How Much Should You Spend on Your First Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to buying your first guitar, one of the biggest questions that may come to mind is how much you should spend. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of shopping for a new instrument, but it’s important to keep in mind that a guitar can be a significant investment. You want to make sure you’re getting a quality instrument that will last and help you develop your skills as a player.

The answer to how much you should spend on your first guitar depends on a few factors. Your budget, skill level, and musical goals are all important considerations. It’s possible to find a decent beginner guitar for under $200. I would even say that I have found really good used guitars for around $100.

Luckily in modern times, the import guitars are very high quality.  And the guitar brands tend to make way more lower priced guitars than the higher priced guitars. If you have a larger budget, you may be able to invest in a higher-end instrument that will serve you well for years to come. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a guitar that feels comfortable and inspires you to play.

Factors to Consider

When it comes to buying your first guitar, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

Skill Level

Your skill level is an important factor to consider when buying your first guitar. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a more affordable guitar that is easy to play. As you progress, you can upgrade to a more advanced guitar that meets your needs.

Budget

Your budget is another important factor to consider when buying your first guitar. You don’t want to spend too much money on a guitar if you’re just starting out. However, you also don’t want to buy a guitar that is too cheap and won’t meet your needs. Set a budget that is reasonable for your skill level and stick to it.

Music Genre

The type of music you want to play is also an important factor to consider when buying your first guitar. Different guitars are better suited for different genres of music. For example, if you want to play rock music, you may want to consider a guitar with a solid body and humbucker pickups.

Overall, when buying your first guitar, it’s important to consider your skill level, budget, and the type of music you want to play. By taking these factors into account, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and helps you achieve your musical goals.

Types of Guitars

When it comes to choosing a guitar, there are three main types to consider: acoustic, electric, and classical. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is suited for different styles of music.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are the most popular type of guitar for beginners. They are versatile and can be used to play a variety of styles, including folk, country, and rock. Acoustic guitars come in two main body styles: dreadnought and concert. Dreadnought guitars are larger and produce a louder, fuller sound, while concert guitars are smaller and produce a brighter, more delicate sound.

Classical Acoustic Guitars

Classical guitars are best suited for playing classical and flamenco music. They have a wider neck and nylon strings. This can make them easier to play. However, they very specialized so I would not recommend a classical style guitar unless you plan to play this type of music.

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are best suited for playing rock, blues, and metal. They require an amplifier to produce sound and are generally more expensive than acoustic guitars. Electric guitars come in a variety of styles, including solid body, hollow body, and semi-hollow body. Solid body guitars are the most common and are used in most styles of music. Hollow body and semi-hollow body guitars are used in jazz and blues music and produce a warmer, more mellow sound.

Should A Beginner Buy an Electric Guitar?

Buying an electric guitar as a beginner can be a good idea, but it depends on the individual’s goals, budget, and preferences. There are several advantages of starting with an electric guitar:

1. Easier to play: Electric guitars generally have thinner necks and lower action, making them easier to play for beginners, especially those with smaller hands.

2. Versatile sound: With the help of effects pedals and amplifiers, electric guitars can produce a wide range of sounds, from clean tones to heavy distortion. This allows beginners to experiment and find their preferred style.

3. More forgiving: Electric guitars can be more forgiving than acoustic guitars when it comes to mistakes in playing technique. The amplification can cover up some errors and make the player sound better than they actually are.

4. Fun factor: Let’s face it, electric guitars are cool. They have a certain appeal that can motivate beginners to practice more and stay interested in playing.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Cost: Electric guitars can be more expensive than acoustic guitars, especially when you factor in the cost of an amplifier and effects pedals.

3. Noise: Electric guitars can be loud, especially when played with big amplifier. This can be a problem, so make sure you buy an amp that can still sounds good at low volumes.

4. Less portable: Electric guitars require an amplifier to produce sound, which can make them less portable than acoustic guitars.

Price Ranges

When it comes to buying your first guitar, one of the most important things to consider is your budget. Guitars come in a wide range of prices, and it’s important to find one that fits both your playing needs and your budget. Here are some general price ranges to consider:

Low Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, you can still find a decent guitar new guitar for under $200. These guitars are often made of inexpensive woods and may not have the same quality sound as more expensive options, but they are a great way to get started.  Many of these low budget guitars can have incredible playability.  Some popular options in this price range include:

  • Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar
  • Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Mid-Range Budget

If you have a bit more to spend, you can find guitars in the $200-$500 range that offer better quality and sound. These guitars are often made of solid wood and may have better hardware and electronics. Some popular options in this price range include:

  • Fender Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar
  • Epiphone SG Standard Electric Guitar

High-End Budget

If you’re willing to invest in a higher-end guitar, you can find options in the $500-$1000+ range that offer exceptional quality and sound. These guitars are often made of high-quality woods and have top-of-the-line hardware and electronics. Some popular options in this price range include:

  • Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar
  • PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar


Remember, the most important thing is to find a guitar that feels comfortable to play and fits your playing style. Don’t be afraid to try out different guitars in different price ranges until you find the one that’s right for you.

Where to Buy

When it comes to buying your first guitar, there are a few different options to consider. Here are some of the most common places to buy a guitar:

Online Retailers

Online retailers like Amazon, Sweetwater, and Guitar Center offer a wide selection of guitars at competitive prices. Shopping online can be convenient, as you can browse a large selection of guitars from the comfort of your own home. However, it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting without being able to try the guitar out in person. Make sure to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase.

Music Stores

Music stores are a great place to buy a guitar, as you can try out different guitars and get a feel for what you like. Staff at music stores are often knowledgeable and can help you find a guitar that fits your needs and budget. Some music stores also offer financing options, which can be helpful if you’re on a tight budget.

Second-Hand Markets

Buying a used guitar can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to be cautious. Make sure to inspect the guitar for any damage or wear and tear before making a purchase. Websites like Reverb and Craigslist can be good places to look for used guitars, but be sure to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase.

Overall, there are a variety of places to buy a guitar, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Consider your budget, needs, and preferences when deciding where to buy your first guitar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining how much you should spend on your first guitar depends on several factors. You should consider your budget, the type of music you want to play, your skill level, and your commitment to playing the guitar.

If you are just starting, it is recommended that you start with a budget-friendly guitar. You can find a decent beginner guitar for around $100-$300. This will allow you to get a feel for the instrument without breaking the bank.

As you progress and become more skilled, you may want to invest in a higher quality guitar. A mid-range guitar can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 and can provide better sound quality and playability.

If you are serious about playing the guitar and plan to make it a long-term hobby or career, then investing in a high-end guitar may be worth it. These guitars can cost upwards of $2000 and provide exceptional sound quality, playability, and durability.

Remember, the most important thing is to find a guitar that suits your needs and feels comfortable to play. Don’t be swayed by fancy features or brand names. Take your time and do your research to find the guitar that is right for you.

Rob Z

Got my first guitar in 1987, took lessons and played nonstop. Spent some time in hard rock and metal bands in the 1990s. I eventually switched to acoustic guitars only and rarely played for years. I got back into electric guitars when my daughter began playing in 2018. I now collect way too much gear.
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