Tired of heavy guitars? While they may be great for monstrous tones, they aren’t ideal for your back and shoulders.
As such, we’ve written this article exploring some of the lighter electric guitars out there today! These instruments also make great guitars for people with small hands.
Many guitarists consider a lighter guitar to sound lower quality than normal-weight guitars. This isn’t always the case – many lightweight guitars sound fantastic too. They often just have a particular, thinner sound that may not be to everyone’s liking.
Using a lighter guitar has several benefits:
- Better for posture
- Less fatiguing
- Easier to transport
- Different sonic capabilities.
There can also be downsides to lighter guitars:
- More prone to feedback (especially hollow bodies).
- Greater risk of atmospheric interference (heat, moisture, warping).
I tested 8 Products and found the best for Hobbyists to be the Squire Thinline Telecaster and the best for Professionals to be the Fender Thinline Tele.
Keep reading for our full roundup of 8 of the best lightweight electric guitars on the market today!
Best Lightweight Electric Guitars in Our Tests
List all the products as a table of content
- Squire Classic Vibe Thinline Telecaster
- Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster
- Gibson SG Tribute 2019 USA
- Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Lightweight
- Danelectro ‘59M Lightweight Guitar
- Rickenbacker 330
- Traveler Guitar Ultra-Lite Electric
- Ibanez Steve Vai Signature Jem
8 Best Lightweight Electric Guitars Reviewed in Detail
For the sake of offering our readers the best possible insight into the world of modern lightweight guitars, we reviewed 8 of the most prominent axes of the kind currently on the market.
What follows are our reviews of each guitar alongside pros and cons, product-specific specifications, customer reviews, and our final verdict. So without any further ado, let’s jump right into it!
#1 Squire Classic Vibe Thinline Telecaster
Product Intro
Ah, the classic telecaster model. These iconic guitars have tried and tested through the years and proved themselves as popular models.
The thin line variety is an updated and lightened version. Where the traditional solid body has been replaced with a hollowed-out Poplar body, for a lighter feel, and improved resonance of the wood. This is very comfortable to play standing up and is the lightest guitar on this list
Product Specifications
- Weight: 3kg
- Pickups:
- Price: £349
Pros
- Very Light
- Solid quality
Cons
- Lower Price & Quality than Fender Version
Verdict
For guitarists on the lighter side of rock, this is a perfect axe. A bright, clean professional tone that comes close to a Fender, but not with the price tag. Recommended for advanced hobbyists who can’t justify the Fender.
What Customers Say about Squire Classic Vibe Thinline Telecaster
In the 70’s Fender headhunted the lightweight guitar specialist Roger Rossmeisl from Rickenbacker to work on a lighter, more versatile telecaster.
While the product didn’t achieve commercial success, it did inspire the people over at Fender to reimagine a cheaper lightweight option in the form of this very guitar.
Customers who have purchased this guitar are overwhelmingly glad they did so, calling it ‘bad a$$’, beautiful, and well worth the price tag which is as light as the guitar itself.
Check Price on Amazon#2 Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster
Product Intro
Fenders are the Jaguar cars of the guitar world, sleek, sexy, and envious. Fender guitars have some of the greatest build quality, only really beaten by independent and handmade luthiers.
This Thinline Telecaster model is a stunning semi-hollow rendition of the iconic design that burst onto the scene in the ’60s and ’70s. Compromising nothing on sound and build quality, this is a professional performance-ready instrument, fitted with the tastiest 4th generation noiseless pickups to create a spectacular, authentic Fender tone.
The Thinline variation has a hollow cavity in the body which reduces weight and increases resonance and sustain. The bridge quality is sturdy.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 3.2kg
- Pickups:
- Price:
Pros
- Super Quality
- Lovely Pickups
Cons
- Semi-Hollow Body (not for everyone)
- Expensive
Verdict
This is an absolutely stunning guitar, how can anything so light sound this good? Obviously, the price puts it out of reach for many, but if you are a professional looking for a lightweight, stage-worthy guitar – this could be the one. (Again maybe not for metal and heavy stuff)
What Customers Say about Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster
To add to all of this, Fender have conjured up some striking new finishes for their new semi-hollow heavy-hitter, so you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice.
Customers consider this guitar to be near perfect, with the aesthetics and versatility to rival any regular weighted guitar on the market.
Check Price on Amazon#3 Gibson SG Tribute 2019 USA
Product Intro
Gibson makes infallible, high-quality, high-octane guitars for your rocking pleasure. The SG Tribute model is a rude, humbucker-bearing beast, with 22 rolled rosewood frets mounted upon a glorious, silky smooth maple neck.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 2.7kg
- Pickups:
- Price: £999
Pros
- Top-Quality build.
- Solid-Body and Warm Pickups
- Great with distortion and loud amplifiers.
Cons
- High Price!
Verdict
This is a real luxury instrument, which is to be expected if you’re about to drop a grand on it. The quality of Gibson Guitars is really second to none. This is one of their lighter solid-body designs. This is the best choice for professional stage rockers, using gained amps and requiring a beefy tone. You will not be disappointed with this guitar!
What Customers Say about Gibson SG Tribute 2019 USA
Gibson’s recent reissue of the SG Tribute is amazingly comfortable and playable.
The once standard issue ‘nitro’ finish on this guitar not only looks amazing, but it also enhances the quality of the tones it produces thanks to enhancing breathability.
Customers almost exclusively rated this with specific high points for its tonal quality and beautiful aesthetics.
Check Price on Amazon#4 Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Lightweight
Product Intro
Epiphone produces more affordable versions of Gibson guitar models, which is great as it allows hobbyists to get the classic tones without draining the bank.
This Epiphone Les Paul Special is one of the best lightweight guitars in the lower price range. It’s not the lightest on this list, weighing in at 4.5kg, but is lighter than most guitars, making it ideal for children and beginners. It won’t sound as good as a Gibson, but it still has a satisfying warm tone, great sustain, and a speedy rosewood fretboard.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 4.5kg
- Pickups: 2x
- Price: £159
Pros
- Not super light
Cons
- Great tone for price
Verdict
This is a strong choice for players looking for a lightweight solid-bodied electric guitar. As far as solid bodies go, the Les Paul design is on the lighter side. It’s not as light as a hollow body, but it rocks a heavier tone and can be played in louder situations without feeding back.
What Customers Say about Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Lightweight
Thanks to its quality mahogany build, this LP offers a broad tone, which pairs excellently with its humbucking pickups.
Customers on Amazon gave high praises for its value for money, build quality, and suitability for beginner players.
Check Price on Amazon#5 Danelectro ‘59M Lightweight Guitar
Product Intro
Danelectro makes some very groovy-looking, interestingly designed guitars. From a first look you might not realize, but many Danelectro guitars are mostly hollow inside.
The ‘59M has a very sweet tone that lends itself to lead situations, particularly in blues, country, and rock and roll music. It has vintage-style lipstick pickups, with crisp clarity and a cool double cutaway.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 2.27kg
- Pickups: 2 X Lipstick single coil
- Price: £629, or cheaper “The Stock 59 The Stock 59” model at £369
Pros
- Super light
- Retro look and sound
Cons
- Prone to feedback
Verdict
A funky-looking guitar that packs serious quality. The fantastic tone for older styles of music, although not for everything. Super lightweight, with a vintage sound, this electric guitar is extremely fun to play. It is relatively expensive, but there is a more affordable version called “The Stock 59”, also produced by Danelectro.
What Customers Say about Danelectro ‘59M Lightweight Guitar
Danelectro may not be the most well-known brand on this list, but it is highly revered in the music industry with its guitars appearing on countless records from a wide range of genres.
Highlights for customers include an amazing tone, versatility over a range of genres, and great value for money.
Check Price on Amazon#6 Rickenbacker 330
A retro favorite, Rickenbacker guitars are very high-quality instruments, with a unique sound and design. Favored by The Beatles, these history-rich instruments are also incredibly light thanks to their semi-hollow construction. There are many Rickenbacker models, but the 330 is an industry favorite, used by legends including John Lennon, Thom Yorke, Kevin Parker, Pete Townsend, Paul Weller, and many more.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 3.6kg
- Pickups: 2 x Rickenbacker High Output
- Price: £2179
Pros
- Flexible electronic circuit with EQ.
Cons
- Expensive!!!
Verdict
If you can afford to splash out, this lightweight electric guitar is one of the best out there. It sounds fantastic, with a rich and versatile retro tone. The High Output Rickenbacker pickups are accompanied by a multi-purpose tone circuit with Bass & Treble EQ.
The 12-string Rickenbacker models are worth looking at for more extravagant sounds.
What Customers Say about Rickenbacker 330
Rickenbacker 330’s aren’t mass-produced; instead, they are produced to order for dealers and individual buyers, as are all of Rickenbacker’s models.
Customers consider the Ricky 330 a sheer joy to play. It is acknowledged that while they may not be optimized for more chop-oriented playing, the signature jangle is unrivaled for open-string melodies and cowboy chords.
Check Price on Amazon#7 Traveler Guitar Ultra-Lite Electric
Product Intro
Wow, this unique headless guitar has been designed to keep size and weight down to a minimum. Almost every element of a normal electric guitar has been stripped away, leaving this minimalistic, skeletal design.
It has a single pickup and no tone controls, which some players may find limiting. But the purpose of this guitar is to be the bare minimum for a traveling musician. This model comes in both acoustic and electric versions.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 1.36kg
- Pickups: 1 humbucker
- Price: £323
Pros
- Lightest Guitar Here, maybe ever
- Sounds interesting
Cons
- Limited Features
Verdict
In some situations, a full-sized guitar is just too big. For these times, the Traveler Ultra-Lite is the perfect solution. This is one of the lightest and minimalistic guitars available today. It has fewer features and pickups than normal, but the best guitar is the one that you have with you. You can take this guitar anywhere!
What Customers Say about Traveler Guitar Ultra-Lite Electric
Reviews suggest this guitar is perfect for those who are never in the same place for long; airline pilots, active businessmen, and touring musicians alike laud it for its practicality and sound considering its unique build.
Check Price on Amazon#8 Ibanez Steve Vai Signature Jem
A lighter guitar for the heavier player. This skinny Ibanez beast doesn’t sacrifice any tone for its slimmer waist.
The Jem is an outstanding, gorgeous-looking guitar, with floral inlay fretboard artwork, and a carved handle. The rose Floyd double-locking bridge keeps strings firmly in tune.
It has 3 pickups which are blended between with a 5-way pickup selector switch, which opens up loads of creative options for guitar tones.
Higher up the fretboard, there are scalloped frets, which provide extra accuracy and bendability for those fiery solos. The pickups work very well when driven, and be assured, this signature model was created in partnership with Steve Vai, a true guitar legend, so it will be incredibly high quality.
Product Specifications
- Weight: 3.4kg
- Pickups:
- Price: Junior £391 Original £1500
Pros
- Floyd Rose Bridge
- Double Locking Tuners
- Carrying Handle
- Scalloped Fretboard
- Stunning Pickups
Cons
- Expensive
- Bridge & Locks will confuse some players.
Verdict
The original models of these are pretty expensive, fortunately, there are more affordable versions, the Steve Vai Junior edition. These rock the same design, and many features. This style of guitar tends to be favored by the rock and metal communities. The design of the neck suits shredding and double hand tapping technique, with an incredibly smooth action and feel. Its skinnier weight has not sacrificed any sound quality.
What Customers Say about Ibanez Steve Vai Signature Jem
Highlights from customer reviews include its unique pickup sound, quality humbuckers, and striking aesthetic qualities.
Check Price on AmazonThe Impact of Guitar Weight on Performance
The weight of a guitar has a large impact on its tone, playability over long periods, and overall playing experience. Lighter guitars tend to have brighter tones, compared to heavier guitars which have longer sustain and a richer tone.
A guitar player’s posture while they are playing is an important component of endurance.
A heavier guitar may weigh a player down over an extended period of time, pulling their posture out of alignment and potentially causing damage in the long run.
Lighter guitars are considerably easier to play over long periods of time and promote healthy posture.
At the end of the day, every guitar player will want a slightly different thing from their instrument – meaning each player’s experience with a light guitar is bound to differ no matter how minutely.
If you have the means to do so, I recommend you try out a lighter guitar as the experience could give you an entirely new outlook in terms of your musicianship, comfort, and endurance!
Buying Guide: What to look for when buying this type of product
Several sections talking about Features, Problems, Use Cases, etc.
Electronics:
Check on the style and design of pickups, as these also have a large effect on sound quality. Active pickups are better for louder, distorted types of music. Passive pickups (most common) are quieter, but do not require a battery, and have a less aggressive sound.
The difference between single coils and humbuckers is huge. Singles are much thinner than their warm humbucker counterparts.
Damage:
If buying a second-hand hollow body, check for signs of heat or moisture damage. This can create tuning issues. This can usually be observed by looking closely at the body, checking for any marks or out-of-place wood.
Budget:
Some models of guitar are available at both a professional or hobbyist price point. For example, Squire makes more affordable versions of Fender guitars. Generally, more expensive guitars sound better and have more solid construction. Cheap guitars may be mass-produced in a factory but expensive ones can be handmade by experienced and talented luthiers.
Solid/Hollowbody/Other
The usual choice is between a solid, semi-hollow, or hollow-bodied guitar. There are other more contemporary options.
Hollow and semi-hollow guitars are not suitable for distortion-based genres like metal, punk, hardcore, as they are prone to feedback. There are still many lightweight solid electric guitars that are a good choice for this type of playing.
Fakes
Yes, sadly many guitars are copied, and fakes are made in cheap factories. If you see a guitar at a price that is too good to be true, it probably is. I remember I bought a fake Ibanez Jem7 for about £100. The original model costs way over £1000. Whilst fakes can be fun, they usually sound terrible. Identifying fakes is different for each manufacturer, so do your research before buying. Check manufacturer and serial codes.
FAQs
What are the lightest electric guitars?
This was a natural design progression stemming from the addition of electronics to guitars. Before electric guitars were fully developed, acoustic guitars were the norm. For louder gigs, these acoustic instruments didn’t produce enough volume, so engineers looked at ways of amplifying the sound with transducers, pickups, and microphones.
The issue with acoustic guitars is that when amplified, they often pick up their sound, creating nasty and dangerous feedback. This is why electric guitars were traditionally solid bodies.
Construction material also changes the weight, wood usually being the first choice, but in recent years guitar manufacturers have been turning to synthetic materials like plastic and carbon fiber to make lighter guitars.
What is the lightest hollow body guitar?
Both Fender and Squire make versions of this model.
The Squire models weigh in at a feathery 2.4kg! With the more expensive Fender version weighing in at 2.6kg.
There are lighter guitars around, but they are not easy to get hold of, and may not be currently in production.
The Tele Thinline is still being manufactured so they are readily available worldwide.
How Much Does An Average Electric Guitar Weigh?
The weight varies based on the construction materials and wood used, which can include mahogany, maple, alder, ash, and other species.
This is a good weight to start with, most players find it adequate, but smaller people may find it too heavy.
Conclusion
If your main priority is getting the smallest, lightest guitar you can, then the Traveler Ultra-Lite is the best choice. The Ultra-Lite is a truly light, minimal guitar that doesn’t carry a gram of unnecessary weight.
Alternatively, if the Ultra-Lite is too minimalistic, the Thinline Telecaster range is a great option, choose a Squire or Fender as the budget allows. These are semi-hollow lightweight electric guitars that have a classic tone.
For a solid body guitar that doesn’t feedback but isn’t too heavy, the Les Paul and SG builds are a great choice. These are perfect for heavy rockers who need a lighter axe!
Have a look at some of these links and see if any could be your next dream instrument!
- Squire Classic Vibe Thinline Telecaster
- Traveler Guitar Ultra-Lite Electric
- Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster
Noah is an accomplished audio engineer with several years of experience producing music for major companies and independent artists. He enjoys sharing his vast knowledge of audio engineering topics to help musicians and music producers create great music.