This is my list of the best electric guitars under 300 dollars.
Greetings, fellow axe-wielders! Before we dive into the world of the best electric guitars under $300, let me share a few jokes that always cracks me up. What’s the difference between a $300 guitar and a $3,000 guitar? About $2,700! What do you call a $300 guitar that’s louder than a $3,000 guitar? A smart investment!
My friend, we are here to make sure you end up with the right guitar for you. We’ve combed through the budget-friendly electric guitar market to bring you the top 10 contenders that will have you shredding without shredding your bank account. We’ve got you covered with options for the best beginner, best for metal, best lightweight, and many more. So without further ado, let’s check out these affordable beauties!
Top Picks – Best Electric Guitars Under 300 Dollars
1. Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Category: Best for Beginner
Why: The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster captures the classic Strat look, feel, and sound at a budget-friendly price. With its comfortable C-shaped maple neck, versatile trio of single-coil pickups, and iconic double-cutaway body, this guitar offers excellent playability and a wide range of tones. The Affinity Stratocaster is an ideal choice for those seeking the legendary Strat experience without the hefty price tag.
2. Jackson JS22 Dinky
Category: Best for Metal
Why: The Jackson JS22 Dinky stands out in the metal category with its sleek design, fast-playing neck, and high-output humbucker pickups. The compound-radius fingerboard and double-cutaway body make it an excellent choice for shredders and metal enthusiasts seeking comfort and speed. Its powerful sound and affordable price make the JS22 Dinky an exceptional option for those looking to rock out without breaking the bank.
3. Ibanez GRX70QA
Category: Best Leightweight
Why: The Ibanez GRX70QA is the best lightweight guitar under $300 due to its comfortable design, quality materials, and playability. Its lightweight poplar body and slim GRX maple neck offer ease of use and reduced hand fatigue. The versatile electronics, including two humbuckers and a single-coil pickup, provide a wide range of tones without adding extra weight. Additionally, the reliable tremolo bridge system ensures stable tuning. Overall, the GRX70QA delivers comfort, sound quality, and versatility at an affordable price.
Here’s our roundup of the 10 best electric guitars under 300 dollars, each reigning supreme in their respective category:
1. Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Best Beginner Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Classic Stratocaster design
- Alder body
- Maple neck
- 21 medium jumbo frets
- Price indication: $299
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster comes with the classic Strat design, featuring a lightweight alder body and a smooth maple neck. With a comfortable “C”-shaped profile, the neck is perfect for beginners finding their footing.
Playability: With a 9.5″ radius fingerboard and 21 medium jumbo frets, this Strat is a breeze to play, making it ideal for new players looking to build their skills and finger strength.
Electronics and Hardware: The guitar features three standard single-coil Strat pickups with a 5-way selector switch, providing a versatile range of tones. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge allows for pitch-bending fun.
Sound: The Squier Affinity Strat has a bright and crisp sound, with the single-coil pickups delivering classic Stratocaster tones, perfect for a range of genres from rock to blues.
Customer Reviews: Users appreciate the guitar’s ease of play and solid build quality. Some have noted that the stock strings might need to be replaced to improve the sound, but overall, it’s a fantastic beginner guitar.
Pros: Great playability, versatile sound, classic design Cons: Stock strings might need replacement
Final Verdict: The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is the ideal choice for beginners looking for a reliable and affordable guitar that offers a taste of that legendary Strat tone.
What do you call a guitarist who only buys the cheapest guitars? A low-key shredder.
2. Jackson JS22 Dinky
Best for Metal Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Arched-top basswood body
- Maple neck
- Amaranth fingerboard
- 24 jumbo frets
- Price indication: $199
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Jackson JS22 Dinky sports an arched-top basswood body that delivers a comfortable playing experience. The bolt-on maple neck with a graphite reinforcement ensures stability and durability, while the amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets is perfect for fast playing and chugging riffs.
Playability: With its compound-radius fingerboard and speedy neck, the JS22 Dinky is a metalhead’s dream, providing effortless playability and the ability to nail those rapid-fire solos.
Electronics and Hardware: The guitar is equipped with two high-output Jackson humbucking pickups and a 3-way selector switch, providing powerful and aggressive tones. The synchronized fulcrum tremolo bridge allows for dive-bombing excitement.
Sound: The Jackson JS22 Dinky delivers a thick, heavy sound with plenty of bite, ideal for metal and hard rock genres.
Customer Reviews: Players love the guitar’s fast neck, aggressive sound, and sleek design. Some users have mentioned that the stock tremolo could use an upgrade, but this is a minor issue for an otherwise stellar instrument.
Pros: Fast neck, aggressive sound, comfortable body design
Cons: Stock tremolo may need upgrading
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable metal machine, the Jackson JS22 Dinky is a fantastic choice that offers killer looks and performance at a budget-friendly price.
3. Ibanez GRX70QA
Best Leightweight Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Quilted maple art grain top
- Poplar body
- Maple neck, treated New Zealand pine fingerboard
- 22 medium frets
- Price indication: $249
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Ibanez GRX70QA features a visually striking quilted maple art grain top and a lightweight poplar body, making it perfect for those long gigs or practice sessions. The slim, fast maple neck and treated New Zealand pine fingerboard with 22 medium frets provide exceptional playability.
Playability: Thanks to its lightweight design and ergonomic body shape, the GRX70QA ensures comfort and ease of play for guitarists of all levels.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar comes equipped with two Infinity R humbuckers and one Infinity RS single-coil pickup, offering a wide tonal palette. The FAT-6 tremolo bridge provides additional playing options and pitch manipulation.
Sound: The Ibanez GRX70QA delivers a versatile sound that can handle various genres, from clean, sparkly tones to crunchy rock riffs and searing leads.
Customer Reviews: Guitarists rave about the lightweight design, comfortable playability, and eye-catching aesthetics. Some users have mentioned that the tremolo system could be better, but it’s a minor issue given the guitar’s overall value.
Pros: Lightweight, versatile sound, attractive design Cons: Tremolo system could be improved
Final Verdict: If you’re after a comfortable and lightweight guitar with a versatile sound, the Ibanez GRX70QA is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
4. Epiphone Les Paul SL
Best Vintage-Style Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Poplar body
- Mahogany neck
- Torrefied Composite fingerboard
- 22 medium jumbo frets
- Price indication: $179
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Epiphone Les Paul SL boasts a slim, lightweight poplar body with the classic Les Paul shape. The mahogany neck with a slim taper “D” profile and Torrefied Composite fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets offers a smooth playing experience.
Playability: The slim neck profile and comfortable body shape make the Les Paul SL a joy to play, especially for those who prefer a vintage-style instrument.
Electronics and Hardware: The guitar is outfitted with two Epiphone single-coil pickups, a master volume and tone control, and a 3-way pickup selector, providing a simple but effective control layout. The wrap-around “Lightning Bar” bridge adds to the vintage vibe.
Sound: The Epiphone Les Paul SL delivers a bright, snappy sound with a touch of classic Les Paul warmth. Its tonal versatility makes it suitable for various genres, from blues to rock and beyond.
Customer Reviews: Players praise the guitar’s affordability, vintage aesthetics, and comfortable playability. Some users have mentioned that the pickups can be a bit noisy, but this is a minor issue for an otherwise impressive instrument.
Pros: Affordable, vintage aesthetics, comfortable playability Cons: Noisy pickups
Final Verdict: If you’re searching for a vintage-style guitar with a wallet-friendly price tag, the Epiphone Les Paul SL is a fantastic option that delivers both style and substance.
5. Ibanez Artcore AS53
Best Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Semi-hollow sapele body
- Set-in mahogany neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- 22 medium frets
- Price indication: $299
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Ibanez Artcore AS53 features a semi-hollow sapele body with a comfortable double-cutaway design, a set-in mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium frets, offering a smooth playing experience and an attractive look.
Playability: With its comfortable body shape and easy-to-play neck, the Artcore AS53 provides excellent playability, making it suitable for players of all skill levels, especially those who seek a lightweight and ergonomic guitar.
Electronics and Hardware: This semi-hollow guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and a fixed bridge, offering a range of warm and versatile tones that cater to various music styles.
Sound: The Ibanez Artcore AS53 delivers a rich and warm sound with great resonance and sustain, making it perfect for genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock.
Customer Reviews: Players appreciate the guitar’s beautiful design, playability, and warm, resonant sound. Some users have mentioned that the stock strings could be replaced for better sound quality, but this is a minor issue considering the overall value.
Pros:
- Beautiful semi-hollow design
- Great playability
- Warm and resonant sound
Cons:
- Stock strings could use replacement
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable semi-hollow electric guitar with great playability and a warm, resonant sound, the Ibanez Artcore AS53 is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
6. Squier Mini Stratocaster
Most for Small Hands Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- 3/4-size body
- C-shaped maple neck
- Indian laurel fingerboard
- 20 medium jumbo frets
- Price indication: $179
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Squier Mini Stratocaster features a 3/4-size Stratocaster body, making it perfect for players with smaller hands or those looking for a travel-friendly guitar. The C-shaped maple neck and Indian laurel fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets offer a comfortable playing experience.
Playability: With its compact size and easy-to-play neck, the Mini Strat is a great option for those with smaller hands or beginners looking for a more manageable instrument.
Electronics and Hardware: The guitar is equipped with three single-coil Stratocaster pickups, a 5-way selector switch, and a hardtail bridge, providing a variety of tonal options and reliable tuning stability.
Sound: The Squier Mini Strat delivers the classic Stratocaster sound, with bright and clear tones that are suitable for various music styles.
Customer Reviews: Users appreciate the guitar’s playability, compact size, and classic Strat sound. Some players have mentioned that the tuners could be better, but this is a minor issue considering the guitar’s overall quality and affordability.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Great playability
- Classic Strat sound
Cons:
- Tuners could be better
Final Verdict: If you have small hands or are searching for a travel-friendly guitar, the Squier Mini Stratocaster is an affordable and reliable choice that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality.
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7. Squier Affinity Telecaster
Best Telecaster Style Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Alder body
- C-shaped maple neck
- Indian laurel fingerboard
- 21 medium jumbo frets
- Price indication: $249
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Squier Affinity Telecaster features a classic Telecaster-style alder body with a comfortable C-shaped maple neck and Indian laurel fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets, ensuring a smooth playing experience.
Playability: With its comfortable neck profile and iconic design, the Affinity Telecaster offers excellent playability for guitarists of all skill levels.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar comes equipped with two vintage-style single-coil Telecaster pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and a 6-saddle top-load Telecaster bridge, providing a range of twangy and versatile tones.
Sound: The Squier Affinity Telecaster delivers the classic Telecaster sound with bright, punchy, and clear tones that work well for country, blues, rock, and more.
Customer Reviews: Players love the guitar’s iconic look, playability, and classic Telecaster sound. Some users have mentioned that the stock strings could be replaced for better sound quality, but this is a minor issue considering the overall value.
Pros:
- Iconic Telecaster design
- Great playability
- Classic Telecaster sound
Cons:
- Stock strings could use replacement
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable Telecaster-style guitar with great playability and the classic Tele sound, the Squier Affinity Telecaster is an excellent choice.
8. Yamaha Pacifica 120H
Best Versatile Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Solid alder body
- Bolt-on maple neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- 22 frets
- Price indication: $289
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Yamaha Pacifica 120H features a solid alder body with a comfortable double-cutaway design, a bolt-on maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets, providing a smooth playing experience and a classic look.
Playability: With its ergonomic body shape and easy-to-play neck, the Pacifica 120H offers excellent playability, making it suitable for players of all skill levels, particularly those who value comfort during long playing sessions.
Electronics and Hardware: This versatile guitar is equipped with two powerful Alnico V humbucker pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and a fixed bridge, offering a range of tonal options for various music genres.
Sound: The Yamaha Pacifica 120H delivers a balanced and versatile sound, with a nice blend of warmth, clarity, and sustain, making it perfect for various styles, from blues and classic rock to modern pop.
Customer Reviews: Players love the guitar’s playability, versatile sound, and solid build quality. Some users have mentioned that the stock tuners could be better, but this is a minor issue considering the overall value.
Pros:
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Great playability
- Balanced and versatile sound
Cons:
- Stock tuners could be improved
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile electric guitar with great playability and a balanced sound, the Yamaha Pacifica 120H is an excellent choice that caters to a wide range of musical styles.
9. Squier Bullet Mustang HH
Best Offset Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Basswood body
- C-shaped maple neck
- Indian laurel fingerboard
- 22 medium jumbo frets
- Price indication: $179
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Squier Bullet Mustang HH features a basswood body with the iconic offset Mustang shape, a C-shaped maple neck, and an Indian laurel fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, ensuring a comfortable playing experience.
Playability: With its compact body shape and easy-to-play neck, the Bullet Mustang HH offers excellent playability and comfort.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar comes equipped with two humbucking pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and a hardtail bridge, providing a range of powerful and versatile tones.
Sound: The Squier Bullet Mustang HH delivers a full and punchy sound with a nice balance between warmth and clarity, making it ideal for various music styles.
Customer Reviews: Players love the guitar’s unique offset design, playability, and powerful sound. Some users have mentioned that the stock tuners could be better, but this is a minor issue considering the overall value.
Pros:
- Unique offset design
- Great playability
- Powerful sound
Cons:
- Stock tuners could be improved
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable offset guitar with great playability and a powerful sound, the Squier Bullet Mustang HH is an excellent choice.
10. Donner DST-100B
Best for Starter Pack Electric Guitar under 300 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Solid basswood body
- C-shaped maple neck
- Ebony fingerboard
- 20 frets
- Price Indication: $159
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Donner DST-100B features a solid basswood body with a comfortable double-cutaway design, a C-shaped maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard with 20 frets, providing a smooth playing experience for beginners.
Playability: With its ergonomic body shape and easy-to-play neck, the DST-100B offers excellent playability, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate players who want a budget-friendly guitar without compromising comfort.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar comes equipped with two humbucker pickups, a 3-way selector switch, and a tune-o-matic bridge, offering a range of tonal options for beginners to explore.
Sound: The Donner DST-100B delivers a versatile sound with good clarity and warmth, making it suitable for various music styles.
Customer Reviews: Beginners appreciate the guitar’s playability, affordability, and versatile sound. Some users have mentioned that the stock strings could be better, but this is a minor issue considering the overall value.
Pros:
- Great playability for beginners
- Affordable price
- Versatile sound
Cons:
- Stock strings could use replacement
Final Verdict: If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable guitar with great playability and a versatile sound, the Donner DST-100B is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
Frequently asked questions about buying an electric guitar under $300
- What should I look for when buying an electric guitar under $300?
Answer: When buying an electric guitar under $300, consider the following factors:
- Build quality: Ensure the guitar is well-built and durable.
- Playability: The guitar should have a comfortable neck and body shape that suits your playing style.
- Sound quality: Prioritize guitars with versatile and pleasing tones for the price.
- Electronics and hardware: Look for reliable tuners, pickups, and bridges that can enhance your playing experience.
- Can I find a good electric guitar under $300?
Answer: Yes, you can find quality electric guitars under $300. While they may not have all the premium features found in more expensive models, many budget guitars still offer excellent playability, build quality, and sound.
- Are budget electric guitars suitable for beginners?
Answer: Budget electric guitars are ideal for beginners, as they provide an affordable entry point to learn the instrument. Many budget guitars offer great playability, sound, and durability, making them suitable for new players.
- Should I buy a new or used electric guitar under $300?
Answer: Both new and used guitars can be great options. Buying new ensures you get a guitar with no wear and tear, and it may come with a warranty. However, buying used can allow you to get a higher-quality guitar for a lower price. Make sure to thoroughly inspect a used guitar for any damage or issues before purchasing.
- What’s the difference between a cheap electric guitar and a more expensive one?
Answer: More expensive electric guitars typically have better build quality, higher-quality materials, improved electronics, and better sound. However, many budget electric guitars under $300 still offer excellent value and can provide a satisfying playing experience.
- Are there specific brands known for making good electric guitars under $300?
Answer: Several well-known guitar brands offer quality electric guitars under $300, including Squier, Epiphone, Yamaha, Ibanez, and Jackson. These brands are known for their reliability, build quality, and sound at budget-friendly prices.
- Should I upgrade the pickups on a budget electric guitar?
Answer: Upgrading the pickups on a budget electric guitar can improve its sound quality, making it a worthwhile investment. However, it’s essential to ensure the upgrade is cost-effective and compatible with your guitar.
- How do I maintain my electric guitar under $300?
Answer: To maintain your budget electric guitar, follow these steps:
- Regularly clean and polish the guitar’s body, neck, and hardware.
- Change the strings as needed, depending on your playing frequency.
- Store the guitar in a suitable case or gig bag when not in use to protect it from dust, moisture, and damage.
- Regularly check and adjust the truss rod, action, and intonation to ensure optimal playability.
- Can I use a budget electric guitar for live performances?
Answer: Yes, budget electric guitars can be suitable for live performances, especially for beginners or intermediate players. Make sure your guitar is well set up and has reliable electronics to ensure a smooth performance experience.
- Should I invest in a better amplifier or guitar under $300?
Answer: It’s essential to have a balanced setup, so investing in both a quality guitar and amplifier is ideal. However, if you’re on a tight budget, prioritize a good electric guitar under $300 and later upgrade to a better amplifier when funds allow. A quality guitar will provide better playability and inspire you to practice and improve your skills.
