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A Telecaster can handle almost any style of music and has recorded some of the best music ever made on electric guitars. You can find this guitar type from a variety of manufacturers on any budget.
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Choosing the best electric guitar for your needs can be more than a bit overwhelming. The amount of choice you have in selecting an electric guitar is mind boggling. There are hundreds of styles, all of which are made with different materials and come at different price points.
The guitars featured here are established designs that have a proven track record. They are listed in no particular order, and choosing the best one for you will depend upon your playing goals. However, these guitars are all available today and are superb instruments.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
5.0 (276)
Average Price: $2,596
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Exquisite flame maple top with heritage cherry sunburst finish, likened to custom shop quality
- Alnico II humbuckers offer clear, versatile sound across genres, including jazz, rock, and country
- Thick neck design praised for comfort and playability, ideal for fans of chunky necks
- Superb factory setup and intonation; many find it ready to play right out of the box
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- Reports of quality control issues, including blemishes and missing hardware
- Thick neck may not suit players who prefer slimmer, faster neck profiles
- Heavy weight might be uncomfortable for some, especially after extended play sessions
- Occasional minor cosmetic issues, such as small blemishes or nicks, noted by some buyers
The Gibson Les Paul is among one of the most iconic guitars ever produced. Originally introduced in 1952, the Les Paul was a combined effort on the part of Gibson’s president Ted McCarty, factory manager John Huis, and Les Paul.
Originally, the Gibson Les Paul came equipped with two P-90 pickups, as well as a trapeze style tailpiece. The model has seen dozens of different models and revisions in the decades following its release. What we now consider to be the traditional Les Paul configuration (a Tune-o-matic bridge and dual humbucking pickups) was introduced in 1953, and was marketed under the moniker “Gibson Les Paul Custom.”
The Gibson Les Paul Standard also features a maple cap on the top of the guitar which is unique to the design and enhances both sustain and overall resonance. PAF pickups were the original humbuckers used on early Les Pauls. They were designed by the venerated Seth Lover, who went on to become one of the most respected names in aftermarket guitar pickups.
The Les Paul guitar is perfect for classic rock, blues, and believe it or not jazz. The guitar was originally intended to be a dedicated jazz instrument, and though it hasn’t been widely used for the genre in recent years it is still capable of producing a quality jazz tone. The Les Paul is also a very convincing reggae guitar, as evidenced by its use by Bob Marley. While the Les Paul has been used for everything from reggae to jazz, the instrument is most suited towards good old rock and roll. However, the instrument can perform well in almost any context and is considered one of the more versatile guitars.
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Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
4.5 (877)
Average Price: $599
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Exceptional build quality, comparable to higher-end models
- Wide tonal range, suitable for various music styles
- Versatile player guitar, modifiable to personal preference
- Affordable, high-quality alternative to American models
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- Some models may require initial setup adjustments
- Occasional issues with fretwork or sharp fret ends
- Screw-in vibrato arms can be wobbly and noisy
- Knobs and minor hardware may appear less durable
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Founded in Fullerton, California in 1946, Fender is undoubtedly one of the most influential companies in the history of music. The company has manufactured guitars that have been played by some of the most important musicians in living memory, and has created a legacy that will survive for centuries.
At the time of its invention, the Fender Stratocaster was the guitar that performing musicians had always dreamed of. It was the first electric guitar to feature three pickups, and it also boasted a unique and innovative spring tension tremolo system.
The Fender Stratocaster has been used extensively in almost every genre imaginable. The guitar was used to great effect by both Eric Clapton and the Beatles (George Harrison and John Lennon used the guitar on early Beatles albums), as well as musicians as diverse as Dick Dale and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
While the Stratocaster has gone through a wide variety of changes since its introduction in 1954, the modern incarnation still has a lot to offer players.
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Fender Telecaster
4.5 (584)
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Aside from inarguably being one of the most influential guitars in history, the Fender Telecaster has a long and storied career in music. The design was the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. It’s simple yet effective and durable design broke new ground for luthiers everywhere.
Initially introduced as the Esquire in 1950, Fender’s first solid-body electric guitar came equipped with either single or double pickups. The Tele is a continuation of one of the most popular designs in the world, and it offers a distinct tone.
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Gibson ES-335
5.0 (133)
- Exceptional build quality and attention to workmanship
- Versatile sound, suitable for jazz, rock, blues, and country
- Calibrated T-Type pickups offer clean, defined tones
- Beautiful aesthetics; described as "art"
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- Chunkier neck may not suit players preferring thinner profiles
- Body size may feel large for those accustomed to smaller electrics
Gibson released the ES-335 in 1958 as the world's first commercial thinline semi-acoustic archtop. It is called semi-acoustic because the guitar features a solid block running through the center with acoustic wings with violin-style f-holes on either side, giving the guitar a unique tone.
The ES-335 is popular in genres like jazz, blues and rock.
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Fender Jaguar
4.5 (197)
Average Price: $1,373
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Simplified switching improves usability over traditional Jaguar models
- V Mod pickups offer enhanced sound quality compared to classic Jaguar pickups
- Great mid-range tone, suitable for rock and versatile genres
- Improved bridge design minimizes string slippage issues
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- Non-original specs may disappoint purists seeking traditional Jaguar features
- Intonation adjustment limitations due to lack of individual string control
- Tremolo system has ergonomic and consistency issues
- Some quality control concerns, like factory dents under the clear coat
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The Fender Jaguar was introduced in 1962 and is one of the most popular offset-body guitars in the world today.
It has a smaller scale length than many of Fender's other guitars like the Stratocaster and Telecasters, so many players with medium-sized or smaller hands find this guitar comfortable.
Originally popular in surf music, it has found favor in punk, rock and shoegaze.
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Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar
5.0 (16)
Average Price: $2,195
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Striking design inspires creativity just by looking at it
- Top-notch craftsmanship from Japan's premier luthiers
- Versatile sound, perfect for ballads to shredding
- Excellent setup, playable right out of the box
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- Higher price point may be a barrier for some
The Ibanez JEM first appeared on the scene in 1987, the JEM line is the signature series of virtuoso Steve Vai. Since this guitar was co-designed by Vai, it is most popular with shredders in prog rock and metal.
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Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar
4.5 (97)
Average Price: $2,487
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
The Gibson Explorer was originally released in 1957. It did not sell as well as Gibson hoped and was discontinued in 1963. Thankfully, it was reintroduced to the Gibson lineup in 1976.
The Explorer comes equipped with humbucker pickups and is popular in rock and metal genres.
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Fender Mustang Electric Guitar
4.5 (158)
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Average Price: $1,304
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Versatile sound, from Les Paul mud to Strat brightness
- Short scale length enhances playability, especially for smaller hands
- Unique and smooth vibrato system with nylon arm sleeve
- Distinctive tone-shaping controls offer unique sound character
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- Stock tuning heads may require upgrading
- Bridge pickup can be too quiet and hard to balance
- Strings may need upgrading for better tone and stability
- Tremolo system requires careful setup for optimal performance
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Introduced in 1964, the Fender Mustang is one of the most collectible Fender offset guitars. The Mustang has a much shorter scale length than other popular Fender models like the Stratocaster, making it easier to play for people with smaller hands. Fender stopped producing the model in 1982, and reintroduced the Mustang in the ‘90s.
Kurt Cobain contributed to the popularity of the Mustang by playing it in the Smells Like Teen Spirit music video.
The Mustang is an accessible and versatile guitar that is most popular amongst rock players.
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Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar
4.5 (61)
Average Price: $2,504
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Iconic and distinctive sound, perfect for 60s music and beyond
- Stunning aesthetics, considered a work of art by many
- High-quality craftsmanship with impressive finish and build details
- Easy playability despite the notorious neck reputation
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- String changes can be cumbersome and risk damaging the finish
- Narrow neck can be challenging for players with larger hands
- Single coil pickups can be noisy, lacking humbucker quietness
- New pickups may lack the brightness of traditional "toasters"
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The Rickenbacker 360 is mainly associated with the British Invasion of the 1960s and George Harrison of the Beatles. This hollow body guitar has 24 frets and is comfortable to play as the whole body is contoured. It comes in a six and twelve string version.
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B.C. Rich Warlock Widow
4.0 (34)
The B.C. Rich Warlock is all about metal. From its aggressive looks, to its high output dual humbucking pickups and mahogany body, this guitar is purpose built for heavy metal players and makes no apologies about it.
Bernie Rico designed the guitar in 1969 and said:
This was the only guitar I ever designed at a drafting table, using straight-edges and French curves. It was lots of curves going into straight lines.
King of Slayer is a popular Warlock player.
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PRS Custom 24
5.0 (95)
- Exceptional tone versatility with coil split and 5-way selector switch
- Beautiful craftsmanship with stunning finishes like Orange Tiger and Eriza Verde
- Wide-thin solid rosewood neck offers great sustain and tone
- Unmatched tuning stability with precise tremolo system
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- Some units reported with poor tuning stability and quality control issues
- Mildly uncomfortable body lip after extended playing sessions
- Difficulty in switching between tunings due to tremolo system
Introduced in 1985, the Paul Reed Smith Custom 24 is what put PRS on the map. It is a beautiful arch top guitar usually made with a flamed top.
The five position blade switch lets you select options for the pickups, which can function as single coils or humbuckers.
It is a versatile guitar that has been played in jazz, rock, heavy rock, and metal.
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Gibson SG Standard
4.5 (390)
Average Price: $1,748
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Lightweight design makes it easy to handle during long playing sessions
- 490R and 490T pickups offer a classic rock sound with rich, full tones
- Comfortable slim taper neck enhances playability and speed
- Highly responsive volume and tone controls for versatile sound shaping
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- Some units reported with minor quality control issues like loose jack plugs
- Does not come with a hardshell case, only a gig bag
- Pickups may not satisfy those preferring 57 Classics or other specific tones
- Some players find the neck width a bit wide, especially at the upper register
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Danelectro 59 DC
4.5 (70)
Average Price: $499
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1201+
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Gretsch White Falcon
5.0 (24)
Average Price: $4,228
High-end/Boutique
$999
$2500+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Unique sonic range with single coil pickups and full deep hollow body
- Stunning visual appeal; opulent design and impeccable fit and finish
- Rich tones with a distinctive bite and snarl, perfect for rockabilly
- Versatile sound for both clean and distorted styles
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- Potential issues with string rattling affecting playability
- Some may experience problems with intonation and tuning stability
- Vintage white finish might initially not appeal to all tastes
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Fender Jazzmaster
5.0 (184)
Average Price: $1,201
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Versatile sound, from clean tones to dirty, controlled distortion
- Lightweight and comfortable body, ideal for long playing sessions
- Easy-to-reach, stripped-back controls enhance playability
- Yosemite pickups provide a warm and rich tone, suitable for various genres
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- Bridge design can cause discomfort due to sharp saddle screws
- Paint and finish quality inconsistencies noted by some users
- Quality of rosewood fingerboard questioned by a few reviewers
- Some find the jumbo fretwire less comfortable for slides
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Gibson Firebird V
4.5 (51)
Average Price: $5,433
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Gibson Flying V
4.5 (104)
Average Price: $2,310
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Iconic and eye-catching V shape design that stands out on stage
- Lightweight and well-balanced for comfortable playability
- Unique 70s T-Top inspired humbuckers with orange drop caps for a distinct sound
- Fast, smooth neck action ideal for rock and metal genres
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- Finish is fragile and prone to chipping and wear
- Possible cosmetic issues like paint splotches and binding defects
- Some units have misaligned strings and tuners
- V shape can be awkward to play sitting down
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Electric Guitar 101: The Basics
Electric guitars work by converting the vibration of the strings to an electronic signal using magnetic pickups. That signal is transferred to the speakers of your amplifier.
Electric Guitar Terminology
Humbucker: A humbucker pickup is a pickup type that uses two magnets to cancel out the “hum” resulting from static interference that is common with single-coil pickups. The sound of this type of pickup is generally a bit warmer than a single-coil, and it generally handles distortion better.
Single-Coil: Single-coil pickups only use one magnet. This type of pickup generally sounds a bit thinner, but it has a better upper-mid to treble frequency response than humbuckers.
P90 Pickup: P90 pickups are the middle ground between single-coil and humbuckers. They tend to be bit warmer than single-coils, but they still have the same hum.
Tremolo/Bigsby/Floyd Rose: Tremolos, Bigsbys, and Floyd Roses are all different types of bridge configurations that allow player to change the pitch of the strings by shifting the arm.
Semi-Hollow Guitar: A semi-hollow guitar has two hollow chambers, giving the guitar a bit “woodier” of a sound. This body style is more prone to feedback than a solid body guitar, but less so than a fully hollow body.
Hollow Body Guitar: A hollow body guitar has one hollow chamber. This type of body style has an almost acoustic sound, but it’s incredibly prone to feedback.
Active Pickups: Active pickups use an external power source (generally a 9-volt battery) to achieve higher amounts of output than passive pickups.
String-Through (or String-Thru): In a string-through bridge, the strings go through the body. Generally this bridge configuration is considered to have more sustain than other configurations.
Top Ranked Electric Guitars on Equipboard
About the authors
Michael R. Pierce is the co-founder of Equipboard and a lifelong musician with over 25 years of experience as a guitarist and gear enthusiast. He blends solid music theory chops (thanks to formal training in guitar, piano, and trumpet) with real-world experience, always exploring and experimenting across genres like rock, blues, and hip-hop. Michael launched Equipboard in 2013 after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, leveraging his unique blend of musical passion, technological acumen, and community building. His current go-to rig features a Fender American Original ‘50s Telecaster, Analogman King of Tone, Strymon Flint, and a Fender ‘57 Custom Champ. Read more
Giulio Chiarenza is the co-founder of Equipboard and a lifelong multi-instrumentalist with a deep passion for music gear. Born in Italy and raised in the U.S., he holds a Computer Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin and blends technical acumen with decades of hands-on experience across guitar, piano, drums, and electronic production. Early in his career, Giulio was signed to a San Francisco-based EDM label, releasing both remixes and original tracks. These days, he helps steer Equipboard’s vision while personally testing and reviewing gear. He's never too far from his go-to guitar: a vintage 1978 Fender Telecaster Custom. Read more
Comments
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434
EC-1000 over Les Paul every day. Come at me internet
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