Remember that first moment you plugged in your electric guitar and felt that raw power surge through your fingertips? You’ve moved beyond the beginner basics, learning chords and maybe even your first solos. But now, as you’re ready to really dive deeper into your musical journey, you might be staring at a wall of guitars and feeling a little lost. It’s exciting to think about upgrading, but the world of “intermediate” guitars can feel like a maze.
You’re probably asking yourself: “What makes a guitar ‘intermediate’?” “Is this guitar going to sound good for the music I love?” “Will it be comfortable to play for hours?” It’s tough to know if you’re getting the best value or if a guitar will truly help you grow as a musician. You want an instrument that inspires you, sounds amazing, and feels just right in your hands. But where do you even begin to look?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes an electric guitar perfect for intermediate players, explore different styles and features that matter, and help you understand what to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which guitar will be your perfect musical partner, ready to help you unlock your next level of playing.
Our Top 5 Electric Guitar For Intermediate Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Electric Guitar For Intermediate Detailed Reviews
1. Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit w/Case
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to start your musical journey? The Best Choice Products 39in Full Size Beginner Electric Guitar Starter Kit in Jet Black is your all-in-one solution. This kit has everything a beginner or intermediate player needs to plug in and play right away. It’s designed to look as good as it sounds, with a sleek black finish and cool accents.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package! No need to buy anything else; the amp, case, strap, picks, and even extra strings are included.
- The guitar is ready to go as soon as you open the box.
- It looks really cool with its shiny black paint, black tuning pegs, and fancy trim.
- You can change your sound to play different kinds of music, from chill blues to energetic rock.
- The “whammy bar” lets you make cool bending sounds with the strings.
- It’s built to make a good sound with its wooden parts and three special pickups.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, experienced players might want to upgrade the amp or guitar later on.
- The included pick might be a bit thin for some players’ preferences.
This kit makes learning the electric guitar super easy and fun. Grab yours and start rocking!
2. Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to rock? The Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit in Black is your all-in-one ticket to learning guitar. This kit is packed with everything a new player needs to start jamming right away. It’s designed by Fender, a name trusted for over 75 years in making amazing guitars. This means you’re getting a quality instrument that feels good to play.
What We Like:
- Complete Beginner Package: It includes the Squier Debut Series Stratocaster guitar, a Frontman 10G amp, gig bag, strap, cable, picks, guitar stand, and extra strings. You don’t need to buy anything else to start!
- Excellent for Learning: The guitar has a comfortable “c” shaped neck and a lightweight body, making it easy for anyone, young or old, to hold and play.
- Iconic Strat Sound: With three single-coil pickups and 5-way switching, you can get a wide range of classic Stratocaster sounds.
- Free Fender Play Lessons: You get free lessons with Fender Play to help you learn songs you love and build your skills.
- Trusted Brand Quality: Fender’s long history ensures you’re getting a well-made instrument.
- 2-Year Warranty: This kit comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Amp Volume Limit: The Frontman 10G amp is great for practice, but it might not be loud enough for playing with others in a band.
- Beginner-Focused Components: While perfect for beginners, more experienced players might want to upgrade some of the included accessories later on.
This Fender Squier Debut Series Stratocaster kit is an awesome starting point for anyone wanting to learn guitar. It offers great value and makes the journey into music fun and accessible.
3. Fesley LP Electric Guitar with Arched Top:39″ Solid Body Electric Guitars with Mahogany Body and Rosewood Fretboard
Rating: 9.0/10
The Fesley LP Electric Guitar with Arched Top is a beautiful and capable instrument designed for musicians of all levels. Its stunning AAA-figured maple top and comfortable mahogany body make it a joy to play and behold. Featuring set-neck construction for superior resonance and dual humbucking pickups for that classic LP tone, this guitar is built for both performance and style.
What We Like:
- Stunning AAA-figured maple top with a flame pattern.
- Lightweight design with modern weight relief for comfortable playing.
- Set-neck construction provides excellent stability and rich tone.
- Alice 09-42 strings offer great durability and tone.
- Comfortable “C” neck profile and rosewood fretboard allow for easy playing.
- Dual humbucking pickups deliver classic, warm LP tones.
- Comes with a complete accessory kit to get you started right away.
- Backed by a 1-year assurance and 24-hour customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Gold” finish is mentioned in the title but not detailed in the features; clarification on specific hardware color would be helpful.
- While the epoxy finish is described as enhancing resonance, some players may prefer a thicker, more traditional finish for a different feel.
This Fesley LP Electric Guitar offers a fantastic blend of classic aesthetics and modern playability. It’s a well-rounded instrument that’s ready to inspire your musical journey.
4. Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit for Beginner Intermediate with Amplifier Capo Pick Tuner Strings Strap – 41 Inch
Rating: 9.0/10
The Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start playing guitar or take their skills to the next level. This 41-inch guitar is designed for both beginners and intermediate players, offering a complete package to get you strumming right away.
What We Like:
- It’s an acoustic-electric guitar, so you can play it unplugged or plug it into an amplifier to be heard louder.
- The built-in pickup lets you control the volume and tone, so you can make it sound just how you like it.
- The slim body design makes it comfortable to hold and play, even for longer practice sessions.
- It has a spruce top, which gives it a rich, bright sound with a full middle range.
- The cutaway design lets you easily reach the highest frets for more playing options.
- The guitar looks beautiful with its gloss finish and delicate wood grain.
- This kit comes with everything you need: an amplifier, tuner, capo, strings, strap, picks, wrench, and a cable. You won’t need to buy anything else to start performing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color and wood grain might look a little different depending on the lighting because of the special polishing process.
This Donner guitar kit provides great value and everything a budding musician needs to begin their musical journey. It’s a fantastic way to dive into the world of music.
5. DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar 39” Beginner Electric Guitar Kit with Amp
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to rock? The DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar 39” Beginner Electric Guitar Kit is your all-in-one ticket to learning the guitar. It comes with everything a beginner needs to start playing right away, making it a super convenient choice for anyone wanting to dive into the world of music. This kit is designed to get you strumming and soloing without any hassle.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package! Everything you need, from the guitar and amp to all the accessories, is in one box.
- The custom 5W amp is great for practicing. It has classic and overdrive sounds, plus a way to plug in your phone or music player to jam along.
- The guitar sounds awesome for styles like country, blues, and funk. The SSS pickups give you bright and clear tones.
- It’s built for comfort. The neck is slim and smooth, making it easy to hold and play for long periods.
- This guitar looks fantastic and is made from quality wood. It makes a really special gift for any music lover.
- Donner offers free online lessons, which is a huge help for beginners learning to play.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the amp is good for practice, it might not be powerful enough for larger performances.
- The “unique beauty” of each guitar might vary slightly due to the natural wood finish.
This DONNER DST-80 kit truly sets you up for success. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone eager to learn and play the electric guitar.
Choosing Your Next Axe: An Intermediate Electric Guitar Buying Guide
So, you’ve mastered the basics. You can strum a chord, play a scale, and maybe even shred a simple solo. It’s time to upgrade from your beginner guitar to something that truly sings. Buying an intermediate electric guitar can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. This guide will help you find the perfect instrument to take your playing to the next level.
What to Look for in an Intermediate Electric Guitar
Key Features to Consider
- **Pickups:** These are the “ears” of your guitar. They capture the string vibrations and turn them into an electrical signal. Single-coil pickups (like on a Fender Stratocaster) often have a bright, clear sound. Humbucker pickups (common on Gibson Les Pauls) give you a fatter, warmer tone and help reduce humming. Some guitars have a combination of both.
- **Bridge Type:** This holds the strings in place. A fixed bridge is simple and stable. A tremolo bridge (or “whammy bar”) lets you bend the pitch of notes, adding vibrato and cool effects.
- **Neck Profile:** This is the shape of the back of the guitar’s neck. Some are thicker, some are thinner. Finding a comfortable neck is super important for long playing sessions.
- **Body Wood:** The wood your guitar is made from affects its sound and weight.
- **Hardware:** This includes things like tuning machines and knobs. Better hardware stays in tune longer and feels smoother.
Important Materials
- **Body Woods:** Common woods include Alder (balanced tone), Ash (bright, resonant), Mahogany (warm, sustain), and Basswood (lightweight, versatile).
- **Neck Woods:** Maple is a popular choice for necks because it’s strong and contributes to brightness. Rosewood and Ebony are often used for fingerboards, offering a smooth feel and influencing tone.
- **Fretboard Materials:** Maple fingerboards tend to be brighter. Rosewood and Ebony fingerboards often have a warmer sound.
What Makes a Guitar Great (or Not So Great)
Quality materials and good craftsmanship make a big difference. A well-built guitar will play smoothly, stay in tune, and sound fantastic. Things like precise fretwork (the metal strips on the fingerboard) and well-installed hardware improve the playing experience. Poorly made guitars might have sharp fret edges, tuning issues, or uneven sound.
User Experience and Use Cases
An intermediate guitar is perfect for the dedicated hobbyist, the gigging musician, or anyone looking to explore different musical styles. You can use it for practice, playing with friends, performing at small venues, or recording music. The right guitar can inspire you to learn new songs and techniques.
Think about the music you love to play. Do you want to rock out with heavy riffs? Play bluesy solos? Or maybe explore clean, jazzy tones? Your musical taste will guide you to the right kind of pickups and guitar style.
An intermediate guitar offers a significant step up in tone, playability, and reliability. It will feel more comfortable in your hands and respond better to your playing. You’ll notice richer sounds and more sustain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the biggest difference between a beginner and an intermediate guitar?
A: Intermediate guitars generally use better woods, have higher-quality pickups, and are built with more attention to detail. This leads to better sound, easier playability, and more reliable tuning.
Q: Should I get a guitar with humbuckers or single-coils?
A: Humbuckers are great for loud, distorted rock sounds and reduce noise. Single-coils offer a clearer, brighter tone, often used in blues and funk. Many intermediate guitars offer a mix of both.
Q: How important is the wood of the guitar?
A: The wood significantly affects the guitar’s tone and weight. Different woods create different sounds, like warm, bright, or balanced.
Q: What does “fret buzz” mean?
A: Fret buzz is when the string hits the metal fret as it vibrates. Good fretwork on an intermediate guitar should minimize or eliminate this.
Q: Can I try out a guitar before buying it?
A: Absolutely! It’s highly recommended. Playing a guitar helps you feel how it fits your hands and how it sounds to you.
Q: What if I want to play different styles of music?
A: Many intermediate guitars are versatile. Look for guitars with multiple pickup options or those known for their ability to handle various genres.
Q: How do I know if the neck is comfortable?
A: The neck should feel natural in your hand. It shouldn’t feel too thick or too thin. This is very personal, so trying guitars is key.
Q: What about the “action” of the guitar?
A: Action refers to the height of the strings off the fretboard. Lower action makes it easier to play, but can sometimes cause buzzing if not set up correctly.
Q: Do I need to buy an amp and cables too?
A: Yes, electric guitars need an amplifier to be heard. You’ll also need a guitar cable to connect them. Sometimes these are sold separately.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on an intermediate electric guitar?
A: Prices can vary widely, but you can generally find excellent intermediate guitars in the $500 to $1500 range. Quality often increases with price.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.