Best Electric Guitars 2022: 8 top picks for every playing style, ability and budget

Finding the best electric guitars is difficult, but it is also quite thrilling. The phrase ‘best’ implies different things to different people, and it is the subjective aspect of this that makes the process – as well as the task of putting together this guide – so difficult. For some players, the best electric guitar is something simple and functional, while for others, it’s a guitar decked out in a gorgeous paintjob and outfitted with every conceivable technology.

In this round-up, we’ll show you what we believe to be the best electric guitars available right now. This product selection includes a wide price range, as well as many various musical styles and performing levels, to ensure that you get the ideal electric guitar for you.

You’ll discover selections from most of the best electric guitars makers here, so you can be sure they also come with a great brand reputation and a confirmed seal of excellence.

We’ve put the guitars in price order to make selecting the right one for your budget a bit easier, and we’ve also prepared some useful suggestions for this guide. Simply click this ‘purchasing advice’ button to go straight there, or scroll down to see our top picks.

BEST ELECTRIC GUITARS: OASIS GUITAR’S SELECTION

Choosing the best electric guitars from our guide is like to deciding which of your children is your favourite. It’s quite difficult because all of the possibilities are, in our opinion, the greatest – yet there are usually one or two favourites that we can’t help but prefer.

For those on a tight budget, we propose the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster. Nothing else in that price range compares in terms of value for money and variety. Most Classic Vibe instruments have build quality that is only a hair behind that of Fender guitars made in Mexico, so if you don’t mind having the Squier name on your headstock, this is the guitar for you.

For those with a little more money to invest, we recommend the Charvel Pro-Mod DK22 SSS 2PT CM or the Fender American Performer Strat. The Charvel is ideal for anyone who wants to push that little bit further and faster, and with a Strat-esque pickup setup and a stacked bridge humbucker, the sonic pallet is broad. When considering the instrument’s pedigree, the Performer Strat is a US-made Fender Stratocaster for a reasonable price. It’ll do everything you need a Strat to do, and it’ll do it well. The HSS arrangement also provides some more adaptability in case you need to do some extra-curricular metal or hard rock shows.

For those with a large budget, we propose the Fender American Ultra Telecaster. Not only is it lovely, but it’s also extremely adaptable – and will take care of you musically for decades to come if properly cared for. It’s got enough rage beneath the hood to cover Chris Cornell’s grungey riffing, enough agility to cover Alex Lifeson’s stadium prog opuses, and enough soul and heart to cover B.B King’s elegant blues – and if that artist list isn’t enough, you’re nuts.

BEST ELECTRIC GUITARS: PRODUCT GUIDE

1. Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster
2. Squier Bullet Mustang
3. Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet
4. PRS SE Custom 24
5. Epiphone Les Paul Standard
6. PRS SE Hollowbody Standard
7. Modified Fender Vintera’60s Telecaster
8. Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550
9. Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
10. Fender American Ultra Telecaster

Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster

Specifications

Brand	Fender
Color	3-Color Sunburst
Top Material Type	Wood
Body Material	Nato
Neck Material Type	Maple
Fretboard Material Type	Laurel
Guitar Pickup Configuration	S
String Material Type	Nickel Steel
Hand Orientation	Right
Guitar Bridge System	Tremolo

The entry-level guitar market is in considerably better shape than it was even ten years ago. Manufacturers and companies now utilise significantly higher levels of quality control than they did previously. This implies that even ‘cheap’ guitars can deliver tones, craftsmanship, and playability usually reserved for mid and upper end models.

The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is a prime example of this. Previously, an entry-level guitar would last a few of years, have string action like playing razor wire, and tones like a swarm of bees in a tin can. Not any longer.

This Classic Vibe looks, feels, and sounds amazing, and it even competes with some of the less expensive Fender models. Style and playability at an affordable price. Progress is a beautiful thing.

Squier Bullet Mustang

Specifications

Brand	Fender
Color	Imperial Blue
Top Material Type	SQ0371220587
Body Material	Poplar
Back Material Type	Basswood
Fretboard Material Type	SQ0371220587
Guitar Pickup Configuration	H
String Material Type	Steel
Hand Orientation	Right
Guitar Bridge System	Hardtail Bridge

There are several factors to consider when selecting best electric guitars for a child. The guitar itself must be somewhat light in order for tiny shoulders to cope. It must be simple enough to play for little hands, with an adequately sized neck. And it has to look cool. Because, let’s face it, at that age, the appearance of the guitar arguably exceeds its capacity to span multiple tonal ranges.

There are a few devoted small versions of conventional guitars, but we chose one that is full sized, fully equipped, and reasonably priced. The Squier Bullet Mustang has a slightly shorter scale length, which, combined with the basswood body, makes it comfortable to play. However, its two humbuckers ensure that it can compete with most adult-oriented guitars. And it’s one of the most badass Squier guitars we’ve played in a long time.

Gretsch G5222 Electromatic Double Jet

Specifications

Brand	Gretsch
Color	Walnut Stain
Top Material Type	Maple
Body Material	Mahogany
Back Material Type	Mahogany Wood
Neck Material Type	Mahogany
Fretboard Material Type	Laurel
Guitar Pickup Configuration	Combination
Number of Strings	6

Gretsch’s Double Jet is one of the best all-purpose rock ‘n’ roll best electric guitars on the market. We guarantee you’d have a good time playing blues, rock, indie, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, or country on it.

This Electromatic edition is ridiculously cheap and comes in a range of pretty nice finishes. Choose Natural for a Malcolm Young vibe, Walnut Stain for a more refined look, or either of the metallic primer-style treatments for a badass look.

The Double Jet’s two Black Top Broad’Trons are fast to show their teeth, and there’s a treble bleed circuit to get as much tone out of them as possible. The narrow U-profile neck is very quick, with a comfortable 24.6″ scale and 12″ fretboard radius for a truly contemporary feel, and the chambered wood makes it easy on the back. So cool.

PRS SE Custom 24

Specifications

Brand	Paul Reed Smith
Color	Gold,Nickel
Top Material Type	Maple
Body Material	Rosewood
Back Material Type	Mahogany Wood
Neck Material Type	Maple
Fretboard Material Type	Rosewood
Guitar Pickup Configuration	H
String Material Type	Nickel
Guitar Bridge System	Tremolo

To many, the Custom 24 represents the apex of PRS design, and the thing about outstanding guitar design is that it transfers well across price points. Anyone would agree that the SE Custom 24 is gorgeous.

The Wide Thin neck shape provides a nice compromise between comfort and speed. The flame maple veneer creates a nice balance between luxury and ostentation. Everything about this guitar’s design appears to be in perfect balance.

The eye-catching Burled Ash and high-priced 35th Anniversary versions are also available in the SE Custom 24 range. Whatever you choose, you’ll get a super-stable vibrato, a bridge pickup that can handle everything from southern rock snarl to metal chunk, and neck humbucker tones that are organically suited to blues, rock, and showing off your comping talents. The coil-taps open up a world of options — country, funk, you name it. The Custom 24 does it all.

Epiphone Les Paul Standard

Specifications

Brand	Epiphone
Top Material Type	Maple, Mahogany, Ebony
Body Material	Mahogany
Back Material Type	Maple Wood, Mahogany Wood
Neck Material Type	Maple
Fretboard Material Type	Ebony
Guitar Pickup Configuration	H
Guitar Bridge System	Tune-O-Matic
Number of Strings	6

When we talk about value, one of the best electric guitars comes to mind right away. The Epiphone Les Paul Standard has been the go-to guitar for thousands of players for good reason over the years. Simply put, this instrument checks all the criteria. It’s very well-made, it sounds excellent, and, most importantly, it won’t break the bank.

For many players, this guitar strikes the perfect balance of quality, price, and performance. It’s why so many people graduate to it as their first serious axe, and why so many are on the weekend warrior circuit. If a genuine Gibson is out of your financial reach, you can’t go wrong with one of these.

PRS SE Hollowbody Standard

Specifications

Brand	PRS Guitars
Color	Red
Top Material Type	Mahogany
Body Material	Mahogany
Back Material Type	Laminated Mahogany
Neck Material Type	Mahogany
Fretboard Material Type	Ebony
Guitar Pickup Configuration	H-H
String Material Type	Nickel Steel
Hand Orientation	Right

The SE Hollowbody Standard seems like a real semi-acoustic, with a larger body than its US-built cousin, and something about these dimensions elicits a Pavlovian ii-V-I response when you take it up.

Not that this is just a jazz box. Far from it. The PRS 58/15 humbuckers are well-suited to jazz when the treble is rolled back, but with a cranked tube amp, you’ll get an ES-vibe and a tone that is applicable to a wide range of styles.

The SE Hollowbody Standard is built in China by Cor-Tek, and it’s a true testament to the SE series that it manages to offer that sense of PRS elegance for the price.

Without a doubt, this is a serious instrument, with a Wide Fat neck profile that corresponds to the moniker on the headstock, and it wears its simple plain top beautifully.

Modified Fender Vintera’60s Telecaster

Specifications

Brand	Fender
Color	Sea Foam Green
Top Material Type	FE0149893373
Body Material	Alder
Back Material Type	Alder
Neck Material Type	Maple
Fretboard Material Type	Morado
Guitar Pickup Configuration	S
String Material Type	Nickel Steel
Hand Orientation	Right

Vibe is a somewhat ambiguous term. Essentially, it’s a guitar that evokes a certain atmosphere or amount of cool. While any number of axes might be used, we chose the fantastic Fender Vintera ’60s Telecaster Modified because, frankly, we adore it.

The Vintera blends a simple Tele layout with some clever under-the-hood changes and plenty of the aforementioned attitude.

Underneath the conventional alder body, you’ll find some very intriguing pickup options. A distinctive four-way switch connects two single coil pickups in series, while the S-1 switch on the volume knob inverts the phase, giving you a plethora of useful tones to choose from.

Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550

Specifications

Brand	Ibanez
Color	Road Flare Red
Top Material Type	Basswood
Body Material	Basswood
Back Material Type	Basswood
Neck Material Type	Maple/Walnut
Fretboard Material Type	Maple
Guitar Pickup Configuration	H
Hand Orientation	Right
Guitar Bridge System	Edge Locking Tremolo

There are sub-genres of guitar styles. Guitars designed for heavier types of music are arguably the most popular. This presents itself in body aesthetics, ergonomics, and hardware, with select companies – such as ESP and Schecter – dominating this sector. But it’s undoubtedly the largest name in metal guitars that we’ve chosen here, and in one of their most iconic versions.

Step forward the Ibanez RG550. The RG550, which was reissued last year and is based on an absolute icon of the genre, is developed exclusively for metal. The wafer-thin neck, locking trem, locking nut, and high-output humbuckers give this instrument everything it needs to shred.

Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS

Specifications

Brand	Fender
Color	3-tone Sunburst
Top Material Type	Alder
Body Material	Alder
Back Material Type	Alder Wood
Neck Material Type	Maple
Fretboard Material Type	Rosewood
Guitar Pickup Configuration	Combination
String Material Type	Nickel
Hand Orientation	Right

There comes a time when many players wish to diversify. To experiment with new playing, sound, or genre styles. Although it would be ideal to have a guitar designed specifically for each of these styles, it isn’t always achievable. We therefore seek a master of all trades. One such instrument is the Fender American Performer Stratocaster.

We obtain a guitar that can easily handle most musical genres by combining the advantages of a bridge humbucker with the typical single-coil Fender assault. You can achieve all the variety you could ever need by splitting the humbucker into two single coils in addition to this. And because it’s a high-end Fender, you know the sounds are all of the highest calibre. This Fender Stratocaster is unquestionably among the best ones available.

Fender American Ultra Telecaster

Specifications

Brand	Fender
Color	Ultraburst
Top Material Type	Maple, Rose Wood, Alder
Body Material	Alder
Back Material Type	Alder
Neck Material Type	Maple
Fretboard Material Type	Maple
Guitar Pickup Configuration	S
Hand Orientation	Right
Guitar Bridge System	Tremolo

To celebrate the release of its American Ultra Series in November 2019, Fender made significant alterations to its premium California-made product line, including the addition of noiseless pickups as standard, a new “Modern D” neck profile, and sculpted neck heels. In order to provide a more modern look and feel, fingerboards were modified to have a compound radius of 10″-14″, rolled edges, and medium-jumbo frets.

These were player-focused additions, as well as the best finishes we’d seen in years and the gold foil Fender logo. The Telecaster looks great with all of its expensive accessories.

The bridge pickup has a traditional Telecaster sound: it’s very bright and articulate with piercing highs and, when pushed further, it develops a wonderfully beautiful Nashville crunch. The attack is rounded out by the neck, and you can probably get the best bounce by running both pickups in parallel. The Tele’s reputation as a flexible, punchy, and impossible-to-put-down workhorse is further cemented by the S-1 Switch, which adds a little on-tap thickness and a bit more volume.

Purchase Advice for electric Guitars

One person’s “best electric guitar” may not be another’s “best electric guitar” due to the personal and subjective nature of guitar shopping. But there are several factors to think about before making a purchase that can help narrow down the options.

Even though electric guitars have advanced greatly since its inception with the Rickenbacker ‘Frying Pan’ lapsteel in 1931, vintage models are still widely played and appreciated. In 1950, Fender released the Esquire, which eventually morphed into the more popular Telecaster. In its wake, Gibson unveiled the Les Paul in 1952, and Fender unveiled the Strat the following year, in 1954. Even though there are a lot of newer brands and models available, these vintage ones are still very well liked.

Think about your goals for the electric guitar. Will you be using it for learning, or will you just want something fun to play? When you’ve been playing for a while, do you decide to upgrade? Do you have a guitar collection that you’re expanding? Do you play a variety of genres, or do you specialise in one? Finding the right electric guitar for you might be a lot easier if you ask yourself these questions beforehand.

body shape of your Electric guitar

To a considerable extent, the guitar’s body design determines how well it fits in your hands. When seated, the shape of the body affects how it rests on you; when standing, the bulk of the weight is concentrated in the legs and torso, therefore both of these factors must be taken into account.

Forms of Wood Used in Electric Guitars

The type of wood chosen has a significant impact on the guitar’s overall weight, as well as its size and design. Denser woods are generally accepted as being more durable, despite the fact that this is a topic of much debate. Gibson instruments frequently include mahogany bodies, and this wood is known for producing a tone that is slightly more subdued and warm, with particularly lovely bottom and midrange frequencies.

Alder is a popular choice for Fender guitars because wood offers a balanced tone without being overly light or dark, whereas ash is used for its characteristic brighter tone. To keep costs down, many entry-level guitars are made from basswood, which is both lightweight and readily available. Don’t let that deter you, though; the tone is clear and well-balanced overall.

Neck profile

When shopping for the ideal electric guitar, you should also think about the neck profile. The neck profile of an electric guitar can range from extremely thin (as on the Ibanez RG550) to thick (as on the ES-335), with the choice ultimately coming down to the player. Thinner necks are preferred by speedier shredders, while thicker ones are favoured by veterans of the blues and rock scenes.

When making purchases, it’s okay to rely on instinct. Everyone has had the wonderful surprise of playing a guitar they wouldn’t typically choose. Holding a nonjudgmental stance is always a good idea. Intuition can strike at any time, but especially when picking up a guitar. It defies all logic.

However, despite the importance of gut feelings, you can at least get close to the proper answer by using guides like this one. Due to the complexity of the situation, it may be difficult to determine the first step. This is only the beginning of your quest for the perfect guitar; you may find it after just a few clicks or you may need to do some more digging, but we aim to get you started.

How we test an electric guitar 

For starters, let’s talk about how well it’s constructed. Whenever we try out a new six-string, we give it a complete once over to make sure it’s rock solid in every way. If it’s made with bolts (like a Strat or Tele), we’ll check the neck joint to make sure it’s secure and free of any gaps. We’ll check that the pickups are working properly, that the volume and tone controls are silky, and that the machine heads are responsive. Afterward, we’ll inspect the guitar’s overall polish. Is the guitar finished to a reasonable standard, given its price, and are there any noticeable issues with the finish?

Gameplay is coming next. The effectiveness of the guitar’s out-of-the-box performance is being evaluated here. First and foremost, we want to make sure the neck is comfortable to hold, but we’ll also check for things like intonation problems, sharp frets, and fret height.

Last but not least, we must consider the instrument’s tone. Again, this is quite subjective, but our goal here is to determine whether or not the guitar is actually usable for its intended function. How well does a guitar that claims to be made for heavy metal actually sound? However, we will put guitars through their paces in a number of different styles just to see what they can accomplish; after all, the EMG pickups on that Flying V could be hiding a terrific blues tone!