Finding a high-quality best electric guitar under 500 Dollars can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Despite the budget constraints, several brands offer instruments that provide impressive sound quality, solid construction, and excellent playability. These guitars cater to various musical genres and skill levels, ensuring that aspiring musicians and seasoned players alike can find an instrument that suits their preferences. With careful consideration of features, construction materials, and sound versatility, you can discover an electric guitar that not only fits your budget but also delivers a remarkable playing experience.
Electric guitars are some of the most exciting instruments to play in the world. The excitement is right there in the name: electric. These amazing instruments are capable of rocking an entire stadium with energy and enthusiasm, while also possessing the power to swing emotions with rhythm and blues. Many people in the world want to play the electric guitar to be able to bring such beautiful power into the world.
Oftentimes electric guitars are thousands of dollars. We knew that cost was a huge issue preventing a lot of people from even considering playing the electric guitar. Thanks to a fiercely competitive market and cheaper production methods, these days having $500 in your pocket gives you a huge range of quality electric guitars to choose from – whatever your style or ambitions. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly guitar, here are our picks of the best electric guitars under $500.
Out Top Picks
Top 10 Best Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars
1- Epiphone Les Paul SL
The Epiphone Les Paul SL in Vintage Sunburst is a budget-friendly gem. Despite its affordable price tag, it delivers impressive performance and quality. The lightweight body makes it comfortable to play for long sessions, while the single-coil pickups produce a warm, vintage tone. The slim taper neck enhances playability, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players. The vintage sunburst finish adds a touch of classic aesthetics. Whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage, this guitar delivers versatility and reliability without breaking the bank.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Poplar
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: Single Coil
- Scale Length: 24.75 inches
- Bridge: Adjustable Wrap-Around
Pros:
- Authentic Les Paul design at an affordable price
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended play sessions
- Delivers classic rock tones with clarity and punch
- Ideal for beginners and seasoned players alike
Cons:
- Single-coil pickups may produce some hum
2- Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT Single-Cut
The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster is a timeless beauty with modern reliability. Crafted with attention to detail, it captures the essence of the iconic ’50s era Stratocaster. The alder body coupled with maple fingerboard produces a crisp, articulate tone with excellent sustain. The vintage-style tremolo system allows for smooth pitch modulation, ideal for expressive playing. Backed by a 2-year warranty, it offers peace of mind and assurance of quality. Whether you’re into classic rock, blues, or jazz, this guitar delivers the quintessential Stratocaster experience at an unbeatable value.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Pine
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Maple
- Pickup Configuration: SSS (3 Single Coils)
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Bridge: Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Pros:
- Iconic Stratocaster design with vintage aesthetics
- Versatile pickup configuration for a wide range of tones
- Smooth maple fingerboard for comfortable playability
- Excellent build quality backed by a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Pine body may not offer the same resonance as other tonewoods
3- Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT Electric Guitar
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1 in Ebony is a powerhouse instrument designed for serious musicians. Boasting a sleek, all-black finish, it exudes elegance and sophistication. Equipped with high-output Alnico Classic humbuckers, it delivers a rich, full-bodied tone with plenty of sustain and punch. The slim-taper neck profile ensures effortless playability, allowing for fluid movement across the fretboard. Whether you’re riffing through heavy distortion or laying down smooth jazz chords, this guitar handles it all with finesse. With its combination of style, tone, and performance, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio E1 is a top contender in its class.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: HH (2 Humbuckers)
- Scale Length: 24.75 inches
- Bridge: LockTone Tune-O-Matic
Pros:
- Classic Les Paul styling with a sleek ebony finish
- Powerful humbuckers deliver thick, warm tones
- Mahogany body and neck offer excellent sustain and resonance
- LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge enhances tuning stability
Cons:
- Heavier weight compared to some other electric guitars
4- Ibanez Steve Vai JEMJRSP – Yellow
The Ibanez JEMJRWH is a tribute to guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, offering players a taste of his iconic style at an affordable price point. Finished in striking white, it commands attention both visually and sonically. The double-locking tremolo system ensures impeccable tuning stability, even during aggressive dive bombs and whammy bar antics. The Quantum pickups deliver a wide range of tones, from crystalline cleans to searing leads. The slim, fast Wizard III neck profile facilitates lightning-fast fretwork, making it a favorite among shredders. Whether you’re emulating Vai’s soaring melodies or forging your path, the JEMJRWH is a versatile instrument that inspires creativity and pushes boundaries.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: HSH (1 Humbucker, 2 Single Coils)
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Bridge: Double Locking Tremolo System
Pros:
- Signature Steve Vai design with striking aesthetics
- Versatile pickup configuration for a wide range of tones
- Double locking tremolo system allows for extreme dive bombs and whammy effects
- Smooth rosewood fingerboard for fast and precise playability
Cons:
- Double locking tremolo system may require a learning curve for tuning stability
5-Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V in Black is a versatile workhorse suitable for players of all levels and styles. With its alder body and maple neck, it offers a balanced tone with plenty of clarity and warmth. The HSS pickup configuration provides a wide range of sonic options, from sparkling cleans to crunchy overdrive. The vintage-style tremolo bridge adds expressive capabilities, perfect for adding subtle vibrato or wild dive bombs. Crafted with Yamaha’s renowned attention to detail, it boasts impeccable build quality and reliability. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live on stage, the Pacifica PAC112V delivers consistent performance and exceptional value, making it a staple in any guitarist’s arsenal.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Alder
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: HSS (1 Humbucker, 2 Single Coils)
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Bridge: Vintage-Style Tremolo with Block Saddle
Pros:
- Well-rounded guitar suitable for various music styles
- Alder body offers a balanced tone with excellent sustain
- HSS pickup configuration provides versatility for different playing styles
- Vintage-style tremolo adds expressive capabilities
Cons:
- The Tremolo system may require adjustments to maintain tuning stability
6- Squier by Fender Contemporary Active Stratocaster Electric Guitar
The Squier Contemporary Active Stratocaster offers a modern take on the classic Strat design. Its sleek flat black finish and rosewood fingerboard make it visually striking. Equipped with active pickups, this guitar delivers powerful tones perfect for rock and metal genres. The smooth rosewood fingerboard ensures comfortable playability, while the hardtail bridge enhances tuning stability. However, the limited color options might disappoint some players, and active pickups require occasional battery changes. Overall, this guitar is an excellent choice for players seeking a versatile instrument with a contemporary edge.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Alder
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: HH (2 Humbuckers)
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Bridge: 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Hardtail
Pros:
- Active pickups offer powerful and versatile tone options
- Sleek contemporary design with a flat black finish
- Smooth rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playability
- Solid construction and reliable hardware
Cons:
- Limited color options compared to other models
7- ESP LTD EC-256FM Electric Guitar
The ESP LTD EC-256FM combines classic design with modern features, making it an exceptional choice for players of all levels. With a stunning cobalt blue finish and flamed maple top, this guitar stands out visually. Its mahogany body and neck offer warm, resonant tones, while the rosewood fingerboard provides smooth playability. The dual humbucker configuration ensures versatile sound options suitable for various music styles. However, its single-cutaway design may limit access to higher frets for some players. Despite this, the EC-256FM delivers impressive performance and aesthetics at an affordable price point.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Top Material: Flamed Maple
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: HH (2 Humbuckers)
- Scale Length: 24.75 inches
- Bridge: TOM Bridge & Tailpiece
Pros:
- Classic single-cutaway design with a stylish flamed maple top
- Mahogany body and neck offer warm, resonant tones
- Smooth rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playability
- Versatile pickup configuration suitable for various music genres
Cons:
- Heavier weight compared to some other electric guitars
8- Silvertone Classic 1478 BK Electric Guitar, Gloss Black
The Silvertone 1478BK is a budget-friendly option with a classic design. Its gloss black finish and vintage-style tremolo evoke nostalgia for traditional electric guitars. Constructed with basswood body and maple neck, it offers lightweight comfort for extended playing sessions. The trio of single-coil pickups provides a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres. However, the basswood body may lack some resonance compared to other tonewoods. Despite this, the Silvertone 1478BK remains an excellent choice for beginners and casual players seeking an affordable and reliable electric guitar.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Basswood
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: SSS (3 Single Coils)
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Bridge: Vintage-Style Tremolo
Pros:
- An affordable option with a classic design
- Lightweight basswood body for comfortable playing
- Vintage-style tremolo adds expressive capabilities
- Suitable for beginners and casual players
Cons:
- Basswood body may lack some of the resonance of other tonewoods
9- Schecter Omen Extreme-6 Electric Guitar (Black Cherry)
The Schecter Omen Extreme-6 impresses with its stunning black cherry finish and quilted maple top, giving it a premium look and feel. Its mahogany body and neck deliver rich, warm tones, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability. Equipped with dual humbuckers and a Tune-O-Matic bridge, this guitar offers versatility and stability. However, its weight may be a concern for some players, and the quilted maple top might not suit everyone’s aesthetic preferences. Nevertheless, the Schecter Omen Extreme-6 stands out as a high-quality instrument that punches above its price range.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Top Material: Quilted Maple
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: HH (2 Humbuckers)
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with String-Thru Body
Pros:
- Eye-catching design with a black cherry finish and quilted maple top
- Mahogany body and neck offer rich, warm tones
- Smooth rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playability
- Excellent build quality and hardware components
Cons:
- Heavier weight compared to some other electric guitars
10- ESP LTD KH-202 Signature Series Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar, Black
The ESP LTD KH-202, designed in collaboration with Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, is a powerhouse instrument tailored for metal enthusiasts. Its sleek black finish and skull and crossbone inlays exude attitude and style. Equipped with high-output humbuckers and a Floyd Rose Special bridge, this guitar offers aggressive tones and extreme tremolo effects. However, the basswood body may lack some tonal depth compared to other tonewoods, and the Floyd Rose bridge requires more maintenance. Despite these minor drawbacks, the ESP LTD KH-202 stands as a top choice for players seeking a signature model with iconic looks and powerful performance.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Basswood
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration: HH (2 Humbuckers)
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Bridge: Floyd Rose Special Bridge
Pros:
- Designed in collaboration with Metallica’s Kirk Hammett
- Powerful humbuckers deliver an aggressive tone suitable for metal
- Floyd Rose Special bridge allows for extreme dive bombs and tremolo effects
- Sleek black finish with skull and crossbones inlays for a distinctive look
Cons:
- Basswood body may not offer the same tonal depth as other tonewoods
Where to Buy Your Electric Guitar under $500?
After reading some reviews on this article, then go and test them out in the guitar store, if possible. However, unless it’s a huge store, you may not get to see everything you want. So reading in-depth reviews and watching videos is a good way to learn about and hear your potential new instrument in action.
Buying a used guitar can work out much cheaper, but it comes with some potential pitfalls. To avoid buying something that will fail as soon as you get it home make sure you try it out before parting with your cash. Online stores like Amazon usually give you better prices. Plus they rarely run out of stock.
CONCLUSION
Electric guitars have been around for over 100 years, and they are still an important instrument in many people’s lives. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find the one that is just right for your needs. It seems like there are electric guitars out now with a price point of $500 or less! There are also some great tips on how to buy the best guitar under 500 dollars based on our research at Guitar Center. You should read this guide before making any decisions about which electric guitar to purchase. If you’re looking for help deciding what type of electric guitar would be good for you, we’ve got a buyer’s guide below as well!
There are hundreds of other guitars that may suit you better. Whether you’re spending $100 or $2000 on an electric guitar, you’ll want to make an informed decision. The guitars featured on this list are all excellent and our top choices for electric guitar are under $500. Read as many reviews as you can, watch all the videos, and try out as many guitars as possible. If you want to know more information, click here: thewytches.com
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