Choosing the right electric guitar as an intermediate player is a crucial step in advancing your skills. Whether you're looking for versatility, rock-solid performance, or signature looks, the following list of electric guitars offers something for every aspiring musician. These guitars strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability, allowing you to elevate your playing without breaking the bank.
1. Ibanez Jem Jr.
Price Range: ₹56,000
Why It's Great for Intermediate:
The Ibanez Jem Jr. is the more affordable version of the iconic guitar played by legendary guitarist Steve Vai. With its distinctive design and versatile sound, this guitar is perfect for players of all genres and skill levels.
Key Features:
- Neck Type: Wizard III 3pc Maple neck
- Body: Basswood
- Fretboard: Rosewood with White dot inlay
- Frets: Jumbo
- Bridge: Edge III bridge
- Pickups: INF (H) neck pickup (Passive/Ceramic), INFS (S) mid pickup (Passive/Alnico), INF (H) bridge pickup (Passive/Ceramic)
- Color: White (WH)
- Hardware: Cosmo Black
- Scale Length: 648mm (25.5")
Why consider it?
- Signature Steve Vai design at an affordable price.
- Versatile tones suitable for multiple genres.
- Scalloped frets for easy playability.
- Floyd Rose tremolo bridge for fun, expressive playing.
- Overall Rating: 4.7/5
2. Schecter Omen Elite-6 FR
Price Range: ₹57,000
Why It's Great for Intermediate:
For players seeking a guitar tailored for rock and metal, the Schecter Omen Elite-6 FR is a top contender. Known for producing guitars for famous rockers like Synyster Gates from Avenged Sevenfold, Schecter offers high-output pickups and a Floyd Rose system to match your wildest riffs.
Key Features:
- Body: Mahogany with Burl top
- Neck: Maple with Rosewood fretboard
- Frets: 24 X-Jumbo
- Bridge: Floyd Rose Special 'Hot Rod' Locking Tremolo
- Pickups: Schecter Diamond Heretic (Bridge and Neck)
- Scale Length: 25.5" (648mm)
- Neck Profile: Thin "C" shape
Why consider it?
- Affordable rock machine with high-output pickups.
- Floyd Rose tremolo system for dive bombs and expressive playing.
- Perfect for modern rock and metal.
- Overall Rating: 4.7/5
3.
Epiphone Les Paul Classic
Price Range: ₹62,000
Why It's Great for Intermediate:
A true classic, the Epiphone Les Paul Classic brings the iconic look and feel of a Gibson Les Paul at a fraction of the price. With high-output pickups and a coil tap feature, this guitar is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for various genres.
Key Features:
- Body: Mahogany with Plain Maple Cap
- Neck: SlimTaper™ Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
- Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
- Pickups: Alnico Classic PRO™ Humbuckers
- Bridge: LockTone™ Tune-o-matic with Stop Bar
- Scale Length: 24.75" (628.65mm)
Why consider it?
- Classic Les Paul aesthetics and sound without the Gibson price tag.
- Versatile pickups suitable for all genres.
- Ideal for players seeking that iconic Les Paul feel.
- Overall Rating: 4.7/5
4. Sterling by Music Man Axis AX3 Quilted Maple
Price Range: ₹48,000
Why It's Great for Intermediate:
For players who want a touch of Music Man magic without the hefty price, the Sterling by Music Man Axis AX3 is a fantastic choice. This guitar delivers exceptional playability, a stunning quilted maple top, and a signature tone that has been a favorite of guitar legends like John Petrucci.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar with Flame Maple Veneer Top
- Neck: Hard Maple
- Fingerboard: Hard Maple
- Frets: 22 Narrow
- Pickups: HH configuration
- Bridge: Fulcrum Tremolo
- Scale Length: 25.5" (648mm)
Why consider it?
- Stunning flame maple veneer for a premium look.
- Versatile tone with an HH pickup configuration.
- Great playability and easy maintenance.
- Overall Rating: 4.7/5
5. Fender Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster HSS
Price Range: ₹38,000
Why It's Great for Intermediate:
Fender has long been a trusted name in the guitar world, and the Fender Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster HSS lives up to that legacy. This guitar blends vintage aesthetics with modern performance, making it a great choice for players who want classic tones with a touch of modern versatility.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with "C" Shape profile
- Frets: 21 Narrow Tall
- Pickups: Fender Designed Alnico Humbucking (Bridge), Alnico Single-Coils (Neck & Middle)
- Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
- Scale Length: 25.5" (648mm)
Why consider it?
- Signature Fender look and feel at an affordable price.
- Versatile HSS pickup configuration for a wide range of tones.
- Ideal for players who enjoy vintage vibes with modern playability.
- Overall Rating: 4.7/5
How to Choose the Right Electric Guitar for Intermediate
- Comfort: A guitar that feels comfortable in your hands will make learning easier. Look for a lightweight body and a neck that fits your hand size.
- Sound Versatility: Many beginner guitars offer multiple pickup configurations, which allows you to experiment with different sounds. Choose a guitar that offers tonal versatility, especially if you plan to explore various genres.
- Budget: While you don’t need to break the bank, investing in a well-built guitar will make learning more enjoyable and encourage you to practice regularly
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to dive into rock, metal, blues, or any other genre, these five electric guitars for intermediate players offer outstanding features and playability without breaking the bank. Each guitar on this list offers unique benefits, from the classic tones of the Fender Stratocaster to the high-octane power of the Schecter Omen Elite. Choose the one that best matches your style, and watch your skills soar to new heights!
Top 5 Electric Guitars for Intermediates