Guitar Start Guide
Deciding how much to spend on your first guitar is one of the first real questions every beginner faces, and the answer sits in a surprisingly narrow, sensible range. Spend too little and the guitar fights you; spend too much and you’ve gambled money on a hobby you haven’t tested yet. For most beginners the sweet spot is roughly $150 to $350 for the guitar, with a little set aside for essentials. Here’s how to think about it.
The short answer
Aim for around $150–$350 on the instrument itself. Below about $100, quality gets unreliable and a poorly set-up guitar is genuinely harder to learn on. Above $400 or so, you’re paying for refinements a beginner can’t yet appreciate. The middle ground buys a guitar that stays in tune, plays comfortably, and won’t hold you back.
What you get at each price tier
| Budget | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Under $100 | Basic build, often needs a set-up, patchy tuning stability | Risky — only with careful research |
| $100–$150 | Reliable entry models from known brands | Fine on a tight budget |
| $150–$350 | Comfortable playability, decent tone, holds tuning | The beginner sweet spot |
| $350–$500 | Noticeably nicer feel and finish | Great if you’re already committed |
| $500+ | Quality beyond a beginner’s needs | Wait until you know your style |
Why the cheapest guitar is often a false economy
A very cheap guitar frequently has high “action” (the strings sit far from the fretboard), sharp fret ends, and hardware that won’t hold tune. That means sore fingers, buzzing notes, and constant re-tuning — exactly the frustrations that make beginners quit. A modestly better guitar removes those obstacles so you can focus on learning. If you do buy budget, factor in around $40–$60 for a professional set-up to make it play its best.
Don’t forget the extras
The guitar isn’t your only cost. Budget a little for the essentials that make practice work:
- A tuner — around $10–$20 (or free as an app).
- Picks and spare strings — around $10–$20 together.
- A stand or wall hook and a gig bag — around $20–$40.
- For electric: a cheap practice amp — around $60–$120. See whether you actually need an amp to learn.
For the complete rundown, read our guide to the equipment you actually need to start guitar so nothing catches you out at the till.
New vs used
The used market is a beginner’s friend. A $300 guitar bought second-hand for $180 stretches your budget into higher quality. Just check for a straight neck, no cracks, and that every tuner turns smoothly. If you can’t inspect it in person, buy new from a shop with a return policy. Buying new also means a fresh set-up and warranty, which is reassuring when you can’t yet judge a guitar by feel.
Match the spend to your commitment
If you’re genuinely unsure you’ll stick with it, the lower end of the sweet spot lowers your risk while still being playable. If you already know you’re in for the long haul, spending toward $350 gets you an instrument you won’t outgrow for years. Either way, put the money into the guitar before the gadgets. When you’re ready to choose, our roundup of the best beginner guitars for 2026 covers strong options at every tier, and you can browse accessories in our guitar gear section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a beginner spend on a first guitar?
Around $150 to $350 for the instrument is the sweet spot for most beginners. That range buys comfortable playability and reliable tuning without paying for refinements you can’t yet use.
Is it worth buying a cheap guitar to start?
A very cheap guitar can be a false economy if it plays badly, which makes learning harder. If budget is tight, spend a little more or set aside money for a professional set-up to improve playability.
Should I buy new or used?
Used can get you more guitar for your money if you can inspect it for a straight neck and smooth tuners. Buying new gives you a warranty, a fresh set-up, and a return policy, which is safer for a first purchase.
How much extra should I budget beyond the guitar?
Set aside roughly $40–$80 for essentials like a tuner, picks, strings, and a stand. If you’re going electric, add around $60–$120 for a small practice amp.