Three hundred dollars may not be much, but you can get your hands on something that could improve your guitar skills to a great extent. Take a look at my chart of best electric guitar under 300, any one of these will prove to be a great addition to your collection.
These guitars do not reach the mid-range yet, so they still come under the affordable category. Treat them as workhorses or the tool that helps you begin your foray into the world of electric guitars. Probably it's quite hard for beginners to start training with electric guitar, so try the classical guitar to improve your basic and string techniques. Either way, the guitars below will work perfectly well for both the novice and the seasoned equally.
LIST BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR UNDER 300
Product Image | Brand Name | Product Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Oscar Schmidt OE20 |  | |
 | FENDER | | |
 | Epiphone Les Paul-100 | | |
 | YAMAHA PACIFICA | | |
 | Ibanez | |
10 BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR UNDER 300 REVIEW
1) OSCAR SCHMIDT - BEST SOLID BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR
PRODUCT DETAILS
If you spot this guitar on a shop window, you will most definitely pick it up. It has an eye catching gold top and an engineered wood fretboard with inlays.
The sturdy mahogany body gives it the much needed acoustic resonance while the set maple neck aids in projection and fattening the body of the note you play.
It also improves the sustain and with the 2 humbucking pickups, you will not have to worry about the sound and range of tones you need.
At the end of the day you get a good instrument that overall checks all boxes whether it is playability, the cutaway body, the sturdy built, the attractive craftsmanship, or its unmatched sound. Oscar Schmidt delivers either way.
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2) FENDER - BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS
PRODUCT DETAILS
A high quality affordable guitar with a Squier is always a good idea. From the six-saddle bridge for an accurate tone to the c shaped neck for the retro comfort and making it versatile to all playing styles, this Squier is for everyone.
You get a good tone, complete access to Fender play here you can learn and acquire skills and chord sheets for all kinds of music from all genres.
The best part of this guitar is how comfortable it is to play for beginners and seasoned players alike. It fits the contours of the body perfectly and the satin neck with the single coil pickup system gives you a punchy tone that is bright with adequate projection. Overall this is a best electric guitar under 300.
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3) EPIPHONE LES PAUL 100 ELECTRIC GUITAR
PRODUCT DETAILS
If you want to inspire others with the music you play then Les paul will be a good place to start. It is one of the best guitar brands created after the legendary players in history, this beautiful model will surprise you with its stunning looks and sound. It is another best electric guitar under 300 in my list.
You get a heavy and steady tone through the mahogany body and the maple top while the bolt on the mahogany neck helps with warm flange coupled with the smooth rosewood fingerboard that has rounded edges and comfortable to play.
It also features open-coil humbucking pickups that have the classic Les Paul tone and attractive chrome hardware. This is also perfect for beginners, affordable, and does not require frequent tuning.
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4) YAMAHA PACIFICA - BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR FOR LIVE
PRODUCT DETAILS
A guitar that has seen many wishlists for its name and sound alone. Pacifica has been around for more than 20 years known for its quick action and the Yamaha tone.
What makes this guitar special is that it is built in such a way that it is responsive to all playing styles and genres without altering its true sound.
Simply put you get a wide range with clarity whether you want clean or distortion. Additionally, you get double humbucking pickups, master volume and tonal controls with coil split and vintage tremolo with a block saddle.
Considering everything it is a nearly perfect guitar that not only looks good, but feels good to play. So considering its features, it is also a best electric guitar under 300.
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5) IBANEZ 6 STRING - BEST SEMI-HOLLOW-BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR
PRODUCT DETAILS
If you are looking to advance in your guitar skills and want a perfect tool for doing just that then Ibanez semi-hollow body has got your back.
It is also a best electric guitar under 300. This is also the perfect tool for all those looking for a smoother transition from acoustic to an electric guitar.
Along with the warm resonance, you also get the punchiness from the dual Infinity humbucking pickups on a block of wood in order to increase sustain and deplete feedback.
If that is not enough you also get a set mahogany neck joint to the body that allows easier access to the higher frets. Whether you are into jazz or country or hard rock, this nifty little guitar can handle it all.
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6) DEAN - BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR FOR ROCK
PRODUCT DETAILS
You can spot a Dean from a mile and this striking green custom zone model is the definition of rock and roll. If you are bored of seeing sunbursts and blacks in the electric shade range then you will definitely want to add this one to your collection.
It has a mahogany body with a maple neck that is not only quick but also comfortable. It also features DMT design humbucking pickups that have a wide range and decent clarity, a bolt on neck for better projection, and lifetime warranty.
If you want something to bang out some monstrous tunes and intense rhythms, then do not think twice. Having a Dean will always be a good idea and it is also a best electric guitar under 300.
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7) GRETSCH G5425 - BEST ELECTROMATIC JET CLUB ELECTRIC GUITAR
PRODUCT DETAILS
If it is good enough for the likes of Bono, Billy Duffy, Eddie Cochran, and Chet Atkins, then it is good enough for you. Gretsch is one of the industries' leading brands with over 15 years of experience, so you know they can make a good guitar.
They have successfully forayed into the affordable market and Electromatic is one such model with a basswood body, arched maple top, and bolt-on neck.
The rich tonal quality and excellent sustain are because of the stop tailpiece and dual-coil pickups. If you are searching for that Gretsch sound then this has it.
On its hardware front, it is a good looking guitar with its thumbnail inlays, two-tone colors, and walnut stained sides with the Gretsch logo. So don't miss the best electric guitar under 300 which gives you a rich tone.
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8) JACKSON JS32 - BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR FOR METAL
PRODUCT DETAILS
Since the heavy metal of the 1980’s Jackson has been a name to be reckoned with. They are known for making high-end American electronics very popular amongst many performers at the time.
This particular model in its striking blue color and double cutaway, basswood body with a glossy finish, single dinky maple neck, and jumbo frets to make it quick and accessible.
With a deadly sound and the Jason tone, they are also affordable with a high output ceramic magnet pickups with a bound fingerboard that singularly works towards reinforcing tonal quality and projection.
You also get three-way blade switching and a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo bridge tying up all the reasons why you should not miss out on this beauty into a neat bow.
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9) SAWTOOTH HERITAGE SERIES MAPLE TOP ELECTRIC GUITAR
PRODUCT DETAILS
This guitar looks like it has come straight out of a retro magazine. But given its vintage looks, it is built for the modern guitarist designed specifically for comfort and enhancing the playing experience and the best electric guitar under 300.
They are modeled after the American classic electric and have the right balance between vintage tone and modern punch. It comes with a mahogany body, a maple top, ebony fretboard, medium jumbo frets, and an adjustable stop tail bridge.
The distinct sound is the courtesy of Alnico v humbucking pickups which you can further shape using volume and tonal controls and the 3-way selector switch. The golden hardware and unique neck profile is just the cherry on top of the perfect sundae.
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10) MONOPRICE INDIO 66 DLX FLAMED MAPLE TOP ELECTRIC GUITAR
PRODUCT DETAILS
Coming to the end of my list of the best electric guitar under 300, comes the Monoprice Indio 66 DLX flamed maple top electric guitar.
Built-in southern California, Monoprice guitars are high-quality models that look good, sound good, perform impeccably, and feel good. What's not to like?
This particular sleek model comes with a padded gig bag for you to easily travel with it. It is built for the road and the stage with high-end hardware and carefully selected tonewoods that produce the best sound.
With next to perfect craftsmanship, each piece has been carefully placed under the Flamed maple top and handmade to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
You can easy play it right out of the box as no set up is needed whatsoever. It is also versatile enough for all playing styles so you can keep on grooving to your favorite tunes.
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ELECTRIC GUITAR UNDER 300?
Tonewood
The electric guitar's wood can influence your sound. Each guitar is a combination of different types of wood. The different types of tonewoods are Maple, Mahogany, Rosewood, Ebony, Alder, Ash, Nato, and Agathis.
Type of neck
The neck is the important part of a guitar build. There are three different type of necks present, they are bolt-on, set neck and neck through.
Guitar shape
Like the tonewood, the guitar shape can also make a difference in the sound.
Electronics on board
There are certain things which you must check while buying an electric guitar. They are pickups, tone and pickup switch and volume controls.
I have listed out few points on what to look for while buying an electric guitar under 300, hope this sounds helpful.
CONCLUSION
Now the question remains, is it going to be worth it in the long run? The answer is yes. If you are just starting out then this range is a pretty good place to browse for your first electric guitars. There are some well known established names that offer affordable options so you will never run out of choices.
Although you have equally good alternatives on the lower end, paying a little extra will only enhance the features giving you more control over the tone or perhaps better hardware. These guitars will also help you as you advance further in your skills that you have difficulty with if you go for the lower end of the spectrum.
No matter where you buy it, ensure that there is a legal return policy if something were to go wrong. A little trial and error will also not hurt as you will get the hang of what playing style you want to focus on the most or if you are just want something for gigging or jamming. I hope that my list of best electric guitar under 300 helped you a little.
Greetings, I am Scott Shetler, a Senior Instrument expert, and Guitarist. My hobby and passion are all about music, and I like to explore new gadgets and instruments available in the market. From my experience, I reviewed and showcase the best products on our site to ensure the worth of readers’ expectations and money.