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

A beginner acoustic or electric guitar typically costs between $100 and $300 new. A mid-range instrument from an established brand runs $300 to $800. Professional-grade guitars start around $800 and can exceed $2,000. Used guitars cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones in the same condition and quality tier. The price you pay depends on whether you want a starter model to learn on, a reliable everyday instrument, or a guitar built for recording or touring.

The biggest price jump happens between beginner and intermediate models. A $150 guitar and a $500 guitar both have six strings and make sound, but the $500 model will have better tuning stability, more comfortable playability, and wood that resonates more clearly. That difference matters if you plan to play regularly. If you are testing whether guitar is for you, a budget model is the right choice. If you have already decided to learn seriously, spending more upfront saves frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Beginner acoustic and electric guitars cost $100 to $300 new, and used versions of the same models cost 30 to 50 percent less.
  • Mid-range guitars ($300 to $800) have noticeably better tuning stability and sound quality than budget models, making them worth the cost if you plan to play regularly.
  • Brand reputation matters more than you might think—a $400 Fender or Yamaha will hold its value and play better than an unknown $400 brand.
  • Acoustic guitars cost roughly the same as electric guitars at each price tier, but electric guitars require an amplifier, which adds $50 to $200 to your total cost.
  • Used guitars from reputable brands are often the best value, especially if you buy from a music store that inspects them rather than from a private seller.

What you pay for at each price level

At $100 to $200, you get a playable guitar that will teach you the basics. The wood is often cheaper plywood instead of solid wood, the tuning pegs may slip slightly, and the frets (the metal strips on the neck) are not always perfectly level. These guitars work for learning, but they frustrate faster players because they do not stay in tune as long and they do not sound as full. Most people who quit guitar within the first year started on one of these.

At $300 to $500, you get solid wood on the top of the body, better tuning stability, and frets that are properly leveled. The difference in how the guitar feels in your hands is real—the neck is more comfortable, the strings are easier to press down, and the sound is noticeably richer. This is the tier where most people who stick with guitar end up, because the jump in quality justifies the cost.

At $800 to $2,000, you are paying for wood quality throughout the entire body, precision craftsmanship, and brand reputation. A $1,200 Martin or Taylor acoustic will hold its value, play smoothly for decades, and sound professional enough for recording. At this level, you are also buying resale value—a used $1,200 guitar from a known brand will sell for $700 to $900, while a used $1,200 no-name guitar might only sell for $300.

Above $2,000, you are buying for specific purposes: touring musicians need durability and consistency, collectors want rare or vintage models, and studio players want instruments that sound distinctive on recordings. Unless you are performing professionally, you do not need to spend this much.

New versus used: where the savings are real

A used guitar from a music store costs 30 to 50 percent less than the same model new. A used $500 Yamaha might sell for $250 to $350. The store has already inspected it, replaced any worn strings, and checked the tuning stability. You get a warranty or return period, usually 30 days. This is the safest way to buy used.

A used guitar from a private seller or an online marketplace costs even less, but you take on the risk of hidden damage. A guitar that looks fine might have a crack in the wood, a warped neck, or frets worn down unevenly. Unless you know how to inspect a guitar yourself or can bring someone who does, avoid private sales. The $100 you save is not worth discovering a $300 repair bill after you get home.

Vintage guitars (typically 30 years old or older) cost more than used guitars from the same era, because collectors and professionals pay premiums for instruments that have proven durability and a recognizable sound. A 1970s Fender Stratocaster costs $1,500 to $3,000 depending on condition, while a new Stratocaster costs $600 to $1,200. You are paying for history and scarcity, not better playability.

Acoustic versus electric: the real cost difference

An acoustic guitar and an electric guitar at the same price point cost the same amount. A $400 acoustic and a $400 electric are both $400. The difference is what you need to buy alongside them. An acoustic guitar is ready to play as soon as you buy it—you just need strings and a tuner. An electric guitar requires an amplifier, which costs $50 to $200 for a beginner model.

A small practice amplifier (15 watts or less) costs $50 to $100 and is loud enough for a bedroom or small room. A mid-size amplifier (30 to 50 watts) costs $150 to $300 and works for small venues or band practice. If you are buying an electric guitar, budget for the amplifier from the start. Many people buy a $300 electric guitar and then realize they need another $100 to $150 for an amp that does not sound terrible.

Acoustic guitars are louder on their own, so they are better if you want to play without plugging in. Electric guitars are quieter unplugged, so they are better if you live in an apartment or share a space with others who do not want to hear you practice. Neither is cheaper overall—it depends on your situation.

Brand names that hold their value

Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Taylor, Martin, and Ibanez are the brands that appear most often in used listings and hold their value best. A used Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster from 10 years ago still sells for 50 to 60 percent of its original price. A used Yamaha acoustic from the same age sells for 40 to 50 percent of its original price. These brands have consistent quality, so buyers trust them.

Cheaper brands like Squier (Fender's budget line), Epiphone (Gibson's budget line), and Rogue do not hold value as well. A used Squier Stratocaster from 10 years ago might sell for 25 to 35 percent of its original price. This does not mean they are bad guitars—Squier makes solid beginner instruments—but they are harder to resell and the market price drops faster.

If you think you might sell the guitar later, buy a brand name. If you are certain you will keep it, a lesser-known brand is fine as long as it plays well and sounds acceptable to you. The resale value only matters if you plan to move on.

Where to buy and what to expect to pay

Music stores (both local shops and chains like Guitar Center) stock new and used guitars. Prices are consistent across stores for the same model, though local shops sometimes negotiate on price if you are buying other items like a case or strings. Used inventory varies by location.

Online retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, and Reverb sell new guitars at the same prices as physical stores, plus shipping (usually $10 to $30). Reverb also hosts private sellers, so you can find used guitars there, but you are buying from individuals rather than stores. Read the seller's feedback rating before you buy.

Pawn shops and secondhand marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist have the lowest prices, but no inspection, no warranty, and no recourse if something is wrong. Only buy from these sources if you can inspect the guitar in person and you know what to look for.

Hidden costs beyond the guitar itself

A guitar case or gig bag costs $30 to $150 depending on quality. A soft gig bag ($30 to $60) protects the guitar from bumps and dust but not from being sat on. A hard case ($80 to $150) protects it from serious damage. If you are moving the guitar around or traveling, a hard case is worth the cost.

Strings cost $5 to $15 per set and need replacing every 1 to 3 months depending on how much you play. A tuner costs $10 to $50—a clip-on tuner ($10 to $20) works fine for beginners. A strap costs $10 to $30. A stand costs $15 to $40. None of these are expensive, but they add up. Budget an extra $100 to $200 for accessories when you first buy a guitar.

Lessons are optional but useful. A private teacher costs $30 to $60 per hour. Online lessons through platforms like JustinGuitar or Fender Play cost $10 to $15 per month. If you are serious about learning, lessons pay for themselves in faster progress and fewer bad habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a $150 guitar good enough to learn on?

Yes, if you are testing whether you like playing guitar. A $150 guitar will teach you the basics and stay in tune long enough for practice sessions. The downside is that it will frustrate you faster if you play regularly, because it will not hold a tune as long and it will not sound as good. If you decide to keep playing after a few months, upgrade to a $300 to $500 model.

Should I buy new or used?

Buy used from a music store if you want to save money and still have some protection. Buy new if you want a warranty and the peace of mind that nothing is hidden. Avoid private sales unless you can inspect the guitar in person and you know what to look for. A used guitar from a store is usually the best value.

Do I need to spend $1,000 to get a good guitar?

No. A $400 to $600 guitar from a known brand like Yamaha or Fender is good enough for most players, including people who perform live. You only need to spend $1,000 or more if you are recording professionally, touring regularly, or buying a vintage instrument for its sound or history.

What is the cheapest way to get your free guide?

Buy a used $200 to $300 guitar from a music store, a used tuner, and a used strap. Total cost: around $250 to $350. This gives you a playable instrument with some store backing, and you can upgrade later if you decide to keep playing. Avoid the cheapest new guitars—they frustrate faster than a slightly older used model from a known brand.

Will I lose money if I sell the guitar later?

Yes, but less if you buy a brand name. A $500 Yamaha will sell for $250 to $350 used. A $500 no-name brand might only sell for $150 to $200. If you think you might sell it, buy a brand that holds its value. If you are certain you will keep it, the brand matters less.