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.
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How to choose electric guitar under $500
Top 10 Best Electric Guitar Under $500
1- Epiphone Les Paul SL
- Epiphone’s Most Affordable Les Paul ever with Ceramic Single Coil Pickups.
- Slim, Lightweight Body Design and Premium Covered 14:1 Machine Heads.
- Poplar Les Paul shaped body, Mahogany neck and 1960’s Slim Taper D profile neck for fast and easy playing.
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 40 x 3.5 x 14 inches
- Weight: 6.61 pounds
- Color Vintage Sunburst
- Top Material Type Poplar
- Body Material Poplar
- Neck Material Type Poplar
- Fretboard Material Type Ebony
- Guitar Pickup Configuration S
- Guitar Bridge System Adjustable
- Number of Strings 6
The Epiphone Les Paul Melody Maker E1 Electric Guitar is a great guitar for anyone looking to take the next step into playing serious music. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned pros with its one volume, two-tone toggle switch configuration paired with brand-name pickups that offer an incredible sound. This is a heavy-duty instrument made by professionals with your comfort in mind: it features a slimline upper bout and no pickguard so you can play standing or sitting and won’t be too constricted; the neck pickup sits flush at the top of the guitar body to allow any size hand easy access; SLIM SLICK II rhythm/lead circuit offers all-around excellent performance as well as classic rock style tones, blues overtones, country twang.
The Epiphone Les Paul Melody Maker is the perfect instrument for the creative musician, with a very open and lively sound. This LP has a solid mahogany body which produces a nice warm tone that really resonates well, giving off an almost acoustic quality to your music. The dual pickups allow you to get any desired sound from this guitar’s neck pickup – 650CSR Ceramic Single-Coil – ranging from soft and mellow to bright and punchy. The 700SCT Ceramic Single-Coil on the bridge provides strong clean chords and sparkling lead work all while netting impressive sustain for smacking those power chords! Whether you want something flashy or laid back there is no wrong answer when it comes to guitars because we have.
2- Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet BT Single-Cut
- The Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Stratocaster Fender electric guitar celebrates the birth of the Strat in the 1950s.
- Built with comfort in mind, this Strat features a contoured body, “C”-shaped neck profile, and narrow-tall frets for easy playability.
- The Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Strat features three Fender-designed single-coil pickups that create a variety of incredible tones.
- Fans of vintage-inspired electric guitar design will appreciate the tinted gloss neck finish, nickel-plated hardware, and 1950s-style headstock markings.
- This Stratocaster embodies iconic Fender style and tone for any player at any stage.
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 44.5 x 15 x 4 inches
- Weight: 7.3 pounds
- Color 2-Color Sunburst
- Top Material Type Maple
- Body Material Pine
- Back Material Type Pine
- Neck Material Type Maple
- Fretboard Material Type Maple
- Guitar Pickup Configuration S
- String Material Type Nickel Steel
- Hand Orientation Right
The Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Stratocaster offers that classic sound and the ’50s features many musicians covet. The guitar’s maple fingerboard provides a snappy articulation and clean-toned chords with every note, while the Fender-designed alnico single-coils provide all those rich, balanced, and warm tones you want from your favorite music. With vintage tint gloss neck finish and nickel-plated hardware, this guitar will surely earn a rightful place in your instrument collection as it ages perfectly over time.
The Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Stratocaster pays tribute to the American Fender models of yore. Crafted with specially voiced pickups, a traditional pickup set, Alnico single-coil pickups, and vintage-style tuning machines. The luxurious maple fingerboard has its initial layer of lacquer removed by hand in order to give it an aged appearance.
A traditional Stratocaster with vintage-tinted gloss neck finish and ivoroid binding. Features Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups, 6 saddle vintage synchronized tremolo, hand orientation on the right side, 1972 style large headstock with ‘bullet’ truss rod adjustment nut (no traditional threaded metal plate) like 1966 models.
Whitewall fretboard dress code in honor of the beginning of the “Flawless Formal Styling Era” circa 1954 includes 9 white Pearloid Position Inlays reflecting Chicago Warwick factory specifications when all necks were made by hand. Master Volume controls individual pickup volumes nicely without altering tone when turned down to zero while master Tone controls the lows, mids, and highs via dedicated.
3- Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT Electric Guitar
- Classic Les Paul with Carved Top.
- Powerful Zebra-Coil Ceramic Humbucker Pickups.
- Tapered neck joint for easy upper fret access fast playing.
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 40 x 3.5 x 14 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Color Ebony
- Top Material Type Mahogany
- Body Material Mahogany
- Back Material Type Mahogany Wood
- Neck Material Type Mahogany
- Fretboard Material Type Mahogany
- Guitar Pickup Configuration H
- Guitar Bridge System Tune-O-Matic
- Number of Strings 6
Epiphone introduces the Les Paul Studio LT, an affordable Classic with zebra coils. Guitar enthusiasts will love this $400 guitar that features mahogany construction and powerful ceramic humbuckers for a professional tone. Guitar players will be wowed by its easy access to upper frets using its tapered neck joint. This is one fab guitar at a fabulous price!
The Epiphone Les Paul Studio is made with the spirit of rock and roll at its heart. The combination of traditional Les Paul tone, cutting zebra-coil Ceramic Humbuckers, mahogany body, and neck gives this guitar a sculpted beauty that could only come from Nashville’s historic Gibson Guitar factory located in the distinctive shadow of Jack Daniel’s distillery. An LSR Roller Nut assures strings will never slip or go out of tune while providing players who prefer flat wound strings to achieve perfect intonation without any change to setup.
Heavy investment in time-proven production equipment ensures that each new bolt-on is built with exacting precision for maximum playability and serviceability. Lighting fast Bologna tuning machines.
This guitar embodies our personal and collective Tone of Epiphone. It combines beautiful, traditional construction methods with updated electronics to provide you with the old-world sound and look that’s been missing from your performance rig for too long. The Les Paul Studio LT is a timeless classic: available in gloss Ebony or Alpine White (AS), it features a solid mahogany body and glued-in mahogany neck. Zebra Coil Ceramic Humbucker pickups combine powerful tone, versatile dynamics, and rugged reliability to produce classic rock tones at any volume level. The headstock features the mother of pearl Mystic Symbol Inlay design on select models, complementing swirly hive fretboard position markers that make finding notes easier than ever before.
4- Ibanez Steve Vai JEMJRSP – Yellow
- Mahogany Body
- Wizard III Maple Neck
- Rosewood Fretboard
- Tree of Life Fretboard Inlay
- Jumbo Frets
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 6 x 12 x 43 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Color White
- Top Material Type Meranti
- Body Material Mahogany
- Back Material Type Meranti
- Neck Material Type Maple
- Fretboard Material Type Jatoba
- Guitar Pickup Configuration H
- String Material Type Nickel
- Hand Orientation Right
3 piece body, 5A quilt maple top with AAA flame maple veneer. Music man designed tremolo.
Heightened curvature on back of the neck for natural palm heel bending position, compound radius fretboard (12-16″) for comfort and speed
This is a versatile guitar with an incredible sound! The maple neck provides you with unmatched stability, and the rosewood fretboard makes it easy to slide up and down the strings. You will never want to put this guitar down!
With an amazing level of playability, Ibanez JEMJRWH Steve Vai Signature 6-String Electric Guitar – White is beaming with sound possibilities for brassier rock tones as well as more clean jazz sounds
If you’re looking for a powerhouse instrument that won’t break any fingers playing it? Look no further than our latest addition: JEMJRWH Steve Vai Signature 6-String Electric Guitar.
Does awe-inspiring guitar playing sound like something you might be into? The Ibanez JEMJRWH Steve Vai Signature 6-String Electric Guitar is one of the best ways to achieve that goal! From its mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and the tree of life inlay at the 12th fret. This guitar has it all with jumbo frets allowing for an easier reach across the whole neck so you can perform licks more easily than ever before. Changing between strings is fast and simple with this guitar locking tremolo system giving your hand comfort never felt before on an Ibanez guitar worthy of being played by legends such as himself. This guitar will make any guitarist want to recreate the power in your hands..
5-Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V
- Alder Body
- Maple Bolt-On Neck
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Vintage Tremelo
- 5 Position Switch with coil Tap
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 43 x 18 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 11.51 pounds
- Color Black
- Top Material Type Maple
- Body Material Alder
- Back Material Type Alder Wood
- Neck Material Type Maple
- Fretboard Material Type Rosewood
- Guitar Pickup Configuration H
- Hand Orientation Right
- Guitar Bridge System Tremelo
This guitar is best for players who love vintage guitar sounds and needs a sleek, lightweight instrument. It has the traditional look of a Strat-style electric while maintaining an affordable price for beginners! Rounding out features like a 5 position switch with coil tap, this Yamaha Pacifica is your dream guitar.
As a division of Yamaha Corporation, Pacifica is dedicated to building guitars that provide the perfect balance between craftsmanship and performance. Every Pacifica Electric Guitar undergoes rigorous inspection and testing before delivering an outstanding product. The PAC112V Electric Guitar features everything you need for your next jam session or gig — including a lightweight body, electric sound performance class-A circuitry that adds clarity and high-end definition which makes this guitar perfect for recording, and a comfortable rosewood fingerboard and C profile neck with vintage tremolo system (for authentic tone). Lightweight yet sturdy, analog pickups shine in both humbucking mode or playing single notes at higher gain. To get the most out of your versatility you can activate coil-tapping to produce sounds like never.
6- Squier by Fender Contemporary Active Stratocaster Electric Guitar
- Dual Squier Active Ceramic humbucking pickups for modern and aggressive tones
- Maple neck with slim "C"-Shaped profile and matching painted reverse headstock
- 12" Fingerboard radius; jumbo Frets
- Floyd Rose dual locking tremolo system
- Black chrome-plated Hardware
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 44.5 x 15.5 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Color Black Metallic
- Top Material Type Maple
- Body Material Poplar
- Back Material Type Poplar
- Neck Material Type Maple
- Fretboard Material Type Maple
- Guitar Pickup Configuration H
- Hand Orientation Right
- Guitar Bridge System Fixed
The Squier Contemporary Active Stratocaster HH is an outstanding choice for the modern player seeking progressive features in a guitar that has an authentic vibe and style. Player-friendly features like a slim “C-shaped maple neck give this guitar a slick, smooth feel, while the 12” fingerboard radius and jumbo frets are ideal for speed and effortless bends.
Premium styling cues include black chrome hardware and an eye-catching matching painted reverse headstock that’s sure to turn heads. While the body and build of this model are typical of many Squier Strats, it’s the hardware where it really sets itself apart. It… doesn’t sound like a Strat. This model offers a super-hot high output for heavy, crunch-saturated rock tones, and it’s perfect for metal rhythm and lead.
If you’re looking for rich tone without excessive volume, the Squier by Fender Contemporary Telecaster Electric Guitar may be right for you. Dual Squier Active Ceramic humbucking pickups are built with high-end quality materials to make sure they stay working optimally even when put under intense pressure. This guitar delivers classic Tele twang in a fresh package. Drop tunings are also possible with 6 string saddle bridge made of metal material positioned below the strings which prevent it from wearing out and compromising your sound. Take your creativity to new heights and explore all of its innovative features while still maintaining traditional roots with this fun instrument!
This product has modern, aggressive tones so if you prefer a more classic or reserved sound then this might not be the best.
7- ESP LTD EC-256FM Electric Guitar
- An affordable and popular guitar with many similarites to some of the most highly-regarded guitars in history
- Features a comfortable Mahogany body and 3 pc. neck, as well as roasted jatoba fingerboard and flamed maple top
- Also features covered passive pickups, set-neck construction, and 22XJ frets
- At home on blues, classic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, fusion, and much more
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 42 x 4 x 17 inches
- Weight: 0.352 ounces
- Color Cobalt Blue
- Top Material Type Maple
- Body Material Mahogany
- Back Material Type Mahogany Wood
- Neck Material Type Maple
- Fretboard Material Type Jatoba
- Guitar Pickup Configuration H
- String Material Type Steel
- Guitar Bridge System Tune-O-Matic
The LTD EC-256FM guitar is the perfect electric cobalt blue guitar for experienced players with a taste for versatile tones. This mahogany, flamed maple topped beauty features three passive pickups and 22XJ frets that are hungry to provide some sweet sounds through your amp. And with its set-neck construction, you’ll be playing comfortably for hours on this progressive rock platformer!
The LTD EC-256FM is more than just an affordable alternative. It features the tone and playability of guitars that are often higher priced, making it perfect for advanced players looking for a lot of features at an excellent value. The mahogany body with a 3pc neck provides excellent sustain while still keeping the guitar light enough to handle some lead work on the fretboard. What really sets this model apart is its bolt-on neck which contains 22XJ frets coupled with roasted jatoba fingerboard and flamed maple top, giving you incredible ability to delve into some interesting chord shapes even though it’s not full size like some other models in our lineup! Equipped with covered passive pickups, set-neck construction, and tone controls that.
8- Silvertone Classic 1478 BK Electric Guitar, Gloss black
- Vintage vibe with a great playing neck
- Bigsby Trem System
- Tune-O-matic bridge lets you play in tune
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 18 x 4 x 42 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Color Gloss Black
- Top Material Type Rose Wood, Mahogany
- Body Material Wood
- Back Material Type Mahogany Wood
- Neck Material Type Mahogany
- Fretboard Material Type Rosewood
- Guitar Pickup Configuration S
- Hand Orientation Right
- Guitar Bridge System Tremolo
Are you searching for some true ’60s nostalgia? This Silvertone Classic 1478 may be just what you are looking for, with retro style and sounds aplenty. This reissue has the familiar asymmetrical double-cutaway mahogany body, with a maple top, a modern C-shaped mahogany neck, and rosewood fretboard with 20 nickel-silver frets.
Upgraded hardware includes a fully adjustable chrome bridge, with an authentic Bigsby tremolo tailpiece, as well as sealed chrome vintage-style tuners. The single-coil pickups of 1478 are wound to the same specifications as the originals. The offset double-cutaway body is made of solid Mahogany with a maple top, for a deep rich tone with top-end bite.
This instrument never leaves your side. Singing, crying with you for hours on end, it’s always by your side. Not only does the Silvertone Classic 1478 BK Electric Guitar come in a black gloss finish but also a vintage sunburst finish and tobacco burst finish to match any mood you’re in. This model is customized with a Bigsby trem system which can make string bending more effective while improving tuning stability on this minor detail alone. It also boasts a tune-O-Matic bridge letting you know that no matter what the tempo of your song is that everything will be just fine because any producer or session musician worth their salt knows that once they have an accurate guitar sound then anything goes!
9- Schecter Omen Extreme-6 Electric Guitar (Black Cherry)
- Solidbody Electric Guitar with Mahogany Body
- 2 Humbucking Pickups - Black Cherry
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Maple Neck
- Maple
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 45.98 x 5.12 x 19.02 inches
- Weight: 10.25 pounds
- Color BCH
- Top Material Type Quilted Maple
- Body Material Basswood
- Back Material Type Mahogany
- Neck Material Type Maple
- Fretboard Material Type Rosewood
- Guitar Pickup Configuration H
- String Material Type Steel
- Hand Orientation Right
Schecter is synonymous with high quality at low prices. And the Omen Extreme 6 is the perfect example of this, with looks, sound, and playability at a price everyone can afford.
Two Schecter Diamond Plus alnico humbuckers give a high-output sound that holds clarity when played at the loudest volumes, while the black chrome controls and string-thru bridge finish this guitar nicely. A real premium feels for a great price. Modern 6-string electric guitar in black cherry with quilted top for good looks, 24 extra-jumbo frets for speed and comfort.
Modern innovations meet the classic styling of the ’60s with this black cherry Schecter guitar. Get full access to a fast maple neck with 24 extra-jumbo frets, a string-thru bridge design for stellar sustain, and a comfortable double-cutaway body for ease of playing. Whether you’re rockin’ out or strummin’ campfire tunes, the professional sound you’ll get is second to none.
Feel at home on stage with your ax–this is one supremely awesome Schecter Omen Extreme Guitar!
Schecter’s Omen Extreme 6 Electric Guitar is perfect for the musician looking for a guitar that is powerful, comfortable, and versatile. Whether you’re on stage or just jamming with some mates, this guitar gives you access to endless possibilities. So what are you waiting for? Get your Schecter Omen Extreme-6 Electric Guitar (Black Cherry) today!
10- ESP LTD KH-202 Signature Series Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar, Black
- Offers guitar players an affordable way to get Kirk Hammett's vibe
- Has a basswood body with a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard
- Comes equipped with a Floyd Rose Special bridge and locking nut
- Offers a fast, extra thin U-shaped maple bolt-on neck, 24 extra jumbo frets and Kirk’s skull-and-bones inlays
- Driven by ESP-designed LH-301 pickups
Some technical information:
- Dimensions: 19 x 6 x 48 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Color Black
- Top Material Type Maple
- Body Material Basswood
- Back Material Type Basswood
- Neck Material Type Maple
- Fretboard Material Type Rosewood
- Guitar Pickup Configuration H
- Hand Orientation Right
- Guitar Bridge System Tremolo
The LTD Signature Series KH-202 Kirk Hammet. Kirk Hammett is the lead guitarist for the biggest heavy metal band of all time: Metallica. The KH-202 from ESP’s more affordable branch LTD is a superb replica of the higher-end iterations of Kirk Hammett’s signature axes.
With a hefty but comfortable build, this iconic ax features a black basswood body and a very thin U-shaped maple neck with 24 frets – bolted on as Hammett likes. This leads to excellent playability and great sustain.
The ESP LTD KH-202 Signature Series Kirk Hammett Electric Guitar, Black offers guitar players an affordable alternative for rocking out the way Kirk does. Touring with Metallica around the world has given him a strong reputation as one of metal’s most iconic guitarists. If you have just purchased your first electric guitar or are upgrading from your beginner model, this is an excellent choice to ensure that your tone is at its finest and your playing ability stays fresh. This black beauty comes with easily accessible 24 extra-jumbo frets and Kirk’s skull-and-bones inlays on the fretboard so it feels more comfortable than ever before. The rock icon also gets rock ‘n’ roll pickups called ESP-designed LH301, giving you plenty.
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.
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
Wish you find a good electric guitar under $500 for you!
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