This is my list of the best electric guitars under 500 dollars.
Ah, the quest for the perfect electric guitar on a budget – it’s like searching for a unicorn, except these mythical beasts do exist, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and tonal flavors. So, strap in, fellow guitar nerds, and let’s embark on this magical journey through the enchanted forest of affordable six-string sorcery. Just don’t forget to pack your wallet and a sense of humor!
Top Picks – Best Electric Guitars Under 500 Dollars
1. Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V
Category: Best Versatile Guitar for Various Styles
Why: The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V excels in versatility, making it an ideal choice for players looking to explore different styles and tones. This guitar features an Alder body, a comfortable Maple neck, a Rosewood fingerboard, and a versatile HSS pickup configuration (2 single-coils and 1 Alnico V humbucker). The PAC112V offers a wide range of tonal options, catering to various genres like blues, classic rock, pop, and heavier styles. With its excellent build quality and great value for money, this guitar is perfect for musicians who want a reliable and adaptable instrument without breaking the bank.
2. Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
Category: Best Vintage-Inspired Guitar
Why: The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster stands out for its authentic vintage-inspired sound, design, and feel. This guitar features a Pine body, a comfortable Maple neck, and a classic 3 Alnico single-coil pickup configuration. With its excellent build quality, impressive tonal versatility, and great value for money, the Classic Vibe ’50s Strat is perfect for players who love the timeless appeal of the ’50s Stratocaster and want to play various genres, including rock, blues, and pop.
3. Ibanez RG421
Category: Best Guitar for Shredding and Metal
Why: The Ibanez RG421 is an exceptional choice for players who love shredding and playing metal. This guitar boasts a sleek, double-cutaway Mahogany body, a fast-playing Wizard III Maple neck, and a pair of high-output Quantum humbucking pickups. With its excellent playability, aggressive sound, and solid build quality, the RG421 is perfect for high-speed solos, intricate riffs, and heavier genres. The fixed bridge also ensures tuning stability and ease of maintenance, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.
Here’s our roundup of the 10 best electric guitars under 500 dollars, each reigning supreme in their respective category:
1. Yamaha Pacifica 112V
Best Overall Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Solid Alder body
- Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard
- 2 single-coil and 1 humbucking pickups
- Vintage-style tremolo bridge
- 5-way pickup selector
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Yamaha Pacifica 112V boasts a solid Alder body that screams quality, while the comfortable Maple neck with a Rosewood fingerboard will make you feel right at home, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. The construction is solid, and the fit and finish are on point – this axe is built to withstand your wildest noodling sessions.
Playability: The Pacifica’s playability is simply outstanding. With a smooth neck and low action, it’s an absolute breeze to play, making it perfect for those just starting out or players looking to transition from acoustic to electric. The vintage-style tremolo bridge adds an extra layer of fun, letting you dive-bomb like a pro without breaking the bank.
Electronics and Hardware: The versatile HSS pickup configuration (2 single-coils and 1 humbucker) allows you to explore a wide range of tones, from classic rock crunch to sparkling clean. The 5-way pickup selector ensures you can dial in the perfect sound for any situation. Add in the reliable tuners and solid hardware, and you’ve got a guitar that’s built to last.
Sound: The Yamaha Pacifica 112V delivers a diverse tonal palette, making it a great choice for players who like to dip their fingers into various genres. The single-coils provide bright, punchy tones, while the humbucker adds warmth and depth for heavier styles.
Customer Reviews: Reviewers have praised the Pacifica 112V for its playability, build quality, and value for money. “An incredible bang-for-your-buck axe,” says one happy customer. However, some users have mentioned that the stock pickups could be better: “Great guitar, but consider upgrading the pickups.”
Pros:
- Great playability
- Quality construction
- Versatile HSS configuration
Cons:
- Stock pickups could be better
Final Verdict: The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is the total package: solid build, excellent playability, and a versatile sound. It’s the ultimate choice for players looking for a reliable, affordable electric guitar that can handle various styles with ease.
2. Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster
Best for Blues Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Pine body with gloss polyurethane finish
- Maple neck, Maple fingerboard
- 3 Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups
- Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
- 5-way pickup selector
Check price:
Body and Neck: With its Pine body, gloss polyurethane finish, and iconic double-cutaway design, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster truly captures the essence of the golden era. The Maple neck and fingerboard provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Playability: The ’50s Strat has a “C” shaped neck profile that’s comfortable for players of all hand sizes. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge adds some extra mojo, letting you pull off those vintage-inspired licks and tricks with ease. The action is low and fast, making it perfect for blues players looking to channel their inner Clapton or SRV.
Electronics and Hardware: Featuring three Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups, the Classic Vibe ’50s Strat offers that unmistakable Strat sound. The 5-way pickup selector lets you switch between a variety of tones, from warm neck-pickup rhythm sounds to bright, cutting bridge-pickup leads.
Sound: The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Strat delivers that authentic Stratocaster sound, with plenty of chime and sparkle. It’s perfect for blues, rock, and even some classic country tones. The Alnico pickups provide a warm, vintage sound that’ll make you feel like you’re playing a much more expensive guitar.
Customer Reviews: Reviewers have praised the Classic Vibe ’50s Strat for its excellent build quality, vintage tones, and great value for money. One user gushed, “This guitar blew me away – it feels and sounds like a much more expensive instrument.” However, some players have mentioned that the tremolo system could be more stable: “Great guitar, but the tremolo can be a bit finicky.”
Pros:
- Authentic vintage look and feel
- Great value for money
- Classic Strat tones
Cons:
- Tremolo system could be more stable
Final Verdict: The Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster is a fantastic choice for those seeking that classic Strat sound and feel at a fraction of the price. With its vintage-inspired design and warm Alnico pickups, this guitar is perfect for blues players and Strat lovers alike.
3. Ibanez RG421
Best for Metal Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Mahogany body
- Maple neck, Jatoba fingerboard
- 2 Quantum humbucking pickups
- Fixed bridge
- 5-way pickup selector
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Ibanez RG421 features a sleek Mahogany body that’s built for speed and comfort. The Wizard III Maple neck and Jatoba fingerboard provide a fast, smooth playing experience that’s perfect for shredders and metalheads alike. The construction is solid, and the overall look is a nod to Ibanez’s iconic RG series.
Playability: When it comes to playability, the RG421 truly shines. The Wizard III neck profile is thin and fast, making it a breeze to rip through lightning-fast solos and technical riffs. The fixed bridge ensures stable tuning and excellent sustain, which is crucial for those heavy, palm-muted chugs.
Electronics and Hardware: The RG421 is armed with two Quantum humbucking pickups that provide a powerful, aggressive sound perfect for metal and hard rock. The 5-way pickup selector allows for a surprising amount of tonal versatility, enabling you to explore sounds beyond the realm of heavy music.
Sound: The Ibanez RG421 delivers a potent, high-output sound that’s perfect for metal and hard rock, but versatile enough for other genres. The Quantum pickups offer a tight, punchy low end, and clear, cutting highs, making it ideal for technical playing and fast solos.
Customer Reviews: Players have raved about the RG421’s fast neck, powerful pickups, and excellent value. “The perfect weapon for any metalhead,” says one satisfied shredder. However, some users have noted that the stock pickups can be a bit too hot for some tastes: “Great guitar, but the pickups may be too aggressive for some players.”
Pros:
- Fast and comfortable neck
- Powerful, aggressive sound
- Excellent value for metal players
Cons:
- Stock pickups might be too hot for some
Final Verdict: The Ibanez RG421 is a fantastic choice for metalheads and shredders looking for a fast-playing, high-output guitar at an affordable price. With its aggressive sound and comfortable neck, this axe is ready to conquer the heaviest of riffs and solos.
4. Epiphone Les Paul SL
Best for Beginners Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Poplar body with a single-cutaway design
- SlimTaper Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard
- 2 single-coil pickups
- Wrap-around bridge
- 3-way pickup selector
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Epiphone Les Paul SL brings the iconic single-cutaway design to a more affordable price point. With its Poplar body and SlimTaper Maple neck, this guitar offers a comfortable playing experience perfect for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Playability: Thanks to its slim neck profile and lightweight body, the Les Paul SL is incredibly easy to play. The wrap-around bridge provides excellent sustain and solid tuning stability, making it an ideal choice for new players looking to build their skills.
Electronics and Hardware: Equipped with two single-coil pickups, the Les Paul SL offers a simple but effective tonal palette. The 3-way pickup selector allows you to switch between the neck, bridge, or both pickups, providing a variety of classic rock and blues tones.
Sound: The Epiphone Les Paul SL delivers a surprisingly robust sound for its price. The single-coil pickups provide a bright, punchy tone with a touch of warmth, making it perfect for classic rock, blues, and even some indie styles.
Customer Reviews: Many reviewers have praised the Les Paul SL for its playability, lightweight design, and affordability. “A fantastic guitar for beginners,” says one satisfied customer. However, some players have mentioned that the stock pickups could be improved: “Great for the price, but consider upgrading the pickups.”
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy to play
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Stock pickups could be better
Final Verdict: The Epiphone Les Paul SL is a fantastic entry-level guitar, offering the iconic Les Paul design at an unbeatable price. With its lightweight body and easy playability, it’s a great choice for beginners or budget-conscious players looking for a solid, reliable instrument.
5. Ibanez AS53 Artcore
Best Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Sapele body, semi-hollow design
- Nyatoh neck, Laurel fingerboard
- 2 Infinity R humbucking pickups
- Gibraltar Performer bridge
- 3-way pickup selector
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Ibanez AS53 Artcore sports a beautiful Sapele body with a semi-hollow design, providing a unique and eye-catching look. The Nyatoh neck and Laurel fingerboard offer a smooth and comfortable playing experience that’s perfect for jazz, blues, and rock players seeking a different tonal flavor.
Playability: The AS53 Artcore’s slim neck profile and comfortable double-cutaway design make it a breeze to play, whether you’re navigating complex jazz chords or bluesy pentatonic runs. The Gibraltar Performer bridge ensures solid tuning stability and excellent sustain, adding to the overall playability of this semi-hollow beauty.
Electronics and Hardware: Equipped with two Infinity R humbucking pickups, the AS53 delivers a warm and versatile sound that can cover a variety of genres. The 3-way pickup selector allows you to switch between the neck, bridge, or both pickups, providing a wide array of tonal options.
Sound: The Ibanez AS53 Artcore offers a rich, warm sound that’s perfect for jazz, blues, and even rock. The humbucking pickups provide a smooth, mellow tone with plenty of depth and character, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a semi-hollow guitar on a budget.
Customer Reviews: Reviewers have praised the AS53 Artcore for its excellent playability, unique design, and warm tones. “A beautiful, great-sounding guitar at an unbeatable price,” raves one happy customer. However, some users have mentioned that the stock pickups could be better: “The guitar is fantastic, but consider upgrading the pickups for even better sound.”
Pros:
- Unique semi-hollow design
- Warm, versatile sound
- Excellent playability
Cons:
- Stock pickups could be improved
Final Verdict: The Ibanez AS53 Artcore is an outstanding choice for those seeking a unique and affordable semi-hollow guitar. With its warm sound, eye-catching design, and great playability, this guitar is perfect for jazz, blues, and rock players looking to explore new tonal territory.
6. PRS SE Standard 24
Most Versatile Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Mahogany body
- Maple neck
- 24-fret rosewood fingerboard
- PRS Patented Tremolo, Molded bridge
- Dual 85/15 “S” humbucking pickups
Check price:
Body and Neck: The PRS SE Standard 24 showcases a solid mahogany body, offering a warm and resonant tone. Its maple neck and 24-fret rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience, perfect for a variety of styles.
Playability: With its “Wide Thin” neck profile, the SE Standard 24 is easy to navigate, making it suitable for players of all skill levels. The PRS Patented Tremolo, Molded bridge ensures excellent intonation and sustain, allowing for pitch bends and vibrato effects.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar comes equipped with dual 85/15 “S” humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and versatile tone. The three-way pickup selector switch, master volume, and push/pull tone control for coil-splitting allow for a wide range of sound options, perfect for various musical genres.
Sound: The PRS SE Standard 24 is a highly versatile guitar, excelling in genres from blues and rock to country and jazz. The 85/15 “S” pickups provide a mix of bright, clear single-coil tones and warm, powerful humbucker sounds. The coil-splitting option adds to its versatility, enabling you to switch between the two types of tones seamlessly.
Customer Reviews: Players love the PRS SE Standard 24 for its exceptional versatility, smooth playability, and impressive sound quality. Some users mentioned minor setup issues, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros:
- Highly versatile sound
- Comfortable playability
- Coil-splitting for added tonal options
Cons:
- May require initial setup adjustments
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly guitar that can handle various musical genres, the PRS SE Standard 24 is the perfect choice. With its versatile sound, comfortable playability, and coil-splitting feature, this guitar is a valuable addition to any guitarist’s collection.
7. Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club
Best Retro Vibe Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Nato body
- Nato neck
- 22-fret laurel fingerboard
- Compensated wrap-around bridge
- Dual Broad’Tron humbucking pickups
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club features a nato body, providing a balanced tone with a warm resonance. Its nato neck and 22-fret laurel fingerboard offer a smooth and comfortable playing experience, embodying the iconic Gretsch style with a touch of vintage flair.
Playability: With its “Thin U”-shaped neck profile, the Junior Jet Club is easy to navigate, making it perfect for players of all skill levels. The compensated wrap-around bridge ensures excellent intonation and sustain, while the medium jumbo frets make it a breeze to play chords and solos.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar comes equipped with dual Broad’Tron humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and versatile tone. The three-way pickup selector switch, master volume, and master tone controls allow for a wide range of sound options, perfect for capturing that retro vibe.
Sound: The Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club is ideal for rockabilly, blues, and classic rock, offering a warm, punchy tone with a touch of vintage character. The Broad’Tron pickups provide a well-rounded sound, capable of handling both clean and overdriven tones with ease.
Customer Reviews: Users love the Junior Jet Club for its retro aesthetic, smooth playability, and impressive sound quality. Some customers reported minor setup issues, but overall, the guitar has received glowing reviews.
Pros:
- Vintage-inspired design
- Warm, punchy tone
- Comfortable playability
Cons:
- May require initial setup adjustments
Final Verdict: For those seeking a budget-friendly guitar with a retro vibe, the Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club is an excellent choice. Its beautiful design, warm sound, and smooth playability make it a joy to play and a stunning addition to any collection.
8. Jackson JS32 Dinky
Best for Shredders Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Poplar body
- Maple neck with graphite reinforcement
- 24-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Double Locking Tremolo
- Dual Jackson High-Output humbucking pickups
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Jackson JS32 Dinky sports a sleek poplar body, ensuring a lightweight and comfortable playing experience. Its maple neck, reinforced with graphite, provides durability and stability. The 24-fret rosewood fingerboard allows for fast shredding and easy access to higher fret notes.
Playability: This guitar is a shredder’s dream, with a compound radius fingerboard that flattens as you move up the neck, making it easier to play lightning-fast solos. The Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Double Locking Tremolo ensures tuning stability, even during the most aggressive dive bombs.
Electronics and Hardware: The Jackson JS32 Dinky features dual Jackson High-Output humbucking pickups, providing a powerful and aggressive tone. The three-way selector switch and master volume and tone controls allow for easy sound customization.
Sound: The JS32 Dinky is a metal machine, delivering a thick, heavy tone that is perfect for hard rock and metal genres. The high-output pickups offer plenty of sustain and harmonic richness.
Customer Reviews: Reviewers praise the JS32 Dinky for its playability and powerful tone, making it ideal for metal enthusiasts. Some customers mentioned the need for initial setup and adjustments, but overall, they were highly satisfied with their purchase.
Pros:
- Excellent playability for shredders
- Powerful, aggressive tone
- Reliable tuning stability
Cons:
- May require initial setup adjustments
Final Verdict: If you’re a metalhead on a budget, the Jackson JS32 Dinky is the ultimate choice. With its excellent playability and powerful tone, you’ll be ready to melt faces without emptying your wallet.
9. Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric
Best Lightweight Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Eastern American hard maple body and neck
- 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Unique in-body tuning system
- Single humbucking pickup
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric boasts a unique, minimalist design with an Eastern American hard maple body and neck. The compact size and lightweight construction make it the perfect travel companion for musicians on the go.
Playability: Despite its compact size, the Ultra-Light Electric offers a full-scale playing experience, with a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard and comfortable neck profile. The unique in-body tuning system allows for stable tuning and easy adjustments.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar features a single humbucking pickup, delivering a warm and powerful sound. The master volume and tone controls let you shape your tone to suit your style.
Sound: The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric offers a surprisingly rich and full sound for its size. The humbucking pickup provides a well-rounded tone, suitable for various genres, from rock to blues.
Customer Reviews: Users love the Ultra-Light Electric for its portability and surprising sound quality. Some customers mentioned the need to adjust to the unique design, but overall, the guitar received high marks.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Surprisingly full sound
- Stable tuning system
Cons:
- Unique design may take some getting used to
Final Verdict: For musicians constantly on the move, the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric is the perfect solution. With its lightweight design, surprising sound quality, and stable tuning system, this guitar is a must-have for the traveling guitarist.
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10. Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster
Best Budget Electric Guitar under 500 Dollars
Main Characteristics:
- Poplar body
- Maple neck
- 21-fret Indian laurel fingerboard
- 6-saddle top-load Tele bridge
- Dual Squier Standard single-coil Tele pickups
Check price:
Body and Neck: The Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster features a poplar body, delivering a balanced and resonant tone. Its maple neck and 21-fret Indian laurel fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, staying true to the classic Telecaster feel.
Playability: With its “C”-shaped neck profile, the Affinity Telecaster offers a comfortable grip, making it easy to navigate the fretboard. The 6-saddle top-load Tele bridge ensures excellent intonation and sustain.
Electronics and Hardware: This guitar comes equipped with dual Squier Standard single-coil Tele pickups, delivering that iconic Telecaster twang. The three-way pickup selector switch and master volume and tone controls allow for a wide range of sound options.
Sound: The Squier Affinity Telecaster is perfect for country, blues, and rock, offering a bright, snappy tone with a touch of warmth. The single-coil pickups provide a well-rounded sound, capable of handling both clean and overdriven tones with ease.
Customer Reviews: Users appreciate the value and performance of the Affinity Telecaster, especially at its budget-friendly price. Some customers reported minor cosmetic flaws and setup issues, but overall, the reviews were positive.
Pros:
- Iconic Telecaster twang
- Comfortable playability
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Possible minor cosmetic flaws
- May require initial setup adjustments
Final Verdict: For those seeking a budget-friendly Telecaster, the Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster is an excellent choice. With its comfortable playability, iconic sound, and classic design, it’s the perfect introduction to the world of Telecasters.
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Frequently asked questions about buying an electric guitar under $500
Can I find a good quality electric guitar for under $500?
Absolutely! There are plenty of excellent electric guitars available for under $500. Brands like Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, and Yamaha offer well-built and great-sounding instruments at affordable prices. Just make sure to research, read reviews, and try out the guitar before buying.
What should I look for when buying an electric guitar under $500?
When buying an electric guitar under $500, focus on the build quality, playability, and sound. Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck, smooth frets, and a body shape that suits your playing style. Additionally, consider the guitar’s electronics and pickup configuration to ensure it meets your tonal needs.
What are the best brands for electric guitars under $500?
Some of the best brands for electric guitars under $500 include Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha, Jackson, and Sterling by Music Man. These brands offer a variety of models with great quality, playability, and sound at affordable prices.
Can I upgrade an electric guitar under $500 to make it sound and play better?
Yes, you can definitely upgrade an electric guitar under $500 to improve its sound and playability. Common upgrades include replacing the pickups, changing the tuners, installing a better bridge, and upgrading the nut and saddles. However, always consider the overall cost of upgrades and whether it’s worth investing in a higher-priced guitar instead.
Is a used electric guitar a good option if I’m on a budget?
Buying a used electric guitar can be an excellent option if you’re on a budget. Used guitars often offer great value, and you might find a higher-quality instrument at a lower price than a new one. Just make sure to inspect the guitar for any potential issues, and consider buying from a reputable seller or store.
Do I need to buy an amplifier with my electric guitar?
To fully enjoy your electric guitar, you’ll need an amplifier to amplify its sound. There are many affordable amplifiers available that cater to different styles and budgets. When choosing an amp, consider its power, features, and compatibility with your guitar and preferred music genre.
What accessories do I need when buying an electric guitar under $500?
When buying an electric guitar, consider investing in essential accessories like a guitar strap, picks, a tuner, a gig bag or case, a guitar stand, and extra strings. You might also want to purchase a cable to connect your guitar to an amplifier and a capo if you plan on exploring different tunings.
Should I buy an electric guitar with a tremolo bridge or a fixed bridge?
The choice between a tremolo bridge and a fixed bridge depends on your playing style and preferences. A tremolo bridge allows you to create pitch bends and other effects but might require more maintenance and can impact tuning stability. A fixed bridge is generally more stable and easier to maintain but doesn’t offer the same level of pitch manipulation. Consider your needs and the genres you want to play before making a decision.
How do I maintain an electric guitar under $500?
Maintaining an electric guitar under $500 involves regularly cleaning the fretboard and body, changing the strings, and keeping the guitar in a safe, temperature-controlled environment. Proper maintenance will help keep your guitar in top shape and ensure it plays and sounds its best for years to come.
Can I learn to play different music genres on an electric guitar under $500?
Yes, you can learn to play different music genres on an electric guitar under $500. Many affordable guitars offer versatile pickup configurations and a wide range of tones, making them suitable for various styles, from rock and blues to jazz, pop, and even metal. The key is to choose a guitar that fits your preferences and allows you to explore the genres you’re interested in.
