Electric Guitar Reviews

How to choose an electric guitar

Pickups shape the sound. Single-coil pickups (typical of Stratocaster-style guitars) sound bright and clear and suit funk, blues, indie and pop. Humbuckers (Les Paul and most "superstrat" models) are thicker, warmer and quieter, which makes them the usual choice for rock and metal. HSS guitars combine both.

Neck and scale length. Fender-style 25.5" scale feels a little tighter and snappier; Gibson-style 24.75" scale is slightly easier for bends and wide chords. Thin, flat necks favour fast lead playing; rounder "C" profiles feel comfortable for chords.

Bridge. A fixed bridge stays in tune more easily; a tremolo adds expressive vibrato but needs a little more set-up.

Budget. Today's entry-level guitars from established brands are very playable. Above that, you mostly pay for better pickups, hardware and finishing. Remember to budget for an amplifier or headphone amp, a cable and a tuner.