{"id":10031307,"date":"2025-11-25T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/?p=10031307"},"modified":"2025-11-24T11:41:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T10:41:10","slug":"how-to-choose-your-first-electric-guitar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/learn\/how-to-choose-your-first-electric-guitar\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose Your First Electric Guitar \u2013 a Complete Guide for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You’ve decided that now is the time: you want to learn to play the guitar. More specifically, the electric guitar. The idea of playing your first riffs on a real electric guitar is simply irresistible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when you look at the range of guitars available online, you quickly realise that the selection is huge. That’s where we can help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With so many different shapes, pickups, neck profiles, and features to choose from, and prices ranging from under 100 quid to five-figure sums, the selection often seems overwhelming for beginners. But don’t panic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will teach you everything you need to know to choose your first electric guitar without getting lost in technical details or spending unnecessary money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. First, think about what style of music you want to play<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a rough idea of the style of music you want to play on the guitar, you’re already a step ahead. This will help you narrow down the sound, pickup type, and shape of the guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don’t worry \u2013 as a beginner you don’t have to commit to one style. Many guitars are flexible enough to play different styles. But having a rough idea helps narrow down your choices.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Harley Benton<\/p>\n

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Rock & Metal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guitars with humbucker pickups are often the first choice here. They deliver fat, warm sounds that really pack a real punch when distorted. For metal, active humbuckers with higher output are often required.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Jackson<\/p>\n

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Blues & Classic Rock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Single-coil pickups provide the typical clear, bluesy sound. Strat or Tele models are particularly popular here.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Squier<\/p>\n

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Pop & Indie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Versatility and originality are key in these styles. Guitars with a mix of single-coil and humbucker pickups are advantageous, and indie bands often favour guitars that deviate from standard models.<\/p>\n\n\n

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2. Body & Neck \u2013 Comfort Comes First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The body shape, type of wood, and neck define the guitar’s sound, but they\u2019re also the main points of contact with the player. Therefore, the feel of the instrument should be just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neck & Body Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For younger players (approx. 6\u201311 years old), there are so-called short-scale instruments with a shorter neck scale and a smaller body. This makes fretting much easier. A normal Stratocaster has a scale length of 648 mm, whereas short-scale instruments range from around 480 mm to 580 mm.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Neck Profile & Width<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule: thin necks are often easier to manage for smaller hands or beginners, while wider necks are better for fingering chords because the strings are slightly further apart. With electric guitars, there are hardly any differences in neck and fretboard widths. What matters more is the neck thickness. A slim neck is better suited for beginners or those with small fingers; if you have larger hands, try a guitar with a thicker neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Electric<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Body Shape & Weight<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that the guitar is comfortable to play while sitting and standing, and that it fits comfortably against your body. Some guitars can be quite heavy (over 4 kg), which can be uncomfortable during long practice sessions while standing. If you can’t find any weight information for your preferred guitar online, feel free to call our guitar specialists \u2013 they can tell you very quickly whether a guitar is light or heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pickups \u2013 the Sound Makers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pickups have a significant influence on the sound of your guitar. There are four main types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n