Best Electric Guitars You Can Buy to Take Your Playing to the Next Level

15 Best Electric Guitars You Can Buy: a Guide to Making the Right Choice

Your electric guitar can be an extension of your personality and your home’s style. Choose a design that reflects your own personal style and aesthetic, and be sure to invest in quality pieces that will last you a long time.

Whether you're a beginner, an intermediate or an aspiring virtuoso, take a look at our favorite electric guitars that are currently available for purchase and choose the one that suits your playing style and your budget.

Our list features a diverse range of electric guitars that cover almost any musical genre, spanning from timeless classics to modern marvels. Should your musical preferences lean towards genres like metal and progressive rock check out our list of best metal guitars.

What Should You Consider When Buying an Electric Guitar?

Finding the right electric guitar involves a mix of personal preference, play style, and budget. Some of the key features of a great electric guitar are high-quality pickups, neck profile and fretboard radius that facilitate fast playability, build quality and design.

High Quality Guitar Pickups

Guitar pickups play a crucial role in shaping the tone, response, and overall sound of your electric guitar. They are the components that capture the vibrations of your guitar strings and convert them into an electrical signal that can be amplified. Investing in high-quality pickups can bring a range of benefits to your playing and sound.

Many high quality pickups are designed to offer a wide range of tones, making them suitable for various music genres. Whether you're playing blues, rock, jazz, or metal, a good pickup can adapt to your style and provide the right sound.

Popular pickup manufacturers include Fishman, EMG , DiMarzio , Seymour Duncan, Fender and Bare Knuckle Pickups.

Guitar Neck Profile and Fretboard Radius

The shape of a guitar neck has a huge impact on playability and comfort, as well as sound. Your personal preference, playing style and hand size all play a role in choosing the right neck shape. Thinner, flatter neck profiles allow for easier and more comfortable fast playing. Modern electric guitars usually have a C or D neck profile - as these necks are slim, slightly curved and are very comfortable to play.

Fretboard radius is the measurement of the curvature of the fingerboard across the neck, from the lowest string to the highest string. A larger fretboard radius (15" or 381mmR) is preferable, because the larger the number, the flatter the curve, the better the playability.

Guitar Build Quality and Design

Guitar build quality matters because it directly impacts the sound, playability, durability, resale value, and overall satisfaction of the instrument.

High-end electric guitars combine premium tone woods like basswood, maple, mahogany, alder, ash with quality bridges (either fixed or floating), locking tuners and great fretwork.

While often overlooked, design plays an important role in choosing the right electric guitar. The more the instrument appeals to you, the more likely you will pick it up and play it. So investing in a well-built, cool-looking electric guitar can provide a rewarding playing experience and contribute to your musical journey.

15 Best Electric Guitars You Can Buy

Ibanez RG550 Genesis Electric Guitar

Made in Japan, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis Electric Guitar is a reissue of the legendary 1987 model that made rock & metal history. This reissue from the Genesis Collection retains the classic design of its predecessor while incorporating modern enhancements.

A prominent feature of the Ibanez RG550 is the ultra thin Super Wizard neck. Constructed of five solid pieces of maple & walnut, the neck provides rock-solid stability and a comfortably thin profile for a fast, frictionless feel.

The RG550's critically-acclaimed Edge tremolo bridge lets you dive bomb, raise pitch and return to perfect tuning. This double-locking system clamps the strings at the bridge and nut to prevent detuning during aggressive use. With adjustment screws, you can effortlessly control tremolo tension and bridge angle, facilitating smooth and seamless pitch bends and flutters.

The original Ibanez V7, S1, and V8 pickups installed in the RG550 deliver a versatile range of sounds and articulate attack. When combined with the 5-way pickup switch, they offer a wealth of tonal possibilities to explore. Furthermore, the modern Gotoh machine heads ensure impeccable tuning stability, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about frequent adjustments.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Super Wizard 5pc Maple/Walnut
Fingerboard: Maple
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Basswood
Pickups: Ibanez V7 / S1 / V8
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 16.92 inches / 430mmR
Extended Range/Baritone: No
Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
Price range: $500 - $1000

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Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Launched on October 13th, 2020, the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster embodies Fender's dedication to meeting the evolving desires of today's musicians. It boasts innovative and user-centric specifications, including a reimagined Deep "C" neck fitted with a satin finish, smoothly rolled fingerboard edges, and a sculpted neck heel, all contributing to a comfortable playing experience and easy access to higher notes.

The guitar's enhanced 2-point tremolo, equipped with a cold-rolled steel block, amplifies sustain, clarity, and the sparkle in the high-end frequencies. The V-Mod II Stratocaster pickups, specifically voiced for their respective positions, generate a harmoniously balanced tone that blends vintage warmth with the bright, clear sound that has become synonymous with the Fender name.

Versatile yet familiar, the American Pro II Stratocaster is one of the most versatile electric guitars you're likely to play.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Deep C Maple Neck
Fingerboard: Maple or Rosewood
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Alder or Roasted Pine
Pickups: Three V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat Pickups
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5 inches / 241.3mmR
Frets: 22
Price range: $1500 - $2000

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PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar

The PRS SE Custom 24 is the flagship model in the SE line, designed to authentically mirror the original PRS model. Constructed with a mahogany body and a maple neck, this electric guitar guarantees a stellar playing experience, matching its impressive sound and stunning aesthetic. The SE Custom 24, equipped with 81/15 "S" pickups, is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a versatile instrument that effortlessly accommodates almost any musical genre.

The all-mahogany body allows sound to resonate evenly, while the flame maple veneer and maple top contribute to the guitar's visually striking appearance and high-end tonal punch. The carved cutaway enhances access to the higher frets, perfect for swift solos, while the patented PRS molded tremolo bridge and PRS tuners ensure reliable tuning and intonation.

The 24-fret wide thin maple neck, adorned with a rosewood fingerboard and the signature bird inlays, completes the distinctive PRS look. The highly versatile 85/15 "S" pickups offer a broad spectrum of coveted tones.

Switching between classic rock riffs or vintage country twang is effortlessly achieved by pulling up on the tone knob to split the pickups. The SE Custom 24's pickups exhibit a crisp, biting tone without being overly sharp. When both pickups are split, the guitar produces a tone reminiscent of an acoustic guitar.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Wide Thin Maple Neck
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 25"
Body: Mahogany
Pickups: Dual 81/15 "S" Pickups
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 10 inches / 254mmR
Price range: $500 - $1000

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Ibanez RG652AHM Premium Electric Guitar

Made in Japan, the Ibanez RG652AHMNGB is a quintessential example of the esteemed Ibanez Prestige series. The RG series stands as the most distinguishable and iconic electric guitar in Ibanez's roster. This instrument is the culmination of three decades of metal influence, expertly crafted for speed and durability.

It boasts an Ash body that provides ample sustain, paired with a swift 5-piece Maple/Walnut, Super Wizard High-Performance neck. The striking birdseye maple fretboard enhances the guitar's aggressive sonic output.

In terms of electronics, it's equipped with a duo of DiMarzio Air Norton and The Tone Zone pickups, offering an ideal blend of power and tone. A 5-way selector switch further broadens the tonal diversity.

The classic Edge bridge promises superior tuning stability, precise intonation adjustment, and a comfortable playing experience.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Super Wizard HP 5pc Maple/Walnut neck
Fingerboard: Bound Birdseye Maple
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Ash
Pickups: DiMarzio The Tone Zone Bridge Pickup & DiMarzio Air Norton Neck Pickup
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 16.92 inches / 430mmR
Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
Price range: $1500 - $2000

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Fender Player Telecaster Electric Guitar

The Fender Player Telecaster is a highly versatile instrument, capable of delivering both melodious tunes and roaring sounds through its dual Player Series single-coil Telecaster pickups. Its resilient design makes it an ideal companion for gigs, appealing to a wide range of players from beginners to seasoned professionals. If you're seeking a multi-faceted instrument that combines timeless twang with modern performance at an exceptional value, look no further than the Player Telecaster.

The Player Series Single-Coil Telecaster pickups blend the classic Tele twang and sizzle with a modern edge. Offering superb articulation and a crisp tonal response, Fender has enhanced the quintessential Fender sound using bent steel saddles for the bridge, ensuring your sound cuts through the mix with enduring sustain.

The Fender Player Telecaster offers an impressive array of sounds, making it suitable for any musical style. The Modern "C"-shaped maple neck, with its comfortable contours and smooth finish, accommodates almost any playing style. Furthermore, Fender has added a 22nd medium jumbo fret to the contemporary 9.5"-radius fingerboard, crafting an electric guitar that facilitates your musical expression with ease.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Modern "C" Maple Neck
Fingerboard: Maple
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Alder
Pickups: Dual Player Series Single-Coil Tele Pickups
Frets: 22
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5 inches / 241.3mmR
Price range: $500 - $1000

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Ibanez RGA622XHRGA Prestige Electric Guitar White

Crafted in Japan, the Ibanez RGA622XHRGA Prestige is engineered specifically to handle the most intense and demanding music you can produce.

The RGA622XHRGA Prestige's Wizard HP five-piece maple/walnut neck is a marvel of design, offering unparalleled maneuverability. Ibanez is renowned for their slim, shred-friendly necks, but this model takes it a notch higher. With Prestige fret edge treatment ensuring smooth fretting, you'll enjoy uninhibited movement across the entire fretboard. The satin finish allows your hand to glide effortlessly, enabling fast and aggressive playing. The fretboard, crafted from sleek macassar ebony, is as visually appealing as it is playable.

The RGA Prestige fuses advanced manufacturing techniques with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. It features a mahogany body, a Wizard HP maple/walnut neck, and an ebony fretboard, producing tight lows and mids along with a potent attack in the highs. A duo of high-output DiMarzio Air Norton and The Tone Zone pickups deliver a massive sound with an expansive dynamic range.

A professional-grade Lo-Pro Edge tremolo bridge secures your strings tightly, allowing for limitless whammy bar action and enabling you to infuse your riffs with vibrato and execute piercing divebombs. The quality of this instrument is self-evident, and you'll certainly find the whammy bar highly responsive and dynamic, inviting frequent use as you explore its capabilities.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Wizard HP 5pc Maple/Walnut neck
Fingerboard: Bound Macassar Ebony fretboard
Scale: 25.5"
Body: African Mahogany body
Pickups: DiMarzio The Tone Zone Bridge Pickup & DiMarzio Air Norton Neck Pickup
Frets: 27
Fingerboard Radius: 16.92 inches / 430mmR
Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
Price range: $2000 - $2500

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PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN 7-String Electric Guitar

Offering a distinctive presence within the PRS lineup, the SE Mark Holcomb SVN model delivers an addictive playing experience, thanks to its unique specifications. It features a 24-fret, 26.5" scale length that provides extended range capabilities, coupled with a wide thin satin maple neck boasting a comfortable 20" radius ebony fretboard.

The heart of this guitar lies in Holcomb's signature Seymour Duncan Alpha and Omega 7-string pickups, meticulously designed to strike the perfect balance between output and articulation. Whether you're delving into intricate chord progressions or unleashing fiery solos, these pickups deliver the ideal blend of power and clarity. They effortlessly cut through dense band mixes, ensuring your playing shines through with precision.

Tone shaping is made effortless with the inclusion of a 3-way blade pickup switch, allowing seamless transitions between pickup configurations. Additionally, the tone knob incorporates a push/pull feature for coil-splitting, expanding your tonal palette even further. This versatile setup empowers you to explore a wide range of sounds, from lush chord voicings to searing lead lines.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Satin Maple Neck
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale: 26.5"
Body: Mahogany
Pickups: Seymour Duncan Alpha and Omega
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 20 inches / 508mmR
Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Ibanez AZ2402 Prestige Electric Guitar

Made with precision in Japan, the Ibanez AZ2402 Prestige is an exceptional electric guitar that emanates performance and playability from every angle. The AZ2402 boasts superior comfort and playability, matched by the stunning sound and versatility of Seymour Duncan pickups and Ibanez's innovative dyna-MIX 10 switching system.

One notable feature of the AZ2402 that gigging musicians will love is its exceptional comfort and playing feel. Benefiting from an ergonomic contour on the body's rear, an ultra-accessible neck joint for unfettered upper fret access, and a comfortable oval C-shaped S-TECH specially roasted maple neck, you'll discover that playing this guitar throughout an entire show is a breeze.

The AZ2402 Prestige's incredibly versatile electronics make it a true tonal chameleon, capable of covering an impressive range of sounds. A pair of Alnico 5-equipped, medium-output Seymour Duncan Hyperion humbuckers maintain their clarity whether you're playing through an ultra-clean or heavily distorted amp.

The hardware employed on this AZ Prestige was designed keeping in mind the demands of discerning guitarists. It features an oil-impregnated bone nut, contributing to the guitar's excellent tuning stability, while the 24 stainless steel jumbo frets offer exceptional playability and durability. Enhancing the guitar's tuning stability further, Gotoh Magnum Lock tuners offer unique height adjustable posts, allowing for individual string tension adjustment. Completing the AZ2402's hardware, a Gotoh-manufactured Ibanez T1802 synchronized tremolo bridge ensures an incredible tonal response and superior performance.

The Ibanez AZ2402 is an exceptionally well-rounded electric guitar, offering unmatched performance and unparalleled comfort. If you're a guitarist seeking versatility in a smooth-playing, high-quality Ibanez, your search ends here!

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: AZ Oval C S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple neck
Fingerboard: S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple fretboard
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Alder
Pickups: Seymour Duncan Hyperion Pickups and Dyna-MIX 10 Switching System w/ Alter Switch
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 12 inches / 305mmR
Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
Price range: $1500 - $2000

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Sterling by Music Man MAJ170 Majesty Electric Guitar

Crafted in collaboration between guitar legend John Petrucci and Ernie Ball, the Sterling by Music Man MAJ170 Majesty is meticulously designed with the utmost playability and a pristine, heavy sound in mind. Its unique double cutaway design, carved from mahogany, features a contoured body that ensures a remarkably comfortable playing experience. The 3-piece mahogany neck, measuring at 25.5" scale length, is coupled with a very fast 16" radius rosewood fingerboard.

Equipped with 24 medium jumbo profile frets, the MAJ170 Majesty empowers you to play with exceptional accuracy. The metal guitar is equipped with a modern tremolo bridge, enabling incredible dynamics and expressive possibilities with the tremolo arm. To top it off, the headstock proudly features John Petrucci's signature, a mark of authenticity and quality.

The electronics of this guitar are designed to meet the demands of Petrucci's playing style. Loaded with dual humbuckers, these pickups deliver the scorching high-end tones and rumbling low-end power heard in his music. The push/push volume knob provides an additional 12dB boost, instantly allowing you to stand out in the mix and make your presence known with heightened volume and clarity.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: 3-piece Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Mahogany
Pickups: Dual Sterling by Music Man Humbucker Pickups and Push/Push Volume Knob for 12dB Boost
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 16.92 inches / 430mmR
Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Ibanez Joe Satriani JS240 Electric Guitar (Candy Apple Red)

The Ibanez JS240 Joe Satriani Signature Electric Guitar is made in Japan with typical Ibanez flair and remarkable craftsmanship. It's a great electric guitar, designed to satisfy and inspire both the established performer and one waiting in the wings. This exceptional instrument features a beautifully contoured basswood body with a striking finish.

The Ibanez JS240 3piece maple/bubinga neck provides stability and a longer sustain. Its rosewood fretboard has Pearl dot inlays and 24-fret. The Prestige fret edge treatment of the frets allow for smooth playability. The newly developed DiMarzio Satchur pickup is equipped in the bridge position to assist in achieving a more versatile playing style and sound.

The SUSTAINIAC Driver in the neck position allows endless sustain and expands the range of expression dramatically with a 3-way Sustainiac mode selector. This electric guitar also features the legendary and original JS/Edge Tremolo that delivers Joe‘s favorite in feel and tone.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: JS 3pc Maple/Bubinga neck w/KTS™ TITANIUM rods
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 25.5"
Body: American Basswood body
Pickups: DiMarzio Satchur8 (H) Bridge Pickup & Sustainiac Driver Neck Pickup
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 9.8 inches / 250mmR
Price range: $1500 - $2000

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Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar

Enhancing the already versatile Strat with additional features, Fender introduced the Player Stratocaster HSS to their lineup. Giving you an awesome mixture of old-school and new-age features, this Player Stratocaster HSS boasts a sonically flexible HSS pickup configuration and solid hardware. Whether you're a beginner or a professional who adores the classic Strat sound but seeks extra sonic power, the Player Stratocaster HSS makes an excellent addition to your setup!

Inherently, the Stratocaster has always been a remarkably versatile electric guitar. Incorporate a humbucking bridge pickup into this already adaptable guitar, and you get an instrument with increased tonal versatility. The combination of two Player Series Single-Coil Strat pickups (neck & middle) with a Player Series Humbucking bridge pickup offers a broad spectrum of sonic possibilities, making this Player Strat HSS suitable for virtually any musical genre.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Modern C Maple Neck
Fingerboard: Maple or Pau Ferro
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Alder or Roasted Pine
Pickups: Player Series Single-Coil Strat Pickups (Neck/Middle) and Player Series Alnico 2 Humbucker (Bridge)
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5 inches / 241.3mmR
Frets: 22
Price range: $500 - $1000

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PRS SE Silver Sky Electric Guitar

This PRS SE Silver Sky is a familiar iteration of the original Silver Sky model first introduced with John Mayer in 2018. The PRS SE Silver Sky starts with a poplar body and adds a bolt-on maple neck and maple fretboard with PRS trademark bird inlays.

The 22-fret, 25.5" scale length neck features the original 635JM carve and an 8.5" fretboard radius for a familiar feel. When amplified, the three single-coil 635JM “S” pickups deliver a vibrant and melodious tone. This guitar's stability is ensured by a two-point steel tremolo, synthetic bone nut, and vintage-style tuners. Further design elements include the distinctive PRS Silver Sky inverted headstock shape and the PRS double-acting truss rod, conveniently accessible from the headstock's front for easy adjustments.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Bolt-on Maple Neck
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Poplar
Pickups: Triple 635JM "S" Pickups
Frets: 22
Fingerboard Radius: 8.5 inches / 508mmR
Price range: $500 - $1000

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ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar

Based on ESP's higher-end KH-2 model developed with the Metallica lead guitarist himself, this LTD version gives players that recognizable signature sound at a much more accessible price.

The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-202 is loaded with an ESP Designed LH-301N pickup in the neck position, an ESP Designed LH-301B pickup in the bridge position and a Floyd Rose Special locking tremolo. The KH-202 has a bolt-on extra thin "U" shaped maple neck that provides a good playing experience.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Jatoba
Scale: 25.5"
Body: Basswood
Pickups: ESP Designed LH-301N Neck & ESP Designed LH-301B Bridge
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 13.74 inches / 350mmR
Price range: $500 - $1000

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Ibanez RG8 8-String Electric Guitar

The Ibanez RG8 stands as one of the most affordable options for 8-string guitars in the market, alongside the Schecter Omen-8. It is designed to cater to beginners venturing into the realm of extended-range instruments.

The Ibanez RG8 boasts a fast, flat, and slim Wizard II-8 5-piece maple/walnut neck with KTS Titanium Reinforcement rods. This neck construction ensures stability and durability, allowing for smooth and comfortable playability. The guitar is equipped with IBZ-8 pickups, which deliver deep and warm tones without sacrificing clarity, even when playing in lower tunings. The 27-inch scale neck enhances articulation, provides extended sustain, and offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. The RG8 comes pre-set for down-tuning from the factory, accommodating the following tuning: 1D#, 2A#, 3F#, 4C#, 5G#, 6D#, 7A#, 8F.

Additional features of the Ibanez RG8 include a basswood body, a rosewood fingerboard with white dot inlays and jumbo frets, and sleek black hardware, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Features & Technical Specifications

Neck: Wizard II-85pc Maple/Walnut neck
Fingerboard: Jatoba
Scale: 27"
Body: Meranti
Pickups: Dual IBZ-8 Pickups
Frets: 24
Fingerboard Radius: 15.74 inches / 400mmR
Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
Price range: $250 - $500

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Squier Affinity Stratocaster HH Electric Guitar

An excellent entry point into the Fender lineage, the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster brings forth the iconic design and signature tone for the contemporary aspiring guitarist.

This Strat incorporates a host of beginner-friendly features, including a slim and comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile, a vintage-style tremolo bridge for expressive string-bending effects, and sealed die-cast tuning machines that ensure smooth, precise tuning.

Equipped with Fender Ceramic Humbucker pickups and 5-way switching, this budget electric guitar offers a versatile sonic range that defies genres, making it an ideal companion for any player at any stage of their musical journey.

Features & Technical Specifications