Best Electric Guitar Under 1000

Finding the perfect electric guitar under £1000 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or levelling up from your current setup, this guide brings together guitars that offer serious tone, reliability, and value all without breaking the bank.

From trusted models like the Fender Mexican Stratocaster to modern favourites from PRS, we’ve filtered through dozens of options to highlight only the ones that punch well above their price point. And if you're looking to try one in person, we've also included tips to help you locate the right guitar shop near you.

We've based our picks not just on brand reputation, but real-world playability, verified buyer reviews, and tech specs that matter - like pickup quality, tone versatility, and build material.

So, let’s help you find the right match for your sound, style, and budget.

Top Electric Guitars Under £1000: Our Expert Picks

Not all electric guitars are built the same, and when you're spending close to £1000, the right choice depends on your playing style, tone preferences, and build quality. Below, we’ve broken down some of the best high-end electric guitar brands in this price range by type: Les Paul-style, Strat-style, and semi-hollow guitars. Each one delivers pro-level sound, great craftsmanship, and proven reputation - without crossing the thousand-dollar line.

1. Les Paul Style Guitars: Big Tone, Bold Looks

If you love thick, punchy tones with sustain for days, a Les Paul guitar style is what you’re after. These guitars are especially popular for blues, rock, and hard-hitting riffs.

Top Picks:

• PRS McCarty 594 – A modern take on the classic Les Paul feel, the prs mccarty 594 blends vintage warmth with a slightly more comfortable neck. It’s built for players who like traditional looks but want modern playability.
• PRS Custom 24 – A flagship in the PRS line, the PRS Custom 24 is loved for its clarity, versatility, and carved top design. It’s more versatile than a traditional Les Paul and fits many genres.
• PRS Guitars Range – If you want quality, consistency, and beautiful tonewoods, exploring the wider line of PRS guitars under £1000 is worth it.

2. Strat-Style Guitars: Clean Tones & Versatility

Prefer clean tones with that classic sparkle? Strat-style guitars offer a lighter body, snappy attack, and better upper fret access. Perfect for funk, blues, and indie players.

Top Picks:

• Fender Mexican Stratocaster - A fan favourite for decades, the Fender Mexican Stratocaster nails that iconic Fender tone at a fraction of the USA model's price. Great for live gigs or studio work.
• PRS Silver Sky - The prs silver Sky is John Mayer’s signature model, designed to blend vintage Strat tone with PRS playability. It’s got clear single coils and a smooth tremolo system.
• PRS Bolt-On Series - The newer PRS bolt-on models are aimed at Strat lovers who want PRS quality but with that familiar tone and feel.

3. Semi-Hollow Electric Guitars: Warm, Resonant & Dynamic

If you're after a tone that sits between acoustic warmth and electric power, semi-acoustic guitars give you the best of both worlds. They're great for jazz, indie, and expressive lead playing.

Top Picks:

• PRS SE Hollowbody Piezo – The PRS SE Hollowbody piezo adds an acoustic-style piezo pickup, giving you both electric and acoustic tones in one instrument - a true gigging powerhouse.
• Semi-Acoustic Guitars Under 1K – Look into other semi-acoustic guitars in this range if you want a warm tone that feels alive in your hands.

Each guitar above offers serious tone, high build quality, and exceptional value under £1000. If you're still unsure, it’s totally normal; choosing the right electric guitar is as much about feel as it is about specs.

Accessories You’ll Need With Your Electric Guitar

Once you’ve picked your electric guitar, the next step is getting the gear that brings it all to life. Without the right setup, even the best guitar can sound flat or feel uncomfortable to play. Below are the essential guitar accessories every electric player should consider, whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage.

1. Guitar Amp: The Core of Your Sound

You can’t hear an electric guitar’s true tone without a guitar amp. It shapes your sound, adds effects, and helps you stand out in a mix.

If you’re starting, look for a compact amp with clean and overdrive channels - perfect for learning and small gigs.

Note: According to gear trends highlighted by Sweetwater and leading retailers in 2024, most beginner and intermediate players who purchase electric guitars under £1000 tend to pair them with practice amps rated between 20 and 40 watts. This wattage range strikes the right balance between power and portability, making it ideal for home use, small rehearsals, and bedroom practice.

2. Pedalboard & Cables: Effects and Connectivity

Want to add distortion, delay, or reverb? A pedalboard helps organise your effects pedals in one place. You'll also need high-quality guitar cables to connect your guitar, pedals, and amp.

Why it matters: Cheap cables often introduce unwanted noise. A low-capacitance cable preserves tone and reduces signal loss, essential for clean playing.

3. Guitar Straps, Strap Locks & Buttons: Play Comfortably & Safely

Whether you're sitting or standing, a durable guitar strap is a must. If you’re playing live, go further - use guitar strap locks or guitar strap buttons to stop your guitar from slipping off unexpectedly.

Pro tip: Dropping your guitar due to a loose strap is more common than you'd think - strap locks are a simple fix that can save a repair bill.

4. Guitar Stand: Storage that Protects

A reliable guitar stand keeps your instrument safe and accessible when not in use. It also prevents neck strain from leaning your guitar against walls or furniture.

5. Microphone Accessories & Capos (Optional but Useful)

If you plan to record or perform, some microphone accessories, like pop filters or mic clips, can improve your setup. And while less common with electric guitars, a capo can still help with certain open-chord voicings and experimental tunings.

When browsing a guitar shop near you or online, consider bundle deals that include basic guitar accessories like picks, tuners, and cables. These can save you time and money while getting you fully set up from day one.

Electric Guitars for Beginners: Affordable & Easy to Play

Getting your first electric guitar should feel exciting, not overwhelming. If you're a beginner, you're probably looking for something easy to play, sounds great, and doesn’t push your budget. Good news: There are plenty of beginner-friendly electric guitars under £1000 that strike this balance.

What Makes a Guitar Beginner-Friendly?

• Comfortable neck shape: Thinner necks help new players form chords easily.
• Lightweight body: Easier to hold and practice longer without fatigue.
• Simple controls: Two or three knobs max. You don’t need 10 switches to start.

Our Top Beginner Pick: PRS SE McCarty 594

The prs se mccarty 594 is a fantastic entry point. It's easy to play, has a smooth neck, and offers a rich tone that grows with your skill level. While it may seem “too good” for a beginner, it’s one of the best long-term investments in this price range.

Used Guitars: A Smart Way to Save

If your budget is tight or you're unsure about a long-term commitment, exploring used guitars can be a smart move. Many music shops inspect and service them before resale, and some even offer limited warranties.

What to Check When Buying a Beginner Guitar

• Low string action (makes it easier to press frets)
• No fret buzz (check by playing every fret on each string)
• Proper intonation (guitar stays in tune along the neck)
• Working electronics (volume/tone knobs + pickup switch)

If buying online, choose stores with return options or check reviews. If local, visit a guitar shop near you and ask for help; they often have starter bundles that include guitar accessories too.

Find Your Next Electric Guitar at Music Street

Whether you're chasing vintage tones or modern versatility, the journey to finding the best electric guitar under £1000 doesn't have to be complicated. At Music Street, we curate electric guitars that deliver pro-level performance, backed by honest guidance, personalised service, and unmatched value.

If you're exploring even more options, don’t miss our collections of:

• The best electric guitar under 500 – ideal for beginners or budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable tone.
• The best hollow body electric guitar under 500 – perfect for jazz, blues, or players who want that rich, resonant sound without overspending.
• Premium models? Check out the best electric guitar under 3000 – where craftsmanship meets performance.

Still torn between guitar types? Our guides break down the difference between electric vs acoustic guitar, helping you decide what fits your playing style best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between active and passive pickups in electric guitars?

Active pickups use a built-in preamp powered by a battery, offering higher output and a cleaner signal, great for heavy distortion and metal genres. Passive pickups are more dynamic and responsive to playing style, which many blues and rock players prefer. If you're starting out, passive pickups are simpler and require less maintenance.

2. How much should I spend on my first guitar amp?

For beginners, a guitar amp in the $100–$200 range is ideal. Look for amps with both clean and overdrive channels, built-in reverb, and headphone output for silent practice. Brands like Boss Katana and Fender Champion offer solid tone without blowing your budget.

3. Can I use an electric guitar without an amp?

Yes, but the sound will be very quiet and flat. Electric guitars rely on amps to shape tone. However, you can use headphones with amp simulators or audio interfaces for silent practice or home recording setups.

4. How do I know if a guitar is the right size for me?

Most adult players use full-size (scale length ~25.5”) guitars. However, players with smaller hands or younger beginners may benefit from short-scale guitars. The best way to choose the right electric guitar size is to test the neck feel, body weight, and how comfortably your fingers reach across frets.

5. Are PRS guitars good for beginners?

Absolutely. Many models like the PRS SE McCarty 594 and PRS Custom 24 offer great playability, smooth necks, and build quality that even pros appreciate. They’re slightly pricier than entry-level guitars, but their ease of use and long-term value make them ideal for beginners who want to invest in a guitar they won’t outgrow.