Best Epiphone Guitar for Beginners
Epiphone makes it easy for beginners to get started with a guitar and offers various models across electric, acoustic, and bass categories. Each instrument is built with consistent quality and attention to detail, providing a dependable playing experience at a price that won’t overwhelm first-time buyers. With classic designs and modern updates, Epiphone guitars give new players the tools to learn, grow, and enjoy the process from day one.
Best Epiphone guitars for beginners
Best Epiphone electric guitar for beginners: Epiphone Power Players SG
The Epiphone Power Players SG is a compact SG for younger players or those just getting started. Its 3/4-size body, lightweight mahogany build, and slim neck make it easy to handle — perfect if you’re still finding your way around the fretboard.
The shorter scale length reduces string tension, so bending notes and trying out lead lines is much more approachable. Fitted with a pair of Epiphone humbuckers, the guitar handles gritty rock riffs just as well as cleaner, more melodic playing and allows you to explore different styles.
Epiphone Power Players SG (front)
Epiphone Power Players SG
Pros:
Comfortable short-scale neck.
Excellent tone for the price.
Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
Smaller body may not suit older beginners.
Best Epiphone acoustic guitar for beginners: Epiphone J-45 EC Studio
Designers based the Epiphone J-45 EC Studio on the legendary Gibson J-45, combining vintage design with beginner-friendly features. The Epiphone electro-acoustic version sports a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a neat cutaway design for better upper fret access.
Players often highlight the Epiphone J-45 EC Studio’s SlimTaper neck for its inviting feel and smooth, fast action. The onboard Fishman Sonicore pickup and preamp make the transition to live settings straightforward.
Its clear, balanced tone pairs well with the stripped-back electronics, offering a no-fuss setup that lets the playing speak for itself. The guitar’s comfort and plug-in simplicity makes the J-45 EC Studio a reliable beginner instrument, especially when you’re starting to play live.
Epiphone J-45 EC Studio (front)
Epiphone J-45 EC Studio (back)
Pros:
Solid top enhances tone over time.
Built-in electronics for stage use.
Comfortable neck for new players.
Cons:
Slightly higher price point for complete beginners.
Best Epiphone Les Paul for beginners: Epiphone Power Players Les Paul
The Power Players Les Paul packs the spirit of a full-size Les Paul into a concise body for smaller hands. Its 3/4-size mahogany body, comfortable neck profile, and a pair of Epiphone humbuckers deliver that familiar Les Paul tone in a size that's easier to handle, especially for younger players. The guitar is one of the most accessible instruments on the market thanks to its easy controls and low action. The guitar also comes with a gig bag, strap, and guitar cable, so there’s no need to accessory shop.
Epiphone Power Players Les Paul (front)
Epiphone Power Players Les Paul (back)
Pros:
Classic Les Paul tones in a smaller form.
Excellent starter bundle included.
Easy for kids and teens to handle.
Cons:
Not full-size, so we may need to upgrade later.
Best Epiphone bass for beginners: Epiphone Thunderbird E1
The Epiphone Thunderbird E1 offers maximum style and character, and its offset body balances well during gigs, which is excellent if you plan to move around a lot onstage. The bolt-on maple neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard is smooth on the hands and offers easy movement for quick-paced songs.
The Thunderbird is renowned for its deep and growling tonal lows — great for heavier styles such as metal, punk, and desert rock. The Thunderbird delivers a thick, punchy bass that stands out well in live mixes, which is great for when you’re starting to play live.
Epiphone Thunderbird E1 (front)
Epiphone Thunderbird E1 (back)
Pros:
Distinctive tone and looks.
Full, rich low-end sound.
Good for heavier genres.
Cons:
A larger size may not suit younger players.
Epiphone guitar FAQs
Are Epiphone guitars good for beginners?
Epiphone guitars are well-built and affordable. The brand offers models for different musical tastes and skill levels, which is why so many new players turn to Epiphone.
How much do Epiphone guitars cost?
Beginner Epiphone guitars typically range from £150 to £350. Acoustic models are usually more affordable, while electric guitars and basses with built-in electronics or additional accessories may cost slightly more.
Why are Epiphone guitars so cheap?
Epiphone manufactures guitars in Asia, which allows shops to sell at lower prices without sacrificing quality. All guitars are produced with Gibson's oversight, ensuring solid quality control.
Learn more about guitars
Ready to begin your Epiphone journey? Contact Bryan today for personalised advice and support choosing the perfect starter instrument.
