Are Gibson and Epiphone the same company?

They are not the same company. Gibson owns Epiphone and while iconic Gibson designs make up the bulk of Epiphone's catalogue, Epiphone very much have their own identity and feel. You will often find not only more affordable guitars in the Epiphone catalogue but also more modern focused guitars as they readily make use of new technology and aren't afraid to put a new spin on a classic shape.

Plenty of musicians big and small have played Epiphone, though you may have seen big names such as Slash, Alex Lifeson, Paul McCartney, and even Les Paul himself playing one!

Can a beginner play Epiphone?

Epiphone guitars are made for everyone to play! With a wide range of well built, affordable models Epiphone have plenty of guitars to help begin your guitar playing journey.