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Buying guides for the best electric guitar under $300
Are you passionate about music and want to start playing your favorite songs? An electric guitar can be a great place to start, as long as you have the right instrument for the job. Purchasing an electric guitar isn’t something that needs to break the bank; there are plenty of affordable options for those working with a limited budget.
In this blog post, we will walk through some of the best electric guitars under $300, ensuring that budding musicians have all they need to launch their musical journey without breaking the bank!
Top 7 Best Electric Guitars Under $300 Should Buy In 2023
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
What is an electric guitar?
An electric guitar is a type of guitar that uses magnetic pickups and an amplifier to produce sound. It has metal strings and produces a louder, more powerful tone than an acoustic guitar.
Electric guitars usually have six strings and are played with the fingertips or a pick. They also come in different body shapes, pickup configurations, and neck widths for various sounds. Electric guitars are used in many genres of music such as rock, blues, country, jazz, funk, and pop.
Benefits of electric guitar under $300
If you are looking for a guitar to start your musical journey or if you have been playing for years and need something new, there are many benefits to consider when choosing an electric guitar for under $300.
- You can get a good guitar that will last as long as you want it to. The quality of the materials used in these guitars is excellent and they can be used by beginners and advanced players alike.
- These guitars are very affordable and they offer great value for money too! This means that you won’t have to spend too much money on them which is always good when starting out with music because it’s easy to lose interest if you don’t feel like it’s worth spending lots of money on something that doesn’t really interest us anymore (such as buying expensive equipment).
- They come with all the hardware and accessories required so that you can start playing immediately without having to worry about purchasing anything else first before playing music on this instrument – which is especially important if this is going to be your first electric guitar ever!
- You can also find a variety of models that come with different features such as pickups and tones which allows you to customize the sound it produces according to your own preference while still being within budget!
- Lastly, these guitars are more portable than their acoustic counterparts which means that they can be taken wherever you need them to go (such as gigs or recording studios) without the hassle of needing an amp or other additional gear. This makes them ideal for anyone who needs something easy to transport and fits in small spaces.
Pros and Cons of electric guitar under $300
Pros:
- You can play it anywhere, and it’s quiet enough that you won’t disturb anyone.
- It’s a good starter instrument for people who want to learn guitar.
- It was cheap! You can get a great sound for less than $300, and you’ll be able to keep up with your friends who have more expensive guitars.
Cons:
- You won’t be able to gig with this guitar unless you’re playing solo or in a small venue. The sound quality just isn’t there for larger spaces.
- The selection of electric guitars in the under $300 range is somewhat limited, so you may not be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
- You won’t get as much variety of sounds and effects with a lower priced guitar, so if you want something more complex or unique, you’ll need to invest in a higher quality instrument.
How to use an electric guitar?
- Choose an amp: Select a guitar amplifier that is suitable for your style of playing and the type of music you plan to play. Make sure it has enough power to accommodate the volume level you need.
- Connect the electric guitar to the amp: Use a ¼ inch cable to connect the guitar’s output jack to one of the inputs on the amplifier. Adjust any settings at this point if necessary, such as volume or gain controls, tone controls, and drive settings.
- Plug in headphones (optional): Depending on where you are playing, you may want to plug in headphones so that only you can hear your sound (applicable when using valve amps). This will allow you to practice without disturbing anyone else in the room.
- Set up effects: If desired, you can add effects to your sound by connecting pedals or rack-mounted processors to your amp. This will allow you to shape and color your sound with reverb, delay, distortion, and other effects.
- Play: Now it’s time for some hands-on playing! Experiment with different techniques and styles as you explore how the electric guitar sounds when amplified through the amp. Have fun discovering new sounds!
- Tune the guitar: It’s important to tune your electric guitar before each practice session. This will help ensure that you are playing in perfect pitch and also maximize the sound quality of your instrument.
- Experiment with different sounds: Once you have mastered the basics, start exploring new sounds by adjusting your amp settings, trying out different guitars and effects pedals, and experimenting with different techniques such as tapping, bending, sliding, and the vibrato arm usage. The more you experiment the more creative ideas you will discover!
- Take care of your equipment: Always remember to turn off everything when playing and store all instruments in a dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent damage to any parts or components. Taking good care of your electric guitar and amp will ensure you enjoy playing them for years to come!
Common mistakes when using electric guitar under $300
There are many mistakes that people make when using an electric guitar for under $300. These mistakes will lead to a bad experience and can even damage your instrument.
Here are some of the most common mistakes:
-Poorly set up the instrument: Poorly set up instruments often have loose truss rods, which means that they are not holding the neck in place properly. This can cause issues with intonation and playability, and can also affect the longevity of your instrument.
-Incorrect string gauge: If you use an incorrect string gauge, then it may cause buzzing or alter the tone of your guitar negatively. Make sure to always check what gauge strings are recommended by the manufacturer before purchasing.
-Using improper amplifier settings: It’s important to get an amp that is suitable for your style of playing, as well as one that is loud enough so that you can hear yourself clearly while playing at home or in a jam session setting (for example). Too much gain or too much treble can all cause undesirable tones when playing.
-Incorrect bridge setup: If the bridge is not set up correctly, it can lead to string buzzing, poor intonation, and bad tone. Make sure to check the bridge setup before you start playing.
-Improper maintenance: As with any instrument, electric guitars need to be maintained properly in order to keep them functioning properly and sounding great. Cleaning your guitar regularly will help prevent corrosion and buildup on the fretboard which can lead to strings slipping off of frets and other unwanted issues. Additionally, lubricating moving parts like nut slots and tremolo arms are important for the smooth operation of your instrument.
Factors to consider before buying electric guitar under $300
Body Material: Consider the type of material used to construct the body of the guitar and how it will affect the sound quality. Different materials, such as mahogany or alder, can produce different tones.
Pickup Types: Pay attention to what type of pickups are on the electric guitar and how they will work together with your amp. Single-coil pickups tend to be brighter and cleaner sounding than humbuckers, while humbuckers have more output and power but lack clarity.
Neck Profile: The shape of the neck plays an important role in determining playability, comfort, and tone. A thinner, faster neck profile is generally easier for beginners to learn on, while thicker, slower profiles are better for more experienced players.
Bridge: The type of bridge on the guitar is also important to consider, as it affects intonation and sustains. Cheaper bridges can result in tuning issues and poor sustain, while higher-end bridges provide greater stability and accuracy.
Hardware Quality: Check the quality of the hardware on the electric guitar such as tuners, knobs, strings, etc., as this will affect how well it performs overall. Better quality hardware will last longer and stay in tune easier than cheaper alternatives.
Accessories Included: Look out for what accessories come with your chosen guitar and whether they might be useful to you in the near future (e.g., a strap, picks, strings, etc.). Accessories can save you money in the long run.
Warranty: Most electric guitars come with some form of warranty to protect your investment from manufacturer defects and other issues. Make sure you read the warranty information before buying so that you are covered should something go wrong with your new purchase.
Price: The price of the electric guitar is a major factor to consider when making your purchase. You may find that a higher-end model is worth the extra cost if it offers better playability and sound quality than cheaper alternatives.
Reviews: Take some time to read reviews from other customers who have already purchased and used the same electric guitar you are interested in. This can help you get an idea of how well it performs and whether or not it is worth investing in.
Weight: Many electric guitars are quite light, making them easy to handle and transport. Consider the weight of the guitar when deciding which one is right for you as heavier guitars can be more difficult to play.
Brand: While there are many great options from unknown or lesser-known brands, it can sometimes be worth investing in a recognized brand with a good reputation for reliability and quality. This will help ensure that your guitar is well-made and made to last.
Tips to use electric guitar
- Take Lessons: Taking guitar lessons from a qualified teacher is one of the best ways to get started on electric guitar. A good instructor will be able to not only teach you the basics of playing but also help you develop your own style and sound.
- Practice Regularly: It’s important to practice regularly if you want to become a proficient player of electric guitar. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day – dedicating more time if possible!
- Develop Your Own Style: Once you have some basic skills under your belt, start experimenting with different sounds and styles to create something unique that’s all your own. Try out various effects pedals or even build your own rigs!
- Learn Tabs and Chords: Tabs (or tablature) are a great way to learn new songs, riffs, and solos quickly. Memorizing chord shapes will also help you build muscle memory for quick transitions between chords during playing.
- Listen to Other Players: Listening to other players is an important part of learning how to play the electric guitar. Spend time listening to famous guitarists and note their techniques – this can be a great source of inspiration!
- Never Stop Learning: There’s always something new to learn on the electric guitar – whether it’s new scales or arpeggios, gear, strings, amps etc., there’s always something to explore. Keep an open mind and never stop learning!
- Have Fun: Above all, the most important thing is to have fun playing the electric guitar. Don’t take it too seriously – enjoy yourself, make mistakes and learn from them, and above all make music that you love! Good luck!
FAQs
Can Electric Guitars Under $300 Be Upgraded?
Yes, electric guitars under $300 can be upgraded. Upgrades can include anything from pickups and tuning machines to adding a new bridge or changing out the electronics.
There are many aftermarket parts available for budget-friendly electric guitars that allow you to customize your instrument without breaking the bank. You may also be able to find discounts on quality parts when shopping online.
Another option is to buy used or vintage parts which, while they may cost more upfront, often end up being cheaper in the long run due to their better condition and craftsmanship. With a few simple upgrades, an affordable electric guitar can provide great results – making it sound like it’s worth much more than it originally cost!
Are electric guitars high maintenance?
No, electric guitars are not high maintenance. As long as you keep your instrument clean and properly set up, it should remain in good condition for years to come.
You will have to change strings occasionally, but this is a relatively simple process that only takes a few minutes.
Additionally, if any of the electronics need servicing or repair, there are plenty of experienced technicians who can help. Overall, electric guitars don’t require much more than regular cleaning and maintenance in order to stay in top playing shape.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an electric guitar that won’t break the bank, we’ve got the perfect list for you. These guitars are all under $300 and they’re great for beginners and experienced players alike.
So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade, one of these guitars is sure to be perfect for you. And if you need help finding the right guitar, our experts are always here to help. So don’t hesitate to reach out today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect guitar for your needs.
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