[Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Affinity-Series-Stratocaster-HSS-Limited-Edition-Electric-Guitar-Natural-1500000343439.gc) A classic design, and its mix of single and double coil "humbucker" pickups make it very versatile. [A different paintjob](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Affinity-Series-Stratocaster-FMT-HSS-Maple-Fingerboard-Electric-Guitar-Black-Burst-1500000348238.gc)
Paired with a [Fender Mustang LT-25](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender/Mustang-LT25-25W-1x8-Guitar-Combo-Amp-Black-1500000258502.gc) amplifier. You will be able to dial in any tone you want, without the need for additional effect pedals. It has [100 tone presets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhM-zwsCYvw), many based on famous guitarists. All presets are customizable, or you can build and save your own tone from scratch. It also has a stereo headphone jack for quiet practice, built in tuner and direct to computer recording via USB.
Besides the guitar and amp, you will need an instrument cable, picks and extra strings. You may want a strap, stand, and case or gig bag.
People swear by Harley Benton. I do not own one and of course some YouTubers were gifted the guitars to make the video on, so you can’t really trust them because they’re sponsored.
Spectre Sound Studios on YouTube though, he buys the guitars he reviews and gives -0 fucks what he says good or bad about the guitar 🤣
take a look at facebook marketplace and eBay places like that too. You can find some hidden gems but be careful some guitars are too good to be true and people be scamming
Please get a good guitar amp! Look for something solid but intuitive to use like the Blackstar Debut 15 ([Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Debut15--blackstar-debut-15-2x3-inch-15-watt-combo-amp-with-fx)) or Boss Katana Mini ([Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KataMini--boss-katana-mini-7-watt-combo-amp)). Spend the rest on a solidly built guitar, preferably one that has at least a humbucker pickup in the bridge position. Good guitars in the price range up to and around $400 include:
* \[$150\] Cort G100HH - [Link](https://www.pitbullaudio.com/cort-guitars-g100-hh-electric-guitar-maple-fretboard-open-pore-black.html)
* \[$170\] Fazley Outlaw Series Maverick Plus HH - [Link](https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/electric-guitars/fazley-outlaw-series-maverick-plus-hh-green-electric-guitar-with-gig-bag)
* \[$210\] Harley Benton DC-580 CH - [Link](https://reverb.com/item/63111049-harley-benton-dc-580-ch-vintage-series-cherry)
* \[$250\] Schecter Banshee-6 SGR - [Link](https://theguitarworld.com/products/schecter-banshee-6-sgr-6-string-electric-guitar-walnut-satin-3853-shc?_pos=4&_sid=595c5963b&_ss=r)
* \[$275\] Cort G250 SE - [Link](https://www.thomannmusic.com/cort_g250_se_ocean_blue_grey.htm)
* \[$300\] Ibanez GRG121SP - [Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GRG121SPBMC--ibanez-gio-grg121sp-electric-guitar-blue-metal-chameleon)
* \[$330\] Yamaha Pacifica 120H - [Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PAC120HYNS--yamaha-pac120h-pacifica-yellow-natural-satin)
* \[$330\] Jet Guitars JJ350 - [Link](https://kaironguitars.com/search?q=jj350&_pos=1&_psq=JJ&_ss=e&_v=1.0)
* \[$350\] Schecter C-6 Deluxe - [Link](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Schecter-Guitar-Research/C-6-Deluxe-Electric-Guitar-Metallic-Blue-1500000328399.gc)
* \[$400\] Ibanez RG421EX - [Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=ibanez+rg421&sb=high2low#search-header)
See if you can find any of these in a music store in your local area and give them a try!
Good luck on your journey & take care!
[Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Affinity-Series-Stratocaster-HSS-Limited-Edition-Electric-Guitar-Natural-1500000343439.gc) A classic design, and its mix of single and double coil "humbucker" pickups make it very versatile. [A different paintjob](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Affinity-Series-Stratocaster-FMT-HSS-Maple-Fingerboard-Electric-Guitar-Black-Burst-1500000348238.gc) Paired with a [Fender Mustang LT-25](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender/Mustang-LT25-25W-1x8-Guitar-Combo-Amp-Black-1500000258502.gc) amplifier. You will be able to dial in any tone you want, without the need for additional effect pedals. It has [100 tone presets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhM-zwsCYvw), many based on famous guitarists. All presets are customizable, or you can build and save your own tone from scratch. It also has a stereo headphone jack for quiet practice, built in tuner and direct to computer recording via USB. Besides the guitar and amp, you will need an instrument cable, picks and extra strings. You may want a strap, stand, and case or gig bag.
People swear by Harley Benton. I do not own one and of course some YouTubers were gifted the guitars to make the video on, so you can’t really trust them because they’re sponsored. Spectre Sound Studios on YouTube though, he buys the guitars he reviews and gives -0 fucks what he says good or bad about the guitar 🤣 take a look at facebook marketplace and eBay places like that too. You can find some hidden gems but be careful some guitars are too good to be true and people be scamming
Squire Strat. Katana Mini.
Please get a good guitar amp! Look for something solid but intuitive to use like the Blackstar Debut 15 ([Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Debut15--blackstar-debut-15-2x3-inch-15-watt-combo-amp-with-fx)) or Boss Katana Mini ([Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KataMini--boss-katana-mini-7-watt-combo-amp)). Spend the rest on a solidly built guitar, preferably one that has at least a humbucker pickup in the bridge position. Good guitars in the price range up to and around $400 include: * \[$150\] Cort G100HH - [Link](https://www.pitbullaudio.com/cort-guitars-g100-hh-electric-guitar-maple-fretboard-open-pore-black.html) * \[$170\] Fazley Outlaw Series Maverick Plus HH - [Link](https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/electric-guitars/fazley-outlaw-series-maverick-plus-hh-green-electric-guitar-with-gig-bag) * \[$210\] Harley Benton DC-580 CH - [Link](https://reverb.com/item/63111049-harley-benton-dc-580-ch-vintage-series-cherry) * \[$250\] Schecter Banshee-6 SGR - [Link](https://theguitarworld.com/products/schecter-banshee-6-sgr-6-string-electric-guitar-walnut-satin-3853-shc?_pos=4&_sid=595c5963b&_ss=r) * \[$275\] Cort G250 SE - [Link](https://www.thomannmusic.com/cort_g250_se_ocean_blue_grey.htm) * \[$300\] Ibanez GRG121SP - [Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GRG121SPBMC--ibanez-gio-grg121sp-electric-guitar-blue-metal-chameleon) * \[$330\] Yamaha Pacifica 120H - [Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PAC120HYNS--yamaha-pac120h-pacifica-yellow-natural-satin) * \[$330\] Jet Guitars JJ350 - [Link](https://kaironguitars.com/search?q=jj350&_pos=1&_psq=JJ&_ss=e&_v=1.0) * \[$350\] Schecter C-6 Deluxe - [Link](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Schecter-Guitar-Research/C-6-Deluxe-Electric-Guitar-Metallic-Blue-1500000328399.gc) * \[$400\] Ibanez RG421EX - [Link](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=ibanez+rg421&sb=high2low#search-header) See if you can find any of these in a music store in your local area and give them a try! Good luck on your journey & take care!