AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Electric Guitar Sets for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA w/Soran Tiny Stomp ($144). Harley Benton MA-5 Miniamp Set 4 gives you the most for the money at $111. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 126 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 9, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
This guitar feels like a solid workhorse for players who want a classic vibe without breaking the bank. It comes with a great pedal that mimics tube amps, which adds a lot of character. The Candy Apple Red finish pops, and the Modern C neck is easy to reach for anyone. It's perfect for beginners or gigging musicians who need reliable gear for the road.
Pros
- Includes a DSM amp modelling pedal in the bundle
- Modern C neck profile for comfortable playing
- Double action truss rod for stability
Cons
- Lacks a master volume control
- Uses plastic Laurel fingerboard material
67AudioFu
Index↓ 27.9%since Oct 18 · lowest so far$200 · Oct 18$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale492 mm (19.37")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton MA-5 Miniamp Set 4 is a fantastic entry point for beginners or players seeking a compact, versatile instrument. The short scale really shines for those with smaller hands or who prefer a more manageable feel. It’s surprisingly capable and delivers a solid, bright tone – a real steal for the price.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Short scale (492mm) makes it incredibly comfortable and easy to play, especially for smaller hands.
- ST-style single coils deliver a bright, snappy tone suitable for a variety of genres.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction limits sustain compared to set-neck designs.
- Laurel fretboard can be prone to slight finish imperfections; requires careful inspection.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This guitar feels great to hold with its smooth maple neck and sturdy poplar body. The two single coils give you that classic clean tone many players love. It's a budget-friendly choice that gets the job done without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Poplar body paired with maple bolt-on neck for solid stability
- Modern C neck profile offers comfortable playing for most hands
- Two TE-style single coils deliver a classic, crisp tone
Cons
- Only two knobs limit basic tone shaping options significantly
- Single pickup configuration lacks the versatility of humbuckers
61AudioFu
Index↓ 17.8%since Oct 18 · lowest so far$189 · Oct 18$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale492 mm (19.37")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton ST-Junior bundle is an absolute steal for students or anyone wanting a classic Strat vibe on a budget. The short scale really opens it up for easier playing, and the included Marshall amp is a surprisingly decent starting point. It's a fantastic entry point into electric guitar, offering a lot of fun for the money.
Pros
- Poplar body delivers surprisingly resonant and warm tones.
- Short scale (492mm) makes it incredibly comfortable for smaller hands or beginners.
- ST-style single coils offer a bright, articulate sound suitable for many genres.
Cons
- Poplar body, while decent, lacks the sustain of mahogany or alder.
- Bolt-on neck construction can limit upper fret access and sustain.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$117 now$117€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale492 mm (19.37")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS is a shockingly good deal for beginners or players needing a compact, versatile instrument. The short scale makes it easy to play, while the HSS pickup setup provides a surprisingly wide range of tones – from jangly cleans to gritty rock. It's a fantastic entry point to electric guitar playing, offering a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Solid poplar body provides surprisingly good resonance and sustain.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy, responsive feel.
- HSS pickup configuration delivers versatility from crunchy rock to clean tones.
Cons
- Short scale limits low-end extension and can feel cramped for larger hands.
- Hardware, while functional, feels budget-oriented and may require upgrades.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Thomann G13 is a fantastic entry point for aspiring guitarists or anyone needing a budget-friendly practice setup. The Harley Benton ST-style guitar delivers surprisingly good tone for its class, and the included HB-10G amp provides enough power for bedroom practice. It’s a solid choice for beginners or players looking for a no-frills, reliable instrument.
Pros
- Basswood body delivers surprisingly warm, resonant tones for the price.
- Modern 'C' neck profile offers a comfortable, familiar feel for many players.
- Synchronized tremolo allows for subtle vibrato and dive bombs.
Cons
- Basswood, while warm, lacks the sustain and clarity of mahogany or alder.
- Laurel fretboard can feel a little harder and less polished than rosewood.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 13.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$166 · Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale565 mm (22.24")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Bundle is a fantastic entry point for young players or those on a tight budget wanting a rock-style guitar. The smaller scale makes it easy to handle, and the Marshall amp gives it a surprisingly good sound for practice. It’s a solid, playable package that delivers a lot of bang for the buck.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy feel and easy playability for beginners.
- Dual humbuckers deliver a thick, aggressive tone suitable for rock and metal.
Cons
- Roseacer fingerboard may feel a bit 'sticky' compared to maple or ebony.
- 3/4 scale length limits versatility and can feel cramped for larger hands.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.5 mm (1.67")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
This Harley Benton bundle is a fantastic entry point for budding acoustic players or those needing a budget-friendly practice rig. The dreadnought body provides a full sound, and the included Joyo amp gets you playing right out of the box. It's ideal for beginners, students, or anyone needing a reliable acoustic/electric combo without a premium investment.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers surprisingly bright and resonant acoustic tones for the price.
- Mahogany body provides a warm, focused low-end and pleasing sustain.
- Joyo MA-10A amp offers decent volume and tone shaping for practice and small gigs.
Cons
- Factory strings are thin and will likely need upgrading for optimal playability.
- The pre-amp's EQ is basic and lacks the finesse of higher-end acoustic systems.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$151 now$151€135 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale565 mm (22.24")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyPoplar body
This is a great little guitar for anyone with smaller hands or a tight budget. It plays like a full-sized rock guitar but fits in a backpack easily. The included pedal adds some nice amp sound without needing a big amplifier.
Pros
- Compact 3/4 size perfect for smaller players
- Solid poplar body with maple bolt-on neck
- Dual humbucker pickups for strong tone
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control
- Single 3-way pickup selection switch
49AudioFu
Index↓ 17.8%since Oct 18 · lowest so far$189 · Oct 18$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale565 mm (22.24")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyPoplar body
This RG-Junior set is a fantastic entry point for younger players or anyone on a tight budget wanting a rock-ready guitar and amp. The shorter scale makes it easier to handle, and the humbuckers give it a surprisingly aggressive voice. It's a solid foundation to build on and learn the basics.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone for the price.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides snappy response and comfortable playability.
- Humbucker pickups deliver a thick, crunchy sound suitable for rock and metal.
Cons
- Roseacer fingerboard can feel a bit 'slick' compared to ebony or maple.
- 3/4 scale length limits versatility and might feel cramped for larger hands.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 12.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$178 · Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 126 electric guitar sets
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton DC-200 CH w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton · 2 finishes52↓ 25.1%$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton ST-Junior BK St. Series PackHarley Benton45Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton HBWY-25 BKS w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton48↓ 25.1%$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 14
Thomann Junior Guitar Set 1 BKThomann40Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton RG Junior BK w/Marshall MG10GHarley Benton44Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Rock Series PackHarley Benton44Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton TE-30 BE Standard Serie BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 18
Thomann Guitar Set G2 BlackThomann · 4 finishes46Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK LH SetHarley Benton42Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard Bundle 1Harley Benton45Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton SC-400 GT w/Soran Dual LiteHarley Benton · 4 finishes56↓ 22.0%$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 22
Thomann Guitar Set G45 LHThomann37Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton ST-62BK Hot Rod Bundle 1Harley Benton · 25 finishes62Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton HWY-25BKS Progressive S BundleHarley Benton · 4 finishes50↓ 5.0%$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Bundle 1Harley Benton44Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton SC-200 BK DNAFX AmP15 SetHarley Benton44Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK JamPack BundleHarley Benton44Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton WL-20BK Rock Series Bundle 4Harley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton SC-450 BK Classic Serie BundleHarley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton R-457 BK Bundle 1Harley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton HBO-600SB SetHarley Benton40Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 32
Thomann Guitar Set G46 LHThomann37Stable$210€188$210€188Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton TE-62DB LPB BundleHarley Benton · 6 finishes48Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton R-10 BK Rock Series Bundle 1Harley Benton · 3 finishes48Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 36
Thomann Guitar Set G47 LHThomann37Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton DNAFx AmP15 BundleHarley Benton42Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 38
Thomann Guitar Set G16Thomann40Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 39
Squier Sonic StratocasterSonic Strat HSS Black Set · Squier65Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 40
Squier Sonic StratocasterSonic Strat MN 2TSB Set · Squier65↓ 1.1%$291€261$291€261Check ↗
- 41
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterAffinity Strat MN LPB Set · Squier65Stable$363€325$363€325Check ↗
- 42
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterAffinity Strat MN OW Bundle · Squier65Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 43
Squier Affinity Series StratocasterAffinity Strat FM HSS S Set · Squier64↑ 1.4%$406€364$406€364Check ↗
- 44
Squier Mini Stratocaster V2Mini Strat V2 BK IL Bundle · Squier61Stable$277€248$277€248Check ↗
- 45
Squier Mini Stratocaster V2Mini Stratocaster IL DR Bundle · Squier61Stable$284€254$284€254Check ↗
- 46
Squier Sonic StratocasterSonic Stratocaster Pack 2TSB · Squier · 2 finishes61↑ 6.9%$293€262$293€262Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton SC-500 BK w/Soran Dual StompHarley Benton · 3 finishes55↓ 20.5%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton R-446 Graphite DNAFX AmP15 SetHarley Benton · 11 finishes54Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF BundleHarley Benton · 10 finishes54Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 50
Harley Benton TE-52 NA /Mooer Hornet SetHarley Benton · 5 finishes53Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
Electric Guitar Sets by the numbers
Measured across all 286 models we track, not a sample.
Median $278 — half of all electric guitar sets here cost less.
median of 284 models · 42 mm (1.65")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 280 models · 565 mm (22.24")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 208 models · 21–24
most common · 261 models
How to choose the best electric guitar sets
Playability
A beginner shouldn't be wrestling with high action or a neck profile that feels like a baseball bat. Comfortable access to the higher frets and a manageable string gauge are crucial for building technique.
Pickup Voicing
Harsh, ice-picky pickups are a tone killer, especially for a beginner. You want something that can handle clean tones but also offer a usable breakup without needing to crank the amp to ear-splitting levels - that 'fat midrange honk' is a plus.
Amp & Effects Compatibility
A decent set should sound okay with a basic practice amp and leave room to grow. Cheap pickups often sound muddy or brittle when you start adding overdrive or modulation.
Hardware Quality
Tuning stability is paramount. A set with cheap tuners will drive you crazy trying to stay in tune, killing your motivation. Basic, functional hardware is better than flashy, unreliable stuff.
Overall Build Quality
Look for solid construction - no sharp fret edges, no obvious finish flaws. These things aren't dealbreakers, but they speak to the attention to detail (or lack thereof) in the manufacturing process.
Buying guide
So, you're diving into the world of electric guitar - awesome! Getting a starter set seems like the obvious move, but not all sets are created equal. You want something that'll inspire you to practice, not fight you every step of the way. We're gonna break down what to look for, and highlight a few sets that genuinely won't leave you feeling like you wasted your money.
Honestly, you're going to make some compromises with a beginner set. The biggest trade-off is usually in the pickups and hardware. Don't expect boutique-level tone.
Focus on playability first - if it's uncomfortable to play, you won't practice. Spending a little more on a set with a smoother neck profile and decent tuners is worth it; those things affect your enjoyment and progress more than a slightly 'better' sounding pickup that you can't even hear over the amp's hiss.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 286 electric guitar sets from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are beginner sets always a good deal?
Not always. Some sets bundle a guitar with a tiny, underpowered amp that's more frustrating than helpful. Make sure the amp has enough headroom to actually hear the guitar properly.
What's 'action' and why does it matter?
Action is the distance between the strings and the frets. High action makes the guitar harder to play, requiring more force to fret notes. Lower action is easier, but too low can cause buzzing.
Should I buy a set or buy the guitar and amp separately?
For a complete beginner, a set can be a good starting point to get everything at once. However, if you're serious about progressing, buying separately allows you to upgrade components as your skills and taste develop.
What about different guitar types (Strat, Les Paul, etc.)?
Strat-style guitars often have a thinner neck profile and a brighter, more articulate tone, good for a variety of styles. Les Pauls tend to have a thicker neck and a warmer, heavier tone, often favored for rock and blues. Try both if you can.
How important are the pickups?
They're important, but don't obsess over them. Cheap pickups will sound 'okay' but won't inspire you. Upgrading pickups later is a relatively easy and affordable upgrade - focus on getting a comfortable and playable guitar first.





