The main places to buy an electric guitar
You can buy an electric guitar from a music store, a general retailer, an online marketplace, or a private seller. Each route has different advantages depending on whether you want to play before you buy, get informed information, find a bargain, or have the guitar shipped to your door. The best choice depends on your budget, how soon you need the guitar, and whether you want to inspect it in person.
A local music store lets you hold the guitar, plug it in, and hear how it sounds through an actual amplifier. Staff can answer questions about setup and maintenance. A general retailer like Walmart or Target stocks beginner models at lower prices but offers no hands-on testing. Online marketplaces like Sweetwater, Thomann, and Reverb have huge inventories and competitive pricing, but you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. Private sellers on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local classified sites often price used guitars lower, but you take on the risk of buying something with hidden damage.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores let you play the guitar and get information, but prices are usually higher than online retailers.
- Online marketplaces like Sweetwater and Reverb offer wider selection and lower prices, with return policies that protect you if the guitar arrives damaged.
- Used guitars from private sellers cost less but require you to inspect them for fret wear, cracks, and electrical problems before handing over money.
- General retailers stock budget models suitable for beginners, but staff typically cannot answer technical questions about tone or setup.
- Shipping costs and return policies vary widely, so compare the total price and terms before ordering online.
Music stores and what to expect there
A local music store is the place to go if you want to play several guitars side by side and hear the difference. You can test how the neck feels in your hand, whether the action (string height) is comfortable, and how the pickups sound through a real amp. Staff at a dedicated music store usually play guitar themselves and can answer questions about brand differences, setup, and maintenance.
Prices at music stores are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than online retailers because the store has rent and staff to pay. Many music stores will negotiate on price, especially if you buy a bundle that includes a cable, strap, or stand. Some also offer a setup service—adjusting the neck, bridge, and action—which costs between $50 and $150 depending on how much work the guitar needs. If you are new to guitar, this setup service is worth the cost because a poorly adjusted guitar is harder to play and sounds worse.
Before you visit, call ahead to confirm the store stocks the brand and model you are interested in. Some smaller stores order guitars to order rather than keeping them in stock.
Online retailers and how to compare them
Online music retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, Reverb, and Musician's Friend stock hundreds of models and usually price them lower than local stores. Sweetwater and Reverb are the largest in the United States; Thomann is based in Germany but ships worldwide. All three have return policies that let you send the guitar back if it arrives damaged or does not match the description.
When you order online, check the return window—most retailers give you 30 days, but some offer longer. Reverb lets private sellers set their own return policies, so read the fine print before you buy. Shipping costs vary: a standard electric guitar costs $15 to $40 to ship, but some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Factor shipping into the total price when you compare.
Online retailers often list the guitar's condition in detail: whether it is new, open-box (returned unopened), or refurbished. A refurbished guitar has been inspected and repaired by the retailer and usually comes with a warranty. Open-box guitars are cheaper than new but have been returned, so inspect the photos carefully for signs of damage. New guitars from reputable retailers come with the manufacturer's warranty, which typically covers defects for one to three years.
General retailers and budget options
Stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock beginner electric guitars from brands like Squier, Ibanez, and Yamaha, usually priced between $150 and $300. These guitars are adequate for learning, but staff cannot advise you on tone, playability, or setup because they do not specialize in music. You cannot play the guitar in the store to test it.
The advantage is price and convenience—you can pick up the guitar the same day if it is in stock. The disadvantage is that you have no way to know if the guitar is set up correctly or if the electronics work until you get home. If something is wrong, you will have to return it and wait for a replacement. For a beginner on a tight budget, this trade-off may be acceptable, but if you can spend a little more, a guitar from an online music retailer or a local store is a safer choice.
Buying used guitars from private sellers
Used guitars on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and local classified sites are often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than new ones. A well-maintained used guitar can be a great value, but you need to know what to look for before you hand over money. Always meet the seller in person and inspect the guitar thoroughly.
Check the frets for wear—run your finger along them and look for flat spots or dips. Look at the neck from the side to see if it is straight or bowed. Inspect the body for cracks, especially around the neck joint and the cutaway. Plug the guitar into an amp and test every switch, knob, and input jack to make sure the electronics work. Ask the seller how old the guitar is, whether it has been repaired, and why they are selling it. A seller who is vague about the guitar's history is a red flag.
Agree on a price before you meet, and bring cash. Do not buy a used guitar online from someone you cannot meet in person—you have no recourse if the guitar arrives damaged or does not work. If you buy from a private seller on Reverb or eBay, use the platform's buyer protection in case something goes wrong.
Comparing price, shipping, and warranties
The total cost of buying a guitar is not just the price tag. Add shipping, any setup fees, and the cost of a cable and strap if they are not included. A guitar that costs $50 less online but costs $40 to ship may not be cheaper than buying locally.
Warranties vary by retailer and brand. Most new guitars come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects—usually one to three years depending on the brand. This warranty does not cover damage from dropping the guitar or normal wear. Reverb and some other online retailers offer buyer protection that covers damage in shipping, but this is different from a manufacturer's warranty. If you buy used, there is usually no warranty unless the seller offers one.
Some retailers offer extended warranties or insurance for an extra fee. For a beginner guitar under $500, this is usually not necessary. For a more expensive guitar, it may be worth the cost if you are worried about accidental damage.
What to look for in your first electric guitar
If you are buying your first electric guitar, focus on playability and comfort rather than brand name or features. The guitar should feel balanced when you strap it on, the neck should fit your hand, and the action should not be so high that your fingers hurt. A guitar that is uncomfortable to play will sit in the closet.
Beginner-friendly brands include Squier, Ibanez, Yamaha, and Epiphone. These brands make solid guitars at reasonable prices. Avoid the cheapest guitars on the shelf—anything under $100 is usually poorly made and will frustrate you. A budget of $200 to $400 for your first guitar is realistic and will get you something that plays well and lasts.
You will also need an amplifier, a cable, and a strap. Some retailers sell bundles that include these items at a discount. A small practice amp (15 to 20 watts) costs $50 to $150 and is loud enough for bedroom practice. Do not skip the amp—an unplugged electric guitar sounds thin and quiet, and you will not enjoy playing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy new or used?
New guitars come with a warranty and you know the full history. Used guitars cost less but require you to inspect them carefully and accept the risk of hidden damage. For your first guitar, new is safer. Once you know what you want, buying used from a trusted seller can save money.
Can I return a guitar if I buy it online?
Most online music retailers offer 30-day returns if the guitar is defective or damaged in shipping. Reverb's return policy depends on the seller—check before you buy. General retailers like Walmart and Target have standard return policies, usually 30 days with a receipt. Private sellers have no obligation to accept returns unless they agree to it beforehand.
What should I do if the guitar arrives damaged?
Contact the retailer when ready with photos of the damage. Most online retailers will replace the guitar or refund your money. If the damage is the seller's fault, they will usually cover return shipping. Keep the original packaging in case you need to ship the guitar back.
Do I need to buy an amplifier at the same time?
Yes. An electric guitar plugged into nothing sounds thin and quiet. A small practice amp costs $50 to $150 and is essential. Some retailers sell guitar-and-amp bundles at a discount, which is a good way to start if you are on a budget.
What is the difference between Squier and Fender?
Squier is Fender's budget brand. Squier guitars are made in Indonesia or China and cost less, while Fender guitars are made in the United States or Japan and cost more. For a beginner, a Squier is a solid choice. As you improve, you can upgrade to a Fender if you want.