Epiphone, a name synonymous with quality and affordability, has long been a favorite among guitar enthusiasts of all skill levels. With a legacy intertwined with Gibson’s iconic designs, Epiphone ensures that aspiring musicians have access to high-quality instruments that inspire creativity and confidence. The Power Players Les Paul is no exception, offering beginners a chance to experience the magic of the Les Paul in a compact and approachable form.

The Power Players Les Paul is designed specifically with young players and beginners in mind, featuring a 3/4-sized body that’s easier to handle without compromising the rich tone and classic styling Les Pauls are known for. Perfectly proportioned for smaller hands, this guitar doesn’t sacrifice quality—it’s crafted to ensure smooth playability and a sound that feels at home in any genre. Whether you’re rocking out at home, in a lesson, or performing for the first time, this guitar makes the process enjoyable and motivating.

Key features of the Epiphone Power Players Les Paul include a poplar body with a maple top, delivering a warm and articulate tone. Its 22.73” scale length neck is made from solid mahogany, ensuring durability and comfort. Equipped with Epiphone 650R and 700T humbucking pickups, the Power Players Les Paul offers a versatile range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and crunchy. With its sleek design, dependable hardware, and iconic Les Paul shape, it’s the ultimate first guitar for any budding rock star.

Features:

• Classic Les Paul sound and feel meets a shorter scale length and smaller body
• Designed for younger players, guitarists with smaller hands, or anyone needing a solid travel guitar
• 22.73-inch scale length better meets the needs of beginner players
• Warm-sounding mahogany body lays a solid tonal foundation
• Mahogany neck cut to a SlimTaper "D" profile and capped with Indian laurel for effortless shredding in any position
• 700T and 650R humbuckers deliver classic Les Paul tones with ease
• Includes strap, picks, instrument cable, and gig bag

The ESP LTD EC-256 is a superb entry point into the world of electric guitars, offering beginner players the style, sound, and build quality that ESP is known for. Inspired by ESP’s high-end Eclipse models, the EC-256 brings aggressive aesthetics, versatile tone, and reliable performance to an accessible price point, making it a fantastic choice for budding rockers and metalheads.

Crafted with a mahogany body and a carved top, the EC-256 delivers the warmth and sustain that heavy music demands. The three-piece mahogany neck, paired with a roasted jatoba fingerboard, ensures smooth playability and durability, ideal for learners working on their technique. The comfortable “Thin U” neck profile makes it easy to traverse the frets, perfect for fast riffing and lead work.

At the heart of the EC-256’s versatility are its ESP-designed LH-150 humbuckers, which deliver a rich, full-bodied tone for everything from searing solos to crunchy rhythm parts. For added flexibility, the push/pull tone pot allows coil-splitting, giving players access to brighter, single-coil sounds alongside traditional humbucker power. With its vintage-inspired finishes and premium hardware, including a TOM bridge and tailpiece, the ESP LTD EC-256 offers beginner players a guitar that not only looks stage-ready but also sounds and feels professional.

Features:

• Classic-looking electric guitar with exceptional sustain and aggressive tone
• Dual ESP humbucking pickups give you wide-ranging tone
• Push-pull coil tap gives you access to both single-coil and humbucking tones
• TOM bridge/tailpiece give you dependable tuning stability and intonation
• Set-neck construction gives you long-lasting sustain and excellent articulation

The Ibanez AZES40 is part of the brand’s AZ Essentials series, specifically designed to give beginners a premium playing experience with modern features. Inspired by the highly regarded AZ series, this guitar carries forward Ibanez’s commitment to combining innovation, comfort, and style, making it an excellent choice for those just starting their musical journey.

Built with a poplar body and a maple neck, the AZES40, designed in collaboration with Berklee College of Music professor and YouTube guitar instructor Tomo Fujita, delivers a lightweight yet resonant platform for versatile tones. The guitar features Ibanez’s signature “dyna-MIX9” switching system, offering eight different pickup configurations that cover everything from warm cleans to punchy rock tones. The HSS pickup layout enhances this versatility, combining a powerful humbucker with two single coils for classic strat-style sounds with an added modern edge.

What makes the AZES40 stand out is its exceptional playability. The slim, ergonomic body design, rounded edges, and 25-inch scale length ensure comfort for players of all ages. Coupled with a smooth neck profile and a precision F106 bridge with adjustable saddles, this guitar offers a seamless playing experience. Whether you’re practicing at home or jamming with friends, the AZES40 provides top-tier performance in a beginner-friendly package.

Features:

• Rock-solid beginner electric guitar designed in collaboration with Berklee professor and YouTube sensation Tomo Fujita
• Poplar body offers a solid tonal foundation with good sustain
• Bolt-on maple neck with a fast-playing jatoba fingerboard and all-access neck joint for reaching those higher frets
• Pair of single coils deliver the spank and twang of vintage pickups with a punchy bridge humbucker for gain-drenched playing styles
• Classic 5-way blade easily switches between pickups
• Ibanez's dyna-MIX9 switching system unlocks even more sonic options
• Onboard tremolo adds subtle warbles and textures to your playing

The Kramer Focus VT-211S is an exceptional choice for beginners looking for a vintage-inspired guitar with modern touches. As a part of the iconic Kramer lineup, this model upholds the brand’s legacy of delivering instruments that excel in both playability and style, making it ideal for those just starting their musical journey.

Sporting a classic double-cutaway design, the Focus VT-211S features a solid mahogany body and a maple neck, offering a balanced tonal response with plenty of sustain. Its 21-fret rosewood fretboard ensures a smooth playing experience, while the slim-taper neck profile is perfect for players with smaller hands or those seeking effortless playability. The standout feature is its versatile HSS pickup configuration, which provides a range of tones—from the warm depth of the humbucker to the crisp, clear output of the single coils.

Equipped with a vintage-style tremolo system, the Focus VT-211S lets players explore expressive bends and vibrato effects. Paired with Kramer’s signature retro-inspired aesthetics and a comfortable design, this guitar delivers classic tones with modern reliability, making it a perfect partner for any beginner’s rock-and-roll ambitions.

Features:

• A great guitar for starting your musical journey
• Classic S-shaped mahogany body has a rich, warm character
• Comfortable slim-profile maple neck
• Super-fast 12-inch radius fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets
• HSS pickup configuration lets you explore a vast range of clean tones
• Custom Kramer hardware including traditional tremolo bridge, knurled chrome control knobs, and deluxe covered machine heads

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V is a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to producing versatile, high-quality instruments for players of all skill levels. Originally introduced in the 1990s, the Pacifica series quickly earned a reputation for its excellent build quality, playability, and tonal versatility—qualities that are carried forward in the PAC112V. This guitar is designed to cater to beginners who want a reliable instrument that grows with their playing style.

The PAC112V features a lightweight alder body with sleek contours, ensuring comfort during extended practice or performance sessions. Its bolt-on maple neck and smooth rosewood fretboard provide a familiar and fast-playing feel. Tonally, the guitar offers immense versatility thanks to its HSS configuration—a powerful humbucker at the bridge and two bright, responsive single-coils in the middle and neck positions. This setup, combined with a 5-way selector switch, allows players to explore a wide range of sounds, from crisp cleans to heavier rock tones.

Additional highlights include a vintage-style tremolo for expressive playing and Alnico V pickups, which deliver rich, balanced tones across all settings. Whether you’re diving into blues, experimenting with jazz, or rocking out to your favorite tracks, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V delivers professional-quality performance at a beginner-friendly price point, making it a trusted choice for aspiring musicians.

Features:

• Lightweight alder-body electric that is great for emerging players
• Smooth, C-shaped maple neck and rosewood fingerboard are instantly playable
• Trio of versatile pickups let you dial in a variety of tones from clean highs to punchy midrange to low-end growl
• 5-position blade, master volume, and master tone with push/pull provide an array of tone-shaping options

Stagg has been delivering affordable, reliable instruments for over 25 years, making them a trusted name for beginners and hobbyists alike. With a focus on quality and value, Stagg’s instruments are designed to inspire new players to dive into their musical journey without breaking the bank. The Stagg SET-PLUS electric guitar is no exception, offering an exceptional blend of style, performance, and affordability tailored for those just starting out.

The Stagg SET-PLUS is designed to make learning electric guitar as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Modeled after the iconic single-cut design, this guitar brings a familiar look and feel while maintaining a user-friendly setup perfect for beginners. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or pop, the SET-PLUS provides the tonal versatility and reliable performance to support your growth as a guitarist.

Key features include a solid paulownia body that ensures a balanced and lightweight feel, paired with a bolt-on maple neck for smooth playability. The 22-fret fingerboard provides ample range for budding guitarists to experiment with their sound. Equipped with a humbucking bridge pickup and a single coil neck pickup, the SET-PLUS delivers a warm and punchy tone, suitable for a wide variety of genres. With a fixed bridge for stable tuning and an all-in-one package option that includes essential accessories, the Stagg SET-PLUS is the perfect companion for anyone beginning their electric guitar journey.

Features:

• Versatile Pickup Configuration: Featuring a single-coil and humbucker pickup combination, the SET-PLUS offers a wide range of tones, from classic Telecaster twang to heavy rock distortion.
• Coil-Splitting Functionality: The push-pull volume knob allows you to split the humbucker, providing even more tonal versatility.
• Comfortable Playability: The smooth neck profile and easy-to-access frets make it comfortable to play for both beginners and experienced guitarists.
• Durable Construction: Built to last with quality materials and construction techniques.
• Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for money, making it a great choice for budget-conscious musicians.

Another fantastic offering from Epiphone, the Les Paul Classic, brings all the elegance and iconic tones of a traditional Les Paul to players at an accessible price point. Perfect for beginners and intermediate players alike, this model bridges the gap between affordability and professional-grade features, ensuring that learners can grow with their instrument as they develop their skills.

The Les Paul Classic stays true to its heritage with a mahogany body and a maple top, delivering the signature sustain and warmth that Les Pauls are famous for. Its SlimTaper mahogany neck and Indian laurel fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, whether you’re practicing at home or stepping onto a stage for the first time. With its stunning finishes and vintage-style appointments, the guitar exudes timeless appeal, ensuring you’ll look as good as you sound.

What sets the Les Paul Classic apart is its Alnico Classic PRO humbucking pickups, offering a wide tonal range for everything from classic rock and blues to modern pop and metal. Additionally, coil-splitting capabilities provide even greater versatility, allowing players to explore single-coil tones alongside the traditional Les Paul sound. Combined with reliable hardware, a LockTone bridge, and Grover tuners, the Epiphone Les Paul Classic is an excellent choice for players who want a guitar that feels as legendary as the music they’re inspired to create.

Features:

• Late 1950s-inspired Les Paul solidbody guitar at a budget-friendly price
• Richly toned mahogany body with a snappy carved maple top
• Comfortable and quick mahogany SlimTaper D-profile neck
• Gorgeous Indian laurel fingerboard with vibrant overtones
• High-output Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers deliver classic rock ‘n’ roll sounds
• Coil-splitting and phase switching for total tonal flexibility
• Rock-solid tuning stability with stopbar tailpiece, LockTone Tune-o-matic bridge, and kidney-style tuners

Schecter has long been a revered name among guitarists, known for producing instruments that cater to modern players with a taste for aggressive tones and sleek designs. Renowned for their craftsmanship and innovative approach, Schecter guitars are trusted by metal and hard rock musicians worldwide. The SGR series brings this legacy to beginner and intermediate players, with the SGR C-7 offering an affordable entry into the realm of 7-string guitars.

The Schecter SGR C-7 is designed for players looking to expand their sonic palette with extended range capabilities. Its 7-string configuration adds a low B string, opening up deep, resonant tones perfect for heavier music styles like djent, metal, and progressive rock. Despite being geared toward beginners, the C-7 incorporates Schecter’s hallmark playability and build quality, ensuring that new players can enjoy the feel of a professional-grade instrument.

This guitar features a contoured basswood body, making it lightweight and comfortable for extended practice sessions. The maple neck and 24-fret rosewood fingerboard are smooth and responsive, while the hardtail bridge ensures stability for heavy riffing and down-tuned chords. The SGR C-7 is equipped with Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers, which deliver high-output tones that cut through any mix with clarity and power. With its extended range and robust performance, the Schecter SGR C-7 is an excellent choice for beginners eager to explore new musical depths.

Features:

• 7-String Design: Offers extended range for versatile playing styles, including metal, progressive rock, and alternative genres.
• Shecter Diamond Plus Pickups: Delivers high-output, high-gain tones with excellent clarity and sustain.
• Ultra-Access Neck Joint: Allows easy access to the higher frets for extended playing range.
• Basswood Body and Maple Neck: Provides a balanced, resonant tone with plenty of sustain.
• Schecter's Signature Design: Iconic Schecter style and quality construction.

For someone who wants a modern super strat design from the LTD brand, the ESP LTD M-200FM and MH-200FM deliver sleek aesthetics, versatile tones, and shred-ready features that make them perfect for beginners exploring metal and rock genres. Inpired by ESP’s Horizon series, both models bring LTD’s signature craftsmanship and bold styling to the forefront, but with subtle differences catering to varied preferences.

The M-200FM features a flat-top design, emphasizing simplicity and speed. Its sharper, angular contours and bolt-on neck construction give it a more aggressive vibe and extra snap in the tone, ideal for fast, technical playing. On the other hand, the MH-200FM sports an arched top, offering a slightly more ergonomic feel with a touch of elegance, paired with a set-through neck design for improved sustain and smoother access to higher frets.

Both guitars are powered by ESP-designed humbuckers for high-output tones, whether you’re laying down heavy rhythms or blistering solos. The Floyd Rose Special tremolo system on both models adds expressive dive bombs and whammy bar tricks to your arsenal, while the thin U-shaped neck profiles and 24 extra-jumbo frets make for an effortless playing experience. Whether you prefer the raw, edgy feel of the M series or the sleek sophistication of the MH series, both are stellar options for players eager to dive into the modern rock and metal scene.

Features:

• M and MH-style packs expressive tone and impressive sustain
• Based on the Horizon style of ESPs
• An ergonomic alder body is the perfect foundation for comfort and tone
• Speedy Thin "U" bolt maple neck with a fast satin backing
• Roasted jatoba wood fingerboard (13.78-inch radius) imparts extra dashes of style and articulation
• ESP-designed LH-150 humbuckers provide responsive cleans to devastating high-watt hard rock heat
• Floyd Rose licensed tremolo supplies tuning-stable bends dives

Continuing Kramer’s tradition of delivering quality instruments for all skill levels, the Baretta Special is a stripped-down yet powerful guitar designed to give beginners an authentic taste of rock history. Inspired by the legendary Kramer Baretta models that defined the sound of 1980s glam metal and hard rock, this version is tailored for players seeking a no-frills instrument that delivers raw, unfiltered tone.

The Baretta Special features a lightweight and resonant mahogany body, paired with a bolt-on maple neck and a smooth rosewood fretboard, offering excellent playability and comfort. Its standout feature is a single, high-output Alnico V humbucker placed at the bridge, delivering searing tones perfect for rock, metal, and blues. This minimalist configuration ensures simplicity for beginners while maintaining a bold, professional-quality sound.

Complementing its vintage vibes is a recessed tremolo bridge, perfect for expressive dives and vibrato without compromising tuning stability. With its sleek design, vibrant finishes, and unmistakable Kramer charm, the Baretta Special is a fantastic entry point for budding guitarists eager to embrace the rock-and-roll spirit.

Features:

• Value-packed reincarnation of the iconic Baretta guitar
• High-quality hardware includes die-cast tuners and Kramer Traditional tremolo
• Open-coil "zebra" humbucker with Alnico V magnets packs a punch
• Real mahogany body and maple neck, a classic tonewood combination
• Simple control scheme, just a single Master Volume knob

Following the PAC112V is the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012, an excellent entry-level guitar for beginners looking to dive into the world of electric guitars. While it shares the Pacifica series’ core design ethos of quality and playability, the PAC012 is tailored to provide an affordable yet reliable option for those just starting their musical journey.

The PAC012 features a sleek double-cutaway body crafted from lightweight agathis, paired with a maple neck and a smooth rosewood fretboard, making it incredibly comfortable to play. The HSS pickup configuration—comprising a humbucker at the bridge and single-coils at the middle and neck positions—gives the PAC012 an impressive tonal range, allowing players to explore everything from clean tones to gritty distortion with ease.

Equipped with a vintage-style tremolo and robust hardware, the PAC012 provides excellent tuning stability and room for expressive playing. Its affordability, combined with Yamaha’s renowned quality assurance, makes the PAC012 an ideal companion for new players, offering the perfect blend of performance, durability, and style to kickstart a guitarist’s musical adventure.

Features:

• Lightweight mahogany-body electric that is great for emerging players
• Smooth, "C"-shaped maple neck and rosewood fingerboard are instantly playable
• Trio of versatile pickups let you dial in a variety of tones from clean highs to punchy midrange to low-end growl
• 5-position blade, master volume, and master tone controls provide an array of tone-shaping options

The Ibanez GRX70QA is a perfect choice for beginners seeking a guitar with eye-catching aesthetics and versatile tonal capabilities. As part of the Gio series, it represents Ibanez’s dedication to delivering high-quality instruments at an accessible price point, making it a favorite among new players stepping into the world of electric guitars.

This guitar stands out with its quilted maple art grain top, giving it a premium appearance typically found on higher-end models. The GRX70QA features a poplar body paired with a maple neck and a smooth-treated jatoba fretboard, offering comfort and playability for players at any level. Its HSH pickup configuration—two humbuckers and a single-coil—provides a wide tonal range, perfect for exploring genres from clean blues to hard rock.

With a reliable T106 tremolo bridge, the GRX70QA allows for expressive vibrato techniques, while maintaining solid tuning stability. Its sleek contours and lightweight design make it comfortable for long practice sessions. Combining stunning looks, impressive playability, and tonal versatility, the Ibanez GRX70QA is an excellent gateway into the world of electric guitar.

Features:

• GRX maple neck for smooth playability
• Quilted maple art grain top/poplar body for solid tone
• Jatoba fingerboard is easy on the fingers while shredding
• FAT-6 tremolo bridge gives you options for stylized attack