If you’re a music enthusiast or a beginner eager to learn the electric guitar without breaking the bank, a budget electric guitar could be the perfect choice for you. These instruments offer quality sound and playability at a fraction of the cost, making them ideal for beginners, students, and casual players alike.
In this guide, we’ll highlight key factors to consider when choosing the best budget electric guitars available on platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Whether you're looking for affordable options that deliver great sound quality to starter kits perfect for beginners, this guide will help you kickstart your musical journey with confidence!
Quick List - Top Budget Electric Guitars
Clifton
Versatility at Your Fingertips With Five Pickup Positions and Tone Controls
Donner
Basswood Body and Premium Pickups Delivers You Clarity and Power in Harmony
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Table of Contents
Looking to pick up an electric guitar without spending too much? Budget electric guitars are designed to offer a great experience for anyone exploring music as a hobby. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features to consider so you can choose the right guitar for your style and needs.
Weight and comfort are essential, especially for beginners or those who practice for extended periods. A lightweight, well-balanced guitar helps minimize strain, allowing you to focus on honing your skills and enjoying the process.
Solid-body guitars are known for their durability, versatility, and affordability, making them ideal for both beginners and professionals who frequently use amplified settings. Their solid construction minimizes feedback and ensures tonal clarity, delivering consistent sound quality across various genres. Typically made from sturdy materials like basswood or alder, these guitars are built to last with proper care. Weighing around 2–4 kg, they are also easy to handle, making them a practical choice for extended practice sessions and stage performances.
If comfort is your priority, double-cutaway and semi-hollow body guitars offer enhanced playability. Double-cutaway designs, with their contoured body shape, provide easier access to higher frets, making them ideal for lead guitarists and soloists.
Semi-hollow body guitars, meanwhile, combine a lightweight build with a rich, warm sound because of their partially hollow construction. Both options offer a good mix of playability and style, designed for musicians who value versatility.
Tremolo bridges are great for players who love experimenting with sound. Using a whammy bar, you can create effects like vibrato and pitch bends, perfect for rock or metal. However, they need more care, as they can affect tuning and make string changes trickier, suiting advanced players who want more flexibility.
Fixed bridges, on the other hand, are simple and low-maintenance, ideal for beginners or those who prefer stability. They make string changes easy and help your guitar stay in tune longer, making them reliable for practice, performances, and players switching from acoustic guitars.
The pickups in your guitar play a major role in shaping the sound and determining the genres you can explore. This versatility allows you to experiment with different musical styles as you develop your skills without needing multiple guitars.
Single-coil pickups are great for players who want bright and clear tones, ideal for country, pop, and blues. They highlight every note, making them ideal for melodic solos, strumming, and fingerpicking. Known for their clean sound with a slight twang, single-coils bring out subtle dynamics and details in your playing. While they can pick up more background noise than humbuckers, their sharp and precise tone is unmatched for styles that need clarity and definition.
Humbucker pickups produce a bold, powerful sound, making them perfect for high-energy genres like rock and metal. Their dual-coil design reduces unwanted noise, delivering smooth, clear tones even at high gain. Great for heavy power chords, aggressive riffs, and soaring solos, humbuckers also provide warm, rich tones with excellent sustain. This versatility makes them just as suitable for clean or lightly overdriven styles, such as jazz and blues.
Stable tuning pegs are essential for keeping your guitar in tune, especially during long practice sessions or live performances. High-quality pegs allow for precise string adjustments, making it easier to achieve and maintain accurate pitch. Look for tuning pegs made from durable materials with a smooth turning mechanism, as they ensure consistency and reduce the hassle of frequent retuning.
A guitar with a reinforced neck is crucial for durability and consistent performance, particularly in budget-friendly models. Here are some key options to consider:
Maple Necks: Known for their strength and resistance to warping, maple necks perform well in humid climates, making them a reliable choice for long-term use.
Mahogany Necks: Highly durable and crack-resistant, these guitars are ideal for frequent use. Their solid construction ensures longevity even with heavy use.
Bolt-On Necks: Bolt-on necks are practical and durable, allowing for easy repairs and adjustments, extending the guitar’s lifespan—perfect for beginners or those looking to grow with their instrument.
Opting for a guitar with a reinforced neck gives you a dependable instrument built to last, supporting your musical journey as you grow.
Starter kits are a convenient option for beginners, bundling essential accessories with an affordable electric guitar to simplify the learning process. Here’s what they typically include:
Amplifiers: Compact and budget-friendly amplifiers enhance your guitar’s sound, offering clear and balanced tones ideal for practicing and exploring different styles.
Cables: Durable cables ensure a reliable connection between the guitar and amp, minimizing noise interference and making setup hassle-free.
Gig Bags: Lightweight and protective, gig bags safeguard your guitar during transport or storage, often featuring compartments for accessories like picks, straps, and spare strings.
Starter kits are a practical choice for new players, providing everything needed to start playing right away while keeping costs manageable.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guitar Body | Bridge Type | Pick-Up Configuration | Stable Tuning Pegs | Body Material | Neck Material | Kit Inclusions | |||||
1 | Rixton Basic Electric Guitar|38" | ![]() | Bright Tones and Comfort Come Together in This Versatile Guitar | Double-Cutaway | Tremolo | Hybrid | Maple Wood | Maple Wood | Guitar Case, Guitar Tuner, 1 Set Electric Strings 6pcs, Guitar Cable, Guitar Pick (Random Colour) | ||
2 | KAWES Electric Guitar|39" | ![]() | Bright Hues and Electric Vibes – the Perfect Gift for Beginners | Double-Cutaway | Single | Single-Coil | unknown | Maple Wood | Maple Wood | B Package includes: Guitar Bag (Random Style Soft Case) || 5W AMP Package Includes: Electric Guitar 5W Amp, 3 Electric Guitar Picks (Random Color, Guitar Bag (Random Style Soft Case), Electric Guitar Strap, Electric Guitar Capo, Electric String || 15W AMP Package Includes: Electric Guitar Cable, Electric Guitar 15W Amp, 3 Electric Guitar Picks (Random Color), Guitar Bag (Random Style Soft Case), Electric Guitar Strap, Electric Guitar Capo, Electric Strings | |
3 | Clifton Stratocaster Pioneer Electric Guitar | ![]() | Versatility at Your Fingertips With Five Pickup Positions and Tone Controls | Double-Cutaway | Tremolo | Hybrid | Poplar Wood | Maple Wood | 15w Audio Baron Amplifier, Clifton Padded Bag, Clifton Strap, Tremolo Bar, Cable Cord, ALLEN KEY, 15w Amplifier | ||
4 | Donner Full Size Electric Guitar|DST-100 | ![]() | Basswood Body and Premium Pickups Delivers You Clarity and Power in Harmony | Solid-Body | Tremolo | Hybrid | Bass Wood | Maple Wood | 3W MINI amplifier, Gig Bag, Capo, Tuner, Strings, Strap, and Picks | ||
5 | Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster | ![]() | Kickstart Your Journey With a Personalized Fender Play™ Subscription | Double-Cutaway | Tremolo | Hybrid | unknown | Poplar Wood | Maple Wood | Fender Frontman® 15G Amplifier, Fender Padded Gig Bag, Fender Guitar Strap, Fender 10' Instrument Cable, Fender Guitar Picks, 3-Month Fender Play™ Subscription | |
6 | Donner Full-Size Electric Guitar|DST-152 | ![]() | Classic Design Paired With Premium Korean-Made Pickup | Double-Cutaway | Tremolo | Hybrid | Poplar Wood | Maple Wood | Amplifier, Bag, Capo, Strap, String, Tuner, Allen Wrench, Guitar Rocker, Cable, Pick | ||
7 | Thomson ST1 Electric Guitar | ![]() | Extended Top Horn Design Combined With an S-S-S Pick-Up for Perfect Balance and Comfort | Double-Cutaway | Tremolo | Single-Coil | unknown | Ash Wood | Rose Wood、Maple Wood | Tremolo, Guitar Strap, Guitar Bag, 2 Picks, Allen Wrench | |
8 | RJ Skycaster Electric Guitar | ![]() | H-S-H Pickups and a Satin Finished Neck Deliver a Tonal and Tactile Masterpiece | Double-Cutaway | unknown | Hybrid | unknown | Paulowni Wood | Maple Wood | Gig Bag, Strap, Cable, Tremolo Arm, Allen Wrench/Keys | |
9 | Retailmnl Stratocaster Electric Guitar|L-G1 | ![]() | Deliver Unique Resonances With Its Hard Tail Feature | Double-Cutaway | Fixed | Single-Coil | unknown | Bass Wood | Maple Wood | Guitar Cable | |
10 | Minsine Electric Guitar | ![]() | Travel Back to the ’90s With a Guitar That Channels Vintage Rock Vibes | Solid-Body | Tremolo | Single-Coil | unknown | Maple Wood | Bass Wood | Hexagon Wrench, Capo, Guitar Picks, Guitar Cable, Whammy Bar, Guitar Case, TG-15 Amp |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Tremolo |
Pick-Up Configuration | Hybrid |
Stable Tuning Pegs | |
Body Material | Maple Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | Guitar Case, Guitar Tuner, 1 Set Electric Strings 6pcs, Guitar Cable, Guitar Pick (Random Colour) |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Single |
Pick-Up Configuration | Single-Coil |
Stable Tuning Pegs | unknown |
Body Material | Maple Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | B Package includes: Guitar Bag (Random Style Soft Case) || 5W AMP Package Includes: Electric Guitar 5W Amp, 3 Electric Guitar Picks (Random Color, Guitar Bag (Random Style Soft Case), Electric Guitar Strap, Electric Guitar Capo, Electric String || 15W AMP Package Includes: Electric Guitar Cable, Electric Guitar 15W Amp, 3 Electric Guitar Picks (Random Color), Guitar Bag (Random Style Soft Case), Electric Guitar Strap, Electric Guitar Capo, Electric Strings |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Tremolo |
Pick-Up Configuration | Hybrid |
Stable Tuning Pegs | |
Body Material | Poplar Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | 15w Audio Baron Amplifier, Clifton Padded Bag, Clifton Strap, Tremolo Bar, Cable Cord, ALLEN KEY, 15w Amplifier |
Guitar Body | Solid-Body |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Tremolo |
Pick-Up Configuration | Hybrid |
Stable Tuning Pegs | |
Body Material | Bass Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | 3W MINI amplifier, Gig Bag, Capo, Tuner, Strings, Strap, and Picks |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Tremolo |
Pick-Up Configuration | Hybrid |
Stable Tuning Pegs | unknown |
Body Material | Poplar Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | Fender Frontman® 15G Amplifier, Fender Padded Gig Bag, Fender Guitar Strap, Fender 10' Instrument Cable, Fender Guitar Picks, 3-Month Fender Play™ Subscription |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Tremolo |
Pick-Up Configuration | Hybrid |
Stable Tuning Pegs | |
Body Material | Poplar Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | Amplifier, Bag, Capo, Strap, String, Tuner, Allen Wrench, Guitar Rocker, Cable, Pick |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Tremolo |
Pick-Up Configuration | Single-Coil |
Stable Tuning Pegs | unknown |
Body Material | Ash Wood |
Neck Material | Rose Wood、Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | Tremolo, Guitar Strap, Guitar Bag, 2 Picks, Allen Wrench |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | unknown |
Pick-Up Configuration | Hybrid |
Stable Tuning Pegs | unknown |
Body Material | Paulowni Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | Gig Bag, Strap, Cable, Tremolo Arm, Allen Wrench/Keys |
Guitar Body | Double-Cutaway |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Fixed |
Pick-Up Configuration | Single-Coil |
Stable Tuning Pegs | unknown |
Body Material | Bass Wood |
Neck Material | Maple Wood |
Kit Inclusions | Guitar Cable |
Guitar Body | Solid-Body |
---|---|
Bridge Type | Tremolo |
Pick-Up Configuration | Single-Coil |
Stable Tuning Pegs | unknown |
Body Material | Maple Wood |
Neck Material | Bass Wood |
Kit Inclusions | Hexagon Wrench, Capo, Guitar Picks, Guitar Cable, Whammy Bar, Guitar Case, TG-15 Amp |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Not necessarily. Many good cheap electric guitars are designed with beginner-friendly features like lightweight bodies, smooth fretboards, and stable tuning. However, higher-end guitars might have better craftsmanship and components that enhance playability.
Along with the guitar, essentials include an amplifier for sound output, durable cables for connectivity, a tuner to keep your guitar in tune, and picks for playing. A gig bag, strap, and spare strings are also recommended for portability and maintenance. Starter kits are ideal since they often include these items.
Cheaper models might need occasional adjustments, especially for tuning and intonation. However, regular maintenance, such as cleaning strings and checking pickups, ensures longevity regardless of price.
Discover a variety of musical instruments and accessories available online. Don’t miss our carefully curated top 10 lists to help you gear up and take a step closer to your dream of rocking the stage!
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Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Rixton|Basic Electric Guitar|38"
No. 2: KAWES|Electric Guitar|39"
No. 3: Clifton|Stratocaster Pioneer Electric Guitar
No. 4: Donner|Full Size Electric Guitar|DST-100
No. 5: Squier|Affinity Series Stratocaster
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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