Electric guitar prices range from under $200 to several thousand dollars, depending on the brand, materials, and whether you are buying new or used

A beginner electric guitar typically costs between $150 and $500. These are solid instruments made by established brands like Squier, Epiphone, and Ibanez. They will stay in tune reasonably well, have playable action (the height of the strings above the fretboard), and won't develop serious problems in the first year of playing.

Mid-range guitars run from $500 to $1,500. At this price point you get better wood, more precise manufacturing, and hardware that holds up longer. A guitarist who has played for a year or two and knows what they want often buys here.

Professional-grade guitars start around $1,500 and go up to $3,000 or more. These are made with premium materials, hand-finished in many cases, and designed for touring musicians or studio work. A $2,000 guitar from a brand like Fender or Gibson will sound noticeably different from a $400 one, but the difference matters most to experienced ears.

Used guitars cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones, depending on condition and age. A five-year-old mid-range guitar in good shape might sell for $300 to $600. Vintage guitars (typically 20+ years old) can cost more than new ones if they are sought-after models.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget $150 to $500 for a beginner guitar that will not need replacing after a few months of practice.
  • Mid-range guitars between $500 and $1,500 offer noticeably better sound and durability for players past the first year.
  • The biggest price jump happens between $400 and $800, where you move from entry-level to instruments that professional players actually use.
  • Used guitars save money but require checking the neck for warping, testing all frets for buzzing, and confirming the electronics work.

What you pay for at different price points

At $150 to $300, you are buying a playable instrument that teaches you the basics. The wood is often laminated or lower-grade solid wood. The pickups (the magnets that capture string vibration) are basic but functional. The tuning machines may need adjustment after a few weeks. These guitars work fine for learning, but they sound thin and tinny compared to more expensive models.

From $300 to $800, the wood quality jumps significantly. You get solid wood bodies instead of laminate, better pickups with clearer tone, and hardware that stays stable longer. The frets are leveled more precisely, so you have fewer dead spots where notes buzz or cut out. A guitarist at this level can hear the difference when ready.

Above $800, you are paying for consistency, materials, and craftsmanship. Premium wood is aged longer. Pickups are wound by hand or with tighter tolerances. The finish is thicker and more durable. Frets are crowned and polished individually. These guitars hold their value better and often sound better after years of playing as the wood settles.

Brand name matters, but not always in the way beginners think. Fender and Gibson charge more partly because of reputation, but also because they have been refining designs for 60+ years and their factories have tighter quality control. A $600 Fender Stratocaster will outlast a $600 no-name guitar. That said, brands like Schecter, PRS, and Ibanez offer excellent value at every price point.

New versus used: when to buy each

Buy new if you want a warranty, have no experience inspecting guitars, or want to know the full history. Most new guitars come with a one to three year warranty covering defects. You also get the satisfaction of being the first owner, and you can return it if something is wrong.

Buy used if you have $300 to spend and want a guitar that would cost $600 new, or if you are an experienced player who knows what to listen for. Used markets include Reverb.com (ships nationwide), local Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and pawn shops. Reverb offers buyer protection; local sales do not.

When buying used, inspect the neck by sighting down it from the headstock toward the body—it should be nearly straight, not bowed or twisted. Play every fret on every string to listen for buzzing. Plug it in and test all three pickup positions (neck, middle, bridge) to confirm the electronics work. Ask the seller why they are selling and how often they played it.

Avoid guitars with cracks in the wood, missing tuning machines, or corroded electronics. A fret sprout (a fret sticking up higher than its neighbors) costs $200 to $400 to fix. A twisted neck is often not worth repairing.

Budget breakdown by playing style

If you are learning to play, spend $200 to $400. You need something that stays in tune and has comfortable action. Brands like Squier Stratocaster, Epiphone Les Paul Special, and Ibanez GRX are designed for this. Do not spend $1,000 on your first guitar—you will not hear the difference yet, and you might not stick with it.

If you play rock or metal, expect to spend $400 to $1,000. These styles demand pickups with high output and a body that sustains notes well. Solid-body guitars (no hollow chambers) are standard. Brands like Schecter, Jackson, and ESP make excellent mid-range rock guitars.

If you play blues or classic rock, $500 to $1,500 opens up semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars, which have a warmer tone. A Fender Telecaster or semi-hollow Epiphone Casino works well here.

If you play jazz, budget $800 to $2,000 for a semi-hollow or full-hollow body with quality pickups. The hollow chambers add resonance and warmth. Brands like Ibanez Artcore and Epiphone Casino are solid choices at lower prices; Fender and Gibson semi-hollows cost more.

Hidden costs beyond the guitar price

The guitar itself is only the start. You will need an amplifier, which ranges from $50 for a small practice amp to $500+ for a gigging amp. Most beginners buy a 15 to 20-watt amp for $100 to $200.

A cable to connect the guitar to the amp costs $10 to $20. A strap costs $15 to $40. A tuner costs $10 to $30 (or use a free phone app). A capo (a clamp that shortens the strings) costs $10 to $20. Strings cost $5 to $15 per set and need replacing every few months depending on how often you play.

If you take lessons, expect $30 to $60 per hour. A music stand costs $15 to $40. A footstool for classical posture costs $20 to $50. A gig bag to carry the guitar safely costs $40 to $100; a hard case costs $80 to $200.

Budget $300 to $500 total for these extras in your first year. After that, you mainly replace strings and pay for lessons or repairs as needed.

Where to buy and what to watch for

Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and Musician's Friend are national retailers with return policies and warranties. Local music shops often have lower prices and staff who know guitars well. Online retailers like Reverb and eBay have wider selection but require shipping.

Watch for sales around Black Friday, back-to-school season (August), and after the holidays (January). Discounts of 10 to 20 percent are common. Do not wait for a sale to start learning, though—the difference between a $400 guitar now and a $350 guitar in three months is not worth the delay.

Avoid guitars sold at department stores like Walmart or Target. These are often made with poor-quality wood and hardware, and they are hard to return if something is wrong. A $100 department-store guitar will frustrate you within weeks.

If a price seems too low (a $1,000 guitar for $200), it is probably counterfeit, stolen, or damaged. Stick with established retailers or sellers with good reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a $200 guitar good enough to learn on?

Yes. A $200 guitar from Squier or Epiphone will teach you everything you need to know about playing. The limitation is not the guitar—it is your practice time. Many professional guitarists learned on cheap guitars. Once you have played for a year and know you want to continue, upgrading makes sense.

Why do some electric guitars cost $5,000 or more?

Premium materials (aged wood, rare finishes), hand-crafted construction, and brand prestige drive high prices. A $5,000 guitar may sound marginally better than a $2,000 one, but the difference is subtle. These guitars are usually bought by touring musicians or collectors, not beginners.

Should I buy a guitar bundle that includes an amp and cable?

Bundles are a mixed bag. The amp is usually low-quality, and you pay a markup for convenience. If the bundle price is only $50 to $100 more than the guitar alone, it might be worth it. Otherwise, buy the guitar separately and choose your amp based on where you will play.

Can I return a guitar if I do not like it?

Most retailers offer 30 to 60-day returns on new guitars. Reverb and Sweetwater have strong return policies. Local shops vary—ask before you buy. Used guitars sold by individuals typically cannot be returned, so inspect carefully before handing over money.

What is the difference between a Stratocaster and a Les Paul?

A Stratocaster (Fender design) is lighter, has a thinner body, and produces bright, twangy tones. A Les Paul (Gibson design) is heavier, has a thick body, and produces warm, thick tones. Stratocasters suit rock and blues; Les Pauls suit rock, blues, and metal. Both are available at every price point from $200 to $3,000+.