The Best Electric Guitars in 2023

Since their introduction to the mass market in the late 1950s, electric guitars have made their mark. With its easy handling, high portability, and versatility as hallmarks of the instrument, it has taken the music world by storm. Like classical guitars, electric guitars now have a variety of designs from many different brands, making it extremely difficult for consumers to choose, especially if you are a beginner. This article will give you more useful knowledge to help you choose the best electric guitars. Check out our picks for The Best Guitars, The Best Ukuleles under $300, and Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe

• Best Value: Fender Limited Edition Player Stratocaster 

• Best for Kids: Squier by Fender Bullet Mustang HH Short Scale

• Best for Beginners: Yamaha Pacifica Series PACC112V  

• Best Budget: Gretsch Guitars GG2622T 

• Best for Shredders: Ibanez RG Genesis Collection 6-String 

• Best Performance: PRS SE Custom 24 Bonnie Pink

1. Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe

Specification

• Top Material Type: Maple

• Body Material: Poplar

• Back Material Type: Maple Wood 

• Neck Material Type: Maple

• Number of Strings: 6 

The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe offers a legendary design and classic tone for today's budding guitar hero, making it an excellent entry point into the illustrious Fender family. 

A string-through-body hardtail bridge for ideal body resonance, a slim and ergonomic "C"-shaped neck profile, and sealed die-cast tuning machines with split shafts for smooth, accurate tuning and simple restringing are just a few of the player-friendly features of this Telecaster. 

This model is prepared to support any musician at any stage and is loaded with two Squier humbucking pickups with distinct volume and tone settings for genre-defying sound variation.

Pros

• Good value

• Telecaster tone that convinces

• Lovely neck with a silky gloss that plays smoothly

• The body is nicely completed and attractive with several color options

Cons

• Cheap inferior components

• Poor pick-ups

• Maybe rough frets

2. Fender Limited Edition Player Stratocaster

Specification

• Top Material Type: Maple Wood, Alder Wood

• Body Material: Alder, Maple

• Back Material Type: Alder Wood 

• Neck Material Type: Maple

• Guitar Bridge System: Tremolo

This version mimics Fender's signature model and includes three new Alnico V single coils in addition to an improved two-point vibrato mechanism. The satin neck makes for a smooth playing experience, and the build quality is generally good with the exception of a few somewhat jerky tuners.

The five-way selection offers a very useful range of tones that are reminiscent of Fender's fat Texas Hot single coils and respond well to gain, with little treble loss when the volume is turned down. 

Rich yet cutting, the bridge pickup on mid-priced Strats, which may be weedy, can be cut with a very exact amount of treble if it's still too sharp.

Pros

• Extremely playable

• Excellent tonal range

• Plays well in the mud

Cons

• Uncomfortably stiff tuners

3. Gretsch Guitars G2622T

Specification

• Top Material Type: Maple 

• Body Material: Rosewood

• Back Material Type: Maple Wood 

• Neck Material Type: Nato Wood

• Number of Strings: 6

The G2622T Streamliner Center Block Double Cutaway with Bigsby revitalizes the best features of the past while introducing modern sound and fashion. The bold, feedback-resistant G2622T is made for guitarists who want more from their gear than the ordinary: more performance, more style, and, most importantly, more volume while yet maintaining the Gretsch quality you've come to expect. 

This high-output pickup, which Gretsch's professional engineers specifically created for the Streamliner, produces rich lows, clear highs, and a throaty midrange for a distinctive tone that works well with other instruments in a band setting. The body's lightweight spruce middle block reinforces the top while removing unwanted feedback for volume-friendly performance on rocking stages.

Pros

• A very high build-to-price ratio

• Greater pickup heat expands the sonic possibilities

• Widening use at higher gains in the center block

Cons

• Mildly sponge-like tuners

4. Ibanez RG Genesis Collection 6-String

Specification

• Top Material Type: Maple 

• Body Material: Basswood

• Back Material Type: Basswood 

• Neck Material Type: Maple

• Number of Strings: 6

There are several tones available with the RG550. Despite its sharp exterior, it always did, allowing you to effortlessly veer into a range of genres. The excellent tuning stability, precise intonation adjustment, and playing comfort are all features of the masterpiece Edge bridge.

The Ibanez RG Genesis Collection 6-String Electric Guitar pays homage to the RG line's beginnings by utilizing the same style and aesthetic as well as meticulous manufacturing and Japanese craftsmanship.

Thanks to its V7 neck pickup, S1 middle pickup, and V8 bridge pickup configuration, the RG can dial in any tone, from crisp and clean to scorching and nasty.

Pros

• Tonally adaptable

• Amazingly quick playability

• One of the shred's most recognizable guitars gets a realistic remake

Cons

• Not recommended for athletes with larger necks

1. What impacts how an electric guitar sounds?

The magnetic field emitted from a guitar's pickups causes the vibration of strings, which produces the music. Your guitar's intonation also affects tone, and don't forget about the amp, which transforms the signal from the pickups into audible sound.

2. What component of an electric guitar is the most crucial?

Regarding the guitar's tone and audio, comfort, and playability, the neck is thought to be the component that matters the most. Wooden parts can be used to construct one or more guitar necks. Maple and mahogany are the tonewoods that are most frequently utilized.

3. What materials are used to make guitars?

Wood makes up the majority of a modern guitar's construction. Today, woods like mahogany, ash, maple, basswood, Agathis, alder, poplar, walnut, spruce, and holly are frequently used for guitar bodies and necks. Modern acoustic and electric guitars also feature woods from many countries.

Although electric guitar brands all produce a wide range of products that cater to different customer segments, they will generally have common characteristics that represent the brand. Whether you are a new player or a seasoned professional, it is not easy to find the most suitable ones for you. Hope this article will help you find the best electric guitars.