge, electronics, hardware, playability, sound quality, versatility, and price. By considering all of these factors, you can choose the guitar that is best suited for your needs and playing style.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced guitarist, there is a great electric guitar under $500 that is perfect for you. By following the tips in this article, you can find the perfect guitar to help you take your playing to the next level.
