Best Electric Guitars 2027

Electric guitars on Amazon.de cost from 177.00 euros for the kids' Squier Mini Stratocaster to 703.00 euros for the Mexican-made Fender Player II Mustang. This guide is for beginners and parents buying a first guitar who don't know whether to get a pack with an amp, what the difference between single-coils and humbuckers is, and which size suits a child. The best electric guitars of 2027 are the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS as the best to start with (213.72 euros), the Yamaha Pacifica 112V as a guitar you won't outgrow quickly (329.00 euros) and the Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Pack as a set with an amp (328.00 euros). We compared seven models with live prices on 1 November 2026.

Electric guitars themselves are only part of the cost. If you don't buy a pack, budget about another 90 to 130 euros for an amp or headphone amp, a cable and a tuner (for example a Frontman 10G for 74.00 euros, a clip-on tuner for about 10 euros and a cable).

Quick overview: the best electric guitars 2027

All the electric guitars in this comparison are available on Amazon.de. Click a name to see the current price.

Technical data comes from Gibson and from dealer spec sheets reproducing the makers' data. No source publishes weights.

How to choose electric guitars

Electric or acoustic to start

Electric guitars have lighter strings set lower over the fretboard and a slimmer neck, so they need less finger strength. Fender advises beginners to use lighter strings because they have less tension (Fender). Some teachers still recommend starting on acoustic to build finger strength (Guitar World). What matters most is choosing an instrument for the music the student wants to play.

Single-coil or humbucker

Single-coil pickups sound bright and clear but pick up interference and hum, especially with distortion. A humbucker has two coils wired to cancel hum, so it sounds fuller and handles heavy distortion better (Guitar World). An HSS layout (a humbucker at the bridge and two single-coils) covers both and is the safest choice if you don't know what you'll play.

Scale length and size for kids

Electric guitars also differ in scale length, the string length from nut to bridge. Stratocaster and Telecaster models have 25.5 inches (648 mm), Gibson-style Epiphones like the SG Tribute 24.75 inches, the Fender Mustang 24 inches and the 3/4-size Squier Mini 22.75 inches (578 mm). Thomann's chart for classical guitars recommends 3/4 size for children aged 10 to 13, but notes that height and arm length matter more than age (Thomann).

Tremolo or fixed bridge

Many electric guitars have a tremolo bridge that allows vibrato with a bar, but it can hold tuning less well and makes string changes harder. A fixed bridge holds tuning more steadily and is easier to maintain. For a beginner who doesn't need the bar, a fixed bridge is more practical.

Pack or separate

Packs with an amp are the simplest start: the box holds the guitar, a small amp, gig bag, strap, cable and picks. Buying separately usually costs a bit more, but you choose the guitar and amp yourself and often get better quality. Squier packs don't include a tuner, so buy one or use an app.

Practising in a flat and hearing

The Frontman 10G and 15G amps from Squier packs have a headphone output. The Fender Mustang Micro plugs straight into the guitar and drives wired headphones for about 4 hours per charge (Fender). The WHO and ITU give 80 dB for up to 40 hours a week as the safe limit for adults, and 75 dB for children (WHO).

1. Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS

Photo: Squier, Amazon

View on Amazon

The Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS is our pick for beginners. For 213.72 euros you get one of the cheapest real guitars from the Fender family, with an HSS layout: a humbucker at the bridge for rock and distortion and two single-coils for the classic clean Stratocaster sound. The poplar body is thin and light, and the maple neck has a comfortable C profile.

The scale is 25.5 inches, and the maple fretboard has 21 frets and a 9.5-inch radius. The bridge is a vintage-style tremolo, so tuning and string changes need a little more care than on a fixed bridge. The pickups are basic ceramic ones, which more advanced players often upgrade later.

Pros: versatile HSS sound, thin and light, comfortable neck, one of the cheapest Fender-family guitars.

Cons: basic pickups and hardware, tremolo holds tuning less well, only 21 frets.

Our opinion: Of all the electric guitars here, the Sonic HSS has the best balance of versatility and price. With a small amp or headphone amp, it's a complete start.

2. Yamaha Pacifica 112V

Photo: Yamaha, Amazon

View on Amazon

The Yamaha Pacifica 112V has been a popular choice as a first serious guitar for years. The body is alder and the pickups Alnico V, which you usually find on pricier guitars. The layout is HSS, and the tone knob has a push/pull switch that turns the humbucker into a single-coil sound, making the guitar very versatile.

The maple neck has 22 frets and a rosewood fretboard with a 13.75-inch radius, and the scale is 25.5 inches. The bridge is a vintage-style tremolo. At 329.00 euros (in Sonic Blue) it costs more than the Squier Sonic, and no amp or accessories are included.

Pros: alder and Alnico V pickups, coil split for more sounds, a guitar you won't outgrow quickly.

Cons: pricier than the Squier Sonic, tremolo, no amp or accessories.

Our opinion: If it's clear the student wants to play seriously, the Pacifica 112V is a better buy than a cheaper guitar they'll replace within a year.

3. Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Pack

Photo: Squier, Amazon

View on Amazon

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Pack is for anyone who wants everything in one box. For 328.00 euros you get an Affinity Stratocaster HSS guitar, a Fender Frontman 15G amp, a padded gig bag, a strap, a cable of about 3 m and picks. All you need to add is a tuner or an app.

The guitar has a poplar body, a C-profile maple neck, 21 frets, a 25.5-inch scale and HSS ceramic pickups and a vintage tremolo. The 15 W amp has clean and overdrive channels, an 8-inch speaker, an aux input and a headphone output. As they improve, many players later want a better amp.

Pros: complete starter set, amp loud enough for a room, headphone output.

Cons: basic amp, costs more than the Sonic guitar alone, no tuner.

Our opinion: For parents who don't want to think about cables and amps, this is the easiest gift. If you know what you're buying, you'll do better separately.

4. Epiphone SG Tribute

Photo: Epiphone, Amazon

View on Amazon

The Epiphone SG Tribute is for beginners who want rock in the Gibson style. Two ceramic humbuckers (650R and 700T) give a full sound without hum, and the 24.75-inch scale feels slinkier and makes bends easier than a Fender scale. At 305.08 euros it has a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece.

According to Gibson, the body is okoume or sapele, the neck mahogany with a slim SlimTaper profile, and the laurel fretboard has 22 frets. It has just one volume and one tone knob. The SG shape tends to dip towards the headstock, and the neck is bolted on, not glued.

Pros: shorter scale for easier playing, two humbuckers for rock, slim body, good upper-fret access.

Cons: only one volume and one tone knob, neck dive, bolt-on neck.

Our opinion: For a teenager drawn to AC/DC and punk, the SG Tribute is a better choice than a Stratocaster. It isn't ideal for clean pop sounds.

5. Ibanez GIO GRG121SP

Photo: Ibanez, Amazon

View on Amazon

The Ibanez GIO GRG121SP is for teens and beginners into metal and fast lead playing. The slim roasted maple GRG neck and 24 jumbo frets make fast playing easier, and two ceramic Classic Elite humbuckers give a strong distorted sound without hum. It costs 267.00 euros and is the only guitar in the comparison with 24 frets.

The fixed F106 bridge with strings through the body holds tuning and makes string changes easy. The body is poplar, the fretboard jatoba, and the scale 648 mm. The colour-shifting metallic finish isn't for everyone, and some retailers list it as discontinued, so stock may vary.

Pros: slim fast neck and 24 frets, fixed bridge holds tuning, humbuckers for metal.

Cons: aimed at heavier styles, finish isn't for everyone, stock may vary.

Our opinion: If the student listens to Metallica rather than the Beatles, the GRG121SP will motivate them more than a Stratocaster.

6. Squier Mini Stratocaster

Photo: Squier, Amazon

View on Amazon

The Squier Mini Stratocaster is a real 3/4-size electric guitar for children. The scale is 22.75 inches (578 mm), much shorter than the 25.5 inches of full-size guitars, so small hands reach the frets more easily. At 177.00 euros it's the cheapest in the comparison.

It has three single-coils, a five-way switch, volume and tone knobs and a fixed bridge that holds tuning. The body is poplar and the maple neck has 20 frets. The 40.6 mm nut can feel narrow for adults, and children outgrow it, usually in their early teens. There's no amp, but a Mini Strat pack with an amp exists for 319.99 euros (as of 1 November 2026).

Pros: real short-scale guitar for kids, fixed bridge holds tuning, also works as a travel guitar.

Cons: kids outgrow it, narrow nut for adults, basic pickups.

Our opinion: For a child for whom a full-size guitar is too big, the Mini Strat is the best start. Before buying, measure the child and check they can reach the first fret with an outstretched arm.

7. Fender Player II Mustang

Photo: Fender, Amazon

View on Amazon

The Fender Player II Mustang is a real Fender made in Mexico, for teens and adults with smaller hands who would rather buy a quality guitar straight away. The 24-inch scale makes stretches easier, and the alder body carries two Alnico 5 single-coils. The rosewood fretboard has rolled edges and 22 frets.

The bridge is fixed, with strings through the body, so it holds tuning. At 703.00 euros it's the most expensive in the comparison, more than three times the Squier Sonic, and no gig bag is included. The Amazon listing title doesn't say "Mustang", only "Player II RW Aquatone Blue", but the picture shows a Mustang. Two single-coils aren't ideal for metal.

Pros: real Mexican Fender, short scale for smaller hands, quality pickups, stable tuning.

Cons: most expensive in the list, no gig bag, not for metal.

Our opinion: The Mustang is for those who don't want to buy a second guitar in two years. For a first try, a Squier is enough.

Maintenance

D'Addario gives no fixed schedule for changing strings: change them when they sound dull, look grimy or rusty, or no longer hold tune (D'Addario). A rough rule of thumb often given for regular players is every 2 to 3 months. Fender notes that wood reacts to humidity and temperature, so seasonal action adjustments are common, especially on new instruments (Fender).

Conclusion: which electric guitars to choose?

For most beginners the best choice is the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS for 213.72 euros. If the student is serious, the Yamaha Pacifica 112V lasts longer, and the Squier Affinity HSS Pack is everything in one box. For rock there's the Epiphone SG Tribute, for metal the Ibanez GRG121SP, for kids the Squier Mini and for short-scale quality the Fender Mustang. All electric guitars need an amp or a headphone amp.

If you're still choosing an instrument, see instruments for beginners. For rhythm there are electronic drum kits, for keys digital pianos, and for mixing DJ controllers.

Frequently asked questions

Electric or acoustic guitar for a beginner?

For most beginners an electric is physically easier: lighter strings set lower and a slimmer neck mean less finger pain. If the student wants to sing around a campfire, an acoustic makes more sense. Choose an instrument for the music they want to play.

Pack with an amp or everything separately?

A pack is the simplest start, with an amp, gig bag, cable, strap and picks. Separately you can get a better guitar and a better amp or headphone amp. Add a tuner or an app either way.

Single-coil or humbucker for a first guitar?

A single-coil sounds bright but picks up hum, especially with distortion. A humbucker cancels hum and sounds fuller, better for rock and metal. An HSS guitar like the Squier Sonic HSS or Pacifica 112V covers both.

What size guitar for a child?

Full-size guitars have a 25.5-inch scale. Children often play better on a 3/4 guitar like the Squier Mini Stratocaster (22.75 inches), and height and arm length matter more than age. Teens with smaller hands can try a 24-inch short scale.

How much does a first electric guitar cost?

On Amazon.de real brand-name guitars start at around 170 to 220 euros, packs with an amp cost around 280 to 330 euros, and a first serious guitar around 330 euros. If you don't buy a pack, budget about 90 to 130 euros for an amp, tuner and cable.

Can I practise in a flat?

Yes. The Frontman 10G and 15G amps have headphone outputs, and the Fender Mustang Micro plugs straight into the guitar and runs for about 4 hours per charge. Keep the headphone volume moderate.

How we chose

We chose these electric guitars by pickups, scale length, bridge, woods, included gear and price, with a focus on beginners and a first serious guitar. We reviewed 10 models available on Amazon.de and checked each ASIN through Amazon's API. Specs come from Gibson's site and from dealer spec sheets reproducing the makers' data. We left out Harley Benton (not on Amazon), models with inflated third-party prices and those without a regular offer, such as the Fender Player II Stratocaster. Prices are live Amazon.de prices on 1 November 2026. We did not physically test the products.

Sources and references

1. Fender - 10 beginner FAQs
2. Guitar World - Acoustic vs electric for beginners
3. Guitar World - Single-coils vs humbuckers
4. Thomann - Guitars for kids by age and height
5. Fender - Mustang Micro
6. WHO-ITU - Safe listening standard
7. D'Addario - When to change your strings
8. Fender support - Setup
9. Gibson - Epiphone SG Tribute
10. Chicago Music Exchange - Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS
11. Andy's Music - Yamaha Pacifica 112V
12. Stars Music - Ibanez GRG121SP
13. Guitar Village - Squier Mini Stratocaster
14. Chicago Music Exchange - Fender Player II Mustang

Related articles:

• Best instruments for beginners
• Best electronic drum kits
• Best digital pianos
• Best DJ controllers