Best Electric Guitars & Amps for Beginners

I hope this guide to choosing your first electric guitar gear will be helpful for anyone looking to start playing electric guitar! This is meant to be a starting point, but I encourage you to do further research on anything that looks appealing to you, and if you can to try them out in person :)!
Gear mentioned in the video (affiliate links):
Guitars:
Squier Strat: amzn.to/2TEEq96
Squier Vintage Modified: amzn.to/2Wa081B
Squier Classic Vibe: amzn.to/2HBG4kv
Yamaha Pacifica: amzn.to/2T9NsG3
Epiphone Les Paul Special II: amzn.to/2F9gDUp
Ibanez Gio: amzn.to/2UCBHt2
Jackson Dinky JS: amzn.to/2KUuAcs
Amps:
Yamaha THR10: amzn.to/2TIXpza
Fender Mustang: amzn.to/2XZLGuu
Boss Katana: amzn.to/2TISxdg
Blackstar ID Core: amzn.to/2Uze5We
Peavy Vypyr: amzn.to/2FfOaxN
Vox Amplug: amzn.to/2FgTnoN
Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 Interface: amzn.to/2F7vVJz
This video is not sponsored, all gear mentioned is based on my own experience or online research.
Guitar Modeling Software:
Bias FX: www.positivegrid.com/bias-fx/
Amplitube: www.ikmultimedia.com/products...
Guitar Rig: www.native-instruments.com/en...
S-Gear: www.scuffhamamps.com/product/...
Join our Patreon community! / rachelf
Get a Rachelf shirt and support the channel! rachelf.bigcartel.com/
Instagram: / rachelfguitar
Twitter: / rachelfguitar
My Website: www.rachelf.com

[@demeloco5461]

She in 17 minutes smiled more than me in one month

[@151Armondo]

same bro

[@darealrealrealjc4882]

That’s kinda sad

[@dovxrq1279]

She’s amazing

[@aureliusthegunsmith7203]

Year*

[@sg2.033]

For real she doesn’t stop smiling

[@Zain.Basi1]

Forget about guitars What happy pills do you recommend?

[@profchaos7289]

ROCK

[@TurnRacing]

I prefer heavy metal pills.

[@honey988]

Facts 😂😂😂😂

[@whoisvesper2572]

PuNk

[@igot7problemsbutyougotnojams]

Math rock

[@chibisiren]

*Me wanting to play the eletric guitar* Her: a cheap guitar would be $200-$300 Me: yeah nvm

[@teenreincarnation]

maybe get one second hand? i get how you feel lol, but you don’t need something amazing at first, so when you’ve gotten better you can upgrade and get something really rad. (^-^)

[@jizellemontalvo9400]

@@esperanzavasquez7327 thank you

[@nataliaaguilarstar]

Yea I got a cheap used squier strat kit that came with its amp but the amp doesn’t even work :( I ended up payin $91

[@user-pm2zv9fs5r]

im looking at the ones in the thousands 0-0

[@Zoologic21]

Musician's Friend is my go-to. They have electric guitars that are next to dirt cheap, on sale, especially around the holidays, and in general, there's always something on clearance going for as low as $80. You'll want to invest the money on a decent amp before anything else. Your $200-$300 guitar is not going to sound any better than a cheap starter if played through a shitty, low wattage amp. You don't want to get carried away immediately with the power and sound, but a 20w is bare minimum I'd get that is quiet enough for practice and also loud enough to feel like something worth listening through.

[@joeyclemenza7339]

My god.... I’m smiling like an idiot just listening to you. Positivity really is contagious. Love your videos!!

[@santery9968]

Joey Clemenza HAHAHAHAHA

[@cherry-mp4xi]

@@santery9968 what

[@jayeezus]

S to the I to the M and the P

[@pantuflasesina2527]

SIMP

[@eliasmsv3156]

@@pantuflasesina2527 Shut up

[@Mordred478]

One of the smartest things I ever did, way back in high school when I decided to learn bass, was to deliberately buy a cheap, second hand Ibanez, and make a deal with myself that if I really applied myself and studied hard (I found a great teacher), at the end of a year, when I could actually play, I would allow myself to buy a more expensive model. This is known as the power of limitation. It really works.

[@Supperconductor]

Tyrion Lannister So true. My guitar teacher saved me a lot of money by taking my ‘student’ model and made it sound amazing. He referred me to a great guitar tech to have it set up properly. It’s very easy to play and it is now my travel guitar. I still love playing it.

[@phillipthebassist2348]

Tyrion Lannister im currently there right now mate

[@GunDoom]

yup that's what I'm doing. Found a deal on kijiji with a peavey guitar with a really shitty amp for 100 bucks while telling myself If I stick with it for a year and can play a song or two I'll buy a better amp and guitar

[@goodx_charlie4142]

I bought a used rogue for $43 after tax ... actually has a cool tone and I love learning on it

[@RobR386]

It works up to a certain point, the key is to buy an instrument that is good enough to get you playing and to keep you playing, if you buy something too cheap it could be a load of crap that hinders you.

[@davidausterman5915]

She is so happy. I wish she could send that vibe to the rest of the world.

[@Zoologic21]

Doesn't this look like the most unproblematic human being on the face of the earth? She just loves what she does and is sharing her experience for our benefit. Just great content all around.

[@RachelfGuitar]

I get asked about choosing a first guitar and amp all the time, so I thought I would make this video with some recommendations! All the gear I mention here is meant to be a starting point to help decide what style of gear interests you most, but definitely watch some reviews on or try out in person any gear before getting it :). If you already play guitar, what was your first guitar and amp?

[@richie757]

I played with a knock off strat and my phone as an amp.... Good times

[@MikeLawson1]

My first guitar was a pretty bad Les Paul copy made by Kay, and a 5 watt practice amp that really didn't make me sound like any of the metal bands I love! What you didn't mention is guitarist's GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome! I now have 6 guitars - I'm torn between my Peavey Wolfgang and my Cherry Sunburst Epiphone Les Paul as my favourites, and use a Marshall combo valve amp, and a Line 6 Spider 2 amp which has some great presets. Do you just go straight through your amp for your videos, or do you use pedals, Rachel?

[@devilsdoorbell]

My first guitar was a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I knew I wanted an LP shape with humbuckers (Ace Frehley was a huge influence to me) and I got it new for a spectacular price. I knew I wasn't ready to leave the house or perform publicly with it, so I bought a practice amp - 15 watt solid state Fender Bullet reverb. It was affordable at around 150 bucks new (mid 90s) and sounded good enough to my untrained ear to ensure I could play through an amp and not blow the windows out. Still have the guitar 20+ years later and is a favorite to play.

[@unitednationsspacecommand6502]

Hey rachel :) I started with 7 Ibanez string already later moved for Jackson King V flyod Laney amps great too

[@milosvasic12345]

Hey Rachel, gret vid! My first guitar was an acostic...I played it for about 2 months. And then 2 days ago, I got That squier bullet strat(HSS), I was thinking about getting. Also a Blackstar FLY 3 blue amp. I'm having so much fun "playing" it! :D

[@bobnilson10]

I'm in love with you just for the fact that you are always smiling. ALWAYS!!!

[@Silkaz7]

I don't know why but it creeps me out that she is always smiling... anyway love her channel.

[@xypho4166]

Silkaz7 she is also squinting her eyes all the time..... 😧😑

[@jayeezus]

Maybe y'all are simps

[@colinboschma]

SIMP

[@franciscahope3363]

I think thats just the way her face is like. Probably idk. But idk how she smiles alot..cuz my cheeks get tired

[@JessMichaelWillyard]

You always look so happy! I'm happy you are happy!

[@sanskar7523]

Her smiling face makes my mood so much better

[@terry2855]

Great video Rachel! I'm a beginner at 55 years old and have to say that you have inspired me to learn how to play. The first guitar I bought was the Ibanez RG Series with a floating bridge and you are spot on about how difficult it is to change strings on. After watching many youtube videos I figured out I needed a guitar with a fixed bridge. I bought a PRS 245 SE, what an incredible guitar. The PRS is so much easy for me to play and keep in tune. Thank you for your great videos! I'm hoping I can be as good as you one day.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

Changing strings one at a time solves tuning difficulties. Blocking the bridge in neutral position with something during set-up removes all hassle.

[@clickster1883]

Your enthusiasm is infectious. I’m glad I happened into your videos as I begin to learn to play myself. Keep up the good work!

[@abdul2009]

I love how passionate you are!! It's like thanks to your passion I feel encouraged to move forward with learning to play guitar, thank you!

[@BauhausBarbie]

My mom is a musician so there’s always amps and guitars in my house. I’m pretty sure right now she has over 11 guitars but don’t quote me on that. My dad has a few too. There’s two amps in my living room, I have one in my room and my mom has some in her music room. I only have 1 guitar as I’m starting out but it’s a Jackson and I love it. Edit: My mom now has 13 guitars and I have 3 I can only play a few simple songs but I'm getting better :)

[@shovaadhikari8067]

You are lucky.. I am strugling for one guitar😢

[@MyOwnSummer_]

“I’m pretty sure right now she has over 11 guitars” - The Fifth Killjoy

[@zingkhe]

I stepped over a couple of guitars while fetching some food from the fridge..

[@hackattack7811]

You're going to be a really good guitarist.

[@siccbastard4580]

@@hackattack7811 I call bs Those types of people with a LOT of recourses usually don't get anywhere......... ....well not so far, but then again he has parents that can teach him.

[@byates59]

My first guitar was a 1966 Baldwin Vibraslim semi acoustic electric guitar given to me by my parents in 1966 and I still have it and it still plays and sounds great!

[@kunaldhuria3935]

After watching tons and tons of videos, this is the best one learnt so much in one video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@nehemiahzo_]

On the topic of amps, I use a Fender GDEC Junior. It has drum and bass loops built in. It has a chorus, reverb, phaser, delay, tremolo and bypass effects. There’s also options which have mixed effects. It has (I believe) 18 amp settings, from clean tweed to British fuzz to metal.

[@whit350z2]

Thanks so much for the info. I’ve watched a few videos and never heard about half of the stuff your explaining. Really appreciate it.

[@Anya-Pruitt]

So glad I found this! Been doing a lot of research on a first guitar, and thought I had my mind made up on things like body style and pick up configuration. Thanks for reinforcing my ideas. I'll also thank you for talking straight to us newbs and not doing the whole look at me thing, by opening and closing with your best riffs. As mentioned. your smile is contagious, keep picking and grinning!

[@nazzyyy04]

love this vid, it was super helpful!! i have an acoustic guitar now, a Ibanez V70CE, and before this video i had nooo clue about anything even related to an electric. i had to look it up and learn about all the different pickups, bridge types, etc., and the info here really helped me find a start to learning more about guitars!! thank u!! :-]

[@longhairedcountryboy2363]

So glad I found this! Been doing a lot of research on a first guitar, and thought I had my mind made up on things like body style and pick up configuration. Thanks for reinforcing my ideas. I'll also thank you for talking straight to us newbs and not doing the whole look at me thing, by opening and closing with your best riffs. 😉 As mentioned. your smile is contagious, keep picking and grinning! 👍😁

[@zaz4667]

Rachels right! What ever guitar you like thats the one! That is a lot of information Rachel! Awesome video ! Thanks

[@rotten2guts]

My guitar arrives today, you and your smile were a motivation to finally start! Greetings

[@erusean8492]

Very helpful. And I love Oceanborn in the back. Such a spectacular album

[@Shadowsnshades]

Practicing on an acoustic guitar for a while, and thinking of getting an electric because it'll be easier to play. As well as being able to practice (without an amp), so as not to disturb my neighbors. Came across your video and I just what to thank you for being so informative. Very helpful advice. Love your positive attitude.

[@Sku11zDude]

SAMEEEE My fingers still hurt after 3 years of casually playing and I'm getting no where. Should have done research before geting a guitar.

[@geetarman58]

Go Rachelf!!!! Passing on the knowledge you have learned on your journey! You sound like a pro!!! Keep on Rockin'!

[@erikeue4635]

Great content and channel, the bias fx seems like a cool setup. Best of luck Rachel!

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

Thankyou so much! I am now inspired by your guitar progress video

[@TheLenaweeTrekker]

Great video as always. My first guitar was a Magnum Acoustic guitar. It had great action and played well, but acoustic guitars do not sit well with teenagers, and I was no different. My first electric guitar was a Teisco tulip. Action a mile high, never stayed in tune, useless truss rod, single microphonic pickup, and volume and tone controls that were either on or off and nothing in between. It was a horrible guitar, and I loved it. The first amplifier was a Fender Vibro-Champ. It was not particularly loud, but it had a great warm tone that went unappreciated until I was much older and understood sound much better than just "make it louder."

[@gamers_journal]

I love the fact that when you play - your face shows the love for music!

[@JohnyAndrew]

Thank you for this video I was looking for videos that go in depth with gear .

[@gaborungvari3558]

Let's not forget the amazing Ignite Amps: a bunch of studio quality softwares including amp, cabinet and pedal simulators for free! But nevertheless, I loved the content of this one, almost exactly my thoughts on choosing guitars and amps :)

[@samgrainger9218]

Congratulations on 100 thousand subscribers

[@doktorzhigonzo9165]

My very first guitar (which i am currently learning) is an Epiphone les paul special 2, and i love it. Honestly i would just make later modifications to make it sound amazing, but overall an amazing guitar for the price. I bought a 12w amp from orange and the sound quality is incredible for the size and price.

[@xdabrowska601]

You’re such an inspiration for me .. For now I'm trying to convince my dad to buy me an electric guitar ... wish one day I’ll play like you do🎸✊🏻

[@Misseggy24]

Such a helpful video! I’ve only ever played acoustic, but I’m looking to get an electric guitar and would’ve had no idea where to even start 😂 Thank you so much!!

[@damien6685]

Very solid info, I wish I'd seen this clip six months ago when I moved from acoustic to electric and presented with an avalanche of information and obvious salesmanship. For reference I went 2nd hand Epi SG G400 pro, after picking one up in a shop and loving the fit, the humbucker/single tap was a draw card as as you say, I was not sure which way I was heading in taste, which changes.... Amp's I've picked up 2nd hand as well but did a lot of homework. In the end I'm kitted, still very much a noob, loving learning and the kit didn't cost the price of a small car. Now eyeing out a PRS SE, but the Epi will realistically last while my skill improves, and most probably longer [I love it]

[@dutchweeks1]

I like how happy and enthusiastic you are, keep smiling :)

[@vintageoverdrive4819]

My first and last electric guitar is a telecaster I just bought it for 60 dollars and I sold it one year ago, great video for this! 🎸

[@rookmaster7502]

I've been playing guitar for a little over 30 years now and I must say, lots of rock-solid, excellent advice presented in this very cool video!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you :)!

[@CraigDeubler]

Spot on video 👍 My first guitar had a floating trem, it sucked. 20 years later I still prefer a hardtail.

[@tianhan2011]

my first electric guitar is Ibanez grx6sp (grx70qa Chinese version), and bought it at Spring Festival sale for about $152, and use self-made AMP based on four TTC5200 transistors (for my guitar has high-output pickups, I don't have to used pre-amp), the guitar sounds pretty good (at least for a basic class guitar, I think ), it has 2 humbuckers and a coil. still keep playing on it, and hope to create some fantastic works on it

[@redforrori]

What a fantastic video. Thank you for all the information!

[@escaping_purgatory]

Epic. I have a Yamaha Pacifica. It's my first electric. I'm absolutely obsessed with it!

[@idontcare2851]

The epiphone LP special ii was my first “real” guitar from a music shop when I was 12. I wish I still had it today. The quality of the modern ones is also a lot better. Great beginner guitar!

[@markiguana5770]

Thank you for this video I really needed it.

[@nataliap.2830]

Guuurrrl you are amazing! Thanks for that! This year I'm definitely getting myself my first guitar, you inspire me a lot! A big huug ❤

[@RachelfGuitar]

Awesome, thanks so much!

[@stansilas945]

love your enthusiasm!! another great video!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :)

[@thesleepover3776]

First guitar was a Rogue ST-3 by Squier. It did come with a practice amp which was okay but needed a distortion pedal. Getting a distortion pedal helped get me by with my beginner setup for about 5 years until I wanted to start playing in a band.

[@tigernc91]

Very nice video, I just bought the glarry gst Stratocaster myself to play around with.. and this does make my first guitar I ever bought for myself and I love it so...

[@Doc_Mitch]

I’ve been playing the acoustic guitar for almost a year now and I’d like to try electric. Thanks for the recommendations.

[@enriquemartinez2594]

Love your positive energy!!!

[@timdavis8569]

Awesome energy and optimism! Don’t let the downs of life change that as you get older. Definitely have a future in KZbin ✅

[@wulfhartspirit]

My first one was a Schecter Diamond series omen 6. I still enjoy playing it from time to time. I now have a prs, I anez, and a Gibson les Paul. The Gibson is my go to.

[@cynthiav.3890]

This is perfect! I was just trying to find what guitar I would want and amp! Thank you!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Awesome, hope this is helpful :)!

[@ransombaggins9301]

Thank you for making content I can gladly recommend to my daughters. Appreciate you so much.

[@Timanator]

After all these years of Universe and RGT42 and the old 550 and such, I finally bought a RG652 after seeing your review. This is the best guitar I have ever played. And I feel the same way 6 month later!

[@kbchef9205]

Thank you for the great info.

[@JamesHardaker]

saving this to my playlist as a mood lifter.

[@beammeupjosi]

My first guitar is a white Squier jazzmaster. Beautiful axe

[@elhardtrealestate3937]

Thanks for a great video for a true beginner like me! I didn’t understand the whole audio-interface thing at all / few experienced people can really take the point of view of a new person as you have. So many great points in this video! Also - this video holds great promise as a drinking game for every time you say “humbucker!” Lol Cheers!

[@kikyouwuv]

Wow. I guess its true what they say seeing others smile makes you smile. Watched this video and couldn't stop smiling lol.

[@olukayodeokunowo4631]

You are a great teacher, keep it up. You are a professor

[@mikeavery1459]

Thanks for the video. Your advice about a HSS Stratocaster was very helpful. Didn't know that I might not be able to play more grungy, harder rock as well with just a SSS.

[@molekyyli]

You can, seen others to do it but humbuckers are definitively better suited for that.

[@davidwilliams5850]

Thank you! Looking to learn and looking for a beginners setup.

[@Damn4got]

thanks i learnt alot from this.

[@enzooliveira8872]

Thanks, you give me a great help👏👏

[@tubbers20]

Thank you for this helpful video. I am a sort of guitar beginner (I'm 70) after a layoff and have been playing a Roland TD-9 drum kit with a Simmons 200 watt amp. I recently picked up a 2014 Epiphone SG PRO and am running it through the Simmons amp with a Behringer vibrato pedal. I also want a distortion/reverb pedal to add to the mix. I've always loved the look of the SG and of course am a big AC/DC fan. (Angus is 65) :-) I also watched your power chord video and I'm currently trying to learn 'WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE.' Malcolm is so awesome on that playing live. Love your smile and being so up beat. A little sign I have on the wall says: EFFORT EQUALS RESULTS! Thanks again. :-)

[@jiggy17]

Just when i wanted to buy a guitar u upload this video. Love the luck

[@RachelfGuitar]

Awesome, hope it is helpful! :)

[@congerscott6064]

Great information, thank you 👍.

[@LiveWireVodou]

Always cool and inspiring 🎸😀

[@h8stupidppl]

I feel in love the moment I saw her beautiful smile talking about guitar. I feel in love the second time moments later when I noticed the Nightwish picture.

[@dubbleplusgood]

Bought my 1st electric guitar a few months back and love it. Ibanez GIO GRG150. Solid, well built, decent options, inexpensive and sounds great.

[@hannahstewart8741]

dubbleplusgood I have an Ibanez GIO too! I just love it man.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Awesome! Glad to hear you are enjoying it :)

[@cpk9017]

Thanks that's some really good tips right there

[@louiswilkins9624]

You are contagious. I am grinning watching you. I am buying a new guitar. Thanks for the information.

[@ronammar5021]

Buying used is truly great advice. You can save 30-50% and get mint condition instruments, allowing you to step up to higher-end gear that can have improved playability.

[@darthporkius]

My first electric guitar was a dirt cheap epiphone les paul special 2. At first I liked it but once I got my hands on a real guitar I hated it. Then I got the one I still love and will never sell because it means so much to me. My epiphone Dot 339 pro in cherry. I love my 339. One day I want a Les Paul standard but my 339 is awesome. It can play anything and it fits my small hands just fine. The hardtail bridge lets me tune it how ever i want and the guitar looks darn good. Recently I got a secondhand Ibanez GSA60-BS with a rose floyd bridge. The guitar looks and sounds great and it's very comfy but the brigde does take away some fun. At least for a beginner that doesn't know what to do with a tremolo. If I could go back in time I would have bought a Squire Fender Mustang for my first guitar. They also have a hard tail bridge and they are very easy to play. As a beginner I recommend A Squire Mustang (good cheap) or a Epiphone Dot (good not so cheap) as a first guitar. Don't pay any less, that way if you love it you will keep the guitar and if you hate it you will be able to get a good chunk of your money back.

[@lamtwentythirteen]

omg finally a useful guide thank you !!

[@DunningsMillLawnCare]

Really good video! I’m a blues, Rock and country guitar player, my guitar is a rare telecaster prototype guitar that I bought stock with Seymour Duncan hum-buckers! My amplifier is a Marshall MG100X, it’s a really nice amp for the $350 price range or in uk were I live £300, it’s a solid state amp witch most of us brits love. Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! Sounds like a really cool guitar :)

[@ALoonwolf]

I started with acoustic guitar. Just got my first electric guitar and amplifier - a Squier Mustang guitar and a Blackstar Fly 3 watt portable amplifier. The controls on both combined already provide a massive range of sounds, and it's definitely loud enough, so I don't see any need for any other equipment. I've got a tiny little music player that will plug in to provide backing music, which I can also use to record my own. The guitar needed adjustment; the strings were too low. I didn't even need to remove them, it only took a moment to make the adjustment - it took longer to retune all the strings! Had it been another guitar I might have had to dismantle the guitar to make this simple adjustment. That's an important thing to take into account when buying a guitar if you don't want a lot of work! As for tones, effects, I am interested in GOOD MUSIC. The tones are irrelevant. However it's played it sounds excellent, otherwise it's bad music!

[@SkepticGamer]

Good looking bass. You have style my friend. Keep it up.

[@madwolf8615]

3 years and she's a Guitar godess . Plz give me some of that energy

[@dustymetal4ever]

My first guitar was a black Ibanez RG, but, had to sell it a little bit later. Couldn't get into the Strat, SuperStrat style. Now, I own V, Explorer, Dean Guitars now. The modeling amps is great, but, in my opinion nothing is better than a 120 Watt combo amp or a 100 watt head and cab with a few pedals. Especially if your playing live, less things to go wrong in my opinion. I own 2 modeling amps, the spark amp, and a Line 6 Spider V. They are great, just like she said.

[@ScottIngram]

This is invaluable, thank you.

[@ck-wm9zx]

Excellent advice

[@shadesofdelight]

thank you so much this really helps me

[@ernestschultz5065]

This girl never stops smiling. I love it.

[@patricklawrence9784]

Subscribed. Thanks Rachel!

[@amiraligh6493]

great video man

[@mohedrauf4144]

the happiness vibrations that you sent to me felt like a sun kept on shining the whole season, I wanna say that I love you

[@ToadzIsTaken]

Thanks! Gonna buy a squier strat and the yamaha thr10ii!

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Rachelf: Another great video that should help anyone (like me) when they are just starting out playing guitar. Hey, everyone, start small and give yourself time to really master whatever type of guitar you choose, then, like Tyrion Lannister (great name!) says in his comments below, make a deal with yourself that at the end of the year, if you can actually play, then you allow yourself to buy a more expensive model. It worked for me. I now have four Fender Custom Shop Strats and Teles, and three Gibson Custom guitars, not to mention others. Learn well, then reward yourself. Good luck on your journey, and we all owe Rachelf a great deal of thanks for producing these videos which inspired me to keep going when I wanted to quit so many times. Cheers!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much Jim! That is an awesome guitar collection :)

[@paulkline3011]

She has smiled more in this video than I've smiled in 10 years. No joke.

[@MrTongen]

The Joker is jealous of how much you smile

[@vladmetal8358]

I got Epiphone Les Paul Special II ;)

[@midnightgaming4269]

It's a decent guitar to start with

[@vaqomega]

Me too, but i ended up regretting, is not a bad guitar, it's just a little too heavy, so my back and shoulder started hurting after a while playing, I'm selling it and getting something more Lightweight, any recommendations?

[@Kubooxooki]

Mine too. That was 10 years ago and though I also think it's too heavy for me and the scale too short, I have never stopped playing it. In fact, I just changed the pickups (Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz Set) and I plan to keep making noise with it for another ten years. Three years ago I bought an Epiphone Casino, which is very light and easy on my fingers. Surely an upgrade, but hardly an impossibly expensive guitar. My bass is a Squire PJ Affinity and it plays wonderfully. I plan to upgrade the pickups on that bass in the future, but I'm only learning to play it and I want to make sure I exhaust the tone on those stock pickups before I mod it. Overall, adding the amps and a couple of pedals, I have spent some $2000 on gear in the last decade, and still I have friends who play professionally and ask to use my gear. So there!

[@randomclick2826]

vaqomega Ibanez S series are all very light.

[@electricity2703]

Does Epi Special 2 go out of tune? I always faced this issue with this guitars on forums. Is this really true? I want to hear from users of this guitar.

[@bradleywilliams1323]

First guitar Jackson Dinkey JS22 I stopped playing after i got frustrated and sold it to a friend. But now i really would love to start writing and recording my own music. But I actually have to practice. Hes stopped using it and is giving it back to me. Im an idealist and think ahead a lot. So when i got this awesome EP idea i instantly wanted to try and learn again. Im gonna start soon and hope that with enough practice i can find the sound i like and turn this idea and thought into a reality and write something i love. Obviously gonna take time and patience but thats whats driving me. Not covering songs i like now but making songs that i 100% relate to and enjoy. Wish me luck.

[@Symphonyck]

I can see the Nightwish poster back there... I'm with you bro! 👊 Edit: Sick guitars btw!

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Ibanez's GIO series, Epiphone's 'Special' series, Squier's 'Affinity' series - They ALL get my ABSOLUTE recommendation for any beginner guitarists - and seasoned ones as well. The guitars are all below $200 retail and, after a good setup, play and sound like MUCH more expensive instruments! As far as amps go, I recommend Vox VXI ($99) or the Blackstar ID:Core 10 V2. Both have REALLY excellent modeling! The VXI does a VERY close $2,000 Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier model!

[@tuureka]

I have the fender mustang modeling amp and a epiphone g400 pro sg, love the combo.