Looking for a better-than-average beginner guitar?
Are there any real, cheap electric guitars that don’t suck?
Of course, there are! Since we define cheap only in price and not in quality, the guitars in this lineup average around $200 and are some of the best you’ll ever find designed for the working man’s budget.
There will be some redoubtable classics that have withstood the test of time. However, some new models will be sure to please.
To satisfy the genre demands of all players, we have a mix-up of cheap electric guitars worth checking out!
We have also compiled a roundup of the best electric guitars under $500; your budget does stretch a bit higher.
Snapshot: Top 5 Cheap Electric Guitars In 2023
- IYV 6 String IP-350 TBK PRS Solid-Body Electric Guitar – Best Budget
- Squier Bullet Stratocaster – Popular
- Rise by Sawtooth Beginner Electric Guitar Kit – Highly Rated
- Oscar Schmidt 6 String OG10CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Trans
- Ibanez GRG121DX WNF
Shopping for Cheap Electric Guitars
Foreign production plants have set the standards high within the last decade.
While Japanese and American-made guitars have always been held in the highest regard, Chinese, Korean, and Mexican factories are surprising us with the quality they pump out, and of course, the low prices can’t be beaten.
If you’re after an electric guitar but you’re tightening up your belt regarding finances, lucky you – the pickings couldn’t be better today.
Don’t be too quick to judge a guitar by its low price tag. For instance, we chose guitars from reputable brands that have proven perennial classics. While they’re designed to be entry-level and are suitable for the beginner player, they’re also excellent guitars worth making a few mods on if you have the experience.
With build quality being the primary feature, you can mod and upgrade the hardware, making a massive difference in sound and playability. But all that costs additional money.
The guitars in this lineup have decent hardware and were part of the consideration process when we threw out the junky options. These guitars will help you stay within budget and are worth their salt.
The Best Cheap Electric Guitars In 2023
1. IYV 6-String IP-350 Review – Best Budget
- all guitars are made punctually by CNC machine with computer programming
- Perfect neck with almost no defectiveness
- All guitars with good specification
The mahogany body of the IYV 6 String IP-350 TBK PRS Solid-Body Electric Guitar is a standout feature. Popular tonewood mahogany is prized for having a rich, warm sound. Due to its capacity to generate a balanced tone with solid sustain, it is frequently preferred for electric guitars.
Body & Neck
The IVY 6 String IP-350 has a super body with elongated horns and double cutaways that get you to the highest 24 frets along the 25.5″ scale length.
It’s a carved top. Body shape is typical of PRS design. IVY’s “Destiny Wound” Humbuckers.
The neck is perfect as the most you can get concerned about. Many underrated this guitar for being cheap, that it will be quality at a low price for a company trying to get it self-known. The neck is relatively flat and thin enough to move fast along the fretboard. Plus, it’s playable and perfect, with almost no defectiveness. The fingerboard has a nice 14″ radius, making it easier for fingers to contact and learn the basics of shredding.
Electronics & Hardware
The “H” arrangement of the IYV 6 String IP-350 commonly denotes a humbucker pickup at the bridge position. Humbuckers are known for their higher power and richer, warmer tone than single-coil pickups.
The IYV guitar has a Tune-O-Matic bridge system, which is bridge system. Electric guitars frequently have Tune-O-Matic bridges, which provide independent saddle adjustments for each string and permit exact intonation and string height modifications.
Sound
Regarding the sound, the IYV 6 String IP-350 TBK PRS Solid-Body Electric Guitar truly captivates the senses with its mesmerizing tones. The combination of a mahogany body and humbucker pickups creates a sonic experience that is simply breathtaking. The warmth and richness that emanate from this instrument are nothing short of magical.
Strumming a chord on the IYV IP-350 TBK PRS guitar reveals a full-bodied sound with a smooth and inviting character. The midrange frequencies are beautifully emphasized, giving your playing depth and presence. Whether exploring soulful blues licks or unleashing fiery rock riffs, this guitar responds with incredible articulation and expressiveness.
Specs Summary
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Unknown
- Fingerboard Material: Jatoba
- Pickups: Humbucker
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
Excellent build quality. Excellent brand. Excellent sound.
Final Thoughts on the IYV 6 String IP-350
The whole instrument is quality. The IYV 6 String IP-350 has a great sustained and fantastic ability to stay in tune. I can’t speak enough about this guitar. You’ll want to get more Inyen Vina instruments. If you have the money to buy it, pull the trigger because you have nothing to lose. If you don’t like it, you can return it with Amazon’s return policy! But I guarantee you’re going to love it.
2. Squier Bullet Stratocaster Review – Highly Popular
- 100% Designed by Fender
- Single-coil Stratocaster neck and middle pickups, humbucking bridge pickup
- Thin and lightweight body
The Bullet Strat has once again been under the knife and reveals a new facelift. Perfect for the beginner looking for a brand-name guitar, the Bullet HT HSS Stratocaster is a first-timer’s ticket into experiencing Fender quality at the best price point.
Body & Neck
It’s not a very big guitar, even for electric, so it’s perfect for younger players who are serious about learning the guitar or adults with smaller hands. However, it still has actual guitar appointments that add value and quality to the package.
The body is made from Basswood, and the neck is from maple. It has the classic Stratocaster body shape, and the neck has a C profile that’s beginner-friendly, lends itself to multiple music genres and playing styles, and offers a vintage feel.
The Indian Laurel fretboard is remarkably darker than Rosewood, and it has the famous, vintage Fender 9.5” fingerboard radius that’s excellent for grabbing those chords you’ll soon learn and master.
Electronics & Hardware
Squier puts on a standard humbucker at the bridge and two Standard Single-Coil Strat pickups at the neck and middle. A 5-way blade allows individual pickups or combines the middle and bridge pickups or the middle and neck pickups.
There is a Master Volume control and two Tone controls on board. Standard die-cast tuners sit on the, you guessed it, Fender’s pet 6-inline, flat headstock. The bridge evokes memories of the ‘70s vintage style with its 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail and larger base plate.
Sound
They say you can get that classic Fender sound from the Bullet. Still, with the humbucker at the bridge, you have the flexibility of adding in warm, fat-sounding, and thick, mellow tones but also achieve the bright attack in the trebles because of its position.
You can rely on the single coils to provide that bright bite and vintage color that Strats are known for. However, don’t expect these pickups to be overly hot, but they’re loud enough for practice sessions alone or even with another player.
Specs Summary
- Body Material: Basswood
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel
- Pickups: Standard Single-Coil Strats & Standard Humbucker
- Bridge: Hardtail
Great beginner guitar. HSS pickups. Fender sound.
Final Thoughts on the Squier Bullet Stratocaster
It’s an excellent, stand-alone guitar at one of the lowest price points you’ll see for this kind of quality. You’ll get enough tonal variety to dabble in multiple genres and have all the appointments necessary to get through the beginner learning curves.
3. Rise by Sawtooth Review- Highly Rated
- Basswood Body, Maple Neck
- Maple Fretboard with Dot Inlays
- 24" Scale Length, Fixed Bridge
The Rise by Sawtooth is a fantastic choice for aspiring guitarists looking to kickstart their musical journey. This guitar is far from a mere toy – a bona fide endurable instrument producing unique sounds. It comes with a kit that includes: Electric Guitar, 5W Amp, Guitar Strap, Guitar Cable, Gig Bag, Pitch Pipe, & 3 Pick Sampler.
Body & Neck
The basswood body of this guitar is a testament to its exceptional tonal capabilities. It resonates with a warm and balanced voice, delivering a sonic experience that transports you to a musical paradise. Whether you’re strumming chords or unleashing fiery solos, this guitar’s body will ensure your sound shines through with unparalleled clarity.
You’ll experience a new level of comfort and playability as your fingers go along the silky maple neck. With its glove-like fit and ergonomic construction, the fretboard can quickly move across.
However, it’s not only about how it feels but also how it seems. The sunburst finish gives this guitar a bit of class and flair, making it a real head-turner. The Rise by Sawtooth will get people’s attention whether you’re performing on stage or in the comfort of your home because of its outstanding aesthetic appeal.
Electronics & Hardware
This guitar’s hardware is durable, guaranteeing your playing time is hassle-free and enjoyable. Tune the bridge to ensure exact intonation and optimal string action to obtain the ideal blend of comfort and playability. Furthermore, the chrome hardware provides lasting sturdiness, withstanding the test of time and endless hours of rocking out while adding a sense of beauty.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The Rise by Sawtooth Electric Guitar Kit comes complete with essential accessories that will enhance your playing experience. From the portable beginner’s amp to the guitar strap, cable, gig bag, pitch pipe, and pick sampler, everything you need to get started is right at your fingertips. You’ll have the tools to unleash your creativity and make music that resonates with your soul.
Sound
The Rise by Sawtooth produces a rich, vibrant sound that resonates with your musical aspirations. From the first chord you strike, you’ll be captivated by the guitar’s ability to articulate every note with clarity and precision. The H pickup configuration offers a versatile range of tones, allowing you to transition from warm and mellow to bright and punchy sounds effortlessly. Whether exploring clean melodies or diving into distortion-laden solos, this guitar has you covered.
Specs Summary
- Body Material: Basswood
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Maple
- Pickups: Humbucker
- Bridge: Hardtail
Great beginner electric guitar with kit
Final Thoughts on the Rise by Sawtooth
Join the musicians who have risen to greatness with Rise by Sawtooth. As for the price, there is nothing to complain about, knowing that it comes with a kit. With outstanding features, solid construction, and a wealth of included accessories, this guitar is ready to empower you on your musical journey. Unleash your potential and make your mark in the world of music with Rise by Sawtooth by your side!
4. Oscar Schmidt 6 String OG10CE Review
- Concert size Body
- Fully adjustable truss rod
- Chrome die Cast tuners
The concert-sized cutaway Oscar Schmidt OG10CE acoustic-electric guitar was created for live performances. It has a well-balanced sound that works well for fingerstyle and strumming. The guitar has a fixed bridge system, chrome die-cast tuners, and a fully adjustable truss rod.
The guitar features a Meet-10 preamp/tuner system with a built-in tuner that might be useful for tuning while performing. When connecting the guitar to an acoustic amplifier or sound system, the preamp system makes it simple to amp up the sound.
Body & Neck
Spruce makes up the guitar’s body material. Acoustic guitars frequently employ spruce as the tonewood because of its well-balanced tonal characteristics and resonance. It has a clear, adaptable tone that projects well.
It is long at about 41″, comparable to an acoustic, but it’s surprisingly lighter than expected at approximately 5 pounds.
Electronics & Hardware
Regarding its electronics and hardware, the Oscar Schmidt OG10CE Cutaway Left Hand Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a true masterpiece that provides a remarkable playing experience that will astound you. This instrument combines exceptional craftsmanship with functional features that you can use for both amplified and acoustic performances.
The OG10CE’s hardware is equally remarkable. Chrome die-cast tuners guarantee precise and consistent tuning, giving you the assurance you need to play precisely. You may tailor the neck relief to your playing style and preferences using the completely adjustable truss rod, offering the best possible playability and comfort.
Sound
The OG10CE has a combination pickup system that allows you to effortlessly switch between acoustic and electric sounds, giving you the best of both worlds. Moreover, the MET-10 preamp system integrated into the OG10CE offers remarkable control and convenience. It has a built-in tuner, so you can easily fine-tune your instrument on the go, ensuring your performance is always in perfect harmony. Plus, the preamp system allows you to shape your sound effortlessly, whether you’re adjusting the tone, volume, or other essential settings. It’s like having a personal sound engineer right at your fingertips!
Specs Summary
- Body Material: Spruce
- Neck Material: Unknown
- Fingerboard Material: Unknown
- Pickups: Combination
- Bridge: Fixed
Acoustic electric guitar. Beauty of form and function
Final Thoughts on the Oscar Schmidt 6 String OG10CE
This guitar is a beauty of form and function, meticulously crafted. The cutaway shape invites your fingers to dance with ease down the fretboard, while the spectacular flame translucent black finish draws attention to itself and lights up the stage. It creates a mellow symphony of sound by fusing electronic agility with acoustic softness. Prepare for a musical journey where your imagination knows no limitations, guided by this magnificent instrument’s superb craftsmanship and passionate tones. The Oscar Schmidt OG10CE may be your dependable wingman as your music soars.
5. Ibanez GRG121DX WNF Review
- Product Type :Guitars
- Package Dimensions :10.16 Cm L X41.91 Cm W X105.41 Cm H
- Country Of Origin :China
Sometimes, high gloss finishes cannot compete with well-done flat finishes that reveal all the glory of a gorgeously stained tonewood. The GRG121DX guitar with the Walnut Flat finish is stunning.
Body & Neck
Okoume is the tonewood of choice for this GRG121DX guitar from a highly-regarded guitar brand. Ibanez sure is one of our favorites. The Maple’s neck has the GRG shape, and Ibanez has a long list of thin necks marked in history.
The treated New Zealand Pine fretboard has nice touches with its binding and sharktooth inlays, but the radius gets us – 15.75”. It’s pretty flat. The flat is a must-have for shredding in hard rock and metal glory.
There are 24 jumbo frets on the fingerboard, it has a 25.5” scale length, and of course, the body has a Super Strat shape that pairs so well with the 6-inline and pointy headstock.
Electronics & Hardware
Ibanez doesn’t always hit it out of the ballpark with their many types of stock pickups. But you can be the judge of the IBZ-6 humbuckers that are covered, passive, and made with ceramic magnets. The 5-way pickup blade is versatile and allows a variety of combos to shape your tonal palette.
The bridge is another one of Ibanez’s designs, an F106. It’s a fixed hardtail bridge, so those looking for their whammy kicks here, you’re out of luck. But the good news is you won’t have to mess around with tuning issues, you get better sustain, and string changing couldn’t be made any easier.
With no use of the whammy bar possible, the stock tuners will do.
Sound
With the 5-way pickup blade, you can achieve many tonal ranges from clean to grungy and even jazzy. The humbuckers have ceramic magnets, so there will be some crisp note articulation, but not without the thick, fat, warm tones that humbuckers provide.
A better-than-average amp will quickly get that sonic impact in tip-top shape to shape that tone and maximize output.
Don’t forget that the flat finish on the Okoume tonewood will also provide excellent resonance and sustain while allowing its maple-like tonal properties to shine. It is light, bright, and snappy but also brings out a low-end presence.
Specs Summary
- Body Material: Okoume
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Treated New Zealand Pine
- Pickups: Ibanez IBZ-6 Humbuckers
- Bridge: Ibanez F106 Hardtail
Stunning finish. Made for shredding. Beginner-friendly.
Final Thoughts on the Ibanez GRG121DX WNF
We think the finish, or lack of a finish, sells this guitar. Yeah, the hardware may be mediocre, but for the price, the guitar provides an excellent platform for experienced players to switch out pickups and what not to push the guitar’s metal specs to the max.
Cheap – Not What You Think It Means
Cheap no longer means plastic hardware, fake pickups, and mini-size. We tossed those guitars in the dump. “Cheap” is now the new standard of quality, considering the craftsmanship you can get for a couple of hundred bucks.
With the bar raised, you can get classic tonewood combinations, expert craftsmanship, and vintage-sounding to aggressively crunchy pickups that’ll scramble brains.
The competition is fierce, with many brand-name manufacturers starting their entry-level models in this price range. Stick with the best! Identify the features you want! Play!
Oh yeah, get a better amp. So, your tone will sound better than ever, and that’s out of a “cheap” guitar. Adios amigos.
Further Reading:
- Must-Have Electric Guitar Accessories & Wish-List Items
- How to Set Up an Electric Guitar [Includes Video Demonstrations]
- How to Clean an Electric Guitar Using Household & Professional Items
- Grote 335 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Review (Hands On)
- Firefly FFDCD Guitar Review (Hands On With Video Demo)
For me, music is a form of magic. It has the ability to transport you to another time and place with just a few soft notes, drifting on the wind. It can invoke joy, excitement, sadness and even fear. Music can strengthen communities and bridge cultural differences. Our lives are truly enriched by the music entwined within them and I look forward to helping make your musical journey a magical one.