🎄 5 Best Beginner Electric Guitars to Buy This Christmas (Under $300)

If you’re thinking about buying someone their first electric guitar this Christmas, the good news is this:you don’t have to spend a fortune to get something solid.

I’ve played guitar for over 55 years, toured half the world, and seen more beginner guitars than I can count, the good, the bad, and the ones that make you quit after two weeks.

These five guitars are the ones I’d personally recommend to ANY beginner.They stay in tune, feel good in the hands, and make learning exciting instead of frustrating.

And yes, they’re all affordable.

1. Donner DST-152 Electric Guitar Starter Bundle

Best overall beginner guitar

This one is the workhorse. You get:

• A Strat-style guitar

• Solid pickups

• A beginner amp

• Cable, bag, strap, tuner, the whole deal

It’s perfect for anyone learning their first chords, and Donner keeps their prices crazy reasonable.

👉 Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/487CdYn

2. Squier by Fender Bullet Strat

Most recognizable brand name

If you want a guitar that EVERYBODY recognizes and trusts, this is it.A Squier Strat is the classic beginner electric, smooth neck, easy to learn on, and tons of YouTube lessons built around it.

Perfect for:Someone who wants a real Fender-style feel without the Fender price.

👉 Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/487Cyu7

3. Yamaha Pacifica 012, Most Reliable All-Rounder

The Yamaha Pacifica line has been the beginner workhorse for decades.Great quality control, great tuning stability, great tones.This one is a safe bet every single time.

Perfect for:Someone who wants a guitar that will last for years.

👉 Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4pu2ohu

4. Ibanez GRX20

Best for rock and metal

Ibanez necks are slick, comfortable, and easy to play, beginners love them.This one feels like a “step up” guitar even though it’s still beginner-priced.

Perfect for:Beginners with smaller hands, or anyone who wants a smooth neck and fast playability.Someone wants to shred? This one has:

• A fast neck

• Two humbuckers

• A sharp, modern look

It’s a perfect “first metal guitar” without spending a fortune.

👉 Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3KvR5ql

5. Jackson JS11

This is the flashy one, the guitar kids fall in love with on sight.Fast neck, punchy pickups, and that classic Jackson look.

I’ve seen a lot of beginners stick with guitar simply because their first guitar looked cool.This one does the job.

Perfect for:Future rock players, metal fans, or anyone who wants a little swagger.

👉 Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4pIbmrT

🎁 Final Thoughts

Any one of these guitars will make a killer Christmas gift.They’re affordable, reliable, and they won’t frustrate a beginner the way a cheap no-name guitar will.

If you’re buying your first guitar, or buying one for someone else, these five choices get you started right.