Electric Guitars

The Perfect Electric Guitar Is Closer Than You Think

Electric guitars are the quintessential rock ’n’ roll instruments. They’ve held center stage alongside guitar pioneers like Les Paul, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly, and they’ve been wielded in front of millions by riff masters like Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Tony Iommi, and Eddie Van Halen. But electric guitars aren’t just for rock; they’ve been embraced by celebrated blues, soul, funk, and pop artists such as B.B. King, Steve Cropper, Nile Rodgers, and Prince.

Looking for the perfect electric guitar to start or round out your collection? Sweetwater makes it easy to find the right one, no matter your style.

Types of Electric Guitars Every Player Should Know

Essential Solidbodies, from Strats to Les Pauls

When most folks think of electric guitars, they picture the solidbody classics of their heroes: Stratocasters, Telecasters, Les Pauls, SGs, and more. Thanks to their sound and durability, solidbody electric guitars are a natural pick for any guitarist expanding their arsenal. Explore more solidbody options, including the Mustang and Les Paul Special, in our Best Electric Guitars for Classic Rock roundup.

335s, Broadkasters, and Other Stylish Semi-Hollows

Semi-hollowbody guitars are a staple in blues, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, and even alternative rock and indie. Most semi-hollows pair a solid center block with hollow wings and f-holes, blending the focused punch of a solidbody with the rounded warmth of a hollowbody. Many are also lighter than similarly sized solidbodies and resonant enough to play unplugged, making them natural couch-side songwriting companions.

Genre-hopping Hollowbodies Like the Casino and White Falcon

Hollowbody guitars offer a rich, resonant timbre and a naturally full low end that shines in clean and lightly driven settings. Their versatility spans John Lennon’s boogie, Grant Green’s bop, and Brian Setzer’s swing. Browse our Must-see Hollowbody Electric Guitars for inspiration when choosing your next thinline or archtop.

Specialty Guitars That Push Your Playing Forward

Baritones Add Depth to Riffs and Arrangements

Want to spice up your songwriting without constantly tuning down? A baritone guitar’s longer scale length is built for lower tunings, most commonly B standard, which sits a perfect fourth below E standard. That means a deeper, lower-register tone while still letting you use familiar shapes and licks.

Extended-range Guitars That Rip

Are you a metal guitarist looking to explore the depths of 7-, 8-, or even 9-string guitars? Many extended-range electric guitars double as impressive shred guitars, thanks to fast-playing necks, access to lower notes, and compound-radius fingerboards. Sweetwater’s extended-range guitars come from respected brands such as Ibanez, ESP, Strandberg, Schecter, and Jackson.

Lefty Electrics from Your Favorite Brands

Tired of searching high and low for a lefty version of that special guitar? At Sweetwater, you’ll find hundreds of left-handed electric guitars from well-known brands, so you can follow in the footsteps of trailblazers like Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, and Paul McCartney.

Handpick Your Exact Finish When You Shop Electric Guitars at Sweetwater

Even two guitars of the same model and finish can vary slightly in grain and color. That’s why Sweetwater’s Guitar Gallery team individually photographs every guitar we stock priced at $399 and up. We’re talking detailed shots from multiple angles of the actual instrument, right down to the serial number. You get to handpick the exact flame, checking, and burst you want, and every guitar in this range arrives with a signed 55-point Inspection card certifying fit, finish, action, and electronics. See our Best of the Guitar Gallery for a look at some jaw-dropping guitars.

At Sweetwater, There’s an Electric Guitar for Every Budget

Electric guitars don’t have to cost a fortune. At Sweetwater, you’ll find beginner-friendly models priced under $200 and made to plug in and crank up. Guitars in the $400 to $800 range often include advanced features designed to take your playing further, such as alnico pickups and compound-radius fingerboards. At $1,000 and up, you’re usually looking at top-shelf materials and refined craftsmanship for discerning players.

Sweetwater Guitars Are Backed by Decades of Trusted Guidance and Support

When you buy from Sweetwater, you’re getting a wide selection, decades of expert guidance, and a guitar you can trust. Whether you’re into crust punk, neo-soul, doom metal, or honky-tonk, we have the right electric guitar to fuel your passion.