Electric guitar prices range from $150 to $3,000 for most players, with beginner models at the lower end and professional-grade instruments at the top

An electric guitar's price depends on the brand, wood quality, hardware, and whether it's new or used. A playable beginner guitar costs $150 to $300. A solid mid-range instrument that will last years runs $400 to $1,000. Professional models used by touring musicians start at $1,200 and can exceed $3,000. Used guitars often cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones in the same category.

The price you pay also reflects what you get: cheaper guitars may have tuning problems, higher action (string height), or finishes that wear quickly. Mid-range guitars hold their value better and rarely need repairs in the first five years. Professional guitars use premium wood, precise fretwork, and hardware that stays stable through heavy use and temperature changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Beginner electric guitars cost $150 to $300 and work well for learning, though they may need setup adjustments out of the box.
  • Mid-range guitars ($400 to $1,000) offer better tuning stability, playability, and resale value than budget models.
  • Professional guitars ($1,200 and up) use higher-grade materials and hold their tone and playability through years of touring and recording.
  • Used guitars typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones and are often a better value if you buy from a reputable seller or music store.
  • The amplifier, cables, and strap cost an additional $100 to $500 and are necessary to play the guitar.

What you pay for in a beginner guitar ($150–$300)

Budget guitars get you a working instrument with six strings, frets, and pickups. They are made from cheaper wood (often plywood or laminate on the body), have basic tuning machines, and use simpler electronics. Many come with a gig bag and a cable, which saves you $30 to $50.

The trade-off is setup. Budget guitars often arrive with high action, meaning the strings sit far from the fretboard and are hard to press down. A music store can lower the action for $30 to $75, which makes a huge difference in playability. Some budget models also have frets that are not perfectly level, which causes buzzing when you play certain notes. This is not a defect you can fix yourself.

Brands like Squier (owned by Fender), Epiphone (owned by Gibson), and Ibanez make beginner models that hold up to regular practice. Avoid no-name brands sold only online, because you have no way to inspect the guitar before it arrives and no local shop to fix it if something breaks.

Mid-range guitars ($400–$1,000): where most players land

A mid-range electric guitar uses solid wood on the top and back, better tuning machines, and pickups that sound fuller and clearer. It arrives closer to playable condition and rarely needs setup work. The frets are level, the neck does not twist, and the tuning machines hold pitch through a full set.

This is the price range where you start to hear real differences between brands. A Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster in this range ($500–$800) has a bright, clear tone and a neck that feels smooth. A Gibson Les Paul or SG ($600–$1,000) is heavier, has a thicker tone, and holds its value better than most guitars. An Ibanez or PRS in this range offers fast, thin necks and modern electronics.

Mid-range guitars also hold their resale value. If you buy a $600 guitar and play it for two years, you can usually sell it for $350 to $450. Budget guitars often sell for half that percentage of their original price.

Professional guitars ($1,200 and up)

Professional guitars use premium wood, hand-finished frets, and hardware that does not wear out. A high-end Fender Custom Shop or Gibson Custom guitar ($1,500–$3,000) is built to order and may take months to arrive. These guitars are played on stage and in recording studios because they sound consistent and stay in tune through long sets.

The difference between a $800 guitar and a $2,000 guitar is not always obvious to a beginner's ear. Professional players hear it in sustain (how long a note rings), clarity, and how the wood resonates. A professional guitar also holds its value better: a $2,000 guitar may sell for $1,200 to $1,500 five years later, while a $600 guitar might sell for $300.

Boutique brands like PRS, Suhr, and Tom Anderson make guitars in small batches with exotic wood and custom finishes. These guitars cost $2,000 to $4,000 and are built for players who have already invested years in the instrument.

Used guitars: 30 to 50 percent savings

A used guitar from a music store or a reputable online seller costs significantly less than new. A five-year-old mid-range guitar that cost $600 new typically sells for $300 to $400. The same guitar from a pawn shop or private seller might cost $250, but you have no warranty and no way to return it if something is wrong.

Buy used from a music store whenever possible. They inspect the guitar, replace worn frets if needed, and stand behind the sale. If you buy from a private seller, ask to play it in person, check that all frets are level, and make sure the tuning machines turn smoothly. Look for cracks in the wood, which are expensive to repair.

Vintage guitars (more than 20 years old) from major brands like Fender and Gibson often cost more than newer models because they are sought by collectors. A 1965 Fender Stratocaster can cost $5,000 to $15,000. These are investments, not beginner guitars.

What else you need to buy

The guitar itself is only part of the cost. You also need an amplifier ($100–$500), a cable ($10–$30), a strap ($15–$40), and a tuner ($15–$50). A beginner amp that works for practice costs $100 to $150. A gigging amp that can play small venues costs $300 to $600.

A complete beginner setup—guitar, amp, cable, strap, and tuner—costs $300 to $500 total if you buy budget versions. A mid-range setup costs $700 to $1,500. Do not skip the amp: you cannot hear what you are playing without one, and a cheap amp will sound thin and tinny.

How to choose based on your budget

If you have $300 to $400 total, buy a used mid-range guitar ($250–$300) and a small practice amp ($100–$150). This gives you better playability than a new budget guitar and a working setup. If you have $600 to $800, buy a new mid-range guitar ($400–$600) and a decent amp ($150–$200). If you have $1,200 or more, buy a new professional guitar ($1,000–$1,200) and a gigging amp ($200–$300).

Do not overspend on the guitar if you are just starting. A $300 guitar is enough to learn on. The difference between a $300 guitar and a $600 guitar matters less than consistent practice. Once you have played for a year or two, you will know what tone and feel you want, and you can upgrade to a guitar that matches your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a $200 electric guitar good enough to learn on?

Yes, if it has been set up properly. A $200 guitar from a reputable brand like Squier or Epiphone will work for learning chords and scales. Ask the music store to check the action and level the frets before you take it home. A poorly set up $200 guitar is harder to play than a properly set up one.

Why do some electric guitars cost $3,000 or more?

Premium materials, hand labor, and brand reputation drive the price. A $3,000 guitar uses aged wood, custom pickups, and frets finished by hand. It also holds its value better and may last 30 years without needing repairs. Most players do not need to spend this much.

Should I buy a used guitar or a new one?

Buy used from a music store if you want to save money and get a warranty. Buy new if you want to choose the exact color and finish, or if you are a beginner and want peace of mind. A used guitar from a pawn shop or private seller is risky unless you can inspect it in person and play it first.

Do I need an expensive amp to sound good?

No. A $150 practice amp is enough to hear what you are playing and develop your tone. A $300 to $500 amp sounds better and lasts longer, but it will not make a beginner sound professional. Your playing skill matters more than the amp price.

Can I find a good electric guitar for under $200?

Yes, but you may need to budget for setup. A $150 to $200 guitar from Squier, Epiphone, or Ibanez is playable, but it often arrives with high action or uneven frets. A $30 to $75 setup at a music store makes a big difference in how it feels to play.