How to find the perfect electric guitar

No matter how great the fascination for the instrument electric guitar is, choosing between all the different types, colors, and shapes can be difficult. In this blog post, we explain how to find the perfect electric guitar and what beginners should particularly pay attention to when buying their first guitar.

You want to start playing guitar but don’t know which one to choose?

You are not alone with this question. In this article, we want to give you an overview of how to make the right choice for your needs and skill level. Choosing a suitable beginner electric guitar can be challenging. Besides finding your own musical style, there is also a huge selection of different models. Deciding on a specific electric guitar can be difficult at first.

To make your search easier, we have categorized different types of electric guitars by music genre. If you already know which genre you like best, the following overview might help you further.

Categorization of electric guitar types by music styles:

1. Rock & Metal Music

The most popular rock and metal electric guitars:

• LP Style
• SG Style
• Flying V & Explorer
• Baritone Electric Guitars
• 7- and 8-string guitars

Rock and metal fans especially love the powerful tones and aggressiveness that electric guitars convey. While some models sound warm and powerful, mainly used in rock music, others are more aggressive and sharp, making them perfect for metal.

The LP-style electric guitar is preferred for rock and blues, with its warm tones embodying the power and drive of these genres. SG-style guitars sound more aggressive, making them suitable for both rock and metal. The Flying V and Explorer guitars are even more aggressive in tone and are mainly used in metal, also impressing with their futuristic designs. Baritone guitars, with their deep tones, are ideal for darker sounds in metal and djent music. 7-, 8-, and even 9-string guitars are widely used in metal and progressive music, providing extended tonal ranges to create the unique sounds of these genres. These guitars are specifically designed for metal and progressive music, making rock and metal fans' hearts beat faster.

2. Jazz and Blues Guitars

The most popular electric guitars for jazz & blues:

• Semi-hollow electric guitars
• Full-hollow electric guitars
• Strat Style

Rhythm and groove in jazz and blues music bring people of all generations together. Improvisation and versatility are highly valued and characteristic of these genres. Equally characteristic are the warm tones of the guitars played here. Semi-hollow guitars produce warm, resonant tones, while full-hollow guitars sound rich and acoustic. Strat-style guitars are loved for their versatility.

3. Alternative and Indie Rock Electric Guitars

The most popular guitars for alternative & indie rock:

• 6-string guitars
• 12-string guitars
• Tele Style

Rich tones are essential for guitarists playing alternative or indie rock. Besides various designs, these models offer the twangy sounds typical of the genre. 6-string guitars allow for individual sounds. The 12-string guitar produces especially full and rich tones, making it popular in folk, rock, and alternative music. For country music, Tele-style guitars are recommended for their characteristic twangy sound.

Progressive and Experimental Music

The most popular guitars for progressive and experimental music:

• PRS Style
• 9-string guitars

These genres require versatile and unique tones. PRS-style guitars are known for their adaptability and can be used across genres, while 9-string guitars provide extended tonal ranges, making them suitable for metal and progressive music.

Electric Guitars for Beginners

Choosing an electric guitar for beginners can seem especially difficult at first. The vast variety of types, designs, and builds can be overwhelming. That’s why getting a beginner-friendly guitar can be a smart first step.

Electric Guitars for Kids and Teenagers

There are special models designed for children and teenagers in terms of size, weight, and budget, making it easier for young learners. Their smaller size, lighter weight, and thinner necks make them more comfortable to play. Electric guitars for kids and teenagers are easier to handle and have strings that are easier to press. Design options are not limited either—there’s a model for every favorite color, and even special designs for little metal fans. There are also bundles and starter sets that make entry into playing electric guitar affordable and convenient.

Beginner Electric Guitars for Adults

Not only for younger rock fans, but also for adults, there are beginner-friendly electric guitars. While there are no specifically designed adult beginner models, some guitars are easier to play thanks to their build. We recommend Strat-style and Tele-style guitars for their comfortable necks and versatile playability. Their beginner-friendly design makes it easier to learn chords, which can take some practice initially. Both are versatile, making them excellent choices for learning the instrument.

Ways to Get Your First Electric Guitar on a Budget

The selection of great models is endless. While the excitement of learning to play is high, budget is an important factor for many beginners. To reduce the investment risk early on, you can opt for used instruments and accessories. Guitar bundles or sets are another way to get all the necessary gear for less. You can also find deals in our special offers section to make starting your new hobby more affordable.

Other Important Criteria for a Beginner Electric Guitar

Aside from build and budget, there are other aspects that make a guitar beginner-friendly. Beginners should keep these in mind when making their choice.

We recommend guitars with humbucker pickups for beginners. These pickups are less prone to noise and feedback. Learning should be enjoyable, without technical problems causing frustration. Humbuckers produce a powerful, full sound, making playing even more fun for beginners.

It's also important to choose a guitar with simple controls and low maintenance needs. The focus during learning should be on playing, allowing you to concentrate on progress and celebrate early successes.

Essential Accessories for an Electric Guitar

Unlike acoustic guitars, electric guitars require additional accessories to be played. But which are absolutely necessary for beginners?

To make the guitar audible, an amplifier is essential. Choose one that matches your guitar type. A good-quality cable is necessary to connect the guitar to the amp, as cheap cables can cause signal loss. We recommend spare strings and tools like a string cutter or winder for easy string changes. Picks (plectrums) of various sizes and thicknesses are needed to play the strings, depending on your style. A comfortable guitar strap is crucial for stability while playing. A tuner, such as a clip-on tuner or smartphone app, is also recommended. While not essential, a wall mount or stand is popular for safe and stylish storage of your guitar.

5 Important Tips for Buying Your First Electric Guitar

To make the right choice, we’ve prepared a checklist with the most important aspects and tips for buying your first guitar. Whether it’s your first guitar or your third, these tips should always be considered. Choosing can be more challenging than expected, so take your time to make the right decision.

Here are 5 key tips for buying your electric guitar:

1. Determine your music style

What music do you want to play? This is the first question you should ask yourself. As described above, there are specific guitar types for almost every genre, each with its own sound. If you’re unsure of your favorite style yet, choose a versatile model.

2. Set a budget

Budget plays a major role in purchasing a guitar. There’s a model for nearly every price range, and narrowing down choices by budget is a great first step.

3. Get expert advice

While blogs and videos can help, personal advice is invaluable. Visit a music store like Zoundhouse or ask your guitar teacher. Experts can give tailored recommendations and helpful tips for your decision.

4. Try different models

Even if the guitars in our online shop look appealing, we recommend trying them in a store. This way, you can feel what’s comfortable and assess the sound. Choosing a guitar you can hold and play comfortably is key. Playability and sound are crucial.

5. Don’t forget the accessories

Buying a guitar also means buying necessary accessories. A gig bag for transport and a tuner are essential. You’ll also need an amp, cables, and picks. Guitar starter sets can make it easier to get everything you need to start playing right away.

Find the Perfect Electric Guitar at Zoundhouse

As experts in electric guitars and the largest music store in Saxony, we offer a wide selection of different guitar types, brands, and high-quality accessories. From Strat-style to Flying V, we have everything electric guitar lovers dream of. We offer quality models for every budget and provide individual advice to help you find the perfect guitar for your needs.

We highly recommend holding a guitar before buying, so we warmly invite you to visit our store. Our team is also available by phone or email for questions about guitars and accessories. If you prefer ordering online, we offer free shipping from €28 and a 30-day return policy, allowing you to buy your dream guitar risk-free and have it delivered to your door.

Buy your electric guitar now at Zoundhouse!