Thinking about learning electric guitar?
It’s definitely a great decision to make as inviting music into your life is something you’ll treasure forever and learning to play the guitar is an investment that will stay with you. It’s a fulfilling experience. You’ll be amazed at how much it can enrich your life.
Electric guitars often have necks, compact bodies and, typically, steel guitar strings because they don’t rely on natural acoustics for sound production. The smaller size of a guitar can make it easier for beginners. Lighter strings, a neck and a smaller body all contribute to a learning journey.
If your goal is to become an electric guitar maestro there might be some challenges along the way. The first important step is choosing the guitar. In this discussion we’ll explore types of guitars. Then take a closer look at the top 7 electric guitars of 2023 that can kickstart your musical adventure.
Types of electric Guitars:
Electric guitars come in a range of styles and designs to cater to players of all skill levels whether you’re just starting out or a pro. Here are a few popular types to consider:
1. Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is an option known for its tones and comfortable playability. It’s favored by professionals. Serves as an excellent choice, for beginners as well. With its double cutaway design and three single coil pickups it can adapt to music genres.
2. Les Paul
Gibson’s Les Paul is another guitar renowned for its warm sound. It’s particularly beloved by rock and blues players who crave a sustained tone.
3. Telecaster
The Fender Telecaster is a no frills workhorse with its cut design and two pickups that deliver clarity and twang making it perfect for country, rock and more. Its simplicity also makes it an ideal option for beginners.
4. SG
The Gibson SG stands apart with its lightweight build featuring a sharp edged design.
When it comes to rock and metal music many players prefer this guitar model due to its access to the higher frets and its ability to produce a fiery high gain tone.
5. HollowBody
If you’re into jazz, blues or rockabilly genres you might find a hollow body guitar to be your companion. These guitars have a resonant tone that professionals in those genres particularly appreciate.
6. SuperStrat
For shredders and those who love playing solos Superstrat guitars are designed with you in mind. They usually come with humbucker pickups. Have necks for optimal performance.
7. Semi Hollow
Semi hollow electric guitars offer a combination of features from both body and hollowbody guitars. They provide a tone that appeals to professionals across musical styles.
It doesn’t matter whether you are just starting or already an experienced musician, it’s essential to select a guitar that matches your preferences and playing style. Take your time exploring options testing out guitars until you find the one that truly resonates with you. Remember, the right guitar can become your trusted companion, on your journey elevating your playing experience while inspiring your creativity.
Top 7 Electric Guitars 2023
1) Squire Affinity Series Stratocaster
The Squire Classic Vibe Stratocaster’ 50 pays homage to the Fender Stratocaster celebrating its first decade with a host of impressive features. This electric guitar boasts a vintage inspired body design that captures the essence of the Strat providing a combination of performance and style that will delight music enthusiasts.
Whether you are an experienced or a beginner this guitar is going to help you produce inspiring music and you can tap into timeless tones which makes this electric guitar a timeless piece which is worth buying.
Noteworthy Features:
A. Fender Designed Single Coil Alnico Pickups.
Equipped with three fender designed alnico single coil pickups this guitar produces timeless and distinctive stratocaster tones. These pickups effortlessly deliver those strat sounds you love.
B. Versatile 5 way blade switch
The blade switch allows for a range of possibilities from sparkling clean tones to soaring leads. This switching system unlocks the sonic potential of the guitar accommodating various playing styles.
C. C-Shaped maple Neck
The Stratocasters neck is designed in a C shape made of maple which ensures the effortless playability that Stratocasters are known for.
D. Scale Length of 25.5”
With its 25.5″ scale length this guitar guarantees intonation and precise note articulation across the entire fretboard.
E. Fingerboard
Featuring a fingerboard, with 21 frets and a 9.5″ radius this guitar offers a playing experience that allows for bending of notes while maintaining the classic Strat feel.
F. Upgraded 1.65″ Bone Nut
An upgraded feature of the Classic Vibe Stratocaster ’50s is its 1.65″ bone nut, which enhances string to body resonance. This improvement contributes to sustain and overall tonal richness. Something not commonly found in guitars at this price range.
a) Narrow Tall Frets
The guitar also boasts 21 frets providing a comfortable surface, for smooth bends and precise intonation adjustments
b) Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo
Equipped with a Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo this guitar enables you to add vibrato and dive bomb effects to your playing expanding your possibilities even further.
2) Fender Player Series Stratocaster
The Fender Player Series guitars are a perfect fusion of the classic and contemporary where the iconic heritage of the Fender Player Series has fulfilled the desires of many famous musicians. The accurate body shape, vintage inspiring finish and the reintroduction of classic logo makes the guitar looks extremely stunning.
It has a 22 fret neck which is highly versatile and the upgraded bridges for improved sustenance makes it a unique choice. You can faithfully recreate the legendary Fender sound. These guitars are not just steeped in tradition but are poised to meet the evolving needs of modern players.
A. Accurate Body Shape:
Throughout their history Fender has put effort into refining the radii and body shapes of their instruments to accurately capture the essence of their designs. As a result they have created guitars that pay homage to Fenders rich heritage.
B. Vintage Inspired Finish
The Player Series guitars are adorned with finishes that draw inspiration from aesthetics. These finishes not invoke a sense of nostalgia but provide an eye-catching appearance showcasing Fender’s commitment to reviving the timeless beauty of their instruments.
C. Classic Logo
To transport players back in time and evoke a connection with Fenders past the classic logo has been reinstated. This iconic emblem serves as a tribute to the brand’s heritage creating a bridge between eras and the present.
D. 22-Fret Necks
Acknowledging playing preferences the Player Series guitars now feature 22 fret necks. This extended range offers guitarists flexibility for exploring musical styles and lead playing catering to contemporary musicians.
E. Upgraded Bridges
In order to enhance sustain and clarity in your notes Fender has incorporated upgraded bridges into the Player Series guitars. With these improvements, in bridge design your playing will be more expressive as your notes resonate with clarity and sustain.
F. Alnico 5 Pickups
The core of every guitar resides in its pickups and the Player Series surpasses expectations, in this regard. With the inclusion of cutting edge Alnico 5 pickups these guitars emit the timeless Fender sound effortlessly. Whether you desire tones or crave the iconic gritty overdriven sound these pickups certainly deliver exceptional results.
3) Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster
The Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Thinline ’60s is a guitar that combines the timeless aesthetics of the pat with playability. It has left an incredible mark on the world of music. The guitar parts are beautifully built and it pays homage to the iconic ’60s Telecaster while offering affordability and contemporary performance. Whether you’re a musician, in search of that Telecaster sound or a beginner looking for a great starting point in the world of electric guitars this Telecaster is an excellent choice. It captures the essence of an era while providing all the conveniences of today.
A. Chambered Nato Body
The body of this guitar is crafted from resonant nato wood allowing it to produce those classic Telecaster tones. With its polyurethane finish and a single F hole it has an appearance that brings back the vibes of the ’60s.
B. 4 Ply Pearloid Pickguard
Adding both charm and protecting your guitar there’s a 4 ply pearloid pickguard, on this model. It not showcases its design but also ensures your instrument stays safe.
C. Fender Designed Alnico Single Coil Pickups
At the heart of this Telecaster are Fender designed alnico single coil pickups. These pickups faithfully reproduce that Tele twang, delivering lively tones. From country and blues to jazz, rock and pop this versatile guitar covers a range of possibilities.
D. Classic 60’s Vibes
The Classic Vibe Telecaster Thinline ’60s captures the essence of the 1960s with its vibes. It comes with a maple neck, in a “C” profile a fingerboard with dot inlays and a 9.5″ radius for playability.
E. Timeless Hardware
Featuring timeless hardware this Telecaster has a 3 saddle string, through body bridge and vintage style tuners that ensure notes and solid tuning stability. The 1.65″ bone nut enhances the guitar’s resonance and sustain.
F. User Friendly Controls
With user controls including a 3 way pickup selector, master Volume and Tone controls shaping your sound becomes effortless. You’ll have the flexibility to explore a range of tones.
4) Epiphone Les Paul Classic
A timeless icon with modern versatility is Epiphone Les Paul Classic. Whether it is the guitar bridge, the tailpiece, or the strings, the beautiful design has captivated the musicians for decades. The Epiphone Les Paul Classic strikes the balance between timeless aesthetics and modern features offering guitar enthusiasts a combination of style and playability at an affordable price. Here’s why this guitar has gained such a reputation;
A. A Harmonious Blend of Tonewoods
The Les Paul Classic boasts a matched tonewood combination featuring a mahogany body and a maple top. The mahogany body adds warmth and depth to the resonance while the maple top brings clarity, definition and a touch of sparkle to the high end frequencies. This combination creates a range of tones that can suit musical genres. Adding to its richness is the SlimTaper mahogany neck, complemented by a laurel fingerboard that adds brilliance and vibrant overtones.
B. Impressive Alnico Classic PRO Pickups
One standout feature of the Epiphone Les Paul Classic is its Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. These pickups are loaded with Alnico V magnets enhancing midrange frequencies and delivering growling tones, shimmering cleans and warm jazz sounds that have made the Les Paul guitar iconic among rock and blues players. Additionally this guitar offers coil splitting and phase switching options providing musicians with a palette for exploration.
C. Premium Hardware and Electronics
This guitar is designed with performance in mind and its hardware and electronics package reflects that. It features a stopbar tailpiece, LockTone Tune o bridge and kidney style tuners to ensure reliable tuning stability even during intense playing sessions. The high quality CTS electronics enhance the character of this instrument making it a versatile and dependable choice for guitarists of all skill levels.
D. A Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend
Les Paul is a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll that has made an impact on the music industry. Renowned musicians such as Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Slash and many others have used Les Paul to create their sounds. Whether it’s warm and rich blues tones or blistering rock riffs and solos the Les Paul has proven its adaptability, across genres.
5) Gibson Les paul Tribute
If you’ve ever had the dream of adding a timeless Les Paul guitar to your collection without spending a fortune then look no further than the Gibson Les Paul Tribute. This guitar pays tribute to the instrument that changed the face of rock music while incorporating some updates. Featuring a balanced combination of tonewoods, a neck profile that provides comfort, versatile 490 humbucking pickups and vintage style hardware, the Les Paul Tribute offers a Les Paul experience at an affordable price.
Once you hold it in your hands you’ll understand why this legendary instrument has captured the hearts of musicians worldwide since its creation. Here’s what makes the Les Paul Tribute stand out:
A. Superb Resonance and Lightweight Build
The Les Paul Tribute boasts a weight relieved mahogany body topped with maple. This combination not only delivers resonance but also ensures a lightweight feel making it comfortable, for long playing sessions. The stunning satin nitrocellulose finish allows the natural beauty of these tonewoods to shine through enhancing the guitar’s appeal.
B. Timeless Neck Design
A smooth maple neck adorned with a rosewood fingerboard provides that classic Les Paul feel and response that players have adored for decades. The rounded neck profile guarantees comfort whether you’re shredding lead runs or strumming chords across the fretboard. With 22 jumbo frets and an ultra smooth playing surface offered by the rosewood fingerboard fretting becomes effortless and playing becomes incredibly enjoyable.
C. 490 Humbucking Pickups
The Gibson Les Paul Tribute features a pair of 490 humbucking pickups, which have been carefully designed to capture the timeless PAF (Patent Applied For) tone. These pickups deliver a sound, with a boost in the upper mid frequencies resulting in clarity and definition that is perfect for both rhythmic chord work and soaring lead solos. The bridge position humbucker, known as the 490T is particularly great when you want to add some midrange and high end punch to your sound. With a 3 way pickup selector and independent tone controls you’ll have a range of possibilities right at your fingertips.
D. Weight relief System
To ensure comfort during those playing sessions Gibson has incorporated a weight relief system into the Les Paul Tribute. This system selectively removes sections of the body to reduce weight without sacrificing any of the guitar’s tone or resonance. As a result you can play for hours without straining your back or getting fatigued.
In terms of sustain the Nashville Tune o matic bridge paired with a stopbar guitar tailpiece not ensures rock tuning stability but also delivers that vintage Les Paul sustain that has made this guitar an enduring favorite among musicians.
6) Gibson Les Paul Standard 60’s Spec
With its crafted maple top and a wide range of high quality features the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Spec is ready to deliver timeless rock tones. This guitar comes equipped with 60s Burstbucker pickups and handwired electronics offering a selection of possibilities.
In addition to its sound it provides effortless playability thanks to its slim and smooth SlimTaper profile neck and a luxurious rosewood fingerboard, with expertly Plek’d frets. If you’ve been searching for a Les Paul that captures the smoothness of the ’60s while incorporating premium details your search ends here. The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Spec is the guitar you’ve been patiently waiting for.
A. 60s Burstbucker pickups:
The Les Paul Standard stands out with its 60s Burstbucker pickups, which are carefully designed to capture the vintage humbucker tone of the Patent Applied For (PAF) era. These pickups feature windings on the bobbins ensuring that you can truly experience the distinct character of a humbucker. When you plug in and play through your amplifier you’ll be delighted by the low end response, captivating midrange crunch and delightful highs.
B. Perfect Fit
Gibson put a lot of thought into making the Les Paul Standard ’60s Spec easy to play. The SlimTaper neck profile is perfectly shaped to fit comfortably in your hand providing a grip. The rosewood fingerboard is meticulously crafted for a texture and has rolled edges to prevent any fret ends from interfering with your playing.
C. Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
For a vintage look the Les Paul Standard ’60s Spec features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish that harkens back to classic finishes of yesteryears. Nitro finishes are thinner than polyurethane finishes allowing the guitar to “breathe” freely. Not all nitro finishes look exceptional. They also contribute to enhancing the instrument’s tonal characteristics. This guitar offers both charm and an inviting feel that will only grow more appealing, over time.
D. Other Features at a Glance
The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Spec boasts a mahogany body, with an AA figured maple top, coated in a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Its mahogany neck features a SlimTaper profile. Is also finished in gloss nitro. The rosewood fingerboard has a 12″ radius and stylish acrylic inlays. For playability the frets have undergone the Plek Pro treatment. With a scale length of 24.75″ and 22 medium jumbo frets this guitar offers performance.
Equipped with 60s Burstbucker humbuckers the electronics of this model feature Orange Drop capacitors for tone control. You can select from three pickup options using the 3 way pickup selector switch while each pickup has its volume and tone controls for precise adjustments. The ABR 1 Tune o matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensure tuning stability.
With its Gibson formula Graph Tech nut measuring at 1.695″ this guitar guarantees string spacing and tension. Additionally it is equipped with Grover Rotomatic tuning machines for accurate tuning adjustments. Lastly it features a single action rod for neck adjustments.
Overall the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s Spec combines high quality craftsmanship, with design elements to deliver playability and tonal versatility.
7) Gretsch Centerblock Jr
bbThe Gretsch Electromatic G5655TG Center Block Jr. Is more than a guitar; it’s a piece that combines captivating aesthetics with an impressive tonal range that will surely captivate any musician. Whether you’re a player or a budding guitarist this Gretsch model offers a blend of vintage elegance and modern performance making it an exceptional addition to any collection.
A. Versatile Tonal Range with Black Top Broad’Trons
The standout feature of the Gretsch G5655TG lies in its pair of Black Top Broad’Tron humbuckers, which deliver an extensive range like no other. The bridge pickup provides a punch and twang favored by blues guitarists who adore Electromatic models. On the hand the neck position Broad Tron delivers dazzling highs combined with low end punch and clarity. These pickups work harmoniously to offer versatility for anything from rock to jazz tones.
B. Enhanced Tone with Long Spruce Center Block
The G5655TG boasts a spruce center block that adds value to your tonal experience. Spanning the length of the body this center block prevents frequency feedback in the otherwise hollow body design. With this feature you can confidently push your limits with increased gain without worrying about squeals, from your amplifier.
Spruce, known for its qualities, combined with the center block enhances the clarity and definition of individual notes making the G5655TG an excellent choice, for both clean and overdriven tones.
C. Bigsby B70 Tailpiece for Vibrato Action
The inclusion of a Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece adds a unique character and vintage vibe to the G5655TG. Achieving extended bends becomes effortless with the Bigsby licensed B70 vibrato. The Bigsby is widely recognized as one of the vibrato systems in guitar history valued for its seamless operation and impeccable intonation. It has gained a following due to its sound. When you’re looking for that Bigsby sound there’s no substitute; the G5655TG delivers the deal.
Final Words:
Guitars are a subjective thing and what one player may think special about a guitar, the other one may not think so and completely despise it. These are the top 7 electric guitars that you can think of purchasing and as per your experience you can make a decent choice. The best thing about these guitars is that they are highly durable and if you need to replace some guitar parts in the coming years then you can consider checking online guitar parts for your electric guitar. It is because guitars can wear and tear with the use and time. Do, consider the features when purchasing your guitar and you will definitely make a decent choice.
