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How to Choose Your First Electric Guitar

electric guitar

Buying your first electric guitar is a milestone in your musical journey. Whether you're inspired by classic rock, modern metal, or blues solos, the right guitar can shape your tone, comfort, and learning experience. But with so many brands, shapes, and configurations out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to make a smart decision. You just need to understand the key components that matter for beginners, such as body type, pickup configuration, neck feel, and budget.

If you're shopping in Malaysia, Guitarlicious carries a wide selection of beginner-friendly electric guitars, accessories, and expert advice to guide your first purchase. Let’s explore how to choose your first electric guitar with confidence and clarity.

What Guitar Body Style Should You Start With?

The shape and weight of your guitar affect your comfort, posture, and performance. There are three primary body styles to consider:

1. Stratocaster Style (Double Cutaway)

  • Slim, contoured body with curves for forearm and belly
  • Extremely popular for beginners due to its comfort
  • Typically features 3 single-coil pickups for clean, bright tones
  • Ideal for: Pop, blues, funk, surf rock

2. Telecaster Style (Single Cutaway)

  • Thicker, more rigid body with sharp edges
  • Simpler controls and two single-coil pickups
  • Known for twangy, sharp tones and straightforward playing
  • Ideal for: Country, indie rock, punk

3. Les Paul Style (Single Cutaway, Carved Top)

  • Heavier body with dual humbuckers for warm, full tone
  • Shorter scale length, easier for smaller hands
  • Known for sustain and powerful output
  • Ideal for: Rock, metal, jazz, alternative

If you’re not sure which suits you best, the Shop by Brands page at Guitarlicious is a great starting point. You can browse Strat, Tele, and Les Paul-style guitars by trusted brands like Squier, Ibanez, Yamaha, and Cort.

What Pickup Configuration Should You Choose?

Pickups are the heart of your guitar’s tone. They translate string vibration into sound, and their type and layout will influence your entire playing experience.

Single-Coil Pickups:

  • Bright, crisp, and sharp tone
  • Great for clean rhythms and lead tones
  • Can pick up more hum or noise at higher gain levels
  • Found in Stratocasters and Telecasters

Humbuckers:

  • Thicker, warmer, and louder sound
  • Great for distortion and high-gain playing
  • Reduced hum and noise
  • Found in Les Paul-style guitars or Yamaha Revstars

HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single):

  • Offers both single-coil brightness and humbucker power
  • Very versatile for players exploring multiple genres
  • Common in modern Strat-style guitars

Beginners who aren’t sure what tone they prefer often start with HSS configurations for the best of both worlds. Read more about tone options and pickup setups on the Guitarlicious blog.

How Important Are the Neck Profile and Scale Length?

The neck is your main contact point with the guitar, and it must feel natural in your hand. Two terms you’ll encounter are:

1. Neck Profile:

  • Refers to the shape of the neck
  • C-shape is the most common and comfortable for beginners
  • D-shape and U-shape are chunkier and may suit larger hands

2. Scale Length:

  • The distance between the nut and bridge
  • Short scale (e.g., 24.75”) = easier to fret, looser string tension
  • Long scale (e.g., 25.5”) = brighter tone, tighter strings

Beginners often gravitate toward shorter-scale guitars, especially if they have smaller hands or are just building finger strength. Models like the Yamaha Pacifica 112 or Squier Bullet Mustang have beginner-friendly necks and are well-reviewed by guitar instructors.

Also, remember to grab a padded gig bag, strap, tuner, and extra strings from the accessories collection to complete your setup.

How Do You Balance Budget with Quality?

Price is often the deciding factor for first-time buyers, but the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Here’s how to buy smart:

Under RM600:

  • Basic builds, often with laminate bodies and lower-end hardware
  • Fine for absolute beginners or casual hobbyists
  • Look at brands like SX, Kapok, or entry-level Corts

RM600–RM1200:

  • Significantly better components, smoother fretwork, and more stable tuning
  • Great for students or serious beginners who want something reliable
  • Yamaha Pacifica, Squier Affinity, and Ibanez GRX models fall here

RM1200–RM2000:

  • Beginner-to-intermediate range with solid tonewoods, improved pickups, and build quality
  • Ideal if you’re taking lessons, recording at home, or performing casually
  • Excellent long-term investment

To track deals, pre-orders, or bundle promos, create an account on the Guitarlicious login portal and save your favourite models.

FAQs

1. Should I choose a guitar with a tremolo (whammy) bar?

A tremolo bar adds fun effects, but it can complicate tuning for beginners. Fixed-bridge guitars are simpler to maintain when starting out.

2. What’s the difference between a cheap and mid-range electric guitar?

Mid-range guitars typically offer better playability, tuning stability, and sound clarity. You’ll notice smoother frets, more precise electronics, and upgraded tonewoods.

3. Can I play metal on a Strat-style guitar?

Yes, especially if it has a humbucker in the bridge (HSS). For heavier tones, you may prefer a guitar with dual humbuckers and a thicker body like the Yamaha Revstar or Ibanez RG series.

4. How often should I change electric guitar strings?

For regular use, change strings every 2–3 months. Signs it’s time: dull tone, tuning issues, or visible corrosion.

5. Where can I try beginner guitars in Malaysia?

Visit Guitarlicious online or in-store. They offer expert guidance, beginner bundles, and trusted shipping across Malaysia.

Final Chord: Start Your Journey with the Right Electric Guitar

Buying your first electric guitar is more than just a purchase, it’s your entry into a world of musical expression. The key is choosing a model that matches your comfort, tone preferences, and aspirations.

Strat-style guitars offer versatility. Telecasters are simple and bold. Les Paul-style guitars bring rich, heavy tones. Yamaha guitars combine quality with great value, and HSS setups give you tonal flexibility for every genre.

Wherever your music takes you, your first guitar should motivate you to pick it up every day.

Explore trusted models at Guitarlicious, compare favourites on the Shop by Brands page, dive into reviews on their blog, and complete your first rig with quality accessories.

Because the right guitar doesn’t just make you sound good, it inspires you to keep playing.