Best Electric Guitar Under 500

When it comes to choosing an electric guitar under £500, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options, but price doesn’t always mean compromise. Whether you’re just starting, upgrading from a beginner model, or looking for a reliable backup guitar, this guide will help you find real value without cutting corners. 

We’ll cover only electric guitars in this budget range - no acoustic-electrics or hybrids and focus on what truly makes them stand out: tone quality, build reliability, brand credibility, and overall versatility across genres.

You’ll also get a breakdown of top-rated guitars tested by everyday players and trusted reviewers, so the picks aren’t just specs on paper - they’re based on real-world playability and purpose. For beginners, this is about finding an easy-to-play guitar that encourages learning. For intermediate players, it’s about stretching your budget without sacrificing tone or feel. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of which models offer the most for your money and why they’re worth considering, even beyond the budget tag.

Top 5 Best Electric Guitars Under £500

Looking to stretch your budget a bit further? Our updated roundup of the best electric guitars under £1000 covers higher-end tonewoods, upgraded electronics, and stage-ready models worth exploring.

1. Epiphone SG Special – Pelham Blue P90’s Electric Guitar

Price Range: £422.95 

Ideal For: Hard rock, classic metal, garage rock; beginners to intermediate players who want iconic tone with modern reliability

Key Specs:

• Mahogany body & neck
• Indian Laurel fretboard (12" radius)
• 60s Slim Taper neck profile
• Dual P-90 PRO Soap Bar pickups
• LockTone ABR bridge
• Epiphone Deluxe tuners with ivory buttons
• 24.724" scale length, 22 medium jumbo frets
• Graph Tech nut for stable tuning

Pros & Cons:

Pro: 

• P-90 pickups offer a gritty vintage tone with punchy mids and sparkling highs - ideal for raw rock sounds
• Slim Taper neck + medium frets make it fast and comfortable to shred or riff on
• Graph Tech nut and LockTone bridge deliver impressive tuning stability even during aggressive bends or power chords

Con: Limited genre versatility - excels in rock but is less suited for jazz or ultra-clean pop tones

Verdict:

If you're chasing that legendary AC/DC-meets-modern-grit tone, this Epiphone SG Special delivers in full. From its devil-horned double-cutaway body to its fiery P-90 bite, it’s a true homage to vintage rock with playability tuned for today’s players. A killer choice for stage, studio, or first-time heroes who want something that screams attitude and tone.

2. Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet™ - Fairlane Blue

Price Range: £422.95

Ideal For: Blues, classic rock, punk, alt-indie; players who want retro flair with punchy, articulate tone 

Key Specs:

• Chambered mahogany body, maple top – resonant and lightweight
• Thin "U" mahogany neck, 12" laurel fingerboard
• 22 medium jumbo frets
• P-90E single-coil pickups (neck & bridge)
• Master volume with treble bleed, individual volume + tone knobs
• Adjustable wraparound tailpiece
• Neo-Classical™ Thumbnail inlays
• Nickel hardware

Pros & Cons:

Pro:

• Chambered body gives it a lighter feel without sacrificing sustain or warmth
• New P-90E pickups offer clarity and edge, perfect for bluesy licks or gritty rhythm work
• Treble bleed circuit preserves highs even when volumes are rolled down

Con: No pickup selector switch – individual volume blending may be less intuitive for beginners

Verdict:

The G5210-P90 Jet™ proves that budget doesn’t mean basic. From its stunning Fairlane Blue finish to the retro-styled thumbnail inlays, this is a true Gretsch through and through - bold, expressive, and built for players who crave both style and substance. It’s especially ideal for anyone wanting something different from the standard Strat or Les Paul mould.

3. Epiphone Les Paul Junior – Tobacco Burst

Price Range: £422.95 

Ideal For: Rock, punk, blues, indie; minimalist players, rhythm guitarists, and tone purists 

Key Specs:

• Mahogany body & neck
• Indian Laurel fingerboard (12" radius, 22 frets)
• Vintage '50s neck profile
• Single P-90 PRO Dogear bridge pickup
• Lightning Bar wraparound bridge
• Epiphone Deluxe Vintage tuners
• Graph Tech nut, 24.75" scale length
• Master volume + tone, no pickup selector

Pros & Cons:

Pro: 

• Single P90 gives raw, aggressive tone with great attack and surprising versatility
• Simple controls and no pickup switch make it ideal for players who want to focus on feel, not settings
• Vintage '50s neck offers smooth access across the board with authentic Les Paul feel

Con: Single pickup may feel limiting for players needing multiple tonal layers on stage

Verdict:

A timeless workhorse with no fluff. The EpiphoneLes Paul Junior is proof that you don’t need dual humbuckers or active electronics to command a stage. It's P90 tone punches hard, while the lightweight build and simple layout make it ideal for players who care about tone, attitude, and playability over tech. This is the guitar that keeps it real - and keeps it loud.

4. Epiphone Les Paul Junior - Heather Poly (Includes Gig Bag)

Price Range: £422. 

Ideal For: Rock, punk, garage, surf, indie; minimalist players, students, or gigging musicians seeking vintage tone with modern reliability

Key Specs:

• Solid mahogany body & neck (gloss finish)
• Vintage '50s neck profile, 12" Indian Laurel fingerboard
• 22 medium jumbo frets, dot inlays
• P-90 PRO Dogear bridge pickup
• Lightning Bar wraparound bridge
• Graph Tech nut, 24.75" scale length
• Epiphone Deluxe Vintage tuners
• Includes premium padded gig bag

Pros & Cons:

Pro: 

• Stripped-down setup lets the P-90 pickup shine, touch-sensitive and full of Pro: Gig-ready out of the box with included premium gig bag and reliable tuning hardware
• Vintage vibe meets practical comfort with lighter body and familiar Les Paul \ergonomics

Con: Lack of tonal variation might not suit lead players who need neck pickup smoothness

Verdict:

The Heather Poly Les Paul Junior proves that less is more. With its retro aesthetic, punchy tone, and fuss-free setup, it's a great companion for those who want a true plug-and-play guitar. Perfect for beginners or working players who want classic sound and modern tuning stability without paying for extra frills.

5. Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster – Lake Placid Blue

Price Range: £442.95

Ideal For: Surf rock, blues, funk, indie; beginners to seasoned Strat fans wanting classic tone at a budget 

Key Specs:

• Nato body, gloss polyurethane finish
• Maple neck, C-shape, 9.5” radius Indian Laurel fingerboard
• 21 narrow, tall frets, bone nut
• Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickups (SSS configuration)
• 5-way blade switch, 2 tone controls, master volume
• Vintage-style synchronised tremolo bridge
• Aged white knobs, 3-ply pickguard, 25.5” scale length

Pros & Cons:

Pro: 

• Alnico pickups deliver bright, authentic Strat tones - ideal for everything from clean funk to bluesy lead
• Vintage styling with modern stability and playability; looks and feels premium
• 5-way switch gives tonal flexibility across genres

Con: Nato body is less traditional than alder or ash, though the tonal difference is minimal in this price range

Verdict:

This is the quintessential beginner-to-intermediate Strat that nails the Squier Classic vibe of the '60s without the price tag. The Lake Placid Blue finish adds flair, and the tonal range from the trio of Alnico pickups covers surf, blues, indie, and more with ease. For players after the Strat experience with Fender DNA baked in, this Squier delivers all the right sounds and styles at a wallet-friendly cost.

Electric Guitar Features That Matter Under £500

When you're shopping under a budget, you don’t want everything - you want the right things. Understanding which features shape your tone and comfort can help you avoid flashy specs that don’t add real value.

Pickup Types: Single-Coil vs Humbucker

Your pickups are your guitar’s voice. Most guitars under £500 come with single-coils, humbuckers, or P90S (which sit between the two).

• Single-Coils (e.g. on a Strat) sound bright, sharp, and clean - perfect for funk, surf, blues, and pop. But they can hum at high volumes.
• Humbuckers (e.g. on a Les Paul) have a thicker, warmer tone - great for rock, metal, and jazz. They’re quieter and fuller.
• P90s (e.g. SG Special) offer gritty, mid-heavy tones - they’re punchier than single-coils but more open than humbuckers.

Bridge Type: Fixed vs Tremolo

Your bridge affects tuning stability and how you interact with the guitar.

• Fixed bridges (like wraparounds or Tune-O-Matic) are rock solid. Great for beginners - fewer tuning issues and easier to maintain.
• Tremolo bridges (like Strat-style systems) allow for pitch bends but can knock your tuning if not set up properly.

Tip: If you’re new or don’t plan on wild solos, go fixed.

Scale Length: Comfort + Tone

The scale length (distance from nut to bridge) subtly changes how a guitar feels and sounds.

• Shorter scale (24.75") - found on Les Pauls - feels softer and easier to bend. Warm, mellow tone.
• Longer scale (25.5") - like on a Strat - feels tighter and snappier. More brightness and twang.

Body Materials: Do They Matter?

Yes, but less than pickups or amp settings - still worth knowing.

• Mahogany – rich, warm, full-bodied sound; heavier
• Alder – balanced and punchy with a little sparkle
• Poplar/Nato – affordable woods used on many budget guitars; offer good sustain and durability

Neck Profile: How It Feels in Your Hand

The neck shape affects how easily you can move around the fretboard. Under £500, most guitars come with:

• C-shaped necks - most common, super versatile
• Slim taper - thinner, great for fast leads and small hands
• U or D shapes - chunkier; good for players who like to grip

You’ll also want to look at fret size - medium-jumbos are beginner-friendly and common at this price point. 

Curious how features evolve as the price rises? You can explore more advanced builds and premium tonewoods in our best electric guitars under £3,000 breakdown.

How to Choose the Right Electric Guitar Under £500

When you're shopping for an electric guitar under £500, it's important to focus on features that truly impact your playing experience, tone, and durability, without getting overwhelmed by flashy specs or unnecessary jargon. Whether you’re just starting or upgrading, here’s what you need to know to find a guitar that suits your style.

1. Pickups: Single-Coil, Humbuckers, or P90s?

The choice of pickups can make a huge difference in how your guitar sounds. PRS Guitars, for example, are known for their versatile pickups that cater to both clean tones and heavier, distortion-driven sounds. If you’re looking for that warm, full tone with a bit of grit, consider guitars like the PRS SE Hollowbody with its smooth, versatile humbuckers or the PRS McCarty for a higher-output, rock-oriented sound.

2. Body Type & Comfort

When choosing the body shape, make sure it feels comfortable when playing, standing, or sitting. A Stratocaster-style guitar offers great comfort and access to higher frets, while the Les Paul-style guitars give you more sustain and a heavier feel.

3. Tone Controls & Versatility

To shape your sound, pay attention to the tone controls and switching options. Many PRS Guitars come with versatile tone controls, letting you adjust your sound from bright and clear to warm and mellow. PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo models, for example, let you blend electric and acoustic tones seamlessly with their Piezo system.

For beginners, guitars with simple controls like a master volume and a tone knob are usually best. If you're more experienced and want more tonal flexibility, consider guitars with coil-splitting or a 5-way switch, like those found on Fender or Ibanez models.

4. Amp & Accessories Matter

Remember that your guitar amp plays a huge role in shaping your overall sound. Guitar amps under £500 are often a good starting point, and they pair well with your chosen electric guitar to bring out the best in its tone. You don't need to go for the most expensive amp, but it should provide the clean and distorted tones you need for your genre.

Also, don't forget about guitar accessories like guitar cables, guitar straps, and guitar picks. These may seem like small things, but quality accessories can enhance your playing experience and even improve your sound quality. 

5. Playability & Setup

Lastly, it’s all about playability. A well-set-up guitar will feel easy to play, with smooth action and good intonation. Whether you’re playing lead solos or rhythm, comfort matters. A PRS McCarty will likely come set up well from the factory, but it’s always worth checking the action and adjusting the truss rod if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do budget electric guitars stay in tune well?

Many do - especially if they have a properly cut Graph Tech or synthetic nut, sealed tuners, and are set up correctly. Regular string stretching and proper winding technique also help tuning stability, even on lower-cost models.

2. Are there any specific models under £500 that work well for home recording?

Yes. Guitars like the Squier Classic Vibe Strat or Epiphone SG Special are great for direct recording when paired with an interface and amp sims. Their pickup clarity and lower noise floor make them ideal for clean tracks or layering tones in home studio setups.

3. Can I use a wireless system with a guitar under £500?

Absolutely. Budget guitars with standard 1/4" output jacks are fully compatible with wireless transmitters. Just ensure your wireless system doesn’t require active electronics, as some cheaper guitars may not have shielding, which could cause slight noise in high-gain setups.

4. How important is fretwork in guitars under £500?

Very. Even great tonewoods can feel bad to play if the fret edges are sharp or uneven. Always check for smooth fret ends and consistent action. If needed, a local luthier can do a fret polish or level for a small cost, drastically improving the feel.

5. What is the best string gauge for electric guitars in this price range?

It depends on style, but most guitars under £500 come with .009 or .010 gauge strings. Lighter gauges are easier for beginners, while heavier ones (.011–.012) offer more tone control for experienced players. Always balance the gauge with tuning stability and neck relief.