Have you been learning classical or acoustic guitar for a while and want to see how an electric guitar will compare?
Do you dream of playing the electric guitar like Angus Young, Orianthi or the legendary Ian Moss?
With a great guitar teacher, the right accessories and an amp, it won't be long before you're producing some awesome rock music just like your idols.
So, where can you buy an electric guitar and the accessories to go with it, and how much will all this set you back?
Electric guitars are often thought to be expensive but, like your other guitars (whether classical, acoustic or bass), there is quite a price range from budget-friendly to top level, pro-standard guitars.
The key is to set your budget and then shop around, rather than splashing out on the first one you see.
You don't need to limit yourself to specialty music stores — second-hand markets, antique stores and online stores all have guitars for sale.
However, if you have a specific brand you're after, perhaps a Gibson, Ibanez, Fender or Yamaha, or you're after a left-handed guitar, a specialty music store may be your best bet. (They often have second-hand guitars as well.)
Then, once you've found your ideal electric guitar, you just need to find some music scores — and an audience of appreciative music lovers.
If you're keen to have lessons with an experienced and enthusiastic teacher, you'll find online bass guitar lessons, as well as acoustic, electric and classical guitar tutors at Superprof.
Electric Guitar Price Range and Average Cost
If you compare the price of a guitar with the price of many other instruments, playing the guitar is relatively inexpensive. Even the guitars at the lower end of the price range are good quality, especially if you're a beginner.
This applies to electric guitars as well.
If you look online at places like Amazon, you can find electric guitars for sale for under $150. Some of them, even at that price, are package deals and include accessories like:
- amp
- guitar stands
- picks
- straps
- carry bags or cases
- set of strings.
In stores, you can find guitar packages for a similar price.
Remember that the cheaper the guitar, the easier it may be to damage, so even initially it might be better to spend a little more.
You can get a good quality Epiphone Les Paul Special for less than $300, or a Yamaha starter pack, which includes the electric guitar, cable, tuner, strings, picks, strap and a string winder for around $400.
Many electric guitars at the cheaper end of the price range come in a set with an amp, but not all do and not all have good sound quality.
If you do buy an electric guitar as a standalone, be sure to remember to get yourself an amp as well — there's no point being a great player if nobody can hear you.
An amp can set you back anywhere from $100 to $3000. As with guitars, the price of the amp depends on the brand, the features you are looking for and where you intend to play. The bigger the range needed, the higher the amp price will be.
Other essential accessories to go with your electric guitar include:
- guitar cases
- body straps
- stands.
If you buy these accessories second-hand, you can save some money.
Before you head out to buy, read online reviews and talk to your guitar teacher or friends who play.
Electric, Acoustic or Classical?
Electric guitarists come in all ages. And, once you get the bug, it can be hard to stop. One player admitted he owned three different guitars and often had people questioning why he needed so many.
Indeed!
If you're already hooked, you'll know the answer to this — each guitar resonates with different moods. This has a lot to do with the style of music best suited to the type of guitar.
For example, a classical guitar is perfect if you're feeling like Beethoven. Acoustic guitars are often perfect folk music and electric guitars — rock or metal, obviously.
An accomplished guitarist, however, can achieve any tone or mood, no matter which guitar they pick up.
For a beginner, the electric guitar can be tricky to learn (which is why a guitar teacher will recommend starting with classical guitar). If, however, you do start with electric, consider using accessories like a metronome, which will help you get a feel for the rhythm of standard music styles.
An amp can help make interesting sound effects at first, then you may want to explore other accessories, like pedals or a capo, to produce more sound effects.
When you compare the playing techniques of electric, acoustic and classical guitars, you can see they are quite different. With the electric guitar, you use your hands differently depending on the rhythm you want to create.
Most people associate electric guitars with rock music and heavy metal, however, music styles like blues and pop music can also feature electric guitars to add a modern touch to the standard style.
You may even want to start a band. What are you waiting for? You have the guitar and an amp; perhaps a set of pedals and a capo too.
Just book a date!
Price Depends on Intended Use
Before you set out to buy an electric guitar, be clear about what your goals are.
If your dream is to progress your pro music career, you'll be looking at a top quality guitar and accessories. Yes, this will be pricey but it's an investment.
Top of the line Fender, Yamaha and Ibanez electric guitars range from $1500 up to well over $3000, but your investment will last a lifetime and if you look after it and maintain its condition, you'll have a beautiful instrument to hand down to your family.
Alternatively, you may just want to learn as a hobby, for your own enjoyment, and so need a nice guitar, with good sound quality and effects, to practise on.
In this case, it's good to know there are nice guitars out there for around $350 to $500.
Most electric guitars in this price range will be suitable to take you from beginner to intermediate playing and there are plenty of options.
For some people, their guitar itself is one of their personal accessories, matching their style and personality.
What types match your personality and goals?
- Vintage overtones? Try an Epiphone Les Paul Studio Vintage.
- Classic but still a reasonable price? Perhaps consider the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster.
- Top of the range, the guitar for stars? You can't go past a Fender Limited Edition '55 Stratocaster or Gibson ES335 Cherry.
Compare brands, colours and styles until you find the guitar that speaks to you.
If you buy a cheaper guitar initially, there is no reason why you can't resell it later, as long as it's in good condition.
Looking after your guitar, to maintain its condition is essential.
A poorly maintained guitar loses its value quickly, whereas a guitar in top-notch condition barely loses value at all.
Points to Consider when Second-hand Guitars are on Sale
Are you somewhat reluctant to buy a second-hand guitar? Or do you hold back at the thought of buying a brand new one?
Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that you find the guitar you want. Ibanez, Yamaha, Fender or Gibson — as long as your guitar matches you.
Find folk guitar price here on Superprof.
If you decide to look for a second-hand guitar, make sure you check it is in top condition. Poor condition of the body, neck or fingerboard naturally affects the sound quality. You don't really know the guitar's background, so it's a risk you have to be prepared to take if you are buying off the internet.
Purchasing a guitar directly from the seller, in a face-to-face transaction, allows you to try it out first. A legitimate seller won't mind you doing this, and should be happy to make an amp available as well.
If you're buying second-hand from a store, they should have an amp or two set up to allow you to try out the guitars of your choice.
Don't be afraid to ask to try out a few different ones in store so you can compare the look, feel and sound.
One thing to definitely check is the strings. Strings endure the most wear and tear and, as with any string instrument, need to be replaced regularly. Chances are you will need to replace the strings soon after you buy a second-hand guitar, though maybe the seller will throw in a string set for you. (They'll likely have a spare.)
Lowering the price
Budget is obviously going to be your key consideration when you're in the market for an electric guitar.
Perhaps you've had your eye on that Ibanez or Epiphone guitar for a while, waiting for sales to come into force?
Have you considered seeing if you can find a used one? If you have a particular make and model in mind, finding what you're after is probably going to be a case of being in the right place at the right time, but if you're a bit more open to what is available, you may just find your dream guitar.
As mentioned, you should always aim to try before you buy and if you're not sure what the difference is between good and poor sound quality, or how to check the body condition of the guitar, it would be a good idea to take someone with you who has more experience.
Check out second-hand sites and online marketplaces. Or browse your weekend markets or school fete 'white elephant' stalls.
Bear in mind that many music stores have a second-hand section — a good bet when it comes to the guitar's condition as the staff check the instruments and fix any minor ailments before putting them out for sale.
When you're ready for lessons, Superprof has tutors who offer guitar tutoring for beginners as well as online guitar lessons.
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