The main places to buy a guitar
You can buy a guitar from a music store, a general retailer, online marketplaces, or directly from another person. Each route has different prices, return policies, and chances to play the instrument before you buy. A music store lets you hold and hear the guitar; an online marketplace often has lower prices but no way to test it first; a pawn shop or classified ad might have a bargain but no warranty.
The choice depends on whether you want to inspect the guitar in person, how much you want to spend, and whether you need help choosing an instrument that matches your skill level and style.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores let you play guitars before buying and often provide setup and adjustment, but typically charge more than online retailers.
- Online marketplaces and big-box retailers have lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot hear or feel the guitar until it arrives.
- Used guitars from pawn shops, classified ads, and online resale sites cost less but may need repair or adjustment that adds to the total cost.
- Local music teachers and guitar communities can recommend specific stores and warn you away from instruments with hidden damage.
Music stores: playing before you buy
A local music store is the only place where you can pick up the guitar, tune it, and play a few chords before handing over money. The staff can answer questions about action (how high the strings sit), neck shape, and whether the instrument suits a beginner or someone with more experience. Many stores also offer setup services—adjusting the bridge, nut, and truss rod so the guitar plays comfortably—which is valuable if you buy a used instrument.
Prices at music stores are usually higher than online, sometimes by $100 to $300 on the same model. The store pays rent, staff, and inventory costs that an online seller does not. In return, you get a return window (often 30 days), the chance to come back if something feels wrong, and a person who knows the instrument and can help you maintain it. Many stores also offer lessons or can recommend a teacher.
To find a local music store, search "guitar shop near me" or ask at a community center or school music program. Call ahead to confirm they have guitars in stock and are open; some smaller shops keep limited hours.
Online retailers: wider selection, lower prices
Major online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Thomann, and Amazon carry hundreds of guitar models and usually price them lower than brick-and-mortar stores. You can read customer reviews, compare specs side by side, and often find detailed photos and video demos. Shipping is usually free or low-cost on orders over a certain amount.
The downside is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. If the instrument has a manufacturing defect or arrives damaged, you will need to return it—which means paying for return shipping or arranging a pickup. Return windows vary; some retailers allow 30 days, others 60. Read the return policy before you buy.
Sweetwater and Musician's Friend are owned by the same parent company and focus on musicians; they often have customer service staff who play guitar and can answer questions by phone or chat. Amazon has a broader return policy but less specialized knowledge. Thomann is based in Germany and ships worldwide, with competitive pricing on many brands.
Big-box retailers: convenience and basic selection
Stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy carry entry-level guitars—usually budget brands or lower-priced versions of well-known names. Prices are competitive, and you can see the guitar in person, though staff may not be able to answer detailed questions about playability or setup.
These retailers are useful if you want a guitar quickly and do not mind a basic instrument. Quality varies widely; some budget guitars are adequate for a beginner, while others have poor action or tuning stability that makes them frustrating to play. If you go this route, ask to play the guitar in the store and listen for buzzing strings or dead spots on the neck.
Used guitars: lower cost, higher risk
Buying used can cut the price in half, but you are taking on the risk of hidden damage, wear, or needed repairs. Common places to find used guitars are pawn shops, classified ads (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace), Reverb.com, eBay, and local buy-sell-trade groups.
Before you meet a seller or bid online, ask for photos of the headstock, neck, body, and back. Look for cracks in the wood, loose frets, or a warped neck (sight down the neck from the headstock to check). Ask how long the seller has owned it, whether it has been repaired, and why they are selling. If you cannot inspect it in person, ask the seller to play a few notes so you can hear the sound quality.
Pawn shops sometimes offer a short warranty (30 to 90 days) and may have already done basic setup. Reverb.com and eBay have buyer protection policies, so if the guitar arrives damaged or misrepresented, you can file a claim. Private sellers on Craigslist or Facebook have no obligation to take it back, so inspect carefully before handing over cash.
Specialty retailers and direct from makers
Some guitar makers sell directly through their websites—brands like Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, and Ibanez all have official stores. Buying direct sometimes means lower prices (no middleman markup) and the ability to customize finishes or hardware. Shipping and return policies vary by maker.
Specialty retailers focus on a particular style or price range. Reverb.com is both a marketplace and a retailer, with new and used guitars from hundreds of sellers and makers. Thomann, mentioned above, is also a direct retailer with its own inventory. Some small makers sell only through their website or through a handful of authorized dealers; if you are interested in a specific brand, check their website to find where to buy.
What to check before you buy
Whether you are in a store or buying online, look for these signs of a playable guitar. The action—the distance between the strings and the fretboard—should be low enough that you do not have to press hard, but high enough that the strings do not buzz when you play. The neck should be straight (no visible curve or twist). The tuning pegs should turn smoothly and hold the pitch. The frets should be level and smooth, with no high spots that cause buzzing.
If you are a beginner, bring someone with more experience if you can, or ask the store staff to play a few notes so you can hear the tone. A cheap guitar that plays well is better than an expensive one that is hard to play; poor playability is the main reason beginners quit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy new or used?
New guitars come with a warranty and no hidden damage, but cost more. Used guitars are cheaper but may need repair or adjustment. If you are a beginner and do not know what to look for, new is safer. If you have experience or can bring someone who does, used can save money.
What is a good price for a beginner guitar?
Beginner guitars range from $100 to $400. Below $100, quality drops sharply and playability suffers. Between $150 and $300, you can find solid instruments from brands like Squier, Epiphone, and Yamaha. Above $300, you are paying for better materials and craftsmanship, which matters more as you improve.
Can I return a guitar if I do not like it?
Music stores usually allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed or in original condition. Online retailers vary; check the return policy before you buy. Private sellers on Craigslist or Facebook typically do not accept returns, so inspect in person and test before paying.
Is it worth paying more for a brand name?
Established brands like Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, and Ibanez have consistent quality and good resale value. Budget brands can be playable, but quality is less predictable. For a beginner, a mid-range brand (Squier, Epiphone, Cort) offers better value than the cheapest option or a premium brand.
What if I buy online and the guitar arrives damaged?
Contact the retailer when ready with photos. Most will replace it or refund you if the damage is the seller's fault (poor packing). If you used a credit card, you can also dispute the charge with your card company. Keep the packaging and take photos before opening the box.