Guitar prices range from under $100 for a beginner model to several thousand dollars for professional instruments

A new acoustic or electric guitar typically costs between $150 and $500 for a beginner-friendly instrument, $500 to $1,500 for an intermediate player, and $1,500 and up for professional-grade guitars. Used guitars cost less—often 30 to 50 percent below new prices for the same model—but condition matters more. The price depends on the brand, wood quality, hardware, whether it's new or used, and what kind of guitar you're buying.

Budget guitars from brands like Yamaha, Squier, and Ibanez are built to teach on and hold up reasonably well. Mid-range guitars from established makers like Fender, Gibson, and Taylor offer better sound and playability. High-end guitars use premium materials, hand-finishing, and tighter tolerances, which is why the price jumps significantly at that level.

Key Takeaways

  • Beginner acoustic and electric guitars cost $150 to $500 new, with used options available for $100 to $300.
  • Intermediate guitars run $500 to $1,500 and are worth the investment if you play regularly and want noticeably better sound.
  • Professional guitars start around $1,500 and can exceed $5,000 depending on the maker and materials.
  • Used guitars cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones but require checking for damage, fret wear, and cracks before buying.
  • The brand name, wood type, and hardware quality are the main drivers of price differences within each category.

What You Pay for a Beginner Guitar

A beginner acoustic guitar costs $150 to $400 new. Brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Ibanez make solid starter models at this price. The wood is often laminated rather than solid, the finish may be thinner, and the hardware is basic—but the guitar plays in tune and won't fall apart after a few months of practice.

Beginner electric guitars run $150 to $500 and usually come with an amplifier bundle, which brings the total closer to $300 to $600. A bundle typically includes a small practice amp (10 to 20 watts), a cable, a strap, and sometimes a tuner or picks. Buying a bundle saves money compared to buying each piece separately.

Used beginner guitars are often the better deal. You can find a used Yamaha or Squier in good condition for $80 to $250. Check the frets for deep wear, look inside the body for cracks, and play it to make sure the neck isn't warped. A warped neck is a deal-breaker because fixing it costs $100 to $300.

Intermediate Guitars and What Changes

An intermediate acoustic guitar costs $500 to $1,200. At this price, you get solid wood tops (usually spruce or cedar) instead of laminate, better hardware, and a noticeably warmer, louder tone. Brands like Taylor, Martin, and Takamine are common at this level. The difference in sound between a $300 guitar and a $800 guitar is real—the wood resonates better and the overall build is tighter.

Intermediate electric guitars range from $500 to $1,500. You get better pickups (which capture the string vibration more clearly), improved electronics, and hardware that stays in tune longer. Fender's American-made Stratocasters and Telecasters, Gibson's Les Paul models, and Ibanez's higher-end lines fall into this range. The playability improves too—the frets are dressed more precisely and the neck feels smoother.

At the intermediate level, buying used makes strong financial sense. A used intermediate guitar often costs $300 to $800 and plays nearly as well as a new one if it's been cared for. Check for fret wear by sighting down the neck, inspect the tuning machines to make sure they turn smoothly, and test every fret to listen for buzzing.

Professional and High-End Guitars

A professional acoustic guitar starts around $1,500 and can reach $5,000 or more. High-end makers like Martin, Taylor, and Collings use premium tonewoods (like Indian rosewood or European spruce), hand-finishing, and meticulous setup. The sound is significantly richer and the guitar holds its value better than budget models.

Professional electric guitars range from $1,500 to $4,000 for standard production models. Custom shop guitars—built to your specifications by the manufacturer—cost $2,500 to $8,000 or higher. Gibson Custom Shop, Fender Custom Shop, and PRS guitars are examples. At this level, you're paying for superior materials, hand-assembly, and the maker's reputation.

Vintage guitars (typically 20 years old or older) can cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000 depending on the model, condition, and rarity. A 1960s Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul is a significant investment. Vintage prices are driven by collector demand and the guitar's condition, so research comparable sales before buying.

Factors That Change the Price

The wood type is one of the biggest price drivers. Solid spruce or cedar tops on acoustics cost more than laminated tops. On electrics, mahogany and maple bodies are pricier than basswood. Exotic woods like rosewood or koa push the price higher still.

The brand name matters. Fender, Gibson, and Taylor command higher prices because they have established reputations and consistent quality control. Lesser-known brands like Cort or Squier offer good value but don't hold resale value as well.

Hardware quality affects tuning stability and durability. Cheap tuning machines slip under string tension; expensive ones stay locked. Better bridge pins, nut materials, and strap buttons all add to the cost. On electrics, the pickup quality—whether they're hand-wound or mass-produced—changes the price significantly.

New versus used is the most obvious factor. A used guitar loses 30 to 50 percent of its new price when ready, then depreciates more slowly. A guitar that cost $800 new might sell used for $400 to $500 after a few years of playing.

Where to Buy and Price Variation

Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and Thomann are large retailers with consistent pricing and return policies. Local music shops often have lower prices on used guitars and may negotiate on bundles. Online marketplaces like Reverb and eBay have wider selection but require more caution—check seller ratings and return policies carefully.

Prices vary slightly by region and retailer. A Fender Stratocaster might cost $599 at one store and $649 at another. Reverb and Sweetwater often have competitive pricing because they operate nationally. Local shops may charge more but offer setup services and the chance to play before buying.

Sales and discounts happen year-round but are most common around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school season. You might see 10 to 20 percent off on certain models during these periods. Buying a used guitar from a private seller usually gives you the lowest price, but you have no recourse if something is wrong with it.

Budget Planning for Your First Guitar

If you're just starting, plan to spend $200 to $400 on a new beginner guitar or $100 to $250 on a used one. Add another $50 to $100 for a tuner, strap, and cable if you're buying used. A beginner acoustic needs nothing else; a beginner electric needs an amplifier, which adds $100 to $300 to the total.

If you've been playing for a year or more and practice regularly, upgrading to an intermediate guitar ($500 to $1,000) will noticeably improve your sound and make playing more enjoyable. The jump in quality is worth the cost at this point. If you're still deciding whether guitar is for you, stick with a budget model first.

For professional use—recording, performing, or teaching—budget $1,500 and up. A professional guitar is an investment that lasts decades and holds value better than cheaper models. Many professionals own multiple guitars for different styles or as backups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a $200 guitar good enough to learn on?

Yes. A $200 beginner guitar from Yamaha or Squier plays in tune and won't discourage you from practicing. The main risk is that cheap hardware may need adjustment after a few months, which costs $50 to $100 at a repair shop. If you're unsure about committing to guitar, a budget model is the right choice.

How much should I spend if I play every day?

If you practice daily, a $500 to $1,000 intermediate guitar is worth the investment. The better playability and tone will keep you motivated, and the guitar will last much longer than a budget model. You'll notice the difference when ready.

Do expensive guitars sound that much better?

Yes, but the improvement is most noticeable between $200 and $800. A $1,500 guitar sounds better than an $800 one, but the difference is smaller. Above $2,000, you're often paying for brand prestige, hand-finishing, and resale value rather than a dramatic sound improvement.

Should I buy new or used?

Used is the better value if you know what to look for. A used intermediate guitar costs 30 to 50 percent less than new and plays just as well if it's been maintained. Buy new if you want a warranty and the peace of mind that comes with it, or if you can't inspect the guitar in person before purchasing.

What's included in the price of a bundle?

A beginner electric bundle typically includes the guitar, a small amplifier, a cable, a strap, and sometimes a tuner or picks. The amp is usually 10 to 20 watts—fine for practice but not for performing. Bundles save $50 to $150 compared to buying each item separately.