Best Beginner Electric Guitars Under $500

So you want to be a Rockstar!

Or even if you aren't dreaming of being the next Angus Young or Jimi Hendrix - there's something for everyone at Sound Centre, including a great range of guitars for brand new players right up to experienced professionals.

But we also know that it can be tricky to know what to look out for when trying to find your first Electric Guitar - which is why we've compiled a great range of guitars we love from brands that you can trust to lead you in the right direction, all for under $500.

The good news is that nowadays, quality control with brands and also in-store is quite strict - which means you don't need to worry about getting a dud.

We wouldn't sell it if we didn't believe in it!

So with that being said, the most important thing that a beginner can do is figure out what's going to get them inspired to pick up the guitar and never put it down.

Don't worry about what a pushy salesperson (we try to avoid that at all costs!) tells you or what YouTube seems to think is the best - your primary concern should be something that's going to suit what you want to achieve and, this one's important, something that you also think looks cool too. You want to find this thing irresistible when it comes to picking it up and rocking out!

So without any further ado, let's dive into what brands and models you'll find below!

Epiphone

The little brother of the iconic Gibson Guitars, Epiphone represents iconic design and style but within a more friendly budget for those who aren't after top of the line right out of the gate.

If you're a fan of AC/DC or Black Sabbath - think SG.

If you're a fan of Guns 'N' Roses or Led Zeppelin - the Les Paul may be the one for you!

Both classic options, the SG and Les Paul aren't the most versatile guitars in the world - but what they do, they do well!

Built with two 'Humbucker' pickups, which are what create the sound when plugged in, these are higher output and generally suited for Rock 'N' Roll and Heavy Metal (don't let that stop you playing Jazz on it though!).

These guitars also have what is referred to as a 24.75" 'Scale Length' which increases string tension and as a general rule, may be more comfortable for players with bigger hands.

Squier

Similar to how Epiphone is the more affordable version of Gibson, Squier is the scaled down version of the one and only Fender.

Most notably known for their Stratocaster and Telecaster designs - these guitars have been played by some of the most notable and iconic musicians of all time including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, just to name a few.

Although there are no rules - the Stratocaster is a bit more versatile as it has three pickups instead of two and is often favoured by players of Rock, Folk, Funk and Blues.

The Telecaster only has two pickups (Fender style instruments typically feature Single Coil pickups which have lower output) and is often seen being used by players of Rock and Country music.

As a point of difference to the 24.75" Scale Length on Gibson style instruments, most Fender style guitars come in at 25.5" which causes lower string tension. Because of this - as a general rule, players with smaller hands may prefer the feel of a Squier when starting off.

Ibanez

Ibanez is a brand of Japanese origin which came to prominence originally by replicating popular models from other brands.

But it was in the '80s that Ibanez really came into their own and forged themselves a path in the aeons of Rock and Heavy Metal musicians which to this day they have maintained.

Famously played by virtuosos such as Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani - Ibanez instruments typically feature that 25.5" Scale Length however will often feature a slimmer neck profile which allows for fast leading playing all across the fretboard. Because of this slim neck and often being available with a mixture of Single Coil and Humbucking pickups, these guitars are typically referred to as a 'Superstrat'.

Holding a heavy sway in the guitar world today too - you'll see bands such as Polyphia, Korn and even Meshuggah toting Ibanez guitars.

Hopefully that helps! We're all about guitar love here at Sound Centre - so if you have any questions or would like to know more, you can reach us 7 days a week on (08) 9370 1185 and 3/144 Russell Street, Morley, WA, or even right here on Facebook 24/7.

Thinking Guitars? Think Sound Centre!