Top 5 Best Electric Guitars under $400: Great Quality and Affordable Prices!

Discover the best electric guitar under $400 for beginners and experienced players. Explore top-rated models with great sound, quality, and value.

If you're a beginner or an intermediate player looking for the best electric guitar under $400, you've come to the right place. There are plenty of options available in this price range that offer excellent sound quality, playability, and durability. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a great guitar that meets your needs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the top electric guitars in this price range, their features, advantages, and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to buying your next guitar.

First up on our list is the Squier Affinity Telecaster. This guitar is one of the most popular and affordable electric guitars out there, and for good reason. The Squier Affinity Telecaster delivers a classic Telecaster sound and feel at a fraction of the cost of its higher-end counterparts. It features a lightweight alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, which gives it a smooth and comfortable playing experience. With its two single-coil pickups, you'll get that classic twangy Telecaster sound that's perfect for country, blues, and rock music.

Another great option is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. This guitar is a budget-friendly version of the iconic Gibson Les Paul and offers a lot of value for its price. The Epiphone Les Paul Special II features a mahogany body with a maple top, a bolt-on mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has two humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and full-bodied tone that's perfect for heavy rock and metal music.

If you're looking for a guitar that's versatile and can handle a wide range of genres, then the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX is worth considering. This guitar features a solid agathis body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has three single-coil pickups that offer a lot of tonal variety. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or jazz, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX can handle it all.

The Ibanez GRX20Z is another excellent option that offers a lot of value for its price. This guitar features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has two humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and punchy tone that's perfect for heavy rock and metal music. The Ibanez GRX20Z has a sleek and stylish design that's sure to turn heads.

If you're a fan of Fender guitars but don't want to break the bank, then the Fender Squier Bullet Stratocaster is a great choice. This guitar features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has three single-coil pickups that deliver that classic Stratocaster sound that's perfect for blues, rock, and pop music. With its slim and comfortable neck, you'll enjoy playing this guitar for hours on end.

For those who prefer a more modern and edgy look, the ESP LTD EC-10 is a great choice. This guitar features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has two humbucker pickups that deliver a thick and heavy tone that's perfect for metal and hard rock music. The ESP LTD EC-10 has a sleek and aggressive design that's sure to impress.

If you're looking for a guitar that's easy to play and ideal for beginners, then the Jasmine S35 is worth considering. This acoustic guitar features a spruce top, a nato back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard. It's a well-built guitar that offers a warm and balanced sound that's perfect for folk, country, and blues music.

The Epiphone SG Special is another great option that offers a lot of value for its price. This guitar features a mahogany body, a bolt-on mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has two humbucker pickups that deliver a fat and full-bodied tone that's perfect for rock and metal music. The Epiphone SG Special has a classic design that's sure to appeal to fans of Gibson guitars.

If you're looking for a guitar that's perfect for shredding and playing fast leads, then the Jackson JS22 Dinky is a great choice. This guitar features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has two high-output humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and articulate tone that's perfect for metal and hard rock music. The Jackson JS22 Dinky has a slim and fast neck that makes it easy to play fast and intricate solos.

Last but not least on our list is the Dean Vendetta XM. This guitar features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has two high-output humbucker pickups that deliver a thick and heavy tone that's perfect for metal and hard rock music. The Dean Vendetta XM has a sleek and modern design that's sure to turn heads.

In conclusion, there are plenty of options available when it comes to finding the best electric guitar under $400. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, there's a guitar out there that will meet your needs and budget. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect guitar for you. Happy playing!

Introduction

Electric guitars are a popular choice for musicians who want to create unique sounds and explore new genres. However, choosing the right electric guitar can be a daunting task, especially if you are on a budget. In this article, we will explore some of the best electric guitars under $400 that offer excellent value for money.

Body Type

Solid Body

A solid body electric guitar is the most popular type of electric guitar. The body is made out of a single piece of wood, which helps to produce a bright and clear sound. Some of the best solid body electric guitars under $400 include the Squier Affinity Telecaster and the Epiphone Les Paul Special II.

Semi-Hollow Body

A semi-hollow body electric guitar has a hollow body with a solid center block. This design helps to reduce feedback and produces a warm and rich sound. Some of the best semi-hollow body electric guitars under $400 include the Ibanez Artcore AS53 and the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block.

Pickups

Single Coil Pickups

Single coil pickups are known for their bright and clear sound, which is perfect for genres like country and blues. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with single coil pickups include the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster and the Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster.

Humbucker Pickups

Humbucker pickups are known for their warm and thick sound, which is perfect for genres like rock and metal. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with humbucker pickups include the Epiphone Les Paul Special II and the ESP LTD EC-10.

Neck Shape

C-Shaped Neck

A C-shaped neck is the most common neck shape and is suitable for most players. It provides a comfortable grip and allows for easy chord transitions. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with a C-shaped neck include the Squier Affinity Telecaster and the Epiphone Les Paul Special II.

Thin U-Shaped Neck

A thin U-shaped neck is perfect for players who prefer a fast and slim neck. This neck shape allows for easy access to all frets and is ideal for shredding. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with a thin U-shaped neck include the ESP LTD EC-10 and the Jackson JS11 Dinky.

Fretboard Material

Maple Fretboard

A maple fretboard is known for its bright and clear sound and is perfect for genres like country and blues. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with a maple fretboard include the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster and the Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster.

Rosewood Fretboard

A rosewood fretboard is known for its warm and rich sound and is perfect for genres like rock and metal. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with a rosewood fretboard include the Epiphone Les Paul Special II and the Ibanez Artcore AS53.

Hardware

Tuners

Good quality tuners are essential for keeping your guitar in tune. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with good quality tuners include the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster and the Epiphone Les Paul Special II.

Bridge

The bridge is an important part of the guitar and affects the tone and sustain of the guitar. Some of the best electric guitars under $400 with a good quality bridge include the Ibanez Artcore AS53 and the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electric guitar can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget. However, there are plenty of great options available under $400 that offer excellent value for money. By considering factors like body type, pickups, neck shape, fretboard material, and hardware, you can find an electric guitar that suits your playing style and budget.

Introduction to Electric Guitars Under $400

Electric guitars have been the cornerstone of modern music since their inception in the 1930s. They have helped shape the sound of every genre from blues and jazz to rock and metal. However, not everyone can afford a high-end guitar, and that's where electric guitars under $400 come in.These affordable electric guitars offer excellent value for money and are perfect for beginners and intermediate players looking to upgrade their instruments. In this article, we'll explore the top picks for the best electric guitars under $400 and the factors you should consider when choosing one.

Top Picks for Best Electric Guitars Under $400

1. Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster2. Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT3. Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V4. Ibanez GRX70QA5. Jackson JS11 Dinky

Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster

The Squier Classic Vibe '50s Stratocaster is a fantastic guitar that offers an authentic vintage Stratocaster experience at an affordable price. It features a classic alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with three custom vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver a classic Stratocaster tone. The vintage-style tremolo bridge allows for subtle vibrato effects, and the 21 medium jumbo frets make it easy to play.

Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT

The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT is a great choice for those who want the iconic Les Paul sound without breaking the bank. It features a mahogany body, a bolt-on mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and rich tone. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability, and the 22 medium jumbo frets make it easy to play.

Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V is a versatile guitar that is perfect for beginners and intermediate players. It features an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with a custom Alnico V humbucker pickup in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions. This allows for a wide range of tonal options, from crisp clean tones to gritty overdrive. The vintage-style tremolo bridge also adds to the versatility of the guitar.

Ibanez GRX70QA

The Ibanez GRX70QA is a stylish guitar that is perfect for rock and metal players. It features a poplar body with a quilted maple art grain top, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups that deliver a high-output sound perfect for heavy riffing and shredding. The FAT-6 tremolo bridge allows for subtle vibrato effects, and the 22 medium frets make it easy to play.

Jackson JS11 Dinky

The Jackson JS11 Dinky is another great guitar for rock and metal players. It features a poplar body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two high-output humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and aggressive sound. The Floyd Rose Licensed JS bridge allows for extreme dive bombs and squeals, and the 24 jumbo frets make it easy to play fast and intricate solos.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Guitar Under $400

When choosing an electric guitar under $400, there are several factors you should consider. These include:1. Body type - Electric guitars come in various body types, including solid body, semi-hollow body, and hollow body. Solid body guitars are the most common and are great for rock and metal. Semi-hollow and hollow body guitars are great for jazz and blues.2. Pickups - Pickups are the heart of an electric guitar's sound. They come in two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups are brighter and more articulate, while humbucker pickups are warmer and more powerful.3. Neck - The neck of a guitar can affect how it feels to play. Some guitars have thicker necks, which can be comfortable for players with larger hands. Others have thinner necks, which can be more comfortable for players with smaller hands.4. Bridge - The bridge of a guitar affects its tuning stability and sustain. There are several types of bridges, including tremolo bridges, fixed bridges, and locking bridges.5. Brand and reputation - When buying an electric guitar, it's important to consider the brand and its reputation. Some brands have a long history of making quality guitars, while others are newer to the market.

Best Electric Guitars Under $400 for Beginners

1. Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster2. Epiphone Les Paul Special II3. Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX4. Ibanez GRX20Z

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster is a great guitar for beginners who want to learn on a classic instrument. It features a lightweight alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with three single-coil pickups that deliver a classic Stratocaster tone. The vintage-style tremolo bridge allows for subtle vibrato effects, and the 21 medium jumbo frets make it easy to play.

Epiphone Les Paul Special II

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a fantastic guitar for beginners who want the classic Les Paul sound. It features a mahogany body, a bolt-on mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and rich tone. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability, and the 22 medium jumbo frets make it easy to play.

Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX is a versatile guitar that is perfect for beginners. It features an agathis body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with a custom humbucker pickup in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions. This allows for a wide range of tonal options, from crisp clean tones to gritty overdrive. The vintage-style tremolo bridge also adds to the versatility of the guitar.

Ibanez GRX20Z

The Ibanez GRX20Z is a stylish guitar that is perfect for beginners who want to play rock and metal. It features a poplar body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups that deliver a high-output sound perfect for heavy riffing and shredding. The FAT-6 tremolo bridge allows for subtle vibrato effects, and the 22 medium frets make it easy to play.

Best Electric Guitars Under $400 for Intermediates

1. Squier Classic Vibe '60s Telecaster2. Epiphone SG Special VE3. Yamaha RevStar RS3204. Ibanez RG421

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Telecaster

The Squier Classic Vibe '60s Telecaster is a great guitar for intermediate players who want a classic Telecaster sound. It features an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two custom vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver a classic Telecaster twang. The vintage-style bridge with three brass saddles provides excellent tuning stability, and the 21 vintage-style frets make it easy to play.

Epiphone SG Special VE

The Epiphone SG Special VE is a fantastic guitar for intermediate players who want the classic SG sound. It features a poplar body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two open-coil humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and aggressive sound. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability, and the 22 medium jumbo frets make it easy to play.

Yamaha RevStar RS320

The Yamaha RevStar RS320 is a versatile guitar that is perfect for intermediate players. It features a nato body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two ceramic magnet humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and rich tone. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability, and the 22 jumbo frets make it easy to play.

Ibanez RG421

The Ibanez RG421 is a stylish guitar that is perfect for intermediate players who want to play rock and metal. It features a mahogany body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two Quantum humbucker pickups that deliver a high-output sound perfect for heavy riffing and shredding. The Fixed bridge provides excellent tuning stability, and the 24 jumbo frets make it easy to play fast and intricate solos.

Best Electric Guitars Under $400 for Rock and Metal

1. Jackson JS32T Rhoads2. ESP LTD M-103. Schecter Omen-64. Dean Vendetta XM

Jackson JS32T Rhoads

The Jackson JS32T Rhoads is a guitar that is perfect for rock and metal players. It features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two high-output humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and aggressive sound. The Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Double Locking Tremolo allows for extreme dive bombs and squeals, and the 24 jumbo frets make it easy to play fast and intricate solos.

ESP LTD M-10

The ESP LTD M-10 is a guitar that is perfect for metal players. It features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two high-output humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and aggressive sound. The Fixed bridge provides excellent tuning stability, and the 24 extra jumbo frets make it easy to play fast and intricate solos.

Schecter Omen-6

The Schecter Omen-6 is a guitar that is perfect for rock and metal players. It features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two high-output Diamond Plus humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and aggressive sound. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability, and the 24 extra jumbo frets make it easy to play fast and intricate solos.

Dean Vendetta XM

The Dean Vendetta XM is a guitar that is perfect for rock and metal players. It features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two high-output humbucker pickups that deliver a powerful and aggressive sound. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability, and the 24 jumbo frets make it easy to play fast and intricate solos.

Best Electric Guitars Under $400 for Blues and Jazz

1. Epiphone Casino Coupe2. Ibanez Artcore AS533. Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster4. Gretsch G5425 Electromatic

Epiphone Casino Coupe

The Epiphone Casino Coupe is a guitar that is perfect for blues and jazz players. It features a laminated maple body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two P-90 pickups that deliver a warm and mellow tone perfect for blues and jazz. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability, and the 22 medium jumbo frets make it easy to play.

Ibanez Artcore AS53

The Ibanez Artcore AS53 is a guitar that is perfect for blues and jazz players. It features a sapele body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and mellow tone perfect for blues and jazz. The ART-ST bridge provides excellent tuning stability, and the 22 medium frets make it easy to play.

Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster

The Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster is a guitar that is perfect for blues and jazz players who want a classic instrument. It features an alder body, a maple neck, and a maple fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two custom vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver a classic Telecaster twang. The vintage-style bridge with three brass saddles provides excellent tuning stability, and the 21 vintage-style frets make it easy to play.

Gretsch G5425 Electromatic

The Gretsch G5425 Electromatic is a guitar that is perfect for blues and jazz players. It features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard.The guitar is equipped with two Black Top Filter'Tron humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and mellow tone perfect for blues and jazz. The Adjusto-Matic bridge and Bigsby B50 vibrato tailpiece provide excellent tuning stability and subtle vibrato effects.

Best Electric Guitars Under $400 with Humbucker Pickups

1. Epiphone Les Paul Special II2. Yamaha RevStar RS3203. Ibanez GRX20Z4. Schecter Omen-6

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The Best Electric Guitar Under $400

When it comes to finding the best electric guitar under $400, there are plenty of options available in the market. However, choosing the right one can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of the best electric guitar under $400 and provide a comparison table to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of the Best Electric Guitar Under $400

Affordable: The biggest advantage of buying an electric guitar under $400 is that it is affordable. This price range is perfect for beginners or those on a budget who want to learn how to play the guitar.
Quality: Despite being affordable, most electric guitars in this price range are made with quality materials and have excellent sound quality. They are reliable and durable, making them a great investment for the long-term.
Variety: There are plenty of options available in this price range, with different shapes, sizes, colors, and features. This means you can choose the one that fits your style and preferences the best.
Upgradability: Many electric guitars under $400 are designed to accommodate upgrades, such as new pickups or hardware. This means you can customize your guitar over time, improving its sound and performance.

Cons of the Best Electric Guitar Under $400

Limited Features: Compared to higher-end models, electric guitars under $400 may have limited features. For example, they may not have advanced pickup configurations or special finishes.
Less Customization: While many electric guitars in this price range can be upgraded, they may not offer the same level of customization as more expensive models. This may limit your ability to tailor the guitar to your specific needs and preferences.
Lower Resale Value: Electric guitars under $400 may have a lower resale value compared to higher-end models. This means that if you decide to sell your guitar in the future, you may not get as much money back as you would with a more expensive model.

Comparison Table of the Best Electric Guitar Under $400

Brand/Model	Price	Body Material	Neck Material	Pickups	Bridge
Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster	$229.99	Alder	Maple	3 Single-Coil	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Epiphone Les Paul Special II	$199.00	Mahogany	Okoume	2 Humbuckers	Tune-O-Matic
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J	$199.99	Alder	Maple	2 Single-Coil, 1 Humbucker	Vintage-Style Tremolo

The Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster, Epiphone Les Paul Special II, and Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J are three of the best electric guitars under $400. All three guitars have unique features and specifications, making them a great choice for beginners or anyone on a budget. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preferences and playing style.

The Best Electric Guitar Under $400: A Comprehensive Guide

Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive guide on the best electric guitars under $400. We hope that we have provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on your next purchase. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is something for everyone in this price range.

It is important to note that while these guitars are affordable, they still offer great quality and features. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to get a great playing experience. The guitars on this list are perfect for those who are just starting out, those who need a backup guitar, or those who want to try out new styles without breaking the bank.

When shopping for an electric guitar under $400, it is important to keep in mind what type of music you enjoy playing. Some guitars are better suited for certain genres than others. For example, if you primarily play metal, you may want to look for a guitar with high-output pickups and a fast neck. If you prefer blues or jazz, you may want a guitar with a warmer tone and a more comfortable feel.

We have compiled a list of the top electric guitars under $400 based on their sound, playability, and overall value. We have also included a brief description of each guitar and its key features.

First on our list is the Squier by Fender Affinity Telecaster. This guitar is perfect for beginners or those on a budget who want a classic look and sound. With its two single-coil pickups, it offers a bright and twangy tone that is perfect for country, rock, and blues. It also has a comfortable C-shaped neck and a sleek black finish.

Next up is the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. This guitar is a great choice for those who want the iconic Les Paul sound without breaking the bank. It has two humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and rich tone, as well as a comfortable mahogany neck and a beautiful vintage sunburst finish.

If you are looking for something a bit more modern, the Ibanez GRX70QA is a great option. This guitar has a sleek and stylish design with a quilted maple top and a fast-playing maple neck. Its two humbucker pickups provide a high-output sound that is perfect for metal and hard rock.

For those who want a guitar that can handle anything, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J is a great choice. This guitar has a versatile sound that can be used for any genre, thanks to its two single-coil pickups and one humbucker. It also has a comfortable neck and a beautiful metallic red finish.

If you prefer a more traditional look, the Gretsch G2210 Streamliner Junior Jet Club is a great option. This guitar has a classic design with a single-cutaway body and a beautiful black finish. Its two Broad'Tron humbucker pickups provide a warm and full sound that is perfect for rock and blues.

The Squier by Fender Bullet Mustang is another great option for beginners or those on a budget. This guitar has a fun and unique design with a short-scale neck and a sleek black finish. Its two single-coil pickups provide a bright and jangly tone that is perfect for indie and alternative rock.

For those who want a guitar with a bit more personality, the Danelectro '59M NOS+ is a great choice. This guitar has a retro design with a lipstick pickup and a beautiful copperburst finish. Its single-coil pickup provides a unique and twangy tone that is perfect for surf and rockabilly.

If you are looking for a guitar that can handle heavy distortion, the ESP LTD M-10 Kit is a great option. This guitar has a sleek and modern design with a double-cutaway body and a fast-playing maple neck. Its two humbucker pickups provide a high-output sound that is perfect for metal and hard rock.

Another great option for those who want a classic look and sound is the Epiphone SG Special. This guitar has a beautiful cherry red finish and two humbucker pickups that deliver a warm and full sound. Its comfortable mahogany neck and lightweight design make it easy to play for long periods of time.

Last but not least is the Jackson JS32T Rhoads. This guitar has a unique and aggressive design with a double-cutaway body and a lightning bolt inlay. Its two high-output humbucker pickups provide a powerful sound that is perfect for metal and hard rock. Its fast-playing neck and sleek black finish make it a great choice for those who want a guitar that stands out.

In conclusion, there are many great electric guitars available for under $400. Whether you prefer a classic or modern design, a warm or bright tone, or a versatile or specialized sound, there is something for everyone in this price range. We hope that our guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect guitar for your needs. Happy playing!