Electric Guitar Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for You

From Jimi Hendrix’s fiery solos to John Mayer’s soulful licks, the electric guitar has shaped modern music like no other instrument. Its power, versatility, and iconic sound make it a top choice for players across genres and experience levels. But with so many shapes, tones, and brands to choose from, picking the right one can be overwhelming—especially if you’re just starting out.

At Music Planet, we carry a wide range of electric guitars suited to beginners, hobbyists, and professional musicians alike. Whether you're building your first rig or upgrading to a stage-worthy setup, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a confident purchase.

Types of Electric Guitars

Solid Body

Solid body guitars are carved from a single slab of wood with no internal chambers. This design eliminates feedback and provides a focused, punchy tone that cuts through a mix. They're extremely versatile and favored in rock, metal, punk, blues, and pop. These instruments also tend to be more durable and less prone to damage or humidity issues.

Best for: Versatile players, stage performers, and those who use lots of effects.

Solid Body

Solid body guitars are carved from a single slab of wood with no internal chambers. This design eliminates feedback and provides a focused, punchy tone that cuts through a mix. They're extremely versatile and favored in rock, metal, punk, blues, and pop. These instruments also tend to be more durable and less prone to damage or humidity issues.

Best for: Versatile players, stage performers, and those who use lots of effects

Semi-Hollow Body

Combining a solid center block with hollow wings, semi-hollow guitars offer the resonance of an acoustic instrument with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid body. The result is a warm, articulate tone perfect for jazz, blues, and indie rock. They’re also visually striking, with f-holes and elegant finishes.

Best for: Players seeking warmth and character, especially for clean tones or light overdrive.

Hollow Body

Hollow body guitars, like traditional archtops, are fully hollow and acoustically resonant. They produce rich, woody tones and often feature large bodies. While ideal for jazz and vintage styles, they’re more prone to feedback when played with high-gain amps or distortion.

Best for: Jazz, swing, and mellow clean playing in controlled environments.

Baritone

Baritone guitars are tuned lower than standard guitars—usually B to B or A to A. They feature a longer scale length and thicker strings, offering deep, growling tones with excellent low-end response. Baritones are increasingly popular in metal, post-rock, surf music, and cinematic scoring.

Best for: Extended range music, downtuned genres, and creative exploration

Left-Handed Models

Left-handed players are no longer forced to adapt to right-handed setups. Many popular guitars come in left-handed variants, ensuring ergonomic comfort and proper technique.

Best for: Left-handed guitarists of any skill level or genre.

Choosing the right guitar for your needs

Home Practice

When practising at home, comfort, quiet operation, and cost-effectiveness are essential. Look for a lightweight solid body guitar with a comfortable neck profile and simple controls. Guitars with passive pickups and compatibility with headphone amps or small practice amps allow you to play quietly without sacrificing tone

Studio Recording

Recording environments demand clarity, tonal variety, and dynamic response. A great studio guitar should have versatile pickups (such as coil-splittable humbuckers or a combination of single-coils and humbuckers), quiet electronics, and a resonant body that captures subtle playing nuances. Stable tuning and consistent intonation are also critical when tracking multiple takes

Live Performance

For performing musicians, reliability is key. Opt for guitars with rugged construction, high-output pickups for stage presence, and features like locking tuners and a fixed bridge or a well-balanced tremolo system to maintain tuning stability. Contoured or ergonomic bodies help reduce fatigue during long sets.

Jazz and Blues Playing

These genres benefit from instruments with warm, rounded tones and responsive dynamics. Semi-hollow or hollow body guitars are preferred for their natural resonance and smooth sustain, often paired with low-output humbuckers for clean, expressive phrasing. A comfortable neck shape and access to higher frets also aid melodic soloing and chord voicing.

Metal and Hard Rock

Heavier genres require an aggressive tone and clarity under high gain. Choose guitars with high-output or active humbuckers, fast necks, and solid, dense tonewoods for tight low-end response. Features like 24 frets, flat fretboards, and double-locking tremolo systems can also enhance playability and tuning accuracy in drop tunings and intense riffing.

Key Features to Consider

Body Construction

The body style impacts resonance, weight, and playability. Solid bodies provide consistent tone and better feedback resistance. Hollow and semi-hollow bodies offer more resonance but may require volume control or noise gating in live settings.

Pickups

Pickups are electromagnetic devices that capture string vibrations and shape your tone.

• Single-coils deliver clarity, brightness, and bite—great for funk, blues, and indie.
• Humbuckers use two coils to cancel noise and deliver a thicker, darker tone, perfect for rock and metal.
• Some guitars include coil-splitting, letting you switch between the two types for added versatility.

Why it matters: Pickups define your tonal palette and how your guitar interacts with effects or amp settings.

How it varies: Entry-level guitars often use stock pickups, while mid- to high-end models may feature branded or custom-voiced pickups for enhanced tone fidelity.

Neck Profile and Fingerboard Radius

The shape and thickness of the neck (C-shape, U-shape, etc.) affect hand comfort. Slimmer necks suit fast playing and small hands, while chunkier profiles offer better grip for chords. The fingerboard radius affects string bending and chord comfort—flatter radii are better for lead playing, while rounder ones suit rhythm work.

Scale Length

The distance from nut to bridge influences string tension and feel. Fender-style 25.5" scales provide brightness and snap, while Gibson-style 24.75" scales are warmer and easier to bend. Baritones have even longer scales for lower tunings.

Bridge Type

• Fixed bridges offer greater tuning stability and easier maintenance.
• Tremolo (vibrato) bridges like the Strat-style or Floyd Rose allow expressive pitch changes but require setup and can affect tuning if not well-maintained.

Tip: Beginners may prefer fixed bridges to simplify tuning and string changes.

Tonewood and Finish

The wood used—like alder, mahogany, or ash—can subtly affect sustain and tone. While electronics play a bigger role, many players appreciate the unique sonic fingerprints of different woods. Finishes also impact feel and aesthetics—from gloss lacquer to satin and relic’d styles.

Recommendations by Skill Level

Electric Guitars for Beginners

Newen Rock Series Electric Guitar in Black
View Product
Affordable, reliable, and beginner-friendly. With a familiar design and solid components, it’s an ideal first guitar for learning chords, scales, and techniques

Stagg Metal Series Mahogany Body Electric Guitar
View Product
For beginners into metal or hard rock, this model features dual humbuckers and aggressive looks that match the music. Easy to play and great value for the features

Electric Guitars for Advanced Musicians

G&L Tribute S-500 Blueburst
View Product
This model combines excellent build quality, innovative electronics, and a wide range of tones—perfect for studio work or live versatility.

D’Angelico Excel SS Stop Bar in Vintage Natural
View Product
Crafted for tone purists and stage professionals, this semi-hollow masterpiece offers rich harmonic content, vintage charm, and high-end craftsmanship. A favorite among jazz and blues artists.

Popular Brands at Music Planet

Stagg

Stagg delivers budget-friendly instruments without sacrificing playability. Known for accessible pricing and modern aesthetics, Stagg guitars are great for beginners and intermediate players looking to explore styles like rock or metal.

G&L Tribute

G&L—founded by Leo Fender—pushes classic designs forward with better bridges, pickups, and construction. The Tribute series brings this innovation to affordable price points, ideal for pros and serious hobbyists who want a Strat-style experience with a twist.

D’Angelico

D’Angelico guitars blend New York elegance with boutique-level craftsmanship. Renowned for jazz and blues, their guitars are sought after for their rich tone, ornate finishes, and effortless playability.

Vox

While best known for amplifiers, Vox guitars carry the same vintage DNA. Expect 1960s flair, chiming cleans, and comfortable necks—excellent for pop, indie, or retro-inspired sounds.

Accessories: What You Might Need with Your Electric Guitar

Amplifiers

The amp shapes your guitar’s final tone. Beginners can start with modeling amps that simulate various sounds, while pros may opt for tube amps for organic warmth. Vox offers versatile combos that suit a wide range of genres.

Instrument Cables

Choose a durable, shielded cable to reduce noise and signal loss. Look for reinforced ends and manageable lengths (3m–5m) for home or stage use.

Cases and Gig Bags

Protect your investment with a padded gig bag or hard case. A good case also makes travel easier and keeps your guitar safe from humidity and shocks.

Straps and Stands

A comfortable strap ensures stability when playing standing up, while a sturdy stand prevents accidental drops and saves space.

Tuners and Maintenance Tools

Clip-on tuners, string winders, microfiber cloths, and lemon oil for fretboards keep your guitar in top playing condition. Regular maintenance extends the life and tone of your instrument.

Final Tips Before You Buy

Buying your first—or next—electric guitar should be exciting, not intimidating. Think about your music style, playing environment, and budget. Try out different models if you can, or speak with our in-store experts for guidance. The right guitar feels like an extension of your hands and ears—once you find it, you’ll know.

At Music Planet, we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you're strumming at home or performing under lights, let your next guitar take you there.