How To Choose Your First Electric Guitar: A Beginner's Guide

Choosing your first electric guitar can feel like stepping into a music shop with no map. You’re surrounded by shiny bodies, buttons, wires, knobs and names you’ve never heard of before. The excitement is real, but so is the confusion. Everyone wants to start their music journey with the right gear, and your first guitar plays a big role in building momentum and developing confidence.

It isn’t about picking the fanciest one or what looks cool on a stage. It’s about finding a guitar that feels comfortable, works for the kind of music you like, and helps you make progress without unnecessary frustration. A good match can make practice feel smoother, chords less awkward, and the entire learning curve a lot more fun.

Determine Your Budget

Before looking into types and styles, it helps to know how much you're happy to spend. Budget doesn’t just cover the guitar itself. You'll want to be ready for some extras too. Things like a beginner amp, a strap, a patch cable, strings, and probably a basic tuner or stand. Think of it like buying a car. You wouldn’t drive off without wheels or fuel.

Here’s a rough way to break it down:

- Starter budget: Entry-level electric guitars are basic but playable, usually great for younger learners or first-timers testing the waters.

- Mid-range: Offers more comfort, better parts, and more solid sound options. Good if you're committed to playing regularly.

- Higher-end: Better for experienced players or if you already know you’ll be putting in many hours of lessons and practice.

If you're based in Essex and shopping locally, it can also help to factor in where and how you're buying. Whether it's visiting a local shop to try a few models or placing an order online, setting a spending range will guide your focus and make decisions easier. A set budget helps you avoid overspending on extras that don’t offer much value at first.

Consider Your Music Preferences

What kind of sounds do you dream of playing? That’s one of the first and most helpful questions when picking your first electric guitar. Different styles of music need different types of guitars, and knowing what inspires you gives you a clear path forward.

Let’s say you’re a fan of blues or soft rock. You might enjoy the brighter tone of a guitar with single coil pickups and a lighter body. But if you lean more towards heavy rock or metal, a guitar with humbuckers and a thicker sound will be more your style. These models handle distortion better and offer a bolder tone.

While you don’t need to know everything about electrics right off the bat, having a general link between music genres and guitars can make your choice clearer:

- Rock and heavy metal: Guitars with dual humbuckers and solid bodies

- Blues and jazz: Semi-hollow bodies or smoother necks with thinner frets

- Pop and indie: Lighter models with cleaner tones and flexible controls

Trying out guitars with the sounds you enjoy in mind is a great idea. Hold a few different models, plug them into amps, and hear how they respond to your touch. A sound that feels familiar to your taste and a shape that fits well in your hands are both signs you’re heading in the right direction.

Focus On Guitar Features

After settling on your budget and musical interests, it’s time to pay attention to key features. These shape how the guitar plays, how long you’ll enjoy it, and how likely you are to stay motivated.

Start with the body type. Some electric guitars are heavy and fully solid, which helps avoid feedback at high volumes. These are great for rock and similar styles. Others are lighter or semi-hollow. These are often used in jazz and blues and give off a warmer, rounder tone. If you plan to play standing up for long sessions, the weight can really make a difference.

Pickups are another big area to think about. These are the small blocks that collect string vibrations and send the sound to your amp. Single coils give you a twangy and crisp sound, while humbuckers offer a fatter and smoother tone. Some guitars have both, letting you switch between different sounds depending on what you’re playing.

The guitar neck also plays a huge role in comfort. If your hands are on the smaller side, a thinner neck might feel better to grip. There are chunky, rounded necks and flatter, thinner ones. Holding a few for yourself will give you a good feel for what suits you best. On top of that, fret size makes a difference when it comes to finger movement and note clarity, especially early on.

When visiting music shops in Essex or borrowing a friend’s guitar, pay attention to:

- How the guitar sits in your lap or on a strap

- Whether your hand can glide easily up and down the neck

- How well the controls and switches fit your reach

- The output of the guitar when plugged into an amp

- Buzzing issues or rough hardware like poorly cut frets

Little issues can turn into big frustrations if ignored. A guitar that’s comfortable, balanced, and clear will keep you returning day after day.

Seek Help From People Who Know

You don't have to figure everything out on your own. If you’re new to electric guitars, getting a second opinion from someone who knows the ropes can prevent mistakes. They’ve been through the same questions and probably have useful stories about what worked or failed.

A tutor or music teacher in Essex can point out things you might overlook or help you figure out what suits you best. It’s not just about getting the right brand or model, it’s about matching the instrument to your hands, your progress, and your musical goals.

This is where beginner guitar lessons come in handy. When you take a lesson before buying, many times the tutor will let you try a few of their guitars. That way, you’ll feel the neck differences, learn which pickups give what sound, and find out what features support smooth practise routines. The experience of holding and hearing multiple guitars can guide you much faster than online research alone.

Every guitar feels a little different. A quick conversation with someone experienced or one lesson with a knowledgeable tutor can save you both money and time.

Make the Choice That Keeps You Playing

Getting your first electric guitar should feel exciting, not overwhelming. A wise choice isn’t based on flashy colours or trending gear. It’s based on feel, sound, style, and your long-term goals.

Start by deciding what you’re comfortable spending. Think about the type of music you love and which guitar types match that sound. Take some time to learn how features like body weight, pickups, and neck shape change your experience.

Don’t forget the value of local advice. Lessons with someone who knows what you need at the beginner level can steer you in the right direction. Especially if you're local to Essex, you’ve got access to classes where trying and learning come together.

Choosing a comfortable and fitting guitar gives you a better chance of sticking with your practise. When you enjoy what you're playing, you'll see steady growth and have much more fun learning. With a little help and hands-on tuning in, you’ll be playing clear, confident notes before you know it.

Feel ready to jumpstart your music journey with the right support? To make your learning smoother and more enjoyable, explore our options for beginner guitar lessons. Tom Ryder offers a relaxed and personalised approach that helps you grow your skills at your own pace and turn those early strums into full songs you’re proud to play.