As a guitarist, having the right gear is crucial for getting great tone and being able to play a wide variety of styles. Most guitarists agree that having at least three solid guitar options is ideal for covering all the bases. But with so many guitars to choose from, how do you narrow it down to the essentials?
Here we’ll look at the top three guitars every guitarist should own based on playability, versatility, and budget.
1. A Stratocaster-Style Guitar
First up on the list is a guitar with a Stratocaster-style body shape and configuration. The Stratocaster is arguably the most popular and widely-used electric guitar design in the world. Created by Leo Fender in the 1950s, the Strat combines versatile tone options, smooth playability, and an iconic look.
The Strat’s triple single-coil pickup configuration allows for a wide range of tones – from sparkling clean to searing lead. The signature coil-tapped tones on positions 2 and 4 are a must-have part of any guitarist’s tonal palette. The contoured body shape provides hours of playing comfort as well.
As for models, the Fender American Professional Stratocaster is a top choice for its quality components, great feel and vintage-inspired sound. For those on a budget, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Stratocaster punches above its price point. And guitarists wanting flexibility can opt for an HSS Strat with two humbuckers for fatter distortion – the Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSS is a fantastic option here.
Key Reasons to Own a Strat
- Versatile tone – clean, crisp single-coils to thick humbucker sounds
- Coil-tapped tones on positions 2 and 4
- Comfortable contoured body shape
- Wide range of budgets
- Iconic Strat style and vibe
2. A Les Paul-Style Guitar
Next up is a guitar with the iconic Les Paul body shape – the other cornerstone electric guitar design. With its thick, warm humbucker tone and sustain for days, the Les Paul complements a Strat extremely well.
Les Paul guitars are most known for their fat, singing tone that excels at rock, blues and metal. The mahogany body and dual humbuckers deliver powerful low-mids and compression when played clean and rich overdrive when cranked. The set neck construction increases sustain and resonance as well.
The Gibson Les Paul Standard epitomizes the model, offering the quintessential LP sound and feel. Epiphone also makes excellent affordable Les Pauls, like the Classic Worn ’50s model. And PRS offers incredible modern takes on the LP like the PRS McCarty 594.
Key Reasons to Own a Les Paul
- Thick, warm humbucker tone
- Singing sustain for days
- Set neck for increased resonance
- Iconic rock and metal sound
- Choices for all budgets
3. A Hollow/Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
To round things out tonally, a hollow or semi-hollow guitar is a must-have. The hollow construction provides open, airy tones that work great for jazz, blues, country and more. From smooth jazz chords to screaming blues-rock leads, these guitars cover a lot of ground.
The two main options are fully hollow body guitars like the Gibson ES-335 and semi-hollow guitars like the Epiphone Dot. The ES-335 has a warm, rounded tone perfect for jazz, yet can still handle higher gain tones. Semi-hollow guitars have a center block that increases sustain and feedback resistance for increased versatility.
Beyond the classic designs, many modern rock and metal players are using semi-hollow guitars like the PRS SE Zach Myers for their unique tones.
Key Reasons to Own a Hollow/Semi-Hollow Guitar
- Open, airy clean tones
- Vintage vibe and aesthetics
- Increased tonal palette
- Great for jazz, blues, country
- Choices at all price points
Finding the Perfect Models for You
With so many factors to balance like budget, playability, and tone – finding your perfect Strat, Les Paul, and hollowbody can take some trial and error. Here are a few tips to find your ideal trio:
Set a Budget For Each Guitar
Having a specific budget in mind for each guitar will help narrow the choices. Here are some budget tiers to consider for each guitar type:
| Guitar Type | Budget Tier | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Stratocaster | Under $500 | Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Strat, G&L Tribute Legacy |
| $500-$1000 | Fender Player Series Strat, PRS SE Silver Sky | |
| Over $1000 | Fender American Professional II Strat, Suhr Classic S Strat | |
| Les Paul | Under $500 | Epiphone Les Paul Studio, Epiphone Les Paul Standard ’50s |
| $500-$1000 | Gibson Les Paul Studio, ESP LTD EC-1000 | |
| Over $1000 | Gibson Les Paul Standard ’60s, PRS McCarty 594 | |
| Hollow/Semi-Hollow | Under $500 | Epiphone Dot Studio, Gretsch Streamliner |
| $500-$1000 | Epiphone Casino, Gretsch G5420T Electromatic | |
| Over $1000 | Gibson ES-335 Studio, PRS Hollowbody II Piezo |
Factor In Playability
Even within the same budget tier, some guitars just feel better to certain players. Trying out different neck shapes, fretboard radius measurements, and body shapes can make a big difference in what guitar feels best. For example, 1960s Slim Taper necks offer a slim and fast feel, while 1950s Soft V necks have a fuller, rounder shape. Testing playability in person is advisable if possible.
Consider Tones and Sounds You Like
While the examples listed above represent the standard models, there are variations in pickups, wood types, and construction that can significantly impact the tone. If you need thicker humbucker sounds, look at HSS or HH Strats. If you want more modern metal tones, a mahogany Les Paul with active EMGs may work best. Testing guitars with your desired pickups is recommended when possible.
Buy Used to Get More for Your Money
Expanding your budget by looking at used gear can be a great way to get excellent instruments for less. Many experienced players buy new Gibson and Fender models, use them for a few years while keeping them in great shape, then sell them for much less than retail. This allows you to get that Les Paul or Strat you’ve always wanted for hundreds less. Reverb.com and Guitar Center Used are great places to find deals on excellent used guitars.
Achieving Tone and Versatility
Owning a Strat, Les Paul, and semi-hollow guitar gives you an incredibly versatile tonal foundation. Here’s a closer look at how each guitar complements the others tonally:
Stratocaster
With its triple single-coil pickups and 5-way switching, the Strat offers a wide palette – from spanky cleans, glassy top-end, quacky midrange, to biting rock leads. The 2 and 4 positions provide instant Strat flavor. A 5-way Strat allows you to go from country twang to 80s hair metal tones with the turn of a knob.
Les Paul
The Les Paul’s mahogany/maple combo and dual humbuckers deliver everything from warm, vocal cleans and lush crunch to singing leads and high-gain wailing. The set neck creates sustain that seemingly goes on forever. When you need your leads to sing or to stand out in a mix, the LP is the perfect choice.
Hollow/Semi-Hollow Guitar
Whether fully hollow or semi-hollow, these guitars add airy openness and resonance. The lightweight design prevents back fatigue during long practice or gigging sessions. On top of the woody jazz tones, you can also dial in warmer blues tones, chimey arpeggios, and more. The hollow design tames the top end for smooth leads as well.
Mixing and Matching
Having all three guitar types allows you to mix and match to create unique tone combinations. Try the neck pickup of a semi-hollow into a distorted amp for thick leads. Or use the bridge pickup on a Strat for country twang. The options are endless.
Sample 3 Guitar Rig
To give you an idea of how these three guitar types can complement each other in a professional rig, here is an example 3 guitar setup:
| Guitar Type | Model (New) | Used Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Stratocaster | Fender Player Series Strat HSS | Fender American Professional Strat |
| Les Paul | Epiphone Les Paul Standard ’50s | Gibson Les Paul Studio Faded |
| Semi-Hollow | Epiphone Dot Studio | Gibson ES-335 Studio |
This setup provides both high-quality affordable new models and well-made used alternatives at a reasonable price point. The HSS Strat offers thicker bridge humbucker sounds, the Dot Studio provides classic semi-hollow tones on a budget, and a used Gibson ES-335 or Les Paul give you pro-grade tools at an accessible cost. Run through a few pedals and a tube amp, and you’ve got all the tones you need!
Gigging and Recording
When playing live or recording in the studio, having these three guitar types in your arsenal will enable you to craft the perfect sounds for each part of song. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your guitars in different scenarios:
Live Performance
For live playing, the Strat excels as a versatile workhorse that can go from rhythm duties to searing solos with ease. Use the neck pickup for rounded lead tones, or switch to the bridge pickup when you need to cut through the mix. The Les Paul is ideal for thicker rhythm chords and singing leads to stand out. And the semi-hollow is a great lead instrument for blues, jazz, or country-influenced songs.
Recording
In the studio, stack Strat rhythm tracks for huge chords, then switch to the Les Paul when doubling leads or solo sections. A semi-hollow can add a unique tone for texture on any track – from padding out backgrounds to being featured on its own. Having all three guitar types allows you to layer and create depth in recordings.
Different Guitar Parts
The three guitar types also enable crafting unique tones for individual sections. Try using the Strat for rhythms, the Les Paul for crunch and distortion, and the semi-hollow for leads and clean arpeggios. The options are endless!
Matching Your Music Genres
While versatile enough to work for any genre, here are some music styles where each guitar really shines:
Stratocaster
- Rock – Killer for hard rock rhythm and leads
- Blues – Warm clean tones
- Country – Twangy picking
- Funk – Quacky rhythms and leads
- Pop – Bell-like cleans and articulation
Les Paul
- Rock – Crunchy riffs and singing leads
- Metal – Thick, saturated distortion
- Blues – Smooth lead lines
- Jazz – Warm clean tones
- Pop – Rhythms and arpeggios
Hollow/Semi-Hollow Guitar
- Jazz – Warm, round tones
- Blues – Smooth leads
- Country – Chicken pickin’
- Funk – Rhythms and octaves
- Rock – Retro tones
Finding Your Perfect Match
With so many excellent Strat, Les Paul, and hollow/semi-hollow guitars available, finding your perfect match comes down to trying out different models to see what speaks to you. Use this guide as a starting point, then let your ears and hands decide!
Here are a few final tips for finding your ideal trio:
- Set a budget limit for each guitar
- Try out different body shapes and necks
- Test various pickups and electronics
- Look for deals in the used market
- Picture how each guitar will fit into your music
- Choose models with inspiring looks and feels
- See which guitars you keep coming back to over time
Owning a Strat, Les Paul, and hollow or semi-hollow electric gives you an incredibly versatile three guitar setup. With the right models, you’ll have all the tones you need – from sparkling cleans to raw rock distortion and everything in between. Use this guide to help you find your perfect trio of guitars!
