We are about to review the best electric guitar under $300. But, before diving into the review, we think that it’s essential to understand what an electric guitar is, how it works, the primary differences between it and an acoustic guitar, its main components, body types, and more.
Now, we are highlighting these issues step by step below, with some product reviews.
What is an electric guitar?
An electric guitar refers to a musical instrument that needs outside electric sound amplification for hearing at normal performance volumes, as opposed to a standard acoustic guitar. Indeed, it utilizes one or more pickups to transmute the vibration of its strings into electrical signals, ultimately regenerated as sound by loudspeakers.
How an electric guitar works
Depending on the principle of electromagnetic induction, the process of producing sound in electric guitars runs.
- When you pluck a metal string, it creates a vibration over the pickups that are magnets tucked in a coil of copper wire.
- This tremble disrupts the magnetic field of the pickup.
- In the copper wire, this disruption causes a small electrical current. The amplitude and frequency of this current correspond to the vibration of the wire.
- The poor electrical signal moves from the output jack of the guitar to an amplifier through a cable.
- Ultimately, the amplifier increments the power of the signal and turns it into audible sound waves via its speakers.
Top 5 Best Electric Guitar under $300 reviews
1. LyxPro Electric Guitar under $300 Kit Bundle (EGBK39BL)
You want a beginner, complete, and ready-to-play electric guitar package. Okay, you can select the EGBK39BL from the LyxPro. Hopefully, it will not disappoint you.
If you want to practice for long sessions, its compatible design will ensure your comfort, whether you’re an adult or a young learner.
The package adds a cable, amplifier, strap, extra strings, and picks. Indeed, this inclusion provides you with everything needed to begin playing immediately.
This model features a smooth maple neck and a comfortable fretboard that allows you to easily shift chords and produce notes clearly for beautiful sound quality.
For practice sessions, the added amplifier gives an elegant sound. But for larger performance settings, its volume might not be sufficient.
Pros:
- Entirely beginner bundle
- Comy design
- Best performance for the price
Cons:
- Professionals might not pick it.
2. Best Choice Products Beginner Electric Guitar under $300 (SKY1032)
This product is a fantastic addition to the electric guitar field. Indeed, the company has introduced this model with novices’ needs in mind.
You will find that its full-size structure confirms technique development and perfect posture. It delivers a lightweight feel when you play for long practice sessions.
This package makes your instant playing wish possible because it includes a strap, an ampifier, extra strings, and picks.
It has a smooth fretboard to make chord transitions cozy. Also, the tone of the instrument is balanced for casual or practice.
The provided amplifier offers the best performance for a learning atmosphere. But it is not the best for stage performance.
Pros:
- Appealing design
- Entirely beginner package
- Lovely sound and tone
Cons:
- Less amplifier power for live performance
3. GLARRY 39″ Full Size Electric Guitar (gl-ST)
If you look for a budget-friendly instrument, the gl-ST from GLARRY will be perfect. The company has designed it to aim at beginners and practice-focused musicians.
This model features a 39-inch full-size body, crafted using proper technique development. But it remains light enough for extended practice.
The bundle offers essential accessories, such as a strap, amplifier, cable, and picks, which are an entirely beginner-friendly solution.
Also, it has a cozy maple neck to help with smooth chord transitions. In contrast, you will find a fantastic fingerboard to promote easy learning and reliable playability.
Moreover, the gl-ST delivers bright melodies that are suitable for practice. But seasoned and professional players might consider the sound limited.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly instrument
- Lightweight construction
- A complete beginner kit
Cons:
- Expert players might not be satisfied with its tonal range.
4. Electric Guitar From Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster (0378003502)
You will enjoy a classic design from the Squier Affinity Stratocaster at an accessible price. Also, it has a smooth construction to create an appeal to beginners and hobbyists.
You will get a poplar body with a smooth maple neck. Honestly, this design offers reliable durability and a comfortable playing feel.
This model is equipped with single-coil pickups. As a result, you can taste versatile tones by playing this instrument from bright cleans to gritty rock textures.
Handling for you will be easy due to its lightweight structure. Moreover, the Squier Affinity comes with a C-shaped neck to support the smooth chord transitions.
Pros:
- Versatile tone options
- lightweight body
- Dazzling design
Cons:
- Tuning stability should be better.
5. Ibanez (GRGM21MCA) 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar under $300
The GRGM21MCA from the Ibanez provides fast playability and bold tone, though it has a smaller and lightweight body. Indeed, the company had designed it for beginners and traveling musicians without compromising its quality.
You will find a poplar body, maple neck, and smooth jatoba fretboard to ensure crisp vibration and balanced tone. Also, it has dual Infinity humbuckers, which have punchy output.
Although you will notice it has a 22.2″ compact scale, the GRGM21MCA delivers precise intonation and remarkable comfort. Honestly, it proves that you will not always need a full-size for a great tone.
Pros:
- Sleek fret action
- Stunning build quality
- Crisp tone
Cons:
- The tone is not diverse.
Main parts of an electric guitar
- Body: The body consists of the main solid or semi-hollow wooden part of the musical instrument.
- Neck and fretboard: The long wooden neck holds a fingerboard with metal frets on which the player presses the strings to alter the pitch.
- Headstock: It is placed at the end of the neck, and you will also find the tuning pegs here.
- Pickups: You’ll look at a magnetic device installed on the body to turn string vibrations into an electrical signal. The single-coil and humbucker are the most common types of pickups.
- Bridge: The strings anchor to the body of the guitar. You’ll find some bridges with a vibrato arm or “whammy bar,” for pitch effects.
- Controls: To adjust volume and tone, there are knobs on guitars. Also, a selector switch remains to choose the active pickups.
- Output jack: The instrument has an output jack, known as a port to connect the cable to the amplifier.
Body Types of Electric Guitars
You’ll find an electric guitar in three primary body styles. Each offers different characteristics and tones.
Solid body: The type is the most common. These are crafted from a solid slab of wood. You will notice that they have less feedback-prone and provide a wider variety of tonal options because they have no hollow chambers.
Hollow-body: The companies design these types with fully hollow chambers, similar to acoustic guitars. In truth, these models produce a deep, resonant sound, but are more susceptible to feedback at high volumes. Blues and jazz musicians prefer them most.
Semi-hollow body: In the middle, you will notice hollow wings with a solid block of wood in this type of guitar. Honestly, it delivers a resonant and warm melody. But it resists feedback at higher volumes.
Main Traits and Uses of an Electric Guitar
- Electric guitars let musicians perform at loud volumes. Consequently, they become ideal for concerts and bands.
- These instruments alter electrical signals using amp settings or effects pedals, which ultimately allows players to create a wide range of sounds and sonic textures.
- Like rock, blues, and jazz, Guitarists can produce various sounds using these instruments.
Distinctions between an acoustic and an electric guitar
Body Build: Most electric guitars are available in solid bodies that aid in resisting unexpected feedback at high volumes. In reverse, acoustic ones remain hollow.
Amplification: Without an amplifier, electric guitars remain nearly silent. On the contrary, due to the hollow body, acoustic guitars are capable of amplifying their sound.
Playability: An electric guitar contains light-gauge strings and low action, and it’s the distinction between the strings and the fretboard. Thus, it becomes easier to press down and play for new players than an acoustic guitar.
Versatility: You will find a vast range of tonal options in electric ones. So, you can utilize effects pedals and different amplifier settings more than with an acoustic guitar.
Consider the following things to choose the best electric guitar under $300
While buying an electric guitar under $300, consider the combination of build, tone, and long-term usability that makes the instrument stand out from others, without focusing on flashy extras. We highlight the following things that you can consider.
Solid Fundamental Construction: In truth, the well-construction is the first step for musical instruments. In terms of electric guitars, body materials, a straight neck, and well-finished frets are valuable, as well as hardware that keeps the instrument in tune.
Improved wiring and pickups: Sometimes, if the manufacturer uses clean wiring, the pots are elegant, and you don’t find any signal loss or crackling, midrange single coils or humbuckers can produce better sound.
Cozy playability: Manageable scale length, low action, and minimal buzzing or fret issues will make your playing comfortable, and above all, the neck profile that suits your hand.
Versatility: It is another quality of an instrument that helps musicians to play it versatilely.
Upgradeable parts: Consider the upgradeable components, such as tuners and nuts. Your subsequent upgrade will become affordable and easier if they stay decent from day one.
Final Note: Best Electric Guitar under $300
Everything must come to an end, so we have also come to the end of this guide. We have highlighted the possible essential things about the best electric guitar. However, you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.