The main places to buy a guitar
You can buy a guitar from a music store, a general retailer, online marketplaces, or a private seller. Each route has different advantages depending on whether you want to play before you buy, need information from someone who knows guitars, or are looking for a specific model or price point.
Music stores let you hold and play instruments before paying. General retailers like Walmart and Target stock beginner models but offer limited selection and staff knowledge. Online marketplaces and the websites of major retailers give you access to thousands of options and often lower prices, but you cannot test the instrument first. Private sellers—through classified ads, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist—often have used guitars at lower prices, though you take on more risk of hidden damage.
Key Takeaways
- Local music stores let you play before you buy and get information from staff who know guitars, but prices are usually higher than online.
- Online retailers and marketplaces offer wider selection and lower prices, but you cannot inspect the guitar or hear how it sounds before it arrives.
- Used guitars from private sellers cost less but require you to inspect the instrument yourself or pay for a pre-purchase inspection.
- Big-box retailers stock only beginner models and rarely have staff trained to help you choose an instrument that fits your needs.
- Buying from a music store often includes setup and adjustment before you take the guitar home, which online purchases do not.
Music stores: playing before you buy
A local music store is the only place where you can hold the guitar, play it, and hear how it sounds before you commit. Staff can answer questions about action (string height), neck shape, and whether a particular model suits your playing style and hand size. Many stores also offer setup—adjusting the neck, bridge, and strings so the guitar plays comfortably—as part of the sale or for a small fee.
The trade-off is price. Music stores typically charge more than online retailers because they pay rent, staff, and inventory costs. However, if you are new to guitars, the information and the chance to try different models often justifies the higher cost. Ask the staff whether they offer a return window—many do, usually 14 to 30 days—so you can take the guitar home, practice with it, and bring it back if it does not feel right.
To find a music store near you, search "guitar shop near me" or check whether chains like Guitar Center, Sweetwater (which has some physical locations), or local independent shops operate in your area. Call ahead to confirm they have the type and price range you are looking for in stock.
Online retailers: wider choice and lower prices
Websites like Sweetwater, Thomann, Reverb, Amazon, and the online stores of major music retailers stock thousands of guitars at prices lower than brick-and-mortar shops. You can read customer reviews, compare models side by side, and often find used or refurbished instruments at significant discounts.
The main limitation is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. You are relying on product descriptions, photos, and reviews from other buyers. Shipping costs money and takes time—usually three to seven business days for standard delivery. If the guitar arrives damaged or does not meet your expectations, you will need to arrange a return, which can take another week or two.
Reputable online retailers like Sweetwater and Reverb have strong return policies (often 30 days or more) and will cover return shipping if the guitar is defective. Amazon's return window varies by seller but is typically 30 days. Before you order, read the return policy and check whether the seller covers return shipping or whether you pay for it.
Used guitars from private sellers
Buying used from a private seller—through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or local classified ads—can save you 30 to 50 percent compared to a new guitar from a store. You are buying directly from someone who owns the instrument, so there is no middleman markup.
The risk is that you cannot always tell whether the guitar has hidden damage. A crack in the wood, a warped neck, or worn frets may not be obvious in photos or a brief in-person meeting. Before you hand over money, inspect the guitar in person: look for cracks, check that the neck is straight by sighting down it, play every fret on every string, and ask the seller about any repairs or damage history.
If you are not confident in your ability to spot problems, you can pay a local music store or luthier (guitar repair specialist) to inspect the guitar before you buy—usually $30 to $75. This cost is worth it if you are spending several hundred dollars on a used instrument. Always meet the seller in a safe public place, bring someone with you if possible, and never send money before seeing the guitar in person.
Big-box retailers: beginner models only
Stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock a small selection of beginner acoustic and electric guitars, usually in the $100 to $300 range. These are convenient if you want to pick up an instrument the same day and do not want to travel to a music store.
The downside is limited choice and staff who may not know guitars well. You will not find mid-range or high-end models, and the staff cannot advise you on whether a particular guitar suits your needs. Setup is rarely included, so you may need to take the guitar to a music store afterward to have it adjusted for playability.
Big-box retailers are reasonable for a true beginner who wants an inexpensive instrument to learn on, but if you have any specific preferences—a particular brand, body style, or price range above $300—you will have better luck at a music store or online.
What to compare when shopping
Regardless of where you buy, compare these factors across your options: the type of guitar (acoustic, electric, classical), the brand and model, the price, the condition (new or used), the return policy, and whether setup is included. If you are buying online, also factor in shipping time and cost.
Write down the model numbers and prices from at least three sources—a local store, an online retailer, and a used marketplace—so you can see the real price range. A guitar that costs $400 at a music store might be $320 online and $200 used, but the used one may need setup or repair. The lowest price is not always the best deal if it means paying for shipping, waiting two weeks, or inheriting someone else's problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy new or used?
New guitars come with a warranty and are may provide to be in working condition, but cost more. Used guitars are cheaper but may need repair or setup. If you are a beginner, a new budget model from a music store or online retailer is often the safer choice. If you know what you want and can inspect the instrument yourself, used can save you money.
Should I buy online or in a store?
Buy in a store if you are new to guitars, want to play before you commit, or need information. Buy online if you know exactly what model you want, are comfortable with the return process, or cannot reach a music store. Many people do both: try guitars in a store to learn what they like, then buy online if the price is significantly lower.
What if I order online and the guitar arrives damaged?
Contact the retailer when ready with photos of the damage. Reputable sellers will replace the guitar or refund your money and cover return shipping. Keep the original packaging and do not attempt repairs yourself, as that may void the return. Document everything in writing—email, not phone calls—so you have a record.
Can I return a guitar if I just change my mind?
Most music stores and online retailers allow returns within 14 to 30 days if the guitar is in good condition and you have the receipt. Some stores charge a restocking fee (usually 10 to 15 percent). Read the return policy before you buy. Private sellers are under no obligation to accept returns, so confirm the return terms before you meet.
How much should I expect to spend?
A playable beginner acoustic or electric guitar costs $100 to $300 new. Mid-range guitars that sound and play noticeably better run $300 to $800. High-end instruments start around $800 and go much higher. Used guitars in good condition typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than new models of the same type and brand.