There comes a time in every young aspiring musician’s life, when they ask themselves that all-important question: What is the best cheap electric guitar I can afford right now? Often times the money you have does not seem enough. Maybe because you spent most of it on a weekend, maybe you had to pay rent, or maybe you’re just looking for a cheap option you can use as a practice guitar, or maybe you’re a beginner looking to not spend too much.
There is no shame in not having enough money or being prudent. But in the world of buying and consuming, there is a trap set for us all, called the “trap of cheap”. It is easy to fall for it because today’s technology has taught us: cheap doesn’t always mean bad. You do have to remember though, it rarely means good. In the world of guitars, this trap is especially dangerous. You don’t want to end up with a mediocre instrument when you’re buying cheap, nobody does. At the same time, you don’t want to spend money, especially when you have limited resources; So this guide is for you, my dear prudent spender. Let me show you how to get the best electric guitar for the money you have not saved up.
What’s The Best Cheap Electric Guitar Under 200
| Image | Guitar Model | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | ESP LTD Viper-10 Electric Guitar with Gig Bag |  (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Jackson JS22 Dinky |  (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster |  (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Ibanez GIO Series GRG121DX |  (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012DLX | (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II | (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Dean Vendetta XM |  (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Squier by Fender Bullet Strat | (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Ibanez GRX20ZBKN |  (4.4 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Oscar Schmidt OE20G |  (4.3 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
ESP LTD Viper-10 Electric Guitar with Gig Bag
Do you know what I think? I think ESP guitars are underrated. For some reason, they don’t have as much fame as they deserve. They keep consistent quality through and through, be it an affordable or expensive line. And that’s one of the reasons why I love them so much. Especially their LTD Viper-10, which is definitely one of the best options in the price range. Trust me, my friend, you’ll be stunned once you start playing it. No matter what genre you play, this bad boy will make itself suitable. Even though it doesn’t have any bells and whistles, it surely has all the essentials that you might need. Its double cutaway body is really convenient, especially for beginners since it allows you to access all the frets equally. The electronics featured in this guitar are passive. Specifically, the neck is equipped with the ESP Designed LH-100N, while the bridge is fitted with the ESP Designed LH-100B. Together, these components deliver a remarkably potent sound. Without a doubt, the Viper-10 is an exceptional choice that requires no second thoughts.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Smooth and easy to play
- Powerful sound
Cons:
- Sharp, edgy endings on the frets
Jackson JS22 Dinky
The dinky, full name Jackson JS22 Dinky, might have a funny name, but this is one of the best cheap electric guitars. Named so for its smaller-than-usual size, the Dinky overcompensates with its sound. Equipped with two humbuckers it produces a full sound perfect for the heavy sustain of hard rock. Lightweight basswood body, for all you musicians who don’t like to be weighed down by the problems of the world, allows you to jump around the stage like the crazed music maniac you are. Prepare to be captivated by the inviting fretboard that will effortlessly guide your fingers, leading you on a musical journey. With each note, you’ll feel the heat building up, reaching a crescendo at the exhilarating 24th fret, marking the climax of your personal sonic revolution.
Pros:
- Good Sound
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
Cons:
- Tuning Stability Issues
Squier by Fender Affinity Series Telecaster
When I think about Fender, I’m always reminded of their first solid-body electric guitar. They shook the world with this creation and turned everything upside down. It had a lot to say and continues to speak loudly to this day. A lot of time has passed since then, but Fender doesn’t cease to amaze us with their products. Squier Affinity Series Telecaster is definitely worth your attention. It’s an all-encompassing package for budget players and beginners, as well as experienced guitarists. Its maple neck has a C shape, which means it will be really easy on your hands. Once you hold this guitar, you’ll understand just how comfortable it is to play. More importantly, it captures the character of Telecaster and everything it stands for. Simple, yet powerful single-coil Telecaster pickups do their job perfectly and create the tone we’re all aspiring to. A single cutaway body of the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster is enhanced by the inclusion of a pickguard, providing an added layer of protection to the guitar’s finish. Despite its affordable price, Fender has meticulously attended to every detail, resulting in truly remarkable results.
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Authentic Telecaster sound
- Wonderful build quality for the price
Cons:
- You’ll have to set it up in the beginning
- Sharp edges on the frets
Ibanez GIO Series GRG121DX
Ibanez is a company that values newcomers. They know it can be hard to get into the guitar-owning business, so they created the GIO series. Intended as a stepping stone, they accidentally (or maybe intentionally) made something of a masterpiece. One of the best value electric guitars for your money, the GRG121DX offers a flexible range of tones, as well as aggressive looks to match your style. The standard basswood body with rosewood fretboard, jumbo frets, and ceramic pickups offers you the chance to make the sound you’ve always wanted to hear. Pick this up and band out all the bucks you spent on it, and more.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
Cons:
- Heavy
- Tuning Stability Issues
Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012DLX
Yamaha is a Japanese company that has made more things than I will ever buy. There is a reason for that: they’re really good at making things. Especially when those things have to work well and not be expensive, such as guitars. Let me introduce you to Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012DLX, or the guitar you might know as the one you fell in love with. It is vintage thanks to its vibrato, heavy thanks to its 3 way of switching humbuckers, and stylish thanks to how beautiful the design is. So what do we get in the end? An extremely versatile, sonically exquisite companion for your stage or home practice. I may have lied a bit though; this guitar was designed by a California musician. I have owned it for years and I can say it’s one of the best cheap electric guitars you can buy.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Easy to play
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not the highest quality tonewood
- Not the best tuners
Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II
What does Epiphone sell the most of? Yes you guessed it (probably mostly because of the picture next to the text), the Epiphone Les Paul Special-II. Why does this guitar sell the most out of all things Epiphone? Well, for one, it is amazing. And that’s all the reason you need, I think. The Okoume shape Basswood body comes in so many colors and designs, it’s not even funny. With its potent humbuckers, this guitar will leave the audience yearning for more of your mesmerizing, sultry melodies, all while costing a mere fraction of what you initially anticipated. It doesn’t just excel in delivering raw power; it can also evoke a wistful or gentle ambiance whenever you desire. Versatile, exquisite, and budget-friendly. Isn’t that precisely what you’re seeking?
Pros:
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
Cons:
- Tuning Stability Issues
- String Buzz
- Simplistic Design
Dean Vendetta XM
Have you ever thought of playing the guitar as a battle? Competition between you and all the other musicians you play with or aspire to be? Well, get ready for the true axe among the guitars, this beast will help you come back with a vengeance against all those overpriced guitar bearers. Aptly named for its purpose, this weapon features a paulownia body with a maple fretboard, a design to envy and two humbuckers so heavy in their sound, you’ll wonder if a singing, berserking viking made them. Dean Vendetta XM may be the contender for the best value for money electric guitar. I mean, take a look at the price tag, just make sure not to let any flies into your mouth.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
Cons:
- Dents Easily
- Tuning Stability Issues
Squier by Fender Bullet Strat
The Fender Guitar, the legendary, iconic, well known and almost 7-year-old guitar that haunts your dreams of want. So why am I talking to you about a Squier? Well, because it’s, it’s everything you want out of a Fender at a price that makes sense. The well-known combination of Basswood body and Maple fretboard, numerous styles, pickguards, and 3 single-coil pickups will give you the soulful sound you hear in your dreams when you dream of Fender. Rarely do you get such versatility in a guitar so reasonably priced? It is good both for beginners and for people looking to expand their guitar collection, so go ahead, live at least a part of the dream you have every night.
Pros:
- Beginner Friendly
- Affordable
Cons:
- Tuning Stability Issues
- String Buzz
Ibanez GRX20ZBKN
If you want a character in your guitar, something that looks just like it sounds, you should probably go for the guitar the name of which stands for Black Night. Or maybe Black Knight? I’m not sure, but either way, character is what this instruments has an abundance of. 2 humbuckers and Alder body, Rosewood Fretboard and a look that Batman would drool at. What else does anyone want out of a guitar? Probably for it to sound as good as the Ibanez GRX20ZBKN. Go make Bruce Wayne proud and play the sound you hear when you’re driving down a dark highway in your pitch black car. Maybe, your sound will save somebody’s life as well.
Pros:
- Good Sound
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
Cons:
- Tuning Stability Issues
Oscar Schmidt OE20G
Ever wonder what you would look like if you could be just as suave as you wish you could? Well, try out the new Oscar Schmidt OE20G. Shaped a little like a Les Paul, it is an incredible take on a classic guitar. A body made out of Mahogany with two Humbuckers that sound like the lullaby you think you remember sung to you as a child, this guitar brings as much heavy or smoothness in sound, as it does in looks. It is unique, beautiful and, just like so many instruments on this list, comfortably under-priced to fit your needs.
Pros:
- Great Sound
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
Cons:
- Tuning Instability
There are several things to think about when buying a guitar on the cheap. First of all, what is your reason for buying a guitar? Are you:
Looking for a beginner’s guitar? In this case it might also be smart to take a look at our guide to buying the best beginner guitar. Otherwise this list includes several beginner guitars you might find interesting.
- Think about the style you want – looks make a star right?
- Think about the music you make – it’s important to consider the way your guitar sounds
- Maybe pick something that might be easier to play
Looking for the best electric guitar under 200? Some of the options on this list might be a great fit for you.
- Where does your heart lie? Are you sure you want some of the good old, or have you discovered in your journey from beginner to now that your style might be something different?
- Maybe go for a guitar that sounds a little different. You will always have your first guitar, but right now you have the option to try a new sound for the cheap.
- Has your understanding of guitars evolved to the point that you are extremely specific about what you want? Then check out some of our more detailed reviews for the guitars present above.
- Are you maybe looking not for a permanent upgrade, but simply a practice guitar? Or a gig-only guitar?
Just want to add one more to your already bulky collection? Maybe take a look at some of the more expensive options, but if you see something you like, we are all for buying on the cheap.
- Here, there is little I can tell you. At this point, you probably have a very good understanding of the instrument. Maybe consider what you want it for? Is it only a part of a collection or are you going to be using it regularly?
- Did you consider buying a used guitar for your collection? It might be just as cheap, but the quality and the name might be worth more for you. Check out our blog post describing what you might want to look at when buying a used guitar.
Other Options
Don’t like any of the options above? Here is some advice on what you should look at if you want the best cheap guitars option that you can find on your own. Some of this is also covered in the beginner’s guide to buying guitars. Also, you can check Harley Benton guitars.
The Body
The body of the guitar you’ll be looking at will probably be made of Basswood. The reason is that Basswood is on the cheap side for production, while also being lightweight and good-looking. It is possible to find guitars made of other materials, but be suspicious of sellers claiming such materials. Not all materials are as cheap or flexible in use as Basswood.
The Neck
The neck of the guitar is where the fretboard connects to the body. This is where the last frets are located. Consider that these should be easy to access and the neck should be comfortable to hold, otherwise, the guitar might not be a good fit for you.
Also remember – electric guitar necks are often bolt on. The reason being that they are easier to mass produce so. Set Guitar necks mean that if the guitar is attached incorrectly, it cannot be corrected, meaning that such guitars need high precision to be viable. This means that electric guitars with set necks tend to be way more expensive than those with bolt-on necks. If you see a cheap guitar with a set neck, be suspicious and do your research before buying.
The Fretboard
If you are looking for cheap options, you are bound to find a lot of guitars with rosewood fretboards. This is the norm for cheap guitars, but do not be surprised to see maple or other materials used for fretboards. The things to look at is whether you want 21, 22 or 24 frets. Are you looking for jumbo frets or for medium frets, how easy do you want the train to be? it depends mostly on your own taste. At the same time do not expect to see fretboards made of expensive materials. These might not be what they seem and you should do your research before you buy.
Tremolo Bar
Some guitars, depending on the manufacturer, have the option of getting the tremolo bar for them. There are several tremolo bar options available to you and unless you are a beginner you need to consider what you are buying.
- The Bigsby tremolo is more stable and holds the tuning better than non-locking tremolos
- The Strat-Type Tremolo can only bend downwards. Stable, but still prone to minor tuning problems.
- Floating Bridge Tremolos allow for a wide range of note bending but are very prone to tuning issues. These should be avoided if you are not sure how well they are made, as they tend to cause big problems with tuning.
- Floyd Rose Locking Tremolo is one that I doubt you will find too often on a cheap guitar. These tremolos make stringing an instrument, and tuning it more complicated, but allow for a more stable tuning, while also allowing for a wide range of tone bending.
Pickup
There are many pickup arrangements to consider when buying a guitar. 3 or 2 pickups, single coil or humbucker, or a combination of the two, will determine how your guitar sounds.
Quick note – Humbucker tends to have a more hard rock feel while single coil has a tendency towards more soulful, rhythmic sounds. The traditional abbreviations for each are H (Humbucker) and S (Single-Coil). You will find these abbreviations in many guitar descriptions.
Pickup Selector
This little lever on your electric guitar will allow you to choose which pickup is more emphasized. There are several possibilities, the neck pickup, the neck-middle, the middle pickup, the middle bridge and the bridge pickup. Choosing between these pickups will change how the guitar sounds. Don’t panic if your dream guitar doesn’t have a selector though, not every guitar has one, and not every guitar needs one.
Conclusion
The best cheap electric guitars are not easy to pick or find. We’ve brought up some of the ones we find most interesting up above. The thing is, not everyone will find all these guitars to suit them. This does not mean there are no other exceptional guitars out there that we either are sleeping on or could not include in the list because of space concerns.
Remember this piece of advice: do your research. The guitars I have talked about above are some of the best available on the market, but not all of them will be the perfect fit for you. The best way to find out what the best guitar for you is to take a closer look at it. Find out the details about its body, shape, how comfortable it is, its pickup arrangements, how it sounds, and how easy it is to play. All of those details can be found out easily by looking at the in-depth reviews for each instrument.
Once all of this is done and you are still convinced that you have found the guitar of your dreams, go ahead and buy. Until then do what I did and will keep doing: keep looking for the best cheap electric guitar.
