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, compare prices quickly, or find a used instrument. Music stores let you hold and test guitars in person. Online retailers often have lower prices and wider selection. Used marketplaces and private sellers can offer significant savings if you know what to look for.
The choice depends on your budget, how soon you need the guitar, and whether you want informed information while shopping. A beginner might benefit from trying instruments at a local store, while someone replacing a lost guitar might order online for speed.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores let you play guitars before buying and offer staff information, but typically charge more than online retailers.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon, Sweetwater, and Musician's Friend have wider selection and lower prices, but you cannot test the instrument first.
- Used guitars from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay cost less but require you to inspect the condition and verify the seller's reputation.
- General retailers like Walmart and Target stock beginner guitars at budget prices, though selection is limited and staff knowledge varies.
- Local pawn shops and secondhand music stores often have used inventory at negotiable prices and let you play before buying.
Music stores and specialty retailers
Independent music stores and national chains like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and Sweetwater are staffed by people who play guitar and can answer questions about tone, action, and fit. You can play multiple guitars side by side to hear the difference between models. Staff can also recommend beginner packages that bundle a guitar, cable, and strap at a single price. These stores typically charge full retail price, but many offer discounts during sales or if you buy multiple items together.
National chains have locations in most cities and suburbs. Independent stores are often smaller but may have deeper knowledge of specific guitar types—a classical specialist will know more about nylon-string guitars than a general music store. Both types usually offer setup services (adjusting the action and intonation) either free with purchase or for a flat fee.
Online retailers and marketplaces
Websites like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Thomann, and Amazon sell new guitars with shipping included and often at prices 10 to 20 percent lower than music stores. These sites list detailed specifications, customer reviews, and sometimes video demos. Many offer free returns within 30 days, so you can order multiple guitars and send back the ones you do not want. Shipping typically takes 3 to 7 business days for in-stock items.
The main drawback is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. If you are a beginner, you miss the chance to feel how the neck width and body size fit your hands. Some online retailers like Sweetwater offer phone support where staff can answer questions about specific models before you order. Check the return policy carefully—some retailers charge restocking fees or require you to pay return shipping.
Used guitars from online marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and Reverb (a site dedicated to musical instruments) connect you with private sellers offering used guitars. Prices are often 30 to 50 percent below retail because the previous owner has already absorbed the initial depreciation. You can message sellers to ask about condition, how long they owned the guitar, and why they are selling.
Buying used requires caution. Ask the seller for photos of the front, back, headstock, and neck to spot cracks, warping, or fret wear. Request a video of them playing it so you hear how it sounds. Meet in person if possible and play the guitar yourself before handing over money. Check the seller's rating or feedback score—on Reverb and eBay, this shows whether previous buyers had good experiences. If you buy from someone with no history, use a payment method that offers buyer protection, like PayPal Goods and Services or a credit card.
General retailers and big-box stores
Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock beginner acoustic and electric guitars, usually in the $80 to $200 range. These are entry-level instruments designed for someone just starting out. Selection is limited—you might find two or three models instead of dozens—and staff are not always trained on guitars. Prices are competitive because these stores buy in bulk, but you sacrifice the ability to test the instrument or get informed information.
These retailers work well if you want a cheap guitar to learn on and do not mind taking a risk on quality. If the guitar arrives damaged or feels wrong when you open it, most big-box stores have straightforward return policies. Do not expect setup or adjustments—you may need to take the guitar to a music store afterward if the action is too high or the strings are too far from the fretboard.
Pawn shops and secondhand music stores
Local pawn shops and dedicated secondhand music stores often have used guitars at lower prices than online marketplaces. The advantage is that you can walk in, play the instruments, and leave with one the same day. Staff at secondhand music stores usually know guitars well and can tell you about any repairs or modifications the previous owner made. Prices are often negotiable, especially if you buy more than one item or pay in cash.
Pawn shop inventory changes constantly, so you may not find exactly what you want. Check the condition carefully—ask whether the guitar has been serviced recently and whether any repairs are under warranty. Some secondhand stores offer a short warranty (30 to 90 days) on used guitars, which protects you if something breaks shortly after purchase.
What to compare when shopping
Price is only one factor. Consider the total cost: a cheap guitar might need setup work that costs $50 to $100, while a slightly more expensive one might arrive ready to play. Factor in shipping if you order online—some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. If you are buying used, add the cost of any repairs or replacements (new strings, a strap, a cable) that the guitar might need.
Return policy matters more than you might think. If you order online and the guitar does not feel right, a 30-day return window lets you send it back without losing money. Music stores usually do not accept returns on used or clearance guitars, so ask before you buy. Warranty coverage varies—new guitars often come with a manufacturer's warranty of one to three years, while used guitars may have none.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a guitar in person or online?
In person is better if you are a beginner or unsure what size and style you want—you can play different guitars and feel which one fits. Online is better if you already know the model you want and value price and convenience. Many people do both: they try guitars at a store to decide what they like, then order that model online for a lower price.
How much should I spend on my first guitar?
A beginner acoustic guitar ranges from $100 to $300 new, or $50 to $150 used. An electric guitar plus a small amplifier costs $200 to $400 new. Spending more than $300 as a beginner is usually not necessary—a cheap guitar that plays well matters more than an expensive one that sits in a closet. Once you know you will stick with it, upgrading makes sense.
What should I check when buying a used guitar?
Look for cracks in the body or neck, fret wear (shiny, flat spots on the frets), and warping (the neck should be straight). Play open strings and fretted notes to listen for buzzing or dead spots. Ask how old the guitar is and whether it has been repaired. If you cannot inspect it in person, ask the seller for detailed photos and a video of them playing it.
Do online retailers accept returns if the guitar does not fit me?
Most do, within 30 days. Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Amazon all offer free returns on guitars in original condition. Reverb's return policy depends on the seller, so check before you buy. Always read the return terms before ordering—some retailers charge restocking fees or require you to pay return shipping.
Can I negotiate the price at a music store?
Yes, especially if you are buying multiple items or the guitar has been on the shelf for a while. Staff have some flexibility on price, though chain stores like Guitar Center have less room to negotiate than independent shops. It never hurts to ask, particularly if you are paying cash or buying a bundle.