Guitar prices range from under $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the type, materials, and brand

A new acoustic or electric guitar typically costs between $150 and $500 for a beginner-friendly instrument. Mid-range guitars—the kind a player might keep for years—run $500 to $1,500. Professional-grade and vintage guitars can exceed $2,000, sometimes much more. Used guitars cost less than new ones, often 30 to 50 percent less depending on condition and age.

The price you pay reflects real differences in how the guitar sounds, how long it lasts, and how comfortable it is to play. A $100 guitar and a $500 guitar are not the same instrument with different price tags—they use different wood, different hardware, and different construction methods. Understanding what drives the cost helps you decide what makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Beginner acoustic and electric guitars cost $150 to $300 new; mid-range models run $500 to $1,500.
  • The price difference reflects wood quality, hardware durability, and how the instrument was assembled—not just the brand name.
  • Used guitars cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones and are often a smarter choice for learning.
  • Specialty types like classical, bass, and 12-string guitars follow the same price tiers but may cost more at the entry level.
  • Budget for a setup ($50 to $150) and a case or gig bag ($30 to $200) when you buy, not just the guitar itself.

What you pay for at different price points

At $100 to $200, you get a playable guitar that works for learning. The wood is often laminated (thin sheets glued together) rather than solid, which affects tone and durability. The hardware—tuning pegs, bridge, nut—is basic but functional. These guitars are mass-produced and may need a setup (adjusting the neck, string height, and intonation) to play well, which costs $50 to $150 at a repair shop.

At $300 to $500, you move into guitars with solid wood tops, better hardware, and more careful assembly. The difference in sound is noticeable—the guitar resonates more and holds its tone longer. These guitars are more likely to play well out of the box, though a setup is still worth doing. This is the sweet spot for someone serious about learning.

At $800 to $1,500, you get all-solid-wood construction, premium hardware, and hand-finished details. The wood is often aged or selected for superior grain and acoustic properties. These guitars sound noticeably better and hold their value if you decide to sell. Many players keep a guitar in this range for decades.

Above $2,000, you enter the realm of professional instruments, vintage guitars, and boutique makers. At this level, you are often paying for a specific maker's reputation, rare wood, or the instrument's history. A 1960s Martin or Gibson can cost $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Acoustic versus electric: how the type affects price

Acoustic guitars and electric guitars start at similar prices—both can be found for $150 to $200—but they diverge as you move up. Acoustic guitars tend to cost slightly more at the mid-range level ($500 to $1,000) because the wood quality and internal bracing directly affect the sound, and there is no amplifier to hide poor tone.

Electric guitars can be cheaper at the high end if you do not count the amplifier. A solid electric guitar body and neck might cost $400 to $800, but you will also need an amp ($100 to $500 for a beginner model). An acoustic guitar is complete on its own. If you are budgeting, factor in the amp as part of the electric guitar cost.

Classical guitars (nylon-string) typically cost $150 to $400 for beginner models and $600 to $2,000 for serious instruments. Bass guitars start around $200 and run to $1,500 or more. Twelve-string acoustics cost 10 to 20 percent more than comparable six-string models because of the extra strings and reinforced neck.

Why used guitars often make sense

A used guitar that cost $600 new might sell for $300 to $400 after a few years, especially if it was played but well cared for. You get the same wood, hardware, and sound quality at a lower price. The main risk is hidden damage—a crack in the body, a warped neck, or worn frets—so inspect the guitar in person or buy from a seller with a return policy.

Online marketplaces like Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist list used guitars by price and condition. Local music shops often have used inventory and can tell you whether the guitar needs work. Pawn shops and estate sales sometimes have deals, but you have less recourse if something is wrong.

A used guitar that needs a fret job (smoothing and polishing the frets) or a neck reset (a major repair) can end up costing more than you saved. If you are not sure how to spot these problems, bring someone who plays or pay a repair shop $50 to $100 for a pre-purchase inspection.

What else you need to budget for

The guitar itself is not the only cost. A setup—adjusting the action (string height), intonation, and truss rod—costs $50 to $150 and makes a huge difference in how the guitar plays. Many new guitars benefit from a setup even if they seem fine in the store.

A case or gig bag protects the guitar from damage and weather. A hard case costs $80 to $200; a padded gig bag costs $30 to $80. If you plan to transport the guitar regularly, a case is worth the money.

Strings, picks, a tuner, and a strap are small costs ($20 to $50 total) but necessary. A music stand ($15 to $40) helps if you are learning from books or tabs. An amplifier for an electric guitar adds $100 to $500 to the total.

How brand and reputation affect price

Well-known brands like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and Yamaha command higher prices than lesser-known makers, partly because of quality and partly because of resale value. A Fender Stratocaster at $600 will hold its value better than an unknown brand at the same price.

That said, many smaller brands and imports offer excellent guitars at lower prices. Epiphone (owned by Gibson), Squier (owned by Fender), and brands like Ibanez and Schecter make solid mid-range guitars for $300 to $800. The brand name matters less than the specific model and how it feels in your hands.

Vintage guitars—instruments made 20, 30, or 50 years ago—often cost more than new guitars of the same model because of rarity and the belief that older wood sounds better. A 1970s Martin D-28 might cost $3,000 to $5,000. This is a collector's market and not relevant to most people learning to play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a decent guitar for under $200?

Yes. A $150 to $200 acoustic or electric guitar is playable and suitable for learning. The sound and feel will not match a $500 guitar, and it may need a setup to play comfortably, but it is a legitimate starting point. Many people learn on budget guitars and upgrade later.

Is a more expensive guitar always better?

Not always. A $600 guitar is noticeably better than a $200 one, but the jump from $1,500 to $3,000 is smaller and depends on your ear and skill level. A beginner may not hear the difference between a $800 and $1,200 guitar. Buy the best guitar you can afford, but do not assume the most expensive option is right for you.

Should I buy new or used?

Used is often smarter financially if you inspect the guitar first or buy from a reputable seller. You save 30 to 50 percent and get the same quality. New guitars come with a warranty and the certainty that nothing is hidden, which matters if you are not confident evaluating condition.

Do I need to spend more on an electric guitar because of the amp?

Yes, factor the amp into your budget. A beginner electric guitar ($300 to $500) plus a small practice amp ($100 to $200) totals $400 to $700. An acoustic guitar of the same quality costs $300 to $500 and needs nothing else to play.

What is a setup and why does it cost extra?

A setup adjusts the neck, string height, and intonation so the guitar plays smoothly and stays in tune. Most new guitars benefit from one, and it costs $50 to $150 depending on what needs adjustment. It is worth the money and often makes a cheap guitar play much better.