Squier Sonic Stratocaster
Rating: 4.0 / 5
The best sub-$250 electric for an absolute beginner. Light, easy to play, and far better than a guitar this cheap has any right to be.

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Pros
- Excellent price
- Light and easy to play
- Classic Strat versatility
- Good for small hands
Cons
- Budget hardware and pickups
- Will likely need a setup
- You may outgrow it within a couple of years
The safe first guitar on a tight budget
If your budget is tight, the Sonic Strat is where to start. It is lightweight, the slim neck suits small and new hands, and the three single coils give that classic Strat versatility. It will not have the resonance of the Classic Vibe, but as a first guitar to learn on, it punches well above its price.
Where to buy: Check the current price of the Squier Sonic Stratocaster on Amazon →