The main places to buy an electric guitar

You can buy an electric guitar from a music store, a general retailer, online marketplaces, or a private seller. Music stores—both chain locations and independent shops—stock guitars at various price points and let you play before you buy. General retailers like Walmart and Target carry budget models. Online marketplaces including Reverb, eBay, and Amazon offer the widest selection and often lower prices, but you cannot test the instrument. Private sellers through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local classified ads sometimes offer used guitars at steep discounts, though you take on more risk.

Each route has real trade-offs. A music store charges more but gives you hands-on testing, staff information, and a return policy. Online buying saves money and time but requires shipping, and returns can be slow. Used guitars from private sellers are cheapest but may have hidden damage or setup problems you will not discover until after the sale.

Key Takeaways

  • Music stores let you play the guitar before buying and offer staff guidance, but prices run 10 to 20 percent higher than online retailers.
  • Online marketplaces like Reverb and Amazon have the largest selection and lowest prices, but you cannot inspect the instrument and shipping takes time.
  • Used guitars from private sellers cost significantly less but come with no warranty and require you to spot damage or setup issues yourself.
  • Chain retailers like Guitar Center and Sweetwater offer a middle ground—moderate prices, some in-store testing, and faster shipping than small shops.
  • Budget models under $200 are available at all retailers, but guitars in the $300 to $500 range offer better build quality and playability for beginners.

Music stores: testing before you commit

A local music store or chain like Guitar Center, Sweetwater, or Sam Ash lets you hold and play multiple guitars in one visit. This matters because electric guitars vary in neck width, body weight, and how the strings feel under your fingers—things you cannot judge from a photo. Staff can also show you how to hold the guitar, adjust the strap, and explain what different features do.

Expect to pay list price or close to it at a music store. However, many stores will negotiate on price, especially if you are buying a bundle (guitar, cable, strap, tuner). Ask about their return window—most offer 30 to 60 days—and whether they do free setup or adjustments. Some stores also offer beginner lessons or rental-to-own programs if you want to try before committing to a purchase.

Online retailers: lowest prices and widest selection

Reverb.com, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Amazon stock hundreds of electric guitar models from entry-level to professional grade. Prices are typically 10 to 20 percent lower than in-store because online retailers have lower overhead. Reverb also connects you to private sellers, so you can find used and vintage guitars alongside new stock.

The downside is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. Read the product description and customer reviews carefully—they often mention neck feel, sound, and build quality. Check the return policy: most online retailers offer 30 days, but some charge a restocking fee for returns. Shipping takes 3 to 10 business days depending on the retailer and your location. If the guitar arrives damaged, photograph it and contact the seller when ready; most will ship a replacement or issue a refund.

Used guitars from private sellers

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classified ads are where you find used guitars from people selling their own instruments. Prices are often 30 to 50 percent below retail because there is no middleman. You can inspect the guitar in person, play it, and sometimes negotiate the price on the spot.

The risk is that you have no warranty and no recourse if the guitar has hidden problems. Before meeting a seller, ask for photos of the front, back, headstock, and frets. Look for cracks in the body or neck, rust on the hardware, or frets that are worn unevenly. If you are not confident judging condition yourself, bring someone with guitar experience or ask the seller if you can take it to a repair shop for a quick inspection (usually $20 to $50). Never send money before seeing the guitar in person.

Chain retailers and big-box stores

Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and Musician's Friend are large chains with both online and in-store presence. They stock beginner and mid-range models, offer price matching, and often have sales or bundle deals. Many locations have a rental program where you can rent a guitar for $20 to $40 per month and explore part of the rental fee toward a purchase.

Walmart and Target carry budget electric guitars under $200, usually from brands like First Act or Fender Squier. These are fine for absolute beginners, but the build quality and playability are noticeably lower than guitars in the $300 to $500 range. If you buy from a big-box store, test it in-store if possible and check the return policy—most allow returns within 30 days with a receipt.

What to expect at different price points

Electric guitars under $200 are usually made with cheaper materials and looser tolerances. They work for learning, but the neck may feel uncomfortable, the tuning may not hold well, and the sound is thin. Brands like Squier, Ibanez GIO, and Epiphone make playable budget models in this range.

Guitars between $300 and $600 offer noticeably better build quality, more comfortable necks, and fuller sound. This is where most beginners should aim if they can afford it—the difference in playability makes practice more enjoyable and helps you progress faster. Fender Squier Stratocasters, Epiphone Les Pauls, and Ibanez RG models are solid choices here.

Above $600, you are paying for better electronics, premium wood, and tighter craftsmanship. These guitars are built to last decades and hold their value well on the used market. Unless you are certain you will stick with guitar, you do not need to spend this much as a beginner.

Comparing new versus used

A new guitar comes with a warranty (usually one to two years) and the assurance that nothing is hidden. You also get the full lifespan of the instrument ahead of you. The trade-off is cost—new guitars cost more and depreciate quickly in the first year.

A used guitar costs less and has already absorbed most of its depreciation, so you lose less money if you decide guitar is not for you. However, you inherit any wear, damage, or setup issues the previous owner left behind. A used guitar that has been well maintained and properly stored is often a better value than a cheap new one, but a neglected used guitar can be a money pit. If you buy used, budget $50 to $100 for a professional setup and inspection after purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a cheap guitar under $150?

A cheap new guitar can work for the first few months of learning, but poor playability often discourages beginners from practicing. A used mid-range guitar in good condition is usually a better investment because it plays better and holds its value longer. If budget is tight, consider renting from a music store instead.

Can I return a guitar if I change my mind?

Most music stores and online retailers offer 30 to 60 day returns, but some charge a restocking fee of 10 to 15 percent. Private sellers typically do not accept returns. Always check the return policy before you buy, and keep your receipt and original packaging.

What should I look for when inspecting a used guitar in person?

Check the body and neck for cracks or deep scratches. Look at the frets—they should be shiny and even, not worn flat in the middle. Plug it in and play each string to make sure none are dead or buzzing. Turn the tuning pegs to see if they turn smoothly. Ask the seller how old it is and whether it has been stored in a stable temperature.

Should I buy online or in a store as a beginner?

If you have never held an electric guitar, a music store visit is worth the extra cost because you can feel the difference between neck shapes and body sizes. Once you know what you like, online buying saves money. Many beginners do both—test guitars in a store, then buy the same model online for less.

Do I need to buy from the same place where I get lessons?

No. Some music stores offer lessons and may pressure you to buy from them, but you can take lessons anywhere and buy your guitar from whoever offers the best price and selection. Shop around before committing to a teacher or a store.