The main places to buy a guitar
You can buy a guitar from a music store, a general retailer, a used marketplace, or online. Each route has different costs, return policies, and chances to play the instrument before you buy. A music store lets you hold and play guitars in person; a big-box retailer like Walmart or Target stocks beginner models at lower prices; online retailers like Sweetwater or Thomann ship quickly but you cannot test the sound; used marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay offer lower prices but require you to inspect the guitar yourself and understand what damage matters.
The choice depends on your budget, how soon you need the guitar, and whether you want to hear it first. If you are new to guitar, playing before you buy matters more than saving money on a model you might not like. If you already know what you want, online is usually faster and cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores let you play guitars before buying and offer information, but charge more than online retailers for the same model.
- Online retailers ship faster and cheaper, but you cannot hear the guitar or return it easily if the sound does not match what you expected.
- Used guitars cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones, but require you to spot damage like cracks, fret wear, or electronics problems yourself.
- Big-box retailers stock only beginner models and entry-level brands, so they work only if you want a cheap first guitar.
- Return policies vary widely: music stores often allow returns within 30 days, but online retailers and used sellers rarely do.
Music stores: higher price, hands-on testing
A local music store is the best place to buy if you are new to guitar or unsure what you want. You can hold different body shapes, test the action (how high the strings sit), and hear how each guitar sounds. Staff can answer questions about setup, maintenance, and whether a particular model suits your playing style. They also know the return policy in person and can often adjust the guitar before you take it home.
The trade-off is price. A guitar that costs $300 online might cost $350 to $380 at a music store because they have rent, staff, and lower sales volume. Some stores offer price matching if you show them a lower online price, so ask before you pay. Stores also vary in quality: a shop with experienced staff and a good reputation is worth the extra cost; a store that stocks only one brand or pushes you toward expensive models is not.
To find a music store near you, search "guitar shop near me" or check the websites of chains like Guitar Center, which has locations in most US cities. Independent stores often have better staff knowledge and a wider range of used guitars in stock.
Online retailers: faster shipping, lower prices, no returns
Online retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, Reverb, and Amazon ship guitars quickly and charge less than music stores. Sweetwater and Thomann specialize in musical instruments and often have better prices on mid-range and high-end guitars than general retailers. Reverb is a marketplace where individuals and small shops sell new and used guitars, so prices vary. Amazon stocks beginner models and some mid-range brands, but selection is smaller than specialty sites.
The main drawback is that you cannot play the guitar before it arrives. You are relying on the product description, photos, and customer reviews to know what you are getting. If the guitar arrives and the sound or feel is not what you expected, returning it is difficult. Most online retailers allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed and in original packaging, but shipping a guitar back costs $30 to $60 and you may lose money on the return.
Online retailers are best if you already know the exact model you want, have played that model before, or are buying a second guitar. They are also the cheapest option for less common brands that local stores do not stock. Check the return policy before you buy, and read customer reviews that mention sound quality and build issues.
Used guitars: lower cost, higher risk
Buying used cuts the price by 30 to 50 percent, but you take on the risk of hidden damage. Used guitars are sold on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Reverb, and local classified ads. Prices are negotiable, and you can often play the guitar before you pay.
Before you buy a used guitar, inspect it for cracks in the wood, fret wear (grooves worn into the metal frets), loose tuning pegs, and electronics problems if it is electric. A small crack in the body is cosmetic and does not affect sound; a crack in the neck is a serious problem that costs $200 to $500 to repair. Fret wear is normal on older guitars but makes the action harder to adjust. Ask the seller how long they have owned the guitar, why they are selling, and whether it has been repaired or refinished.
Meet the seller in person if possible, bring a tuner and a capo to test the guitar, and do not buy based on photos alone. If you are not confident in spotting damage, bring someone who plays guitar or ask the seller to have it inspected by a local music store before you buy. Reverb offers some buyer protection if you use their platform, but Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist do not.
Big-box retailers: cheapest entry point, limited selection
Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock beginner guitars from brands like Fender, Squier, and Ibanez, usually priced between $100 and $250. These are the cheapest new guitars you will find, and the return policy is usually 30 days. They are a good choice if you want to try guitar without spending much money and do not mind a limited selection.
The downside is that you cannot play the guitar in the store to test it, and staff usually cannot answer questions about setup or sound. The guitars are often not set up well when they arrive, so you may need to take it to a music store for a setup ($50 to $100) before it plays well. Big-box retailers are best for a gift or a first guitar when you are not sure you will stick with it, not for a guitar you plan to play seriously.
Comparing price and return policy across retailers
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Return Policy | Can Play Before Buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music store | $150–$3,000+ | 30 days, often in-store only | Yes |
| Online specialist (Sweetwater, Thomann) | $100–$5,000+ | 30 days, unplayed only | No |
| Used marketplace (Reverb, Craigslist) | $50–$2,000 | None (Reverb offers limited buyer protection) | Sometimes |
| Big-box retailer (Walmart, Target) | $100–$300 | 30 days | No |
What to do before you buy
Before you spend money, decide what type of guitar you want: acoustic, electric, or classical. Each type costs differently and plays differently. An acoustic guitar costs $150 to $500 for a beginner model; an electric guitar costs $200 to $600 with an amplifier; a classical guitar costs $150 to $400. If you are not sure, visit a music store and play all three to see which feels right.
Research the specific model you are interested in by reading reviews on Reverb, YouTube, and guitar forums. Look for comments about sound quality, build issues, and whether the guitar holds its value. If you are buying used, search for that model on Reverb's sold listings to see what similar guitars sold for recently, so you know whether the price is fair.
Set a budget and stick to it. A more expensive guitar does not always play better, especially for beginners. A $200 guitar that you like and will play is better than a $500 guitar that sits in a closet. Once you have played for a year or two, you will know what features matter to you and can upgrade to a better instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy new or used?
Buy new if you want a warranty, a return option, and a guitar that is set up correctly. Buy used if you have played guitar before, know what to look for, and want to save money. If you are a complete beginner, new is safer because you will not accidentally buy a guitar with hidden damage that makes it hard to learn on.
Is it worth buying from a music store instead of online?
Yes, if you are new to guitar or unsure what you want. The extra cost ($30 to $80 per guitar) is worth it for the chance to play before you buy and get information from staff. If you already know the exact model you want, online is cheaper and faster.
What should I look for when buying a used guitar?
Check for cracks in the body or neck, fret wear, loose tuning pegs, and electronics problems on electric guitars. Play it in person if possible. A small cosmetic crack is fine; a neck crack is a deal-breaker. Ask the seller how long they have owned it and why they are selling.
Can I return a guitar if I do not like it?
Most music stores and online retailers allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is unplayed and in original packaging. Used guitars sold on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace have no return option. Reverb offers limited buyer protection if you use their platform.
Do I need to set up a new guitar before I play it?
Guitars from music stores are usually set up before you take them home. Guitars from big-box retailers and online retailers often need a setup ($50 to $100) to play well. A setup adjusts the action, intonation, and truss rod so the guitar is comfortable to play.