Best Inexpensive Electric Guitars - Best Consumers Guide & Best Consumer Reports

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Buying guides for the best inexpensive electric guitars

Are you looking to get your hands on an electric guitar, but don’t want to break the bank? Look no further – we’ve compiled a list of the best inexpensive electric guitars on the market! Our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need in order to make an informed purchase. From budget-friendly options to luxurious choices and everything in between, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your style and meets your needs. So what are you waiting for? Keep reading for our top picks of affordable electric guitars!

What are electric guitars?

Electric guitars are instruments that use electromagnetic pickups to convert the vibration of the strings into electrical signals. They are often used in rock, blues, jazz, and other popular music genres.

Electric guitars usually have six strings but some can have up to twelve or more. The sound produced by electric guitars is typically much louder than acoustic guitars due to their amplified signal.

Benefits of electric guitars

Versatility: Electric guitars provide a huge range of tones and sounds that can suit any style or genre of music. You can create everything from classic blues to heavy metal with the right setup.
Ease of Use: Because they require no physical effort to play, electric guitars are ideal for beginners who want to start learning quickly without having to worry about developing technique and strength in their hands and wrists.
Low Maintenance: Electric guitars generally require less maintenance than acoustic guitars, as there is no need for regular tuning and polishing.
Amplification: One of the great advantages of an electric guitar is that it can be connected directly to an amplifier, allowing you to greatly increase the volume of your sound.
Portability: Electric guitars are much more compact and lightweight than acoustic guitars, making them easier to transport from one place to another. This makes them ideal for those who need to travel with their instrument.
Cost: Electric guitars tend to be cheaper than their acoustic counterparts, giving those on a budget more options when it comes to purchasing an instrument. All of these features combine together to make electric guitars an incredibly popular choice among musicians of all skill levels.

Pros and Cons of electric guitars

Pros:

Easier to maintain than acoustic guitars- electric guitars require less maintenance and upkeep as compared to acoustic guitars. Since they do not need to be tuned or strung regularly, they are easier to keep in good condition.
Increased versatility- electric guitars are very versatile instruments and can be used for a variety of musical genres and styles. They can also be plugged into amplifiers which allows them to produce a louder sound than just playing acoustically.
More variety in sound- electric guitars allows the player to experiment with different sounds by adjusting the settings on their guitar amps and pedals or by using different pickups on the guitar itself. This provides more opportunities for creativity when playing music.

Cons:

Electric guitars require additional accessories- since electric guitars need to be plugged into an amplifier, they will require additional accessories such as cables and amplifiers in order to produce a louder sound. This can be costly and may not be feasible for everyone.
Smaller audience- the amplified sound of an electric guitar is often not suitable for small venues or those with limited space, so the audience size may be restricted when playing live music.
Harder to play- due to the increased complexity of electric guitars, they may be more difficult to learn than acoustic guitars which could discourage some players from continuing on their musical journey. Additionally, electric guitarists must also become proficient in using effects pedals and amps in order to create unique sounds. This may take some time and practice.

How to use electric guitars?

Familiarize yourself with the parts of your electric guitar. Electric guitars are composed of a body, neck, headstock, tuning machines, pickups, and electronics (potentiometers or knobs), bridge, cover plate for pickups, strings, and pickguard.
Tune your electric guitar. You will need either an electronic tuner or your ear to tune the strings on your electric guitar correctly. Make sure to turn each string in the correct order when you’re first getting started so that you don’t miss any notes in between.
Start strumming chords on your electric guitar using either an acoustic pick or a plastic plectrum designed for electric guitars to create sound from the strings plucked.
Experiment with the sound of your electric guitar by playing different chords and strumming with different speeds, power, or intensity. You can also use the potentiometers or knobs on your electric guitar to adjust the tone and volume of the sound.
Connect your electric guitar to an amplifier or pedal board to increase its output and create a louder, fuller sound. You may want to add effects such as distortion, echo, reverb, etc. to enhance your playing experience and make it more interesting.
Practice regularly on your electric guitar so that you can become familiar with the instrument and learn how to play effectively with other musicians in a band setting or solo performance situation. Moving up from basic chords, you can learn different techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.
Have fun! Remember that learning to play the electric guitar should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t take it too seriously or put too much pressure on yourself to get everything perfect from the outset. Enjoy your journey of exploration and discovery with this amazing instrument.

Common mistakes when using electric guitars

Not adjusting the action: The action of your electric guitar is one of the most important components to consider when playing. If it is set too high, you won’t be able to play comfortably and accurately.
Not setting the correct pickup height: Pickups are magnets used to capture sound vibrations from the strings as you play which helps create a good tone. Improperly adjusted pickups can affect your overall sound quality, so make sure they are correctly set before playing.
Incorrect string tension: String tension should be set to match your playing style and preference in order to bring out the best sound possible from your instrument.
Poor technique: Developing proper technique is essential for playing electric guitar effectively. Make sure to practice regularly and use proper hand positions, picking techniques, and fretting techniques in order to get the best sound possible.
Overuse of effects: Effects can be used to create interesting and unique sounds on an electric guitar, but it’s important not to overdo it. Too many effects can make your tone muddy and unclear, so use them sparingly for the best results.
Neglecting maintenance: Electric guitars require regular cleaning and maintenance in order to keep them sounding their best. Make sure to clean your strings, pickups, and fretboard regularly so that you can enjoy a full, rich tone from your instrument each time you play.
Not using the right amp: Your amp is an essential part of your electric guitar setup, and it can make a huge difference in terms of sound quality. Make sure to choose an amp that suits your style and playing preferences so that you can get the most out of your instrument.

Factors to consider before buying electric guitars

Quality: It is important to consider the quality of the electric guitar that you buy. Look for good build quality and materials used in the construction of the instrument. The electronics should also be of a high-quality standard, so check out reviews before purchasing.

Price: Of course, the price can play an important factor when it comes to buying electric guitars. If you are on a budget, then look for models with fewer features or second hand options where available. However, if you have more money to spend then look at higher end models as they will provide better sound quality and longevity than cheaper instruments.

Playability: Consider how easy it is to use your chosen electric guitar and what types of music best suit it. Some guitars may be better suited to certain styles of music than others, so make sure you research before making your purchase.

Brand: Many brands have their own distinct sound and playing styles, so investigate the different manufacturers to find out which one best suits your needs. While many people opt for well-known names such as Fender and Gibson, there are also some smaller boutique brands that offer high quality instruments at a fraction of the cost.

Accessories: Electric guitars come with a range of accessories such as straps, picks, cables, and amplifiers that will all affect the overall performance and sound quality of your instrument. Look at what is included in any package deal or packages you’re considering – and think carefully about what you may need to buy separately.

Warranty: Always make sure the electric guitar you’re buying comes with a comprehensive warranty, in case of any faults or damages that may occur during use. This will help protect your purchase and give you peace of mind when playing your instrument.

Reviews: As mentioned above, be sure to read online reviews before purchasing an electric guitar. These can provide valuable insight into whether or not the instrument is suitable for your needs, as well as give feedback on sound quality, playability, and reliability from other users who have already purchased it.

Comfort: Not all guitars are created equal – some will fit better than others depending on your size and playing technique. Make sure you try out a few different models to find the one that feels most comfortable for you before committing to buy.

Professional advice: If you’re still unsure about which electric guitar is best for you, consider seeking professional advice from an experienced musician or music shop assistant who can provide valuable insight into your individual needs and suggest the best instrument for your budget.

Tips to use electric guitars

Start with acoustic guitar: Beginning to play electric guitar can be daunting, especially if you don’t have any experience playing any type of guitar. It’s important to take some time and learn the basics of an acoustic guitar first. This will help build up confidence and give you a better understanding of how your electric guitar works.
Use amp simulator software: Amp simulator software is a great tool for learning how to use an electric guitar. These programs contain realistic models of different amps and pedals, so you can get a feel for what it’s like to play through them without spending a lot of money on equipment.
Choose the right strings: Electric guitars come in many different sizes and shapes, so it’s important to choose the right strings for your guitar. Different string gauges will have an effect on your sound and playability, so be sure to research what strings are best for your instrument.
Play with an effects pedal: Effects pedals can be a great way to add new sounds and textures to your playing. Experiment with different settings and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Learn some songs: Learning some simple songs is one of the best ways to get comfortable playing electric guitar. This will help you practice chord progressions, strumming patterns, and picking techniques while having fun at the same time.
Have fun: Most importantly, remember to have fun while playing your electric guitar! Don’t get too hung up on perfecting certain techniques, just enjoy the process. With enough practice and dedication, you’ll be able to take your electric guitar playing to the next level.
Practice regularly: The best way to improve at any instrument is through regular practice. Set aside sometime each day to focus on learning new techniques or songs and make sure you stick to it! Over time, you should start seeing big improvements in your playing.
Experiment: Electric guitars are capable of making a wide range of sounds so don’t be afraid to experiment with different effects, settings, and techniques. This will help you find your own unique sound and get more comfortable playing.
Use a metronome: A metronome is a great tool for developing your timing and accuracy when it comes to strumming or picking. You can use a physical metronome or download an app on your phone and set it to the desired tempo.
Join a band: Joining a band is one of the best ways to take your electric guitar playing to the next level. It provides opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and live performance experience which will all help you become better at playing guitar. With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to becoming an expert electric guitarist! Have fun and remember – practice makes perfect!

FAQs

Can electric guitar play without electricity?

No, an electric guitar cannot be played without electricity. An electric guitar needs an amplifier and a source of electricity to make a sound. The pickups on the electric guitar pick up the vibrations from the strings and turn them into electrical signals.

These signals are then sent to an amplifier, which amplifies the sound so that it can be heard through speakers or headphones. Without electricity, there is no way for these signals to be amplified and heard.

Do electric guitars hurt your fingers?

The short answer to this question is no. Electric guitars do not inherently cause pain in your fingers, but they can certainly add to existing finger and hand discomfort.

Conclusion

Though it may be tempting to save money by going for the cheapest guitar you can find, this is often not the best idea. Cheap guitars generally have lower quality hardware, pickups, and construction – meaning they won’t sound as good or last as long as a more expensive instrument. With that said, there are still some great inexpensive electric guitars out there that offer excellent value for the price.

In this article, we shared our top picks for the best cheap electric guitars on the market today. So if you’re looking for a quality instrument without breaking the bank, be sure to check out our list.

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