The main places to buy a guitar are music stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and private sellers — each with different prices, selection, and return policies
You can walk into a local music store and play before you buy, order from an online retailer and have it shipped, browse used guitars on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or buy from a pawn shop or vintage dealer. The choice depends on your budget, whether you want to test the instrument first, and how much time you have. A beginner package from a big-box store costs less but may not sound as good as a mid-range guitar from a music store. Buying used cuts the price in half but requires you to inspect the instrument for damage.
Key Takeaways
- Local music stores let you play the guitar before buying and offer staff information, but prices are usually higher than online.
- Online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Amazon have lower prices and fast shipping, but you cannot test the sound or feel before it arrives.
- Used guitars from private sellers, pawn shops, and vintage dealers cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones, but you need to check for cracks, fret wear, and electronics problems.
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Target sell beginner packages cheaply, but the quality is often poor and they rarely have staff who know guitars.
- Return policies vary widely — some online stores offer 30 days, others do not accept returns on used gear, so read the terms before you buy.
Local music stores: playing before you buy
A music store lets you hold the guitar, tune it, and play a few chords to hear how it sounds in the room. The staff can answer questions about action height, pickup types, and whether the neck is straight. They can also recommend a guitar that fits your hand size and playing style. For a beginner, this guidance is worth the extra cost.
Prices at local stores are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than online, because the store pays rent and staff wages. However, many stores will negotiate on price if you ask, especially if you are buying a bundle with a strap, cable, and tuner. Some also offer a trade-in credit if you bring in an old guitar. Check whether the store offers a return window — most allow 30 days if the guitar is unplayed, but some do not.
Online retailers: lower prices and home delivery
Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Thomann, and Reverb are the largest online guitar retailers. They stock thousands of models, from budget student guitars to professional instruments, and ship within a few days. Prices are 10 to 30 percent lower than local stores because they have no physical location. Many offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
The downside is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. If it sounds wrong or feels uncomfortable, you will need to return it — and return shipping costs money. Read the return policy before you order. Sweetwater and Musician's Friend allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed. Reverb's policy depends on the seller, so check each listing. Amazon's return window is usually 30 days, but some third-party sellers have shorter windows.
Used guitars: half the price, but inspect carefully
Buying used cuts the cost in half. A guitar that sells new for $400 may cost $200 on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Reverb also has a large used section with guitars from dealers and private sellers. Pawn shops and vintage dealers carry used stock and often negotiate on price.
Before you meet a seller, ask for photos of the front, back, headstock, and frets. Look for cracks in the wood, especially around the neck joint — a crack is expensive to repair. Check whether the frets are worn flat or pitted, which affects playability. If it is an electric guitar, ask the seller to test the pickups and electronics. Meet in person and play the guitar for at least five minutes. Bring a tuner and a capo to test different positions on the neck. If something feels wrong, walk away — there are always more guitars for sale.
Big-box retailers: cheap but low quality
Walmart, Target, and Best Buy sell beginner guitar packages for $80 to $150. These bundles include the guitar, a strap, a cable, and sometimes a tuner or picks. The price is hard to beat if you are buying for a child or testing whether you will stick with the instrument.
The trade-off is sound and durability. Budget guitars often have poor intonation, meaning the higher frets play out of tune. The wood is thin, the hardware is cheap, and the electronics on electric models may fail quickly. Staff at these stores usually cannot answer technical questions about guitars. If you decide to keep playing after a few months, you will likely want to upgrade. For that reason, buying used from a private seller is often a better choice than a new budget guitar — you get better quality for the same price.
Pawn shops and vintage dealers: character and negotiation
Pawn shops and vintage dealers carry used guitars at prices between online retailers and private sellers. Staff at a good vintage shop know the history of the instrument and can spot repairs or modifications. They may also offer a short warranty or allow you to return the guitar within a week if something is wrong.
Prices are negotiable. If a guitar is priced at $300 and has been on the shelf for months, the owner may accept $250. Ask what the lowest price is before you make an offer. Check the return policy in writing — some shops have a no-return policy on used gear, while others allow seven days. Inspect the guitar the same way you would with a private seller: look for cracks, test the frets, and play it for several minutes.
What to compare when you are choosing where to buy
| Where to Buy | Price Range | Can You Play First? | Return Policy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local music store | Full retail | Yes | Usually 30 days | Beginners who want information |
| Online retailer | 10–30% off retail | No | Usually 30 days | Specific models, fast shipping |
| Used from private seller | 30–50% off retail | Yes | None | Budget-conscious buyers |
| Big-box store | $80–$150 bundle | Limited | Usually 30 days | Testing the hobby, children |
| Pawn shop or vintage dealer | 30–40% off retail | Yes | Varies, sometimes none | Vintage or rare models |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy new or used?
Used is better if you want to save money and do not mind inspecting the guitar for damage. New is better if you want a warranty and do not want to worry about hidden problems. A used guitar from a reputable seller or dealer often sounds better than a new budget guitar at the same price.
What should I check when I look at a used guitar in person?
Look at the wood for cracks, especially near the neck. Play each fret from the first to the last and listen for buzzing or dead spots. Check that the tuning pegs turn smoothly and the electronics work if it is electric. Ask the seller how old it is and whether it has been repaired.
Can I return a guitar if I buy it online and do not like how it sounds?
Most online retailers allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed, but you pay for return shipping. Some sellers do not accept returns at all. Read the return policy before you order. If sound quality is important to you, buying from a local store where you can play first may save you the hassle.
Are guitars from big-box stores worth buying?
They are worth buying only if you are testing whether you will stick with the hobby or buying for a young child. The sound and build quality are poor, and you will likely outgrow the guitar quickly. A used guitar from a private seller costs the same and sounds much better.
What is the difference between Reverb, Sweetwater, and Musician's Friend?
Sweetwater and Musician's Friend are large retailers with their own inventory and fast shipping. Reverb is a marketplace where dealers and private sellers list guitars, so prices and return policies vary by seller. All three have good reputations and reasonable return windows.