first guitar electric: beginner picks and how to choose

If you're shopping for a first guitar electric, the short answer is a complete beginner kit with an amp if you want to start this week, and a brand-name model like a Squier if you can wait and want a guitar you're less likely to outgrow. Our top pick for a kit is the Leo Jaymz 39-inch kit with a portable amplifier, which has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon from 199 ratings. If you need the lowest price, the ZENY 39-inch full-size kit with amp is the alternative. We may earn a commission on Amazon links, and the price you pay does not change.

How we researched

We read the seven top search results for this topic, which include ranking articles, a manufacturer collection page and an owner discussion thread. We checked the specifications and feature claims they give and kept only the ones they state. We also looked at the Amazon listings for beginner electric guitar kits, using their star ratings, rating counts and price tiers as listed. Nothing was tested hands-on. This guide compares products using manufacturer specifications, current Amazon listings and owner reviews; we did not test them hands-on.

What matters most in a first electric

We weighted the criteria in this order.

1. Playability. Peach Guitars says comfort is often more important than tone in the early stages, and that a guitar that is too heavy or awkward is less likely to be played regularly. Check that the neck feels right and that the strings are not hard to press down.
2. Build quality. Mastering Box warns that cheap components and no-name clones can start to fall apart, with knobs loosening and pickups failing. Their rule of thumb is that if you can't easily research a guitar, it probably isn't worth buying.
3. Pickups that match your music. Mastering Box explains that single-coils tend to be noisier but brighter and clearer, while humbuckers don't hum as much and usually sound thicker and warmer. Blues and country players often lean toward single-coils, and rock and metal players often prefer humbuckers.
4. Total cost. A guitar needs an amp and a cable. Peach Guitars notes that starter bundles are convenient but says to check the quality of each component, since a slightly better guitar and amp bought separately can be the better deal.

Quick comparison

Leo Jaymz 39-inch kit with portable amplifier

This is our top pick for a kit. It suits a beginner who wants everything in one box and a small amp that can move around the house. The listing shows a 4.7-star average from 199 ratings, which is a strong score, though the sample is smaller than the other kits. The main drawback is that the amp's power and features are not given in the material we checked, so read the listing carefully before you buy. You can see the listing here: Leo Jaymz Beginner Electric Guitar 39-inch Kit with Portable Amplifier.

DONNER DST-80 beginner kit with amp

This kit suits a buyer who wants an amp included and a product that other shoppers are buying right now. The listing shows 600-plus units bought in the past month, a 4.5-star rating from 399 ratings, and a price tier of $100 to $300. The drawback is that its rating rests on fewer reviews than the ZENY kit, and the listing does not state the pickup type, so check that if tone matters to you. Listing: DONNER DST-80 Beginner Electric Guitar Kit with Amp.

ZENY 39-inch full-size kit with amp

This is the budget choice. It sits in the under $100 tier, and its 4.5-star rating comes from about 4,000 ratings, the largest sample of the three. That volume suggests many owners have bought it, but the ratings alone don't tell us what they liked or disliked, and the listing does not state the pickup type. Choose it if your budget is firm and you accept that a cheaper kit may need an early setup check. Listing: ZENY 39-inch Full Size Electric Guitar with Amp.

Squier Sonic Stratocaster: the brand-name option

If you want a brand you can research easily, Musician Goods names the Squier Sonic Stratocaster best overall for absolute beginners. Fender's own beginner collection describes its models as its most beginner-friendly. We did not find a current listing for this guitar in the Amazon data we checked, so we give no price or rating for it. Expect to buy an amp separately. Check the current price on the manufacturer's site before you buy.

How to choose

• If you want to start this week with one purchase, pick a kit with an amp, such as the Leo Jaymz or DONNER.
• If your budget is under $100, the ZENY is the full-size kit in that tier, but confirm the pickups and build on the listing first.
• If you want a guitar you won't outgrow, consider a brand-name model like the Squier Sonic Stratocaster and buy a separate amp.
• If you play heavier music, look for humbuckers in the specs, since none of the kit listings we checked state the pickup type.
• If you want to play bass, see our guide to Best Beginner Electric Bass Guitar: Picks by Budget.

Skip the kits if you already have an amp you like and want a guitar with better components. Skip the cheapest no-name option if you cannot find its brand or build details.

FAQ

The history questions people ask, such as who came first, Les Paul or Fender, are not covered by the sources we checked, so we leave them out.

Should my first guitar be a kit or a single guitar?

A kit is the simplest start because it includes an amp and accessories. Peach Guitars recommends checking each component's quality, because a bundle can hide weak parts. If you can afford it, buying a better guitar and a separate amp is often the wiser path.

Single-coil or humbucker for a beginner?

It depends on the music you want to play. Single-coils suit blues and country, and humbuckers suit rock and metal, according to Mastering Box.

Do owners agree on a first guitar?

Not entirely, but a Reddit thread on first guitars repeats common advice: choose a reputable brand, and pick a color and shape you love, since you will want to keep playing.

Conclusion

For most beginners, the best first guitar electric is the one you will pick up often. Start with the Leo Jaymz kit if you want a portable amp, the ZENY if your budget is tight, or a Squier if you can add an amp later. Check pickups, build and the amp's specs before you buy.

Sources

• Your First Electric Guitar: A Guide for Beginners
• What Is The Best Electric Guitar For Beginners?
• Best Electric Guitars for Beginners 2026: 7 Honest Picks
• Beginner Electric Guitars & Basses
• First guitar for a total newbie?