Guitar prices range from $100 to $10,000 or more, depending on the type, brand, and quality

A beginner acoustic or electric guitar costs between $100 and $300. A mid-range instrument—one that sounds good and will last through years of practice—runs $300 to $800. Professional-grade guitars used by working musicians start around $800 and climb to $2,000 or $5,000. Vintage or handmade instruments can exceed $10,000. The price you pay depends on whether you are starting out, upgrading after a year or two of playing, or buying a tool for professional work.

The biggest price jump happens between beginner and intermediate models. A $150 guitar and a $400 guitar are not just different in cost—the $400 model will have better wood, more precise construction, and hardware that stays in tune longer. That difference matters if you plan to play regularly. A $150 guitar can teach you the basics, but it may frustrate you with tuning problems or a neck that feels uncomfortable.

Key Takeaways

  • Beginner acoustic and electric guitars cost $100 to $300 and work for learning the fundamentals, though they may have tuning or comfort issues.
  • Mid-range guitars priced $300 to $800 have better sound quality and construction, making them worth the investment if you plan to play regularly.
  • Professional guitars start around $800 and go up to $2,000 or $5,000 for working musicians and serious players.
  • Brand name, wood type, and whether the guitar is new or used all affect the final price you pay.
  • Used guitars often cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones but require inspection for damage or wear.

Beginner Guitars: $100 to $300

Entry-level guitars are designed to get you playing without a large upfront cost. Brands like Squier, Fender's budget line, Yamaha, and Ibanez make beginner models in this range. You will find both acoustic and electric options. A $100 to $150 guitar will have a playable neck and basic hardware, but the wood is often lower grade and the electronics (on electric models) may be noisy.

At the $200 to $300 level, you get better wood, more stable tuning machines, and a more comfortable feel in your hand. Yamaha's FG series acoustics and Squier Stratocasters are popular choices in this price band because they hold up to regular practice without falling apart. If you are renting or borrowing a guitar to see whether you actually want to learn, a $100 model makes sense. If you have decided to commit to playing, spending $250 to $300 is worth it.

Mid-Range Guitars: $300 to $800

This is where the sound and playability jump noticeably. A $400 to $600 guitar has solid wood tops (on acoustics), better pickups and electronics (on electrics), and hardware that holds tuning through a full practice session. Brands like Fender, Epiphone, Ibanez, and Yamaha have strong models in this range. Many people who play regularly for years end up with a mid-range guitar as their main instrument.

At $600 to $800, you are buying a guitar that a gigging musician might use as a backup or a serious amateur might play every day. The wood is higher quality, the construction is more precise, and the sound is noticeably fuller. If you plan to play more than a few times a week, this is the range where your money stops being wasted on tuning problems and starts going toward an instrument that responds to what you do with it.

Professional and High-End Guitars: $800 and Up

Guitars above $800 are built for musicians who play professionally or have been playing seriously for years. At this level, you are paying for superior wood, hand-finished details, and pickups or acoustic construction that produces a specific tone. A $1,000 to $2,000 guitar is what you see on stage or in a recording studio. Brands like Gibson, Fender's American-made line, PRS, and Taylor dominate this tier.

Above $2,000, you enter the territory of boutique makers, vintage instruments, and guitars built to a player's exact specifications. A $5,000 handmade acoustic or a vintage 1960s electric guitar is a tool for a professional and also an investment—these guitars often hold or gain value over time. Unless you are earning money from playing or have been playing seriously for a decade, you do not need to spend this much.

New Versus Used: Price and What to Watch For

A used guitar typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than the same model new. A $400 guitar in good condition might sell for $250 to $300 used. This is a real saving, but you need to inspect the instrument before buying. Look for cracks in the wood, frets that are worn flat, tuning machines that do not turn smoothly, and electronics that crackle or cut out.

Buy used from a music store or a reputable seller who will let you play the guitar and inspect it in person. Avoid buying sight unseen unless the seller has clear photos and a return policy. A guitar that looks cheap because it is damaged will cost you money to repair—a new fret job alone can run $300 to $500. A well-maintained used guitar is a bargain; a neglected one is a trap.

Acoustic Versus Electric: Price Differences

Acoustic and electric guitars cost roughly the same at each skill level. A beginner acoustic is $100 to $300, and a beginner electric is also $100 to $300. The difference is that an electric guitar requires an amplifier, which adds $50 to $200 to your starting cost. A small practice amp costs $50 to $100. A decent amp for playing with others costs $150 to $300.

Acoustics do not need an amp, so your total cost to start playing is just the guitar. Electrics are easier on your fingers when you are learning (the strings are thinner and softer), but you have the amp expense. Budget for both the guitar and the amp if you choose electric.

Brand Names and Why They Matter

Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Ibanez, and PRS are the names you will see most often, and they charge more than no-name brands because they have a track record. A Fender Stratocaster costs more than an identical-looking guitar from a brand you have never heard of, and that extra cost buys you resale value, consistent quality, and easier access to replacement parts and repairs.

Budget brands exist—you can find guitars for $80 online—but they often have poor tuning stability, uncomfortable necks, or hardware that breaks. Spending an extra $50 to $100 on a recognized brand is usually worth it. You do not need a famous name to get a good guitar, but you do need a brand with a reputation for not cutting corners on the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a $100 guitar good enough to learn on?

A $100 guitar can teach you the basics, but it may have tuning problems or a neck that feels uncomfortable, which can slow your progress. If you are serious about learning, spending $250 to $300 gives you a more stable instrument that will not frustrate you as much.

How much should I spend if I am a beginner?

Budget $250 to $400 for your first guitar. This range gives you an instrument that sounds decent, stays in tune, and will not fall apart after a few months of practice. Avoid the temptation to buy the cheapest option; the extra cost pays for itself in fewer tuning headaches.

Do expensive guitars sound that much better?

Yes, but the difference matters more as you improve. A beginner cannot hear the tonal difference between a $300 and a $1,000 guitar. After a year or two of playing, you will notice. A professional musician will hear it when ready. Buy what matches your current skill level, not what you think you will need in five years.

Should I buy used or new?

A used guitar is a good value if it is in good condition and you inspect it in person before buying. Expect to pay 30 to 50 percent less than the new price. Buy from a music store or seller with a return policy so you have recourse if something is wrong.

Do I need to buy an amplifier with an electric guitar?

Yes. A small practice amp costs $50 to $100 and is necessary to hear what you are playing. Budget for both the guitar and the amp in your total cost.