Hey there, string slingers! Whether you’re a budding guitarist looking for your first six-string companion or a seasoned shredder aiming to add that exquisite piece to your collection, the search for the perfect axe that doesn’t break the bank (or maybe does) is an ever-ongoing quest. The good news? We’ve done a heavy dose of the legwork for you in our latest guitar roundup.

The Highest Rated Guitars Across the Price Spectrum

Now, how did we come up with this list, you ask? Well, it was a mix of scouring through sales data and diving deep into customer reviews, all to bring you the crème de la crème of guitars in each price bracket, from the humble $100 range to the grandiose $1500 and beyond. Our eyes scanned through sales digits faster than your fingers on a fretboard during a face-melting solo, and our ears (metaphorically) rang with the praises and critiques of fellow guitar enthusiasts who’ve chimed in with their reviews.

The goal? To provide a well-rounded view of what each price bracket has to offer to strummers and shredders like you. So, whether you are looking to serenade with a budget-friendly strummer or melt some faces with a boutique beauty, we’ve got something that will strike a chord with you.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on a fret-fueled journey across the price spectrum to discover which guitars are music to both your ears and your wallet!

The Ibanez Gio GRX70QA is a delightful entry in the budget range of electric guitars, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional prowess without burning a hole in your pocket. As the first contender in our $100 – $200 price range, this guitar packs a punch well above its weight class.

Here’s a brief rundown of its specifications:

Now, let’s delve a little deeper into what makes the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA a worthy companion for budding guitarists and even seasoned strummers on a budget:

Design and Construction

The GRX70QA boasts a poplar body that’s topped with a quilted maple art grain, rendering a visually pleasing aesthetic that’s bound to catch eyes. The construction is solid, ensuring durability and a reliable feel. The neck is made from GRX Maple, known for its smooth playability, especially for those fast-paced solos.

Fretboard

You have the option of either a Jatoba or a Purpleheart fretboard, each with its own unique feel and tonal properties. The fretboard is adorned with white dot inlays, providing a classic look and ease of navigation along the 22 medium frets.

Electronics

Equipped with a versatile HSH (humbucker-single-humbucker) pickup configuration, this guitar is ready to tackle a variety of tones. The Infinity R pickups in the neck and bridge positions provide a thick, hum-free sound, while the Infinity RS single-coil in the middle gives you that classic, clear single-coil tone. The 5-way switch allows for a wide range of tonal options, making it a flexible choice for different musical styles.

Bridge

Depending on the variant, you’ll either get a T106 bridge or a FAT6 Tremolo bridge, both of which provide stable tuning and a comfortable palm rest for picking and strumming.

Price Point

Priced at just under $200, it’s a steal for the features on offer, making it a great choice for those on a budget or beginners looking to dive into the electric guitar realm without a hefty investment.

Mimicking the Greats

Looking to sound like your guitar heroes? Try setting the pickup selector to the bridge position, crank up the gain on your amp, and let the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA’s humbucker do the rest. Whether you’re chasing the warm, round tones of classic rock or the sharp attack of modern metal, this guitar has got you covered.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a budget-friendly workhorse to your collection, the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA is a choice you won’t regret. The variety in tonal options coupled with a comfortable play feel and a pleasing aesthetic make it a package hard to resist​

Check out the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA Guitar here!

The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA is a part of Jackson’s JS Series, which aims to provide the classic Jackson tone, looks, and playability without being heavy on the pocket. This model boasts a poplar body paired with a beautiful quilt maple arched top. It’s designed with a bolt-on maple speed neck which is reinforced with graphite and a scarf joint for enhanced stability. The guitar hosts a compound radius bound amaranth fingerboard, which transitions from a more rounded profile at the nut to a flatter profile near the heel, making it comfortable for both chording and shredding.

The JS32Q DKA is powered by dual Jackson high-output humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets, controlled by a three-way pickup blade switch, a single volume control, and a single tone control. It features a Jackson HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge and die-cast tuners for stable tuning. This model is available in Transparent Black Burst, Transparent Green Burst, and Transparent Purple Burst finishes, all paired with pointy black headstocks and all-black hardware​.

Specifications:

This guitar is a great choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. The Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA offers a solid build, attractive finish options, and the kind of playability and tone that’s ideal for rock and metal enthusiasts.

Mimicking the Greats on Jackson Dinky JS32Q DKA:

1. Achieving a Heavy Metal Tone (e.g., Kirk Hammett of Metallica):
   • Pickup Selector: Bridge pickup for a sharp and cutting tone.
   • Tone Knob: Set it to a higher value, around 7-10, to maintain the brightness and aggressiveness in the tone.
2. Achieving a Classic Rock Tone (e.g., Angus Young of AC/DC):
   • Pickup Selector: Bridge pickup for a bright and punchy tone.
   • Tone Knob: Set it to a moderate value, around 5-7, to attain a warm yet bright tone.
3. Achieving a Blues Tone (e.g., Stevie Ray Vaughan):
   • Pickup Selector: Neck pickup for a warmer and smoother tone.
   • Tone Knob: Set it to a lower value, around 3-5, to attain a warm and mellow tone.

Check out the Jackson Dinky Arch Top JS32Q DKA here!

The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster, nestled in the $400 – $600 price range, is a reissue of the original Fender Starcaster, embodying a perfect blend of vintage vibe and modern playability. This retro reimagined guitar carries with it a legacy of the ’70s, showcasing a distinctive headstock along with the Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups that deliver a unique tone. If you’re a fan of the classic Fender aesthetic and sound but on a Squier budget, the Classic Vibe Starcaster could be your go-to.

Here’s a glimpse into its specifications:

• Price: $399.99 – $429
• Body:
  • Material: Laminated Maple
  • Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
  • Shape: Starcaster (Double Cutaway Offset, Semi-hollow or Chambered)
• Neck:
  • Material: Maple
  • Finish: Tinted Gloss Urethane
  • Shape: “C” Shape
  • Joint: Bolt-on
• Fingerboard:
  • Material: Maple
  • Radius: 9.5″ (241 mm)
  • Frets: 22 Narrow-Tall
• Scale Length: 25.5″ (648 mm)
• Pickups:
  • Bridge Pickup: Fender Wide Range Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck Pickup: Fender Wide Range Humbucking (Humbucker/Passive)
• Controls:
  • 2 Volume
  • 2 Tone
  • 3-Way Switch
• Bridge: 6-Saddle Adjustable Bridge, Fixed
• Hardware: Bell Knobs

Mimicking the Greats:

To channel your inner Andy Summers (The Police) with the Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster, dial in a clean, chorused tone by setting both volume knobs at 10, the tone knobs at 6, and selecting the neck pickup with the 3-way switch. Pair this setup with a chorus pedal, and you’re good to strum away on “Message In A Bottle” or any other Police classic.

This information is consolidated from various sources including Guitar World, FindMyGuitar, Long & McQuade, and Reverb​.

Check out the Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster guitar here!

The Epiphone Riviera Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, nestled in the $600 – $800 price range, is a striking blend of vintage aesthetics and modern sound. Its semi-hollow body is crafted from layered maple, providing a rich tonal quality with a blend of warmth and brightness. This guitar is a testament to Epiphone’s dedication to providing budget-friendly instruments without compromising on quality.

Here are the specs for the Epiphone Riviera Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar:

The Epiphone Riviera is adorned with Epiphone PRO mini humbuckers that deliver a tight, bright tone with a focused output, making it versatile for a variety of musical genres. The sleek rounded C-shaped neck along with a Graph Tech NuBone nut not only enriches the resonance but also feels great to play. The Epiphone Vintage Deluxe tuners add to the guitar’s tuning stability, ensuring your tuning remains intact while you strum or pluck away.

The Riviera’s aesthetic is an homage to the vintage with its double cutaways, ES-style shape, and a retro-inspired pickguard which further accentuates its classic look. Whether it’s the Royal Tan or Sparkling Burgundy gloss finish, the Riviera is sure to turn heads with its retro aesthetic and modern playability.

Mimicking the Greats on Epiphone Riviera:

1. Achieving a Rock/Blues Tone (e.g., Noel Gallagher of Oasis):
   • Pickup Selector: Neck pickup for a warm and smooth tone.
   • Tone Knob: Set it to a moderate value, around 5-7, to maintain a balance between warmth and clarity.
2. Achieving a Blues/Jazz Tone (e.g., Robben Ford):
   • Pickup Selector: Bridge pickup for a bright and punchy tone.
   • Tone Knob: Set it to a higher value, around 7-10, to keep the brightness and punchiness.
3. Achieving a Classic Rock Tone (e.g., Nick Valensi of The Strokes):
   • Pickup Selector: Bridge pickup for a brighter, more cutting tone.
   • Tone Knob: Set it to a moderate value, around 5-7, to attain a warm yet bright tone.

Check out the Epiphone Riviera Semi Hollow Archtop here!

The Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit Electric Guitar is a collaborative effort between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop, aimed at creating a more accessible version of the revered 1959 Gibson Les Paul. This model captures the vibe and visual appeal of the original ’59 Les Paul with a few modern touches for today’s players.

The guitar sports a mahogany body paired with a maple top adorned with a AAA figured maple veneer, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its tonal characteristics. The aged gloss finish gives it a vintage look right out of the box. The mahogany neck with a ’59 rounded medium C-profile is designed for comfort and ease of play, while the Indian laurel fretboard provides a smooth playing surface.

A significant aspect of this guitar is its pickup configuration, which includes Gibson USA BurstBucker™ 2 & 3 humbucking pickups. These pickups are known for their vintage PAF (Patent Applied For) tone which is synonymous with the classic Les Paul sound. The Switchcraft® selector switch is a reliable component for switching between pickups.

Specifications for Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit Electric Guitar:

Mimicking the Greats

For those aiming to emulate Slash’s iconic sound, here are some settings to consider on the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Outfit:

• Amp Settings:
  • Gain: High (around 7-8)
  • Bass: Moderate (around 5)
  • Mid: High (around 7-8)
  • Treble: Moderate to High (around 6-7)
• Guitar Settings:
  • Pickup Selector: Preferably the bridge pickup for lead tones and the neck pickup for warmer, rhythm tones.
  • Tone Knobs: Slight roll-off to tame the high-end frequencies, around 6-8 depending on your taste.
• Effects:
  • Wah Pedal: Slash is known for his expressive use of the Wah pedal, a Cry Baby Wah or similar would be ideal.
  • Delay: A moderate amount of delay to fill out the sound, especially for solos.
  • Reverb: Moderate amount for a live, airy feel.

These settings can serve as a starting point, and you may need to adjust based on your particular gear and personal preferences to get closer to Slash’s signature tone.

Check out the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard here!

The Fender American Performer Telecaster, crafted in Corona, CA, is designed to provide the quintessential Fender tone and feel, fused with modern materials and player-oriented features. This combination aims to ignite inspiration and elevate the player’s musical experience to new heights. The guitar is equipped with Yosemite single-coil pickups and a Greasebucket tone system, which are engineered to offer a broad sonic palette, making it a versatile choice for a variety of musical genres​.

Here’s a more detailed table of specifications for the Fender American Performer Telecaster:

Specifications:

Guitar Settings to sound like Pete Townshend:

Pete Townshend, the legendary guitarist of The Who, is known for his aggressive strumming and innovative rhythm guitar work. Although he is more associated with Gibson SGs and Les Pauls, as well as Rickenbacker guitars, you can still approximate his tone on a Fender American Performer Telecaster with the following settings:

• Pickup Selector: Bridge pickup for a brighter, more cutting tone which is characteristic of Townshend’s sound, especially in The Who’s earlier work.
• Tone Knobs: Set to around 8-10 for a brighter tone, or roll off slightly to around 6-7 for a slightly warmer tone during rhythm playing.
• Volume Knobs: Pete often played at full volume to drive his amps harder, so set the volume knob to 10. Adjust to taste for your particular setup.

Experimenting with these settings on your Telecaster and adjusting to your personal gear and taste will help you get closer to achieving Pete Townshend’s iconic tone.

Check out the Fender American Performer Telecaster here!

The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s Heritage Cherry Sunburst (CSB) is a guitar that pays homage to the iconic design of the 1950s Les Paul Standards. This model is an embodiment of the innovation and excellent craftsmanship that was prevalent during Gibson’s Golden Era. It features a solid mahogany body with a maple top, a combination that is widely recognized for delivering the classic Les Paul tone.

The gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the guitar but also contributes to its resonant qualities. The guitar boasts a vintage ’50s neck profile made from mahogany and topped with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a comfortable and familiar feel to those who appreciate the vintage aesthetics and playability of the original models from the 1950s​.

Below is a detailed table of specifications for the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s Heritage Cherry Sunburst (CSB):

Specifications:

Guitar Settings to sound like Jimmy Page (of Led Zeppelin):

Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is well-known for his use of Gibson Les Paul guitars. To achieve a tone reminiscent of Jimmy Page on the Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s Heritage Cherry Sunburst, consider the following settings:

• Pickup Selector:
  • For a brighter, sharper tone (as heard in songs like “Whole Lotta Love”), use the bridge pickup.
  • For a warmer, fuller tone (as heard in songs like “Stairway to Heaven”), use the neck pickup.
• Tone Knobs:
  • Set the tone knobs between 6-8 to maintain clarity while adding a bit of warmth to the tone.
• Volume Knobs:
  • Page often manipulated the volume knobs to clean up the tone or to drive the amp harder for more distortion. Experiment with different volume settings to find the sweet spot.

These settings can serve as a starting point, and you may need to adjust based on your particular gear and personal preferences to get closer to Jimmy Page’s signature tone.

Check out the The Gibson Les Paul Standard ’50s Heritage Cherry Sunburst here!