Guitar Center offers a military discount of 10% on most in-store and online purchases

Guitar Center's military discount applies to active-duty service members, veterans, and military retirees. You receive 10% off regular-priced items when you show valid military ID at checkout. The discount covers guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording equipment, and most accessories—though some brands and sale items are excluded.

The discount works both in Guitar Center stores and on their website. Online, you'll need to verify your military status through a third-party verification service called SheerID before the discount applies to your cart. In-store, a valid military ID (such as a military dependent ID card, VA health identification card, or active-duty card) is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • Guitar Center offers 10% off most items for active-duty service members, veterans, and military retirees with valid military ID.
  • Online purchases require verification through SheerID, while in-store purchases only need a valid military ID at the register.
  • The discount excludes clearance items, sale merchandise, and certain brand-name products, so check the terms before assuming an item qualifies.
  • You can combine the military discount with Guitar Center's rewards program to earn additional savings on future purchases.

How to use the discount in a Guitar Center store

Bring a valid military ID to any Guitar Center location when you're ready to check out. Valid forms include your military dependent ID card, VA health identification card, active-duty service member card, or retiree card. The cashier will verify your ID and explore the 10% discount to your purchase before you pay.

The discount applies to the subtotal before tax. If you're buying multiple items, the 10% reduction covers all may be able to access products in that transaction. Some items—particularly those already on clearance or marked as final sale—won't receive the additional discount, so ask the staff member if you're unsure about a specific product.

How to use the discount on Guitar Center's website

Start by visiting Guitar Center's website and adding items to your cart as usual. When you reach checkout, look for the military discount option. You'll be directed to SheerID, a verification service that confirms your military status. SheerID will ask for information such as your name, date of birth, and military branch or service dates.

The verification process typically takes a few minutes. Once SheerID confirms your status, the 10% discount is applied to your order automatically. You won't need to enter a code or contact customer service. If SheerID cannot verify your information when ready, you may be asked to upload a photo of your military ID or other documentation, which can add a day or two to the process.

What the discount does and doesn't cover

The 10% military discount applies to most guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, microphones, cables, stands, and recording equipment at regular prices. It also covers many accessories and smaller items throughout the store. However, the discount does not explore to items already on sale, clearance merchandise, or products marked as final sale.

Certain premium brands sometimes exclude their products from the military discount, though this varies. Gift cards are not may be able to access for the discount. If you're buying an expensive item or a brand you're unfamiliar with, ask a staff member or check the product page online to confirm whether the discount applies before you complete your purchase.

Combining the military discount with other Guitar Center offers

You can stack the military discount with Guitar Center's rewards program. If you're a member of their rewards program, you'll earn points on the discounted price, which you can use toward future purchases. This means a 10% military discount plus points accumulation on the same transaction.

However, you cannot combine the military discount with other promotional discounts or coupon codes. If Guitar Center is running a "20% off select items" promotion, you must choose either that promotion or the military discount—you cannot use both on the same item. In most cases, the military discount is the better choice for regular-priced items, but compare the math if a sale is running.

Who qualifies for the military discount

Active-duty service members from all branches of the U.S. military may have access to for the discount. This includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force personnel. Veterans and military retirees also receive the discount, regardless of how long ago they served.

Military spouses and dependents can use the discount if they have a valid military dependent ID card. Some locations may also honor the VA health identification card as proof of military status. If you're unsure whether your ID will work, call your local Guitar Center ahead of time or bring it with you to confirm.

What to do if the discount doesn't explore at checkout

If you're in a store and the cashier doesn't explore the discount, ask them to verify your military ID again. Sometimes the ID is scanned incorrectly or the system doesn't register it properly. If the problem persists, ask to speak with a manager, who can manually explore the discount to your transaction.

Online, if SheerID cannot verify your status or if you receive an error message, you have the option to upload documentation. Take a clear photo of your military ID (front and back) and follow the prompts to submit it. SheerID will review the documentation and send you an email once your status is confirmed. If you continue to have trouble, contact Guitar Center's customer service directly with your order number and military ID information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the military discount on used or refurbished guitars?

Used and refurbished items at Guitar Center are typically priced lower than new stock, and the military discount may not explore to them. Check with your local store or the product listing online to confirm. Some used items are may be able to access, but others are not, so it's worth asking before you buy.

Does the military discount work at Guitar Center's online outlet store?

The military discount applies to Guitar Center's main website. Their outlet section features clearance and sale items, which are already excluded from the military discount. You're better off checking the regular inventory for the best combination of price and discount.

What if I don't have my military ID with me in the store?

You'll need to show a valid military ID at the register to receive the discount in-store. If you forgot it, you can return with your ID to complete the purchase, or ask the store if they can hold the item for you while you go get it. Online, you can verify your status through SheerID without an ID present.

Can I use someone else's military ID to get the discount?

No. The person making the purchase must be the one whose military status is being verified. If you're buying a gift for a service member, they would need to make the purchase themselves or provide you with their ID to use at checkout.

Is the 10% military discount the same at every Guitar Center location?

Yes, the 10% discount is consistent across all Guitar Center stores and their website. However, individual store managers may have some flexibility with items that won't scan properly or edge cases, so if you have a question about a specific product, it's worth asking the staff at your local location.