Recommendations for a beginner's guitar?

Question

I'm looking for something under the $100 range (used). I know that brands like Fender make "entry-level" type guitars in the way of their Squier line. I know Squiers make good beginner guitars, but are there other beginner lines out there from the other big makers like Gibson, Ibanez, etc.?

Answer 1

Even a beginner wants something that sounds good or it will be very frustrating for you. You also need something which is not too difficult to play and many cheap guitars are the pits. For that reason it is best for you to do your shopping with a person who really plays well and can offer some expert advice - even good guitars may have problems (like a warped neck) and if you pay good money for a lemon you will regret it.

There are a number of guitars made in Asia that offer quality and low price. My favorite is Yamaha. I frequently see used ones which would be in your price range. They sound great and are easy to play. Good luck and welcome to the club.

Answer 2

There are PLENTY of other "entry-level" guitar set ups, but it truthfully depends on what you want. I recommend, as a guitar teacher/professional, that you begin with an acoustic package, so that you can build finger string and dexterity, and hey, everyone digs a good acoustic vibe. If you HAVE to have an electric, first realize the set up won't be very good for your price range, and that it will make it harder to transfer to an acoustic because an electric requires little to no finger strength. Some good brands to look at, depending on the body style you like would be, Ibanez, Fender, Epiphone for your light, thin bodies with a good high pitch sound, and your knockoff les pauls by ephiphone, and esp's for a deeper, bassier sound. Good Luck, and rock on my friend.

Answer 3

well, for beginners, brand don't really matter. it's not gonna make the learning process easier. so just go for any brand. if you want the cheaper ones, get a second hand guitar, as long as it still works.
i suggest playing an acoustic guitar before you go for the electric.
anyway, my first electric guitar was a yamaha pacifica. that was pretty cheap, it was no more than 200 bucks (australian dollars). it looks like a fender stratocaster, but obviously there's a huge difference between those two guitars. it wasn't that bad actually.