Finding the Best Entry-Level Electric Guitar for $500

Whether you're a beginner looking for your first electric guitar or a seasoned player in need of an affordable backup, the $500 price range is a sweet spot. At this level, you’ll find well-built guitars with solid craftsmanship, excellent playability, and versatile tones—without stretching your budget too far.

With so many options available, choosing the right guitar can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve highlighted four of our favorite models: the PRS SE Standard 24, Squier Classic Vibe, Yamaha Revstar Element, and Ibanez Steve Vai Jem Jr. Each of these guitars offers something unique, from classic Fender-inspired tones to modern, high-performance shredding machines. No matter your playing style, one of these guitars is bound to inspire your next riff.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these guitars stand out.

PRS SE Standard 24 – The Modern Classic

Price: $499 | Body: Mahogany | Neck: Maple | Fingerboard: Rosewood | Scale Length: 25” | Pickups: PRS 85/15 "S" Humbuckers

The PRS SE Standard 24 is a sleek, versatile instrument that offers premium performance at an entry-level price. Featuring a mahogany body and a set maple neck, this guitar delivers rich sustain and warm tones, making it ideal for rock, blues, and even jazz. The PRS 85/15 "S" pickups provide clarity and balance, allowing players to achieve anything from sparkling cleans to powerful distortion.

With its 24 frets and 25-inch scale length, the SE Standard 24 offers easy playability, while PRS’s trademark tremolo bridge ensures smooth vibrato effects. Whether you’re jamming at home or performing on stage, this guitar gives you the reliability and feel of much higher-priced instruments.

Squier Classic Vibe – Vintage Tone on a Budget

Price: $449 | Body: Poplar | Neck: Maple | Fingerboard: Indian Laurel | Scale Length: 25.5” | Pickups: Fender-Designed Alnico Single-Coils

If you love classic Fender tones but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Squier Classic Vibe series is a fantastic choice. Inspired by legendary guitars from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, these models capture the essence of vintage Stratocasters and Telecasters at an affordable price.

The Fender-designed Alnico pickups deliver bright, articulate tones perfect for blues, funk, and classic rock. The lightweight poplar body and comfortable C-shaped neck make playing effortless, whether you’re strumming chords or bending notes on lead lines.

For players looking to dive into the Fender experience, the Classic Vibe offers timeless design and sound without breaking the bank.

Yamaha Revstar Element – Style and Substance

Price: $499 | Body: Mahogany | Neck: Nato | Fingerboard: Rosewood | Scale Length: 24.75” | Pickups: Yamaha Alnico Humbuckers

For those wanting something a little different, the Yamaha Revstar Element blends vintage aesthetics with modern performance. Inspired by classic motorcycles and Japanese craftsmanship, the Revstar features striking finishes and a comfortable contoured body that sits well during long playing sessions.

The mahogany body and Alnico humbuckers provide a warm, punchy tone with plenty of sustain, making it a great choice for rock and alternative players. One standout feature is the dry switch, which passively removes low-end frequencies, mimicking the sound of a single-coil pickup for added versatility.

With a bold look and flexible tones, the Revstar Element is perfect for players who want to stand out both sonically and visually.

Ibanez Steve Vai Jem Jr. – Shred-Ready Performance

Price: $499 | Body: Meranti | Neck: Maple | Fingerboard: Jatoba | Scale Length: 25.5” | Pickups: Quantum H-S-H Configuration

For players looking to dive into the world of fast riffs and screaming solos, the Ibanez Steve Vai Jem Jr. is an unbeatable option at this price point. Modeled after Vai’s legendary signature guitar, the Jem Jr. features the iconic “monkey grip” handle, a locking tremolo system, and a 24-fret neck, making it an excellent choice for shred guitarists.

The H-S-H pickup configuration (humbucker-single-humbucker) provides a wide range of tones, from warm rhythm sounds to aggressive leads. The Wizard III maple neck is built for speed, allowing players to glide effortlessly across the fretboard.

If you’re into high-energy rock, metal, or virtuoso-style playing, the Jem Jr. is a shred machine ready to take your skills to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right electric guitar for $500 doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Whether you prefer the modern versatility of the PRS SE Standard 24, the classic tones of the Squier Classic Vibe, the unique style of the Yamaha Revstar Element, or the high-performance features of the Ibanez Jem Jr., there’s an instrument here for every type of player.

At Roxy Music, we take pride in helping musicians find the perfect instrument to match their style and needs. If you're ready to start your journey with one of these incredible guitars, stop by our store or check out our online shop to learn more!