Guitar prices range from under $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the type, brand, and quality of materials and construction
A beginner acoustic or electric guitar typically costs between $150 and $500. A mid-range instrument—one that sounds good, stays in tune, and won't frustrate you as you learn—usually falls between $300 and $800. Professional-grade guitars start around $1,000 and can easily exceed $3,000 or $5,000. Vintage or handmade instruments can cost far more.
The price difference reflects real things: wood quality, hardware durability, how well the neck is shaped, whether the frets are properly leveled, and the brand's reputation for holding up over time. A $150 guitar will work, but you may fight tuning stability, buzzing strings, or an uncomfortable neck shape. A $400 guitar usually plays and sounds noticeably better. Beyond that, you're often paying for brand prestige, aesthetics, or features you won't use as a beginner.
Key Takeaways
- A playable beginner guitar costs $150 to $500; a solid mid-range instrument runs $300 to $800.
- Acoustic guitars and electric guitars are priced separately—acoustics often cost less at the entry level, but electric guitars require an amplifier ($50 to $300 extra).
- Used guitars can cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones, but require you to inspect the neck, frets, and hardware for damage.
- Setup and maintenance costs—new strings, truss rod adjustments, fret leveling—add $50 to $200 per year depending on how often you play.
- Brand name matters less than playability when you're starting out; a lesser-known $400 guitar often plays better than a famous brand at the same price.
Acoustic versus electric: where the price difference comes from
Acoustic guitars are usually cheaper at the entry level. A beginner acoustic runs $150 to $400, while a beginner electric typically costs $200 to $500. However, an electric guitar requires an amplifier, which adds $50 to $300 to your initial cost. A small practice amp (15 to 30 watts) costs $50 to $150. A decent amp for playing with others or in a band runs $200 to $500.
Acoustics need less additional gear—you can play them unplugged anywhere—but they're harder on your fingers when you're learning. Electrics are gentler on your hands because the strings are thinner and closer to the neck, which is why many beginners find them easier to practice on despite the amplifier cost.
The wood and construction quality also differ. Acoustic guitars rely on wood resonance to project sound, so the top wood (usually spruce) and back/sides (usually mahogany or rosewood) matter more to the final sound. Electric guitars depend more on electronics and amplification, so the wood choice affects tone less dramatically. This is why you can find a playable beginner electric for less than a playable beginner acoustic.
What you actually pay for at different price points
Under $150: The guitar will work, but expect tuning pegs that slip, frets that buzz when you press down, and a neck that may be uncomfortable. These guitars are often made from cheaper wood and assembled with less precision. They're fine for testing whether you want to play, but they can discourage you because they're harder to play in tune.
$150 to $400: This is the sweet spot for beginners. The wood is better, the frets are leveled more carefully, and the tuning pegs hold their position. The neck shape is usually comfortable. You'll still outgrow it eventually, but you won't fight the instrument while learning basics.
$400 to $1,000: The sound improves noticeably. The wood is higher quality, the hardware is more durable, and the overall craftsmanship is tighter. These guitars hold their value better and last longer. Many intermediate players stay with a guitar in this range for years.
$1,000 and up: You're paying for professional-grade materials, hand-finishing, brand reputation, and resale value. A $2,000 guitar sounds and plays better than a $1,000 one, but the improvement is smaller than the jump from $300 to $600. At this level, personal preference and feel matter more than raw specs.
Buying used: how to save money without buying a problem
A used guitar typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than the same model new. A $600 guitar might sell used for $350 to $400. However, you need to inspect it carefully because damage to the neck, frets, or body can be expensive to repair.
Check the neck by sighting down it from the headstock—it should be nearly straight with only a tiny curve. A twisted or severely bowed neck can cost $200 to $500 to repair. Look at the frets for deep divots or uneven wear. Run your hand along the body for cracks, especially around the neck joint. Test every tuning peg to make sure it turns smoothly. Plug in an electric guitar and listen for crackling or buzzing in the electronics.
Buy from a music store's used section or a reputable seller rather than a stranger, if you can. Music stores often do basic setup and inspection before selling used stock. Private sellers sometimes don't disclose problems. If you're buying from someone you don't know, ask to have a local music teacher or technician inspect it before you hand over money.
Setup, maintenance, and hidden costs after purchase
A new guitar often needs setup—adjustments to the neck, bridge, and string height to make it play comfortably and stay in tune. A professional setup costs $50 to $150 and is worth doing once, especially on a used guitar or a budget new one.
Strings wear out and need replacing every 1 to 3 months depending on how often you play. A set of acoustic strings costs $8 to $20. Electric strings cost $6 to $15. If you take lessons or play regularly, budget $50 to $100 per year for strings alone.
A truss rod adjustment—which corrects neck bow and keeps the guitar playable—costs $30 to $75 if a technician does it. Fret leveling or fret crowning (fixing uneven frets) runs $100 to $300. These aren't routine; you only need them if the guitar develops problems or after years of heavy play.
A case or gig bag protects your guitar and costs $30 to $200 depending on quality. A cheap gig bag ($30 to $60) is fine for moving between home and lessons. A hard case ($100 to $200) is better if you transport the guitar often or store it in a basement or attic where temperature and humidity fluctuate.
Brand names and whether they matter for beginners
Famous brands like Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, and Taylor command higher prices partly because of reputation and resale value, and partly because they genuinely have good quality control. However, lesser-known brands like Epiphone, Squier, Ibanez, and Cort often make guitars that play just as well at the same price point.
A Squier Stratocaster (Fender's budget line) costs $200 to $400 and plays well for a beginner. A Fender Stratocaster costs $600 to $1,200 and plays better, but the difference is smaller than the price gap. For your first guitar, a well-reviewed budget brand often makes more sense than stretching for a famous name.
Resale value does matter if you think you might sell the guitar later. A used Fender or Gibson holds its price better than an unknown brand. But if you're buying to learn and keep, the brand matters far less than whether the individual guitar feels good in your hands and sounds good to your ear.
How to figure out what to spend
Start by asking yourself how serious you are. If you're testing whether you want to play, spend $150 to $250 on a used guitar or a budget new one. You'll know within a few weeks whether you want to continue. If you do, you can always sell it and upgrade.
If you're committing to lessons and regular practice, spend $300 to $600. This range gives you a guitar that won't frustrate you and will last years if you take care of it. You won't outgrow it in three months, and you'll actually enjoy playing it.
If you're an intermediate player upgrading from a beginner guitar, spend $600 to $1,200. The improvement in sound and playability is real and noticeable at this level.
Don't buy based on looks or brand alone. Play several guitars in your price range and pick the one that feels best and sounds best to you. A guitar you enjoy playing is one you'll actually practice on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I learn on a cheap guitar?
Yes, but it's harder. A $100 guitar will teach you the basics, but tuning problems and buzzing strings make practice frustrating. A $300 to $400 guitar removes those obstacles and lets you focus on learning rather than fighting the instrument.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is cheaper if you inspect it carefully for neck damage, fret wear, and cracks. New is safer if you don't know how to spot problems. A used guitar from a music store's inventory is a good middle ground—they've already checked it.
Do I need an expensive amplifier for an electric guitar?
No. A $50 to $100 practice amp is fine for learning at home. You only need a bigger amp ($300+) if you're playing with a band or in a venue. Start small and upgrade later if you need to.
What's the difference between a $400 guitar and a $1,000 guitar?
Wood quality, hardware durability, and craftsmanship. A $1,000 guitar sounds noticeably better and lasts longer, but the improvement is smaller than jumping from $150 to $400. Most players stay in the $300 to $800 range.
Will a guitar hold its value if I want to sell it later?
Used guitars typically sell for 30 to 50 percent of their new price. Brand-name guitars (Fender, Gibson, Yamaha) hold value better than unknown brands. But don't buy based on resale value—buy based on what you'll actually play.