Is there really such a thing as the best electric guitar? Wella quick scour of the internet will show you that everyone and their dog has an opinion on the matterand you know what they say about opinions... I like to think thathere at Guitar Worldour opinion carries more weight than mostas our team has collectively reviewed thousands of guitarsliterallywith over 30 years of testinggiggingrecordingand endless practicing experience.
TruthfullyI believe there is no best electric guitaronly the best guitar for your specific needs. Soto help assist a range of guitar players in finding their perfect matchI’ve set out this all-encompassing guide to cover all the bases and then some. You'll find guitars spanning the gamut from beginner to seasoned pro hereand plenty in between that should get you your perfect match.
I’m Daryland I’m here to help you find the ultimate electric guitar. With over ten years of experience as a music retail managerI've helped countless players find their perfect instrument. NowI share my insights and reviews as a full-time writer for Guitar World.
Currentlymy top pick is the stunning Fender Vintera II Stratocaster. If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands on one of the most iconic electric guitars of all timebut you need something that feels fresh and modernwith plenty of retro mojothen this is definitely a guitar to consider. For those on a budgetI’d highly recommend the Sterling By Music Man Intro Series Cutlass. If ever there was a guitar that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a seriously good instrumentit would be this affordable Cutlass.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a reliable gigging guitar: With a neck that begs to be playeda versatile set of single-coil pickupsand Fender's famous build qualitythis is a reliable gigging companion for sure.
❌ Avoid if you want a guitar for heavier tones: While this guitar is tonally versatileit can't quite handle heavier tones.
Build: ★★★★½
Playability: ★★★★½
Sound: ★★★★½
Many see the Stratocaster as the ultimate guitarand wellwe're no different. Versatileaccessibleand incredibly playablethere's an argument to be made that the Strat is one of the best electric guitars of all timeand the Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster is a prime example of that.
Build: Featuring the standard formula of an alder body and a maple neck with rosewood fingerboardthis Strat is incredibly well-made. So much so that I had a hard time believing it was not US-made. The finishing is on pointthe neck pocket was neat and tidyand there was not a thing out of place.
Playability: PersonallyI love '60s Fender guitars. The neck profiles just seem to fit my hand the bestand the Vintera II 60s Stratocaster is no different. The supremely comfortable early-'60s C neck profile just begs to be played and I really like how the Vintera series morphs each era’s most desirable facets into a singlewholesome model that’s instantly identifiable as such.
Sound: A trio of vintage-voiced pickups that will transport you back to the golden age of guitar making. It's a guitar that perfectly evokes the and sound of an original sixties example without breaking the bankdelivering those classic Strat tones without you having to remortgage or take out a loan to get one.
"Plugging in the Strat it’s an instantly familiar and pleasing set of tones we encounter. While all the sounds are bright and sparklythere’s no hint of the brittle rasp that afflicts some Strats. Through the clean channel with a wash of reverbevery tone is crystal clear and smooth."
Read more: Fender Vintera II 60s Stratocaster review
Best on a budget
✅ Buy if you want an affordable guitar that’s reliable: If ever there was a guitar that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a seriously good instrumentit would be this affordable Cutlass.
❌ Avoid if you’re not looking for a basic guitar: With this being an affordable instrumentit doesn’t have a lot of features.
Build: ★★★★☆
Playability: ★★★★☆
Sound: ★★★★ ☆
Build: The Sterling By Music Man Cutlass from the Intro Series is a well-crafted entry-level electric guitar that defies its beginner designation. It features a solid poplar body and a bolt-on hard maple neck shaped into a comfortable C-profile. Nowwhile it lacks some premium touches found on its higher-end cousinsthe satin-smooth finish and thoughtful design elements like the five-bolt joint for added stability set it apart from other models in this price bracket.
Playability: This Cutlass is clearly designed with a beginner in mindoffering a solid setup right out of the box. I feel like the fingerboard’s 12” radius will provide comfort for the majority of newbie and experienced players alikewith a smooth finish that never gets in the way of what you are trying to play.
Sound: Equipped with a versatile HSS pickup configurationthe Cutlass delivers a range of tones that cater to various musical s. The combination of a ceramic bridge humbucker and two ceramic single-coilscontrolled by a five-way selectorallows for a rich sonic palette. Whether strumming chords or diving into intricate solosthe guitar maintains a clear and resonant tone that's streets ahead of the competition in this price category.
" A fun guitar to playwell builtversatileand a great option for beginners – and for budding modders too – the Intro Series Cutlass doesn’t call attention to itself until you pick it up and plug it in. Then it all makes perfect sense."
Read my full Sterling By Music Man Intro Series Cutlass review
Best beginner
✅ Buy if you’re a complete beginner: Featuring a 24” scale lengtha C-shape satin urethane maple neckand a 9.5” radius maple fingerboardthis guitar is designed to make taking your first steps on the instrument as easy as possible.
❌ Avoid if you’re an intermediate player: This guitar is designed with beginners in mind. If you’re more advancedyou’ll want to seek out a different model.
Build: ★★★★☆
Playability: ★★★★☆
Sound: ★★★★ ☆
Build: For meI think the Squier Bullet Mustang is a fantastic beginner instrument. This affordable Mustang features a compactoffset design with a 24” scale lengtha C-shape satin urethane maple neckand a 9.5” radius maple fingerboard. While the build quality is solidit's worth noting that the setup may not be as refined as on more advanced models.
Playability: This guitar promises an enjoyable playing experience for smaller playersparticularly thanks to its shorter dimensionswhich younger guitarists will find fun and easy to navigate. Yeahokaythe setup could benefit from a professional adjustmentbut overallthe guitar feels comfortable.
Sound: Equipped with dual ceramic Squier humbuckersthe Sonic Mustang shines when introduced to some grit and distortion. In our reviewwe noted that "when dialed back to cleanthe neck pickup offers up some pleasing warm depth," but we preferred the tone overall when there was a decent amount of gain involved.
"There's no argument to be had with the buildsoundor playability of this entry-level offsetand with its shorter scaleit might just be the ideal beginner guitar for young players."
Read my full Squier Sonic Mustang review
Best for kids
✅ Buy for a child or small player: This guitar is designed with kids in mind and therefore won’t be suited to adult players.
❌ Avoid for larger kids: Larger childrenfrom 10 upwardswill need a full-sized guitar and are best avoiding this model.
Build: ★★★★☆
Playability: ★★★★ ½
Sound: ★★★★ ☆
When selecting a smaller guitar for childrenthe pint-sized Ibanez miKro GRGM21 was the only choice for me.
Build: The Ibanez miKro GRGM21 boasts impressive construction quality for a compact guitar. Its smaller body and robust hardware provide a solid and well-crafted feel. The 22.2” scale length ensures a comfortable playing experiencewhile the slim neck design accommodates players of various sizesmaking it perfect for kids who are just beginning or seasoned players looking for a travel-friendly companion.
Playability: PersonallyI found this short-scale electric guitar to be especially easy to handlethanks to its low string tension and thoughtfully designed contours. The 24 frets offer plenty of rangealthough some might feel a bit cramped in the higher frets. It is ideally suited for young beginners while also being an enjoyableportable option for adults. HoweverI did notice some tuning stability issuesneeding frequent adjustmentsparticularly after bending strings.
Sound: In terms of soundthe Ibanez miKro shines with overdriven and distorted tonesmaking it suitable for rockbluesand punk genres. The bridge pickup produces powerful soloswhile the neck pickup delivers a warmbluesy sound. While the clean tones are not outstandingsome adjustments on the amp can enhance them. Overallit’s an excellent economic option for anyone beginning their journey with the electric guitar.
"The Ibanez miKro GRGM21 is a great little guitarsuitable for both kids wanting to start out and experienced adults who just want a funportable electric guitar."
Read my full Ibanez GRGM21M-BLT review
Best intermediate
✅ Buy if you want a fast neck: The maple neck utilises the famous PRS Wide Thin profileand 10” fretboard radiusand feels incredibly quick to navigate.
❌ Avoid if you like understated guitars: This PRS isn’t the most subtle model everand can look a little over the top to those who like classic designs.
Build: ★★★★★
Playability: ★★★★ ½
Sound: ★★★★★
Build: To manythe Custom 24 presents the pinnacle of PRS designand the thing about great guitar design is that it translates well at different price points. The SE Custom 24 is stunning in anyone’s book - and is our pick for the best electric guitar for intermediate players. The gorgeous double-cutaway body is constructed from a solid mahogany corewhile the stunning flame maple veneer adds a touch of elegance without being overly flashy.
Playability: One of the standout features of the Custom 24 is its Wide Thin neck profile. This design strikes an impressive balance between comfort and speedmaking it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players. The smooth neck surface facilitates effortless transitions between chords and single noteswhile the 24 frets provide ample range for piercingly high soloing. The guitar's body contours also ensure that it sits well when played standing or seatedallowing for long jam sessions without a shred of discomfort.
Sound: The versatility of the PRS SE Custom 24 truly shines through in its tone. Equipped with a bridge humbucker designed for everything from southern rock snarls to heavy metal chunkand a neck humbucker that excels in bluesrockand intricate compingthis guitar is a sonic powerhouse. The coil-tapping feature further expands the tonal paletteallowing players to easily switch between a full humbucker sound and bright single-coil tonesperfect for countryfunkor any genre in between.
"Great designperfectly executed with immaculate buildsthe PRS SE Custom 24 is a testament to the good health of the SE projectoffering a serious guitar for the money."
Read my full PRS SE Custom 24 review
Best for versatility
✅ Buy if you want a studio companion: This guitar is crazy versatile and the ideal model to have in the studio to cover various genres and s.
❌ Avoid if you like Les Pauls: The bulky and heavy nature of a Les Paul isn’t for everyone.
Build: ★★★★½
Playability: ★★★★½
Sound: ★★★★½
Build: Upon first handling the Studio SessionI was impressed by its cleanwell-applied Honey Burst finish. The AA flame top is stunningadorned with a lovely wood grain that truly comes alive under light. There was a minor imperfection near the toggle switch on my review modelbut it didn’t detract significantly from the overall beauty. The slim taper mahogany neck features expertly applied bindinga rich ebony fretboard with traditional trapezoid inlaysand is complemented by robust Grover Rotomatic tuners.
Playability: As good as this model looksthe playability of the Studio Session is where I really started to fall for this LP. The neck feels slimmer and narrower than other modelsallowing for quick movementswhich is perfect for fast legato playing. Gibson's Modern Contoured Heel design enhances upper fret accessmaking it easier than ever to reach those high notes. While I normally appreciate the heft of a traditional Les Paulthis modern design offers a nice alternative for those who might find the standard neck join cumbersome.
Sound: Tonallythe Studio Session lives up to its namesporting a pair of '57 Classic pickups that deliver a massive range of richgolden-era tones ideal for hard rock and bluesbut enough output to handle the modern stufftoo. With push/pull coil taps and even a bypass switchI found its versatility impressiveliving up to the expectations of a true studio guitar.
"The Studio Session is a gorgeous guitarboth sonically and aesthetically. The 57 Classic pickups deliver the famous Les Paul snarl in abundancewhile the AA-flame top is good enough to make a Standard jealous. Throw in superb playability and more than a few modern appointmentsand you get the best Studio in the Gibson catalog."
Read my full Gibson Studio Session review
Best lightweight
✅ Buy if you want something different: This guitar offers players something a little different in terms of design and playability. So if you want to stand out from the crowdthis is the guitar for you.
❌ Avoid for vintage tones: HB-2+ humbuckers deliver a hottermore contemporary toneso if you want a retro soundseek out a different model.
Build: ★★★★☆
Playability: ★★★★½
Sound: ★★★★☆
Build: The Guild S-100 Polara really impressed me with its rock-solid build quality. Okayit's certainly reminiscent of the Gibson SGbut the Polara is more than a flattering imitation; it's a fabulous guitar in its own right. The four-piece body has a respectable thickness and a smooth translucent cherry finishmaking it rather visually appealing in my opinion. Weighing in at just under 3kgit feels light and well-balanced when slung over my shoulder.
Playability: In terms of playabilityI found the setup to be nearly perfect right out of the box. The fretwork is well-finishedalthough I did notice the fingerboard edge binding was a bit thicker than expected. The tuners required a little tightening initiallybut they held tuning quite well during longer practice sessions.
Sound: Sound-wisethe new HB-2+ humbuckers deliver a hottermore contemporary toneespecially at the bridge. The ability to coil-split the pickups via pull-switches on the volume controls adds versatilityallowing me to explore different tonal options. Overallthe Polara Deluxe blends modern playability with classic influencesmaking it a strong contender as a starter guitar or even a unique slide option for those seeking a lighter alternative.
"This 2024 version of the Polara Deluxe remains an alternative to Gibson’s fabled SG. At this level and priceit’s a serious starterspare or – as it ever was – a wicked slide guitar."
Read my full Guild Polara Deluxe review
Best Telecaster
✅ Buy if you want versatility: From superb cleans to filthy high gainthis Telecaster can do it all tonally.
❌ Avoid if you’re on a budget: Quality this good comes with a sizable price attached. Soif you’re on a tight budgetyou’ll want to look elsewhere
Build: ★★★★★
Playability: ★★★★★
Sound: ★★★★★
Build: The American Ultra II Telecaster boasts a sleek design with a classic alder body paired with a quartersawn maple neckensuring top-notch stability and premium feel. The neck features a Modern D shapebolted to the body just like Leo Fender intendedand is finished in Ultra Satin for that super tactile experience. Add in stylish touches like the gold Fender logolocking tunersand Luminlay glow-in-the-dark fret markersand you've got a guitar that looks as good as it feels.
Playability: When it comes to playabilitythis guitar truly shinesin my opinion. The rolled fingerboard edges and a 10” to 14” compound radius make it easy to navigatewhether you’re shredding gravity-defying legato licks or playing it safe with simple open strumming. Even after long sessionsthe comfort factor is impressive - I'd go as far as to sayit's like this guitar is designed to help you play your best.
Sound: TonallyUltra II is a classic Tele with a modern twist. Equipped with Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickupsyou’ll get that unmistakable Tele tone without any of that dreaded noise that drives us high-gain lovers completely madmaking it a single-coil option that can easily become one of the best rock guitars around if you need it to. Overallthe American Ultra II offers a versatile sound profile fit for countryrockor anything in betweenmaking it a fantastic choice for any guitarist looking for quality and performance in one seriously good-looking package.
"A radical revamp of Telecaster playability reaffirms a commitment to classic Tele tones in Fender’s modernized take on the solid-body electric that started it all. Those Noiseless Vintage pickups give it a high-fidelityEQ’d quality; the Tele is the best version of itself. It’s a workhorse for the biggest job you’ve got."
Read my full Fender American Ultra II Tele review
Best premium
✅ Buy if you want a high-end guitar: This guitar is the pinnacle of the ES line and offers premium features and a tone to match
❌ Avoid if you are on a budget: Gibson and Epiphone offer many ES guitars at all price points. If you're on a strict budgetit’s best to avoid this one and opt for something cheaper.
Build: ★★★★★
Playability: ★★★★½
Sound: ★★★★★
Build: One look at the elegant ES Supreme and you know Gibson means business. Featuring a stunning AAA figured maple top and a three-ply laminate construction that beautifully highlights the wood grainthis guitar oozes luxury. The five-ply binding around the body and headstock adds a touch of elegancewhile the Super Split Block mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays and modified “diamond” headstock inlay really drive the point home; this is a Supreme guitar indeed.
Playability: Playing the ES Supreme is a delightthanks to its thoughtfully constructed neck profile. I noticed some variation in neck thickness between various modelswhich means I could find the perfect fit for my hand. The 22 medium jumbo frets and smooth ebony fingerboard make for effortless navigation along the fretboard. I’d recommend trying one out in person at a dealer to ensure you find the ideal guitar for your playing .
Sound: The sound of the ES Supreme is extraordinary. The Burstbucker Pro humbuckers deliver a richdynamic tone across all settingsclean or distortedmaking it not only one of the best blues guitarsbut so much more. The coil tapping feature offers a wide range of tonesproviding a uniquefunky midrange reminiscent of a Strat. Overallthe ES Supreme captures the essence of the classic ES-335 while offering enhanced versatility and an absolutely stunning new aesthetic.
"The ES Supreme is indeed a supreme upgrade of the classic ES-335 designwith exceptionally more versatile tonal options and a striking upscale appearance."
Read my full Gibson ES Supreme review
How to choose
When it comes to selecting your dream electric guitaryou’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
Tonewoods: As well as the shape and size of the guitarweight is largely determined by the wood used. Though often contestedthe general consensus is that denser woods tend to yield more sustain. Mahoganycommonly used by Gibsontypically lends a slightly mellowerwarmer soundwith beautiful low and mid frequencies.
Fender often uses alderas it provides an even frequency response without being too light or too heavyas well as ashwhich is usually a slightly brighter-sounding wood. Something like basswood is quite light andbecause it’s easily sourcedis usually cheap and gets used on many budget guitars. Don’t let that put you offthough - tone-wiseit’s fairly transparent and evenly balanced.
Pickups: Pickups play the biggest role in shaping your electric guitar’s sound (alongside youof course!). Pickups are basically magnets housed in a bobbinwound with wirethat convert the vibrations caused by your moving strings into an electrical signalwhich is then sent to your amp.
There are many different pickup types out therebut the most popular types are single coils and humbuckers. Single-coil pickups are found in many Fender guitarssuch as the Strat and the Teleand deliver a brightclear soundoften with a slight midrange scoop. Strat pickups often sound ‘glassy’ and ‘chimey’and ‘twang’ is synonymous with the Tele.
Humbuckers tend to sound biggerbeefierand warmer. They fill out slightly more space in a mix and usually give out more output than single coilsmaking them break up sooner. If you already play a guitar with single-coilsthen maybe look for something with humbuckersor vice versaso you can cover more ground.
There are guitars out there that feature a mixture of single coils and humbucker pickupslike the HSS Stratgiving you the best of both worlds. There are also coil-tapped or coil-split humbuckers thatwhen engagedeffectively act as single coils.
Hardware: An electric guitar’s hardware can help improve tuning stabilitytoneand longevity. As you start to spend moreyou’ll get things like better quality tuners (sometimes locking tuners)sturdier hardware that fits together better and improves sustainas well as better and more reliable electronics that keep your signal clearer.
Neck profile: Neck profiles can varytooand should be considered when looking for the best electric guitar for you. It’s all very much down to personal preferencebut neck profiles can range from super thinlike on the Ibanez RG550to thickermore vintage- profiles like on the ES-335. Generally speakingfastershreddier players prefer thin necksand old-school blues and rock players go for either a thick neck or something in the middle.
There is definitely space for a bit of 'gut feeling' when you're shopping. We've all had situations where we've played a guitar we'd never normally have looked twice at and had it pleasantly surprise us. Keeping an open mind is no bad thing. Sometimeswhen you pick up a guitaryou just know. There's no rationale.
Butinstinct asideyou can at least put yourself in the right ballpark by using guides like this one to hone in on what works for you. With so many variablesit can be hard to know where to start. Maybe you'll find your dream guitar with a quick scrollor maybe it will take some further researchbut we hope to help you start that journey right here.
Spec comparison
Model | Body | Neck | Pickups | Who's it for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fender American Ultra II Tele | Alder | Maple | Ultra II Noiseless | Pro/Experienced Players |
Sterling By Music Man Intro Series Cutlass | Poplar | Maple | Ceramic Humbucker/Ceramic Single Coils | Beginners/Tight Budget |
Squier Sonic Mustang | Poplar | Maple | Ceramic Humbuckers | Beginners/Tight Budget |
Ibanez GRGM21M-BLT | Poplar | Maple | Infinity Humbuckers | Kids |
PRS SE Custom 24 | Mahogany back with Maple Top | Maple | PRS 85/15 ‘S’ Treble and Bass humbuckers | Intermediate/Experienced |
Epiphone Les Paul Special | Mahogany | Mahogany | P90 Pro Soapbar | Beginner/Intermediate |
Gibson Les Paul Studio Session | Mahogany with Maple Top | Mahogany | '57 Classic +/ '57 Classic | Intermediate/Experienced |
Guild Polara Deluxe | Mahogany | Mahogany | Guild HB-2+ | Beginner/Intermediate |
Fender Vintera II 60s Stratocaster | Alder | Maple | Vintage-Style '60s Single-Coil Strat | Intermediate/Experienced |
Gibson ES Supreme | Three-ply AAA figured Maple/Poplar/Maple | Mahogany | Gibson Burstbucker Lead and Rhythm Pro | Pro/Experienced Players |
FAQs
How much should I spend on an electric guitar?
When buying an electric guitaryou get what you pay for. On more premium modelsyou’ll find higher quality woodsbetter partsand a much higher level of finishing. Of coursethe hardwaresuch as the tunersbridgeand nutwill also be more reliable.
One of the key factors in electric guitars is the pickups. Higher-end guitars often feature better pickupswhich can greatly influence your soundproviding more claritywarmthand versatility.
That saidthere are great budget electric guitars that effectively balance all these aspects with cost. If you’re just starting outyou can find a decent beginner-friendly electric guitar for around $150-200. If you’re looking to upgradeyou’ll likely notice significant improvements in tone and playability in the $700-1,000 range. For a pro-level instrumentdepending on your preferencesyou should expect to invest around $1,500 and up.
Should I buy a guitar online?
In the pastmany viewed buying a guitar online as a risky endeavorbut that's no longer the case.
While trying out a guitar in a local music store is often ideal before making a purchaseit isn't always a feasible option. Certain brands may not be stocked in your local storeor you might not have time to shop aroundandlet's face itplaying in front of others can feel intimidating. This is where online shopping may be suitable for you.
Retailers of musical instruments on the internetsuch as Guitar CenterMusician's Friendand Sweetwatertypically provide standard hassle-free return policiesallowing you to buy a guitartest it out at homeand return it if it doesn’t meet your needs.
Most of these retailers offer a return window of 30 to 45 daysprovided the item is in its original condition.
How do you look after an electric guitar?
To ensure that your guitar remains in good condition and to avoid premature wear or the need for replacement parts - orgod forbidan entire instrument - regular maintenance is essential. Restringing your guitar every 2–3 months can keep it sounding fresh and vibrantand it provides an opportunity to give it a thorough cleaning to prevent dirt buildup. Additionallywiping down the strings after each use is beneficial.
Since guitar necks can easily break if dropped or bumpedinvesting in a quality guitar stand is a wise decision. You can safely use most types of guitar polishes on polyurethane finishes; howeverit’s always a good idea to check with the manufacturer first. For nitrocellulose finishescommonly found on Gibson and PRS guitarsyou need to be more cautious about which polishes and stands you useas some can damage the lacquer. Thereforeit's crucial to ensure that you select nitro-friendly products.
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Guitar World's inaugural print issue hit the shelves in July 1980and ever sinceit has been captivating players and enthusiasts with engaging lessonsinsightful interviews with the biggest guitar heroesand priceless buying advice for newbie players.
FurthermoreGuitarWorld.com continues this legacy online and serves as the hub of the world's foremost authorities on guitar playing. The site not only hosts content from Guitar World but also showcases articles from respected publications such as GuitaristTotal GuitarGuitar Techniquesand Bass Player. With a reach extending to 3.8 million players each monthGuitarWorld.com is a go-to destination for guitar fanatics globally.
Belowyou'll find more information about the expert author of this guide.
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at Guitar Worldwhere he creates and maintains our 200+ buyer's guidesfinds the best deals on guitar productsand tests the latest gear. His reviews have been featured in prominent publications like Total GuitarGuitaristFuture Musicand MusicRadar.com.
During his careerhe has been lucky enough to talk to many of his musical heroeshaving interviewed Slash and members of Sum 41Foo FightersThe OffspringCoheed & CambriaThriceand more. In a past lifehe worked in music retail. For a little under a decadehe advised everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned pros on the right gear for their needs.
Daryl's world doesn't just revolve around guitars either; he also has a passion for live sound. Daryl is a fully qualified sound engineer who holds a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay and has plenty of experience working in various venues around Scotland.
How we shoot videos
One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing an electric guitar is the sound it produces – that’s why I've recorded and filmed a short playing demo of the top 5 guitars in the guide. That wayyou can make an informed decision based purely on which model you think sounds the best.
In order to keep things simpleour demonstrator and Guitar World team memberPeter performed a simple chord progression and licks on every guitarwhile switching between the pickup positionsboth clean and distorted.
We recorded the video demos in our dedicated studio in BathUK. If you’re a regular consumer of guitar content on YouTubeyou may recognize this space as the famous Guitarist Tone Lounge.
Nowto ensure the most consistent tone possible across all the guitarswe used the Neural DSP Quad Cortex amp modeler. For the clean soundswe used our favorite US DLX Normal setting paired with a 112 US DLX SC64 cabinet model and a touch of room reverb for some depth. The dirty sounds kept the same US DLX modelbut this time partnered up with a Tube Screamer- overdrive at the front. Of coursewe kept the same natural room reverb as the previous setting.
As you’d expectwe applied some post-processing to the audio once it was capturedbut we kept this to a minimumsticking to light compression to maintain consistent levels.
Recent updates
03/03/26: This guide has been audited to ensure we are giving the very best electric guitar recommendations. 23/10/25: We've changed our top pick to the Fender Vintera II 60s Stratocasteracknowledging its glowing review. The order of the guide has been rearrangedand several categories have been changed to better meet the needs of a variety of guitar players. 13/08/24: This guide has been completely overhauled with all new products based on recent reviewsas well as video demos of the top five products and all new buying advice.
