Best 5 Epiphone Guitars for Beginners: Affordable Picks to Start Your Musical Journey

If you’re new to playing guitar, choosing the right one can make a big difference in your journey.

Epiphone guitars are popular choices for beginners due to their quality and affordability.

They offer a variety of styles, from acoustic to electric, making it easy for you to find one that suits your musical taste and playing style.

Whether you want to strum along to your favorite songs or explore fingerpicking, there’s likely an Epiphone that will fit your needs.

When picking your first guitar, you’ll want to keep a few important things in mind.

First, consider the type of guitar—do you prefer the warm sound of an acoustic or the versatility of an electric?

Next, think about the size and weight, especially if you’re looking for something comfortable to hold and play for long periods.

Lastly, check for the build quality and sound, as these factors will influence your overall experience.

With all that in mind, let’s dive into the best Epiphone guitars for beginners that can help you start your musical journey.

Best Epiphone Guitars for Beginners

Are you ready to start your journey with guitar playing? Check out our list of the best Epiphone guitars that are perfect for beginners.

Each option offers great sound and playability to help you learn and enjoy making music.

Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack

If you’re starting out and want a solid guitar package, the Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack could be a great pick for you.

✔️ Pros
  • Comes with everything you need to start playing.
  • The humbucker pickups offer nice sound quality.
  • Includes free downloadable lessons to help you learn.
Cons
  • Some users reported tuning issues over time.
  • Build quality may not match more expensive models.
  • A few players found setup problems with the fret on the guitar.

This pack is designed for beginners, making it easy to jump right in.

It includes a Les Paul Special-II LTD guitar along with an Electra guitar amp.

You also get essentials like a gig bag and tuner.

The double humbucker pickups provide good sound, which is perfect for those learning to play different genres.

The amp gives you a 10-watt output, allowing you to practice without bothering anyone.

While many users say it’s a fantastic starter pack, some have mentioned challenges with tuning stability.

It’s not unusual for guitars at this price point to have such quirks.

Overall, you get solid value with the Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack, especially for a beginner.

It’s a good choice to help you start your guitar journey.

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II E1 Electric Guitar

This guitar is a solid choice for beginners who want a quality instrument at an affordable price.

✔️ Pros
  • Great price for a well-known model
  • Beautiful design and build quality
  • Humucker pickups offer nice sound and sustain
Cons
  • Tuning stability could be better
  • Might need a setup for optimal playability
  • Limited color options

The Epiphone Les Paul Special-II is an impressive guitar for beginners.

It features a mahogany body and a comfortable neck, making it easy to play.

You’ll enjoy its sleek look and feel.

The humbucker pickups provide a rich sound that suits various music styles.

It’s important to note that while this guitar is a fantastic value, some users find it requires a bit of tuning now and then.

If you’re just starting out, this might not be a big deal.

With time and practice, you’ll get the hang of tuning quickly.

This guitar is a great introductory model.

It offers a lot for its price, including a limited lifetime warranty.

Whether you’re jamming with friends or practicing alone, the Les Paul Special-II is a reliable choice for your musical journey.

Epiphone Starling Dreadnought

The Epiphone Starling is a solid choice for beginners looking to start their guitar journey.

✔️ Pros
  • Layered spruce top provides good sound quality and durability.
  • Comfortable mahogany neck makes it easy for players to hold.
  • Unique finishes add personality to your instrument.
Cons
  • May need initial setup for best sound.
  • Some users find it a bit heavy.
  • Accessories not included if bought outside the manufacturer’s site.

This guitar has a layered spruce top, which works well for beginners.

It also features a mahogany neck that feels nice in your hands, making it easier to learn new chords.

The pickguard shows a fun Starling graphic, giving the guitar a unique touch that stands out.

Players have shared that it feels comfortable to hold, and the action is generally set up well.

This means you can play without straining your fingers too much.

The variety of colors available lets you pick one that matches your style.

While it’s a great instrument, some customers noted that it might benefit from a setup right after purchase to get the best sound.

Even though the Starling is a beginner guitar, it’s built to last, making it a reliable choice for those just starting to strum.

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar – Ebony

This guitar is a solid choice for beginners with its great sound and comfortable playability.

✔️ Pros
  • Offers excellent sound quality for the price.
  • Comfortable neck that suits beginners well.
  • Classic dreadnought shape for easy handling.
Cons
  • May require string upgrades for ideal sound.
  • Setup might need adjustments for personal preference.
  • Limited color options may not appeal to everyone.

The Epiphone DR-100 is a big hit among beginner players.

With a classic dreadnought shape, this guitar is easy to handle.

The mahogany back and sides paired with a select spruce top give it a warm sound that many enjoy.

You will appreciate the comfortable neck, which makes learning easier.

The Rosewood fingerboard feels smooth, allowing your fingers to glide over the frets.

Many users highlight how good it sounds for the budget, competing with much pricier models.

While it has many strengths, some beginners might find the strings a bit stiff.

Upgrading to softer strings could enhance your experience.

Additionally, some players choose to make small setup adjustments to fit their style better.

Despite these small tweaks, the DR-100 stands strong as a great entry-level guitar choice.

Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar

This guitar gives you classic SG style and sound at a great price.

✔️ Pros
  • Stylish and classic SG design.
  • Two powerful open-coil humbuckers for great tone.
  • Easy adjustments with the Tune-O-Matic bridge.
Cons
  • Setup might be needed for best playability.
  • May feel heavy to some players.
  • Sound may not match high-end models.

The Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar is a popular choice for beginners who want to rock.

It features a solid build and offers great value for its price.

The sleek design looks appealing, making it a fantastic starter guitar.

With the twin humbucker pickups, you can expect clear and heavy sound, perfect for various music styles.

When you first play this guitar, you might notice how comfortable it feels in your hands.

The rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience.

The angled headstock is designed to help with tuning stability, so you can focus on your playing.

Keep in mind, many players suggest doing a bit of setup to make the guitar work at its best.

It may also feel a bit heavy, but that can contribute to its robust tone.

Overall, the Epiphone SG Special is a solid choice for anyone ready to start their musical journey.

Buying Guide

When choosing a guitar as a beginner, you should consider a few key features.

Body Style
Guitars come in different shapes.

Common types are:

  • Dreadnought: Great for a full sound.
  • Concert: Smaller and easier to hold.
  • Archtop: Good for jazz and style.

Neck Size
The neck size affects how easy it is to play.

If you have smaller hands, consider a guitar with a narrow neck.

Neck Size Hand Size
Narrow Small Hands
Standard Average Hands
Wide Larger Hands

Materials
The wood used in your guitar matters.

Different woods create different sounds.

Here are common materials:

  • Spruce: Bright sound, versatile.
  • Mahogany: Warm tone, good for chords.
  • Maple: Clear, crisp sound.

Pickups
If you want an electric guitar, think about the pickups.

They pick up the string vibrations.

  • Single-coil: Clear sound, great for beginner.
  • Humbucker: Fuller sound, less noise.

Budget
Before shopping, make sure to set a budget.

It helps narrow down your choices.

There are good options for every price range.