AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Electric Guitar Sets for Beginners 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA w/Soran Tiny Stomp ($144). Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster leads the high end. 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 ↗ -
Squier Sonic Stratocaster
Sonic Strat HSS Black Set · Squier
225 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
- Weight4.2 kg
You get a complete starter set here: a black electric guitar with a maple neck, three pickups and a tremolo, plus an amp, gig bag, tuner, strap, cable and picks. It suits you if you are new to playing and want everything in one box. The 10-watt amp with clean and overdrive channels is a good fit for practicing at home.
Pros
- Poplar body with a bolt-on maple neck and maple fingerboard
- Two ceramic single coils and one ceramic humbucker, selected with a 5-way switch
- Six-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo with block saddles
Cons
- The bundled HB-10G amp is rated at 10 watts, so it suits home practice more than loud stages
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$289 now$289€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
- Weight4.2 kg
This set gives you the guitar, a 10-watt combo amp with clean and overdrive channels, a gig bag, a clip tuner, a strap, a cable and picks. The guitar has three ceramic single coil pickups, a 5-way switch and a tremolo bridge, so you can play a range of electric styles. It suits you if you are new to electric guitar or want a practice setup with everything in one box.
Pros
- Poplar body with a maple bolt-on neck and maple fingerboard
- Three ceramic single coil pickups with a 5-way switch
- Six-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo with block saddles
Cons
- The amplifier is 10 watts, which suits practice rather than large stages
65AudioFu
Index↓ 1.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$295 · Aug 17$291 now$291€261 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat MN LPB Set · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
This set gives you everything to start playing. You get a Squier Strat with a poplar body and maple neck, plus a 10-watt combo amp, gig bag, clip tuner, strap, cable and picks. It suits beginners or anyone who wants a ready-to-play setup with a tremolo bridge and five pickup positions.
Pros
- Poplar body and maple neck with maple fretboard for a classic Strat build
- Three ceramic single-coil pickups with a 5-way switch for varied pickup combinations
- Includes a 10-watt combo amp with clean and overdrive channels and 3-band EQ
Cons
- The 10-watt amp has one gain control and a 3-band EQ, with no further controls listed
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$363 now$363€325 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat MN OW Bundle · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight7 kg
You get a complete starter setup here: a Strat-style guitar with a poplar body, maple neck and three single-coil pickups, plus a 20 W amp with clean and overdrive channels. It suits you if you are starting out and want everything in one box, or if you want a guitar with a tremolo for experimenting with pitch. The amp has an 8-inch speaker, so it fits practice and small rooms best.
Pros
- Poplar body with a maple neck and maple fretboard
- Three ceramic single-coil pickups with a 5-way switch
- Includes a 20 W combo amp with clean and overdrive channels and digital reverb
Cons
- Clip tuner needs a 3 V lithium button cell, which is not included
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$367 now$367€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster
Affinity Strat FM HSS S Set · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
You get a complete starter setup here: a Sienna Sunburst guitar, a 10 watt amp with clean and overdrive channels, and the gig bag, tuner, strap, cable and picks you need to begin. The guitar has a tremolo bridge and three pickups, so you can try a range of sounds with one instrument. It suits you if you want everything in one box and plan to practice at home or in a small room.
Pros
- Poplar body with a maple veneer top, plus a maple neck and fretboard
- One ceramic humbucker at the bridge and two ceramic single coils for varied sounds
- Five-way switch with one volume and two tone controls for flexible control
Cons
- The amp is only 10 watts, so it fits practice and small rooms best
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
You get a complete starter package here: a black electric guitar with a basswood body, a maple neck, and a mix of single coil and humbucker pickups, plus a 10-watt amp with clean and overdrive channels, a gig bag, a strap and a cable. This suits you if you are starting out and want everything in one box, or if you need a second setup for practice at home. The guitar also has a synchronised tremolo, which lets you bend the pitch with the bar.
Pros
- Basswood body with bolt-on neck of vintage caramelised Canadian maple
- Two Roswell STA Alnico 5 single coils and a Roswell SHR Hot Blade ceramic humbucker
- Included HB-10G combo amp with Clean and Overdrive channels and a 3-band EQ
Cons
- Amp is rated at 10 watts, which suits smaller rooms rather than large stages
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$245 now$245€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
Squier Mini Stratocaster V2
Mini Strat V2 BK IL Bundle · Squier
180 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width40.6 mm (1.6")
- Scale578 mm (22.76")
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
If you want an easy way to start playing, this bundle gives you a black Mini Stratocaster with a short 578 mm scale, a 10-watt amp, and the extras you need to get going. It suits beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a compact guitar for practice at home. The clip tuner, gig bag, strap, cable and picks mean you have the basics in one box.
Pros
- Poplar body and maple neck with an Indian Laurel fretboard
- Three standard single coil pickups with a 5-way toggle switch
- Includes an HB-10G combo amp with clean and overdrive channels
Cons
- Short 578 mm scale may feel different if you are used to full-size guitars
- The HB-10G amp is rated at 10 watts, so it is best suited to practice
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Squier Mini Stratocaster V2
Mini Stratocaster IL DR Bundle · Squier
180 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width40.6 mm (1.6")
- Scale578 mm (22.76")
- BodyPoplar body
- Weight4.2 kg
You get a short scale Stratocaster style guitar with a maple neck and three single coil pickups, plus a 10 watt amp and the basic accessories in one box. This bundle suits beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a compact setup to practise at home. The 578 mm scale is shorter than standard, so the neck may feel easier to reach for smaller hands.
Pros
- Poplar body and maple neck with Indian Laurel fretboard give a simple, light build
- Three standard single coil pickups and a 5-way switch offer several pickup combinations
- Bundle includes a 10 watt combo amp with Clean and Overdrive channels and a 3-band EQ
Cons
- The 10 watt amp and short 578 mm scale suit practice rather than large stages
- The gig bag is made for short scale guitars and has no room for the amp
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$284 now$284€254 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
Squier Sonic StratocasterSonic Stratocaster Pack 2TSB · Squier · 2 finishes61↑ 6.9%$293€262$293€262Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton SC-400 GT w/Soran Dual LiteHarley Benton · 4 finishes56↓ 22.0%$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton SC-500 BK w/Soran Dual StompHarley Benton · 3 finishes55↓ 20.5%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton WL-20BK Rock Series Set 1Harley Benton · 3 finishes54↓ 10.8%$248€222$248€222Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton TE-62CC LH SP BundleHarley Benton · 6 finishes54↓ 4.2%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton R-446 Graphite DNAFX AmP15 SetHarley Benton · 11 finishes54Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF BundleHarley Benton · 10 finishes54Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton TE-52 NA /Mooer Hornet SetHarley Benton · 5 finishes53Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton CST-24T LH Purple Burst BundleHarley Benton · 7 finishes53Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 20
Takamine G Series GD30CE DreadnoughtGD30CE-12N Nux Set · Takamine53↓ 0.6%$798€715$798€715Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton DC-200 CH w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton · 2 finishes52↓ 25.1%$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton SC-450 BK Classic Serie BundleHarley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton R-457 BK Bundle 1Harley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton JA-60LH SB Vintage Seri SetHarley Benton · 5 finishes52Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton MA-5 Miniamp Set 4Harley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton TE-30 BE Standard Serie BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton SC-450PlusLH GT Vintage SetHarley Benton · 3 finishes51Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton HB-35 CH Vintage Series SetHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton HWY-25BKS Progressive S BundleHarley Benton · 4 finishes50↓ 5.0%$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 30
Thomann Guitar Set G13 SunburstThomann · 3 finishes49↓ 13.4%$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton D-120CE BK Joyo BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton RG-Junior w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton49↓ 17.8%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton RG-Junior BK SetHarley Benton49↓ 12.6%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton TE-40 TBK Bundle 1Harley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton TE-90FLT VW Deluxe Seri BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series SetHarley Benton49Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton Fusion-III HH EB OCT SetHarley Benton49↓ 16.7%$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton HBWY-25 BKS w/Soran Tiny StompHarley Benton48↓ 25.1%$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton Extreme-76 BK Classic BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton R-10 BK Rock Series Bundle 1Harley Benton · 3 finishes48Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton Extreme-76LH BK BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton TE-70RW Deluxe Set 1Harley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton SC-1000 WH Progressive Set 1Harley Benton · 5 finishes48Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 45
Harley Benton DC-Custom II Cherry Set 2Harley Benton47Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 46
Thomann Guitar Set G2 BlackThomann · 4 finishes46Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton DC-Junior Pelham Blue BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted Mul SetHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus MN HSS L SetHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 50
Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard S BundleHarley Benton45Stable$117€105$117€105Check ↗
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 needs a comfortable neck profile - nothing too thick or too thin. Lower action (string height) is crucial; struggling to fret notes will kill your motivation fast. The overall feel needs to be encouraging, not frustrating.
Tonal Versatility
While you might be into one genre now, you never know what you'll be playing next. A set with decent pickups that can handle clean tones, a little crunch, and even some basic distortion is far more useful than a set optimized for one specific sound.
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners are the enemy - constant retuning during a gig is a nightmare. Decent hardware doesn't have to be high-end, but it should hold tune reasonably well and not feel like it's going to snap off. Bridge stability matters too.
Amp & Effects (if included)
Many sets bundle an amp and/or effects. The amp's headroom is important - can it handle a band rehearsal without sounding thin and fizzy? Effects pedals should be simple and usable, not just cheap imitations of classic sounds.
Overall Construction
Look for solid wood bodies where possible (even if it's mahogany or basswood - those are common and affordable). Cheap laminated bodies often sound lifeless and don't resonate well. A well-built neck joint is also key for sustain and stability.
Buying guide
So, you're getting your first electric guitar? Awesome! It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the options, especially when you're just starting out. These sets are designed to get you playing, but not all are created equal - some are genuinely useful, others are just bundles of budget stuff. Let's break down what makes a beginner's electric guitar set worthwhile and avoid some common pitfalls.
Don't be fooled by flashy colors or a huge list of accessories. The most important things are playability and tone. A slightly more expensive set with better hardware and a more comfortable neck is a better investment than a cheaper set that's a pain to play and sounds awful.
Watch out for sets with unadjustable action - a setup from a local tech is almost always worth the money.
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
What's the difference between a beginner set and buying individual components?
A set is convenient and usually cheaper initially, but you're often sacrificing quality. Buying individual components allows you to choose exactly what you want, but it's more complex and can be more expensive upfront.
Do I really need an amp?
Absolutely. Electric guitars are designed to be amplified. While you can plug headphones into some amps for silent practice, a decent amp is essential for getting a usable sound.
What does 'action' mean, and why is it important?
Action is the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners. High action requires more finger pressure and can be uncomfortable.
Should I worry about the wood type?
Not obsessively, but it does affect the tone. Mahogany tends to be warmer, basswood is balanced, and alder is brighter. These are generalizations, though - pickups have a bigger impact on the overall sound than the wood itself.
What's the deal with 'humbucker' vs. 'single-coil' pickups?
Humbuckers are thicker and warmer, good for rock and heavier styles. Single-coils are brighter and more articulate, often preferred for blues, country, and cleaner tones. Both have their advantages - it's about the sound you're going for.





