Electric Guitar 101: Buying Guide for Beginners

Unlike the acoustic guitar, the electric guitar requires external amplification to sound as intended at any volume. The electric guitar was first embraced by jazz guitarists in the 1930s, but over time, it became synonymous with rock music and guitar legends like Jimmy Page and David Gilmour.

The electric guitar is arguably the coolest instrument out there, and it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to it. If you’re thinking about getting one, you probably have a lot of questions in mind – What brand should I choose? What size suits me best? Does the type of wood really matter? Can I play my favorite songs with it?, and so on.

Don’t worry because this buying guide will walk you through everything a beginner or even a seasoned player needs to know, from the basics of how electric guitars work to choosing the right one for your style and musical taste.

Electric Guitar Anatomy

Just like any other guitar, the electric guitar consists of three main sections: the body, neck, and headstock. Each of these areas contains important parts that work together to create the instrument’s sound and playability.

Body

The body is the largest part of the guitar and holds most of the hardware that shapes the sound and tone. It consists of:

• Bridge – The bridge anchors the strings to the body and plays a major role in tuning stability and sustain
• String Saddles – These are small adjustable pieces on the bridge that help control the height and length of each string
• Pickups – Magnetic components that “pick up” string vibrations and convert them into an electric signal
• Pickguard – A plastic plate that protects the body from scratches caused by picks or strumming
• Pickup Selector Switch – A switch that lets you choose which pickup (or combination) is active, changing your tone
• Output Jack – This is where you plug in your cable to connect the guitar to an amp or effects pedal
• Control Knobs – Usually used to adjust volume and tone settings for the pickups
• Strap Button – A metal button that holds your guitar strap in place when you’re standing and playing

Neck

The neck connects the body to the headstock and is where you press the strings to create different notes. It consists of:

• Fretboard – Also known as the fingerboard is the flat surface on the front of the neck where you press the strings to change notes
• Frets – Thin metal strips embedded along the fretboard that divide it into musical intervals
• Fret Markers – Visual dots or inlays that help you easily identify fret positions while playing
• Nut – A small piece at the end of the fretboard that guides the strings toward the tuners and keeps spacing consistent
• Truss Rod – A metal rod inside the neck that can be adjusted to correct its curvature and maintain playability

Headstock

The headstock sits at the end of the neck and is responsible for tuning the guitar. It consists of:

• Tuners – Also called machine heads, these are used to tighten or loosen each string to bring it into tune.
• String Tree – A small metal guide on some guitars that helps maintain proper string angle and tension over the nut.

Types of Electric Guitars

There are many types of electric guitars simply because there are so many combinations in how they’re built – from body shape and neck profile to pickup configuration and tonewood. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For beginners, it’s best to start with the three main types based on body construction: solid, hollow, and semi-hollow.

Solid Body Electric Guitar

This is the most popular and widely used type of electric guitar. Solid-body guitars are made from a single solid piece of wood, which gives them durability, great sustain, and resistance to feedback. Their sleek design also makes them very comfortable to hold and play, making them ideal for beginners.

Solid bodies are incredibly versatile and used in nearly every genre, from rock, blues, and metal, to punk and pop. Iconic examples include the Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul, and Ibanez RG.

Hollow Body Electric Guitar

The first electric guitars had fully hollow bodies, much like acoustic guitars which is why they are also known as semi-acoustic. That design is still around today, mainly favored by jazz, blues, rockabilly, country, and soul musicians. The hollow body gives these guitars a rich, warm tone with more resonance and a fuller low end.

However, they’re more prone to feedback at high volumes, which makes them less suited for heavy distortion or loud rock gigs. Popular models include the Gibson ES-175, Gretsch White Falcon, and Epiphone Broadway.

Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

As the name suggests, semi-hollow guitars sit between solid and hollow. They have a central wood block running through the body, which helps reduce feedback, while still offering some of the natural resonance of a hollow design. These guitars often have visible f-holes on the body just like violins.

Semi-hollows are great for styles like blues, classic rock, and funk, offering a warm, woody tone with a bit more bite than fully hollow models. Popular examples include the Gibson ES-335, Epiphone Dot, and PRS SE Hollowbody.

Electric Guitar Tonewoods

In general, the type of wood plays a much bigger role in shaping the tone of acoustic guitars, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored when buying an electric guitar.

With electric guitars, you’ll often see the body, neck, and fretboard made from different types of wood. These combinations, when done right, can enhance the guitar’s tone, resonance, and feel. It’s also common to find guitars made entirely from a single wood type

Types of Wood Used on Electric Guitars

• Mahogany – A dense, warm-sounding wood often used for bodies and necks, known for its sustain and rich low end
• Rosewood – Smooth to the touch and naturally oily, rosewood offers a warm tone with slightly scooped highs. Great for fretboards
• Alder – Lightweight and balanced, alder delivers a clear, full sound with emphasized mid-tone, often found on Fender guitars
• Maple – Bright and snappy, maple gives more attack and clarity to each note, with a tighter low end. Often used for fretboards
• Ash – Offers a bright tone with pronounced highs and solid low-end response – used in many vintage-style guitars
• Walnut – A visually striking wood that produces a focused, tight tone with strong mids and great sustain
• Basswood – Lightweight and affordable, this wood provides a soft, balanced tone – and it’s a common choice for modern rock and shred guitars
• Ebony – Smooth and fast, ebony gives a crisp, articulate tone with a tight low end, ideal for precision playing
• Korina – Known for its resonance and midrange warmth, Korina is similar to mahogany but slightly lighter in weight
• Pau Ferro – A rosewood alternative with a brighter tone and smooth feel, commonly found on modern guitar fretboards
• Poplar – A budget-friendly wood with a neutral tone, making it a solid choice for low-entry guitars

There are other tonewoods used in electric guitars, but these are the most common ones you’ll come across when buying your first guitar.

Electric Guitar Sizes and Shapes

Choosing the right guitar size is crucial for your comfort and enjoyment. Playing an instrument that fits you well will make practicing easier and help keep your passion alive, while a poorly sized guitar can lead to discomfort, bad habits, and even frustration.

Here are the most common electric guitar sizes, usually measured by the overall length from headstock to body end:

• 1/4 Size – These are the smallest electric guitars, typically around 30 inches long. They’re mainly designed for very young children or beginners with small hands, offering easier reach and lighter weight
• 1/2 Size – Measuring about 34 inches, half-size guitars are still suitable for younger players or those with smaller frames, providing a bit more room to grow while remaining manageable
• 3/4 Size – Between 34 and 36 inches long, three-quarter size guitars are a great middle ground. They work well for teens or adults who want a compact instrument without sacrificing playability or tone
• 4/4 or Full Size – Ranging from 36 to 40 inches, full-size electric guitars are the standard for most adult players. They offer the best balance of comfort, tone, and versatility, making them suitable for virtually any style or genre

Aside from size, electric guitars come in a variety of shapes, from classic designs like the Stratocaster and Les Paul to more modern, aggressive bodies. The shape affects not only the look but also how the guitar feels when you hold or play it.

So have in mind that while size guidelines are helpful, it’s always a good idea to try out a few guitars in person if you can, to see what size and shape feel most comfortable for your body and playing style.

Electric Guitar Pickups

Pickups are one of the most important parts of an electric guitar, as they convert string vibrations into an electrical signal that can be amplified. Generally, pickups can be divided into two categories: passive and active.

Active pickups require a battery to operate, which means you’ll need to maintain and replace it occasionally. They tend to produce a higher output signal and are favored for heavier styles like metal because they deliver a powerful, clean tone with less noise.

Passive pickups, on the other hand, don’t need a battery and are more traditional. They typically have a warmer, more dynamic tone but are less loud compared to active pickups and can pick up more background hum.

Types of Pickups

• Single Coil – Known for their bright, clear, and twangy sound, single coils are great for genres like blues, country, funk, and indie. However, they can be prone to electrical hum and noise
• Humbuckers – Designed to “buck the hum” – these pickups use two coils wired together to make sure there’s no humming with distortion. Humbuckers offer a thicker, warmer tone with higher output, making them ideal for classic rock, heavy metal, and jazz
• P90 – A hybrid style pickup that sits somewhere between single coils and humbuckers. P90s deliver a gritty, punchy sound with more neutral tone and less humming than single coils, popular in blues, punk, and alternative rock like grunge

Amplifier and Must Have Accessories

An amplifier is essential for any electric guitar player, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro. After all, the electric guitar is designed to be loud and expressive, and playing it without an amp loses much of its character. Choosing a quality amp is almost as important as picking the right guitar.

To get the full electric guitar experience, you’ll also need a few key accessories:

• Picks – Try a variety of picks to find the one that feels best for your playing style, and always keep spares handy. Maybe you can even try using a coin like Brian May
• Cables – A good-quality cable ensures a clean, reliable connection between your guitar and amp without unwanted noise
• Tuner – Staying in tune is crucial, so having a tuner – whether pedal, clip-on, or app is of great help for beginners
• Spare Strings – Strings break and wear out over time, so keep extras ready, and remember to wipe your strings after each session to extend their life
• Maintenance Kit – Basic tools and cleaning supplies help keep your guitar in top shape and prolong its lifespan
• Strap – A comfortable strap makes playing standing up easier and helps prevent dropping the guitar
• Case and Bags – Protect your instrument during travel and storage with a sturdy case or gig bag
• Stand – Perhaps the most important accessory for safety, a guitar stand prevents your instrument from falling and damaging delicate parts like the headstock

While not all accessories are essential right away, investing in these items will improve your playing experience and help care for your guitar.

Brand vs No-Name Electric Guitar – Which one to choose?

Because electric guitars are complex and delicate instruments, it’s usually best to stick with trusted brands rather than no-name manufacturers. Brands like Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Epiphone, Gretsch, and Yamaha among others have proven quality and reliability, even if some are parent companies of others.

No-name guitars often come with technical issues like uneven frets, low-quality hardware, and electronics. Poor sound and constant maintenance can quickly drain your enthusiasm and make you want to give up playing.

Budget – What’s a reasonable price for an Electric Guitar

Choosing the right guitar can feel overwhelming with so many options. But once you know your preferred type, tonewood, size, and musical style, it’s easier to focus on what fits your budget.

For beginners, there’s no need to overspend. A quality guitar in the $200–$500 range will serve you well. If money’s tight, consider buying a well-maintained second-hand guitar from a trusted brand, you will not be disappointed.

Check out our review of 5 Budget Electric Guitars to help you make a choice

Conclusion

Choosing your first electric guitar doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right knowledge about guitar types, pickups, tonewoods, and accessories, you’re ready to find an instrument that fits your style and budget.

Focus on comfort and quality, and don’t forget a good amp and essentials to complete your setup. Whether new or used, solid or hollow, do not waste too much time thinking about it and start playing as soon as possible because that’s the only way to enjoy the electric guitar!