Electric Guitars
From classic Stratocasters to high-end boutique guitars, we put the world's most popular instruments through their paces.
Start Here: Guitar Buying Priorities
Most players should decide shape and pickup type before chasing brand names. A Strat-style single-coil guitar and a Les Paul-style humbucker guitar cover different jobs. Use the existing reviews below instead of buying from a spec sheet alone.
| Need | Start With | Best Next Page |
|---|---|---|
| First electric under $300 | Yamaha Pacifica 112V or Squier Classic Vibe | Pacifica 112V review |
| Classic Fender sparkle | Player Series Stratocaster | Player Strat review |
| Thick humbucker rock tone | Epiphone Les Paul Standard '60s | Les Paul Standard '60s |
| Strat vs Tele decision | Shape and pickup layout, not brand slogans | Strat vs Tele |
| First acoustic | Yamaha FG800 or similar solid-top dreadnought | FG800 review |
Buying Notes (Listing Checks, Not Fake Lab Specs)
- Confirm the exact series (Player vs Player II, Pacifica 112V vs 012, Epiphone Standard vs Studio) before comparing prices.
- If you can play one in person, check open G, C, and D chords for high action and buzzing. A cheap guitar that needs a setup is still usable after a $40–$60 shop visit.
- Pair the guitar with an amp you will actually keep. Bedroom players should read the Boss Katana-50 review and best practice amps before spending the guitar budget twice.
- After it arrives, use how to set up a guitar before blaming the pickups.
Epiphone
Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar
$149.00
Sound Profile:
"Decent projection with a straightforward, no-frills acoustic tone."
Fender
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
$188.00
Sound Profile:
"Warm, focused midrange with comfortable playability."
Taylor
Taylor Academy 12 Grand Concert Acoustic
$499.00
Sound Profile:
"Bright, articulate tone with exceptional clarity — the Taylor House sound."
Yamaha
Yamaha FG800 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
$229.99
Sound Profile:
"Warm, balanced tone with surprising volume and projection for a budget guitar."
