Discovering the Best Cheap and Best Guitars for Beginners and Beyond

best cheap guitars

Let’s face it, the world of guitars can be intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out. You might be dreaming of shredding like your idols, but the price tags on some guitars can feel like a harsh reality check. I’ve been there. In fact, in all my years of playing, I’ve never actually spent more than $200 on a guitar. And guess what? I’ve never felt limited by it.

This might sound surprising, but it’s absolutely possible to find fantastic, playable guitars without emptying your wallet. In this guide, we’re going to explore why choosing a cheap or inexpensive guitar is a smart move, and we’ll dive into some of the top recommendations for the best budget-friendly guitars on the market. Whether you’re after an acoustic to strum campfire songs or an electric to unleash your inner rockstar, we’ve got you covered with options that won’t compromise on quality or playability.

We’ll be focusing on both the best affordable acoustic guitars and the best budget electric guitars, ensuring you have all the information you need to make a confident and informed decision as you embark on your musical journey.

Why Cheap Guitars Are a Smart Choice

So, why should you even consider a cheap guitar? Many might assume that cheaper means inferior, but that’s simply not the case, especially in today’s market. There are several compelling reasons why opting for an inexpensive guitar is a brilliant idea, particularly for beginners:

Unbeatable Affordability: This is the most obvious advantage. Starting guitar should be accessible to everyone, and budget constraints shouldn’t be a barrier to entry. Cheap guitars make it possible to begin your musical journey without a significant financial investment. This is especially important if you’re unsure whether guitar playing will truly become a long-term passion.
Surprisingly Good Sound Quality: Technology and manufacturing processes have come a long way. Today’s cheap guitars often sound remarkably good, especially to untrained ears. For beginners, the nuances that distinguish a $2,000 guitar from a $200 one are often imperceptible. These budget-friendly instruments provide more than adequate sound quality for practice, learning, and even performing in casual settings.
Low-Maintenance Convenience: Expensive guitars often come with the pressure of meticulous care. Humidity control, specific cleaning routines, and constant worry about dings and scratches can detract from the joy of playing. Cheap guitars are liberating in this regard. You can focus on playing and improving without the stress of babying a delicate instrument. They are robust and forgiving, perfect for learning the ropes without constant anxiety.
Build a Collection Without Breaking the Bank: Guitar acquisition can become addictive! With inexpensive guitars, you can explore different styles, sounds, and even tunings without decimating your savings. Want a guitar for open tunings? Grab a cheap one. Want to experiment with different pickup configurations? Another affordable guitar can join your arsenal. This versatility and freedom to experiment is a huge plus for any guitarist, especially those still discovering their preferences.

Figure 1a

Finally, and perhaps most importantly: Inexpensive guitars are absolutely ideal for beginners. Learning guitar is a journey, and there’s no need to commit a large sum of money before you even know if it’s the right path for you. A cheap guitar allows you to test the waters, develop your skills, and discover your passion without a significant financial risk. It’s the perfect entry point into the world of guitar playing.

However, a word of caution: not all cheap guitars are created equal. Some truly awful instruments are out there, and they can actually hinder your progress and cost you more in frustration and potential repairs down the line. That’s why it’s crucial to know what to look for and what to avoid.

Defining “Cheap Guitar”: Setting Realistic Expectations

Guitars span an incredible price range, from as low as $25 to well over $10,000. Let’s be clear from the outset: we’re not talking about the absolute bottom of the barrel. That $25 guitar is likely to be more of a toy than a functional instrument, and it will probably do more to discourage you than inspire you.

Conversely, if you’re considering spending $28,000 on a guitar, you’re likely not in the market for budget options and probably already possess a deep understanding of guitars. This guide is tailored for those seeking quality and value without extreme expense.

So, what exactly do we mean by “cheap”? “Cheap” in this context doesn’t equate to “poorly made” or “crappy.” Instead, we’re using “cheap” to mean “inexpensive” and “budget-friendly.” While “inexpensive” can be subjective, for the purposes of this article, we’re defining a cheap guitar as one priced at $200 or less.

Our goal is to recommend decent quality, affordable guitars within this price range. This means we’re explicitly excluding those ultra-cheap, almost unplayable guitars at the very lowest end of the spectrum.

What can you realistically expect to spend?

New Cheap Guitar: Expect to spend between $80 and $200 for a new, decent quality cheap guitar.
Used Cheap Guitar: The used market offers even greater value, with prices potentially ranging from $40 to $200 for a quality instrument.

Cheap Guitars to Steer Clear Of: Brands and Red Flags

While there are many excellent cheap guitars available, there are also some brands and types you should generally avoid, especially as a beginner.

One brand to be particularly wary of is “First Act“.

worst-kids-guitar-first-act

Do NOT Buy this Guitar

These guitars, often marketed towards children, are frequently plagued with playability issues, poor sound, and questionable construction. While they might seem appealing due to their ultra-low price, they can be incredibly frustrating to learn on and can actually impede your progress.

Similarly, be cautious of guitars you might find in toy stores or department stores rather than dedicated music retailers. These instruments are often manufactured to the lowest possible standards and prioritize appearance over function.

A Simple Rule of Thumb for First-Time Buyers: If a guitar lacks a recognizable brand name or a serial number that you can easily research and find reviews for, it’s generally best to avoid it. Reputable brands stand behind their products and have a vested interest in maintaining a certain level of quality, even in their budget lines.

Buying used guitars opens up a wider range of possibilities, but it also requires a bit more caution. We’ll touch upon used guitars shortly, but for now, let’s focus on reputable brands that consistently deliver quality even at affordable price points.

Top Affordable Guitar Brands: Quality on a Budget

When searching for the best Cheap And Best Guitars, sticking with reputable brands is your safest bet. These brands have established histories of producing quality instruments across various price ranges, including excellent options for beginners.

Here are some of the best guitar brands for beginners that also offer fantastic cheap guitar models:

Fender: A legendary name in guitars, Fender offers its Squier line, which provides incredibly playable and great-sounding guitars at budget-friendly prices.
Yamaha: Known for their consistent quality and excellent value, Yamaha guitars are a reliable choice for beginners and experienced players alike. Their budget-friendly models are particularly impressive.
Jasmine (by Takamine): Jasmine guitars are Takamine’s entry-level brand, offering exceptional acoustic guitars at very affordable prices. They are known for their playability and surprisingly rich tone for the price.
Takamine: Takamine itself is a well-respected brand known for producing high-quality acoustic guitars used by professionals worldwide. While their higher-end models are pricier, their standard line includes excellent mid-range and affordable options.
Epiphone: As the “little brother” to Gibson, Epiphone offers more affordable versions of classic Gibson designs like the Les Paul and SG. They provide a fantastic way to get iconic looks and sounds without the Gibson price tag.

These brands not only offer great beginner guitars but also produce high-end instruments. This means they understand quality craftsmanship and apply those principles even to their most affordable models. When buying new, you can generally feel confident choosing a guitar from one of these brands.

For Electric Guitars, the top cheap and best brands often include:

Fender (Squier Series)
Yamaha (Pacifica Series)
Epiphone

For Acoustic Guitars, consider these cheap and best brands:

Jasmine (by Takamine)
Fender (FA Series)
Yamaha (FG Series, FS Series)
Takamine (GS Series)
Seagull (Entourage Series – slightly above $200 but worth considering)
Washburn (Harvest Series)

While brands like Gibson, Taylor, and Martin are legendary in the acoustic guitar world, their instruments typically fall outside the “affordable” category unless you stumble upon an exceptional used deal. For cheap acoustic guitars, sticking with Fender, Yamaha, Jasmine, and Takamine is generally the most practical and reliable approach.

Finding the Best Cheap Electric Guitar: Top Recommendations

Best Cheap Electric Guitar: Fender Squier

The Best Cheap Electric Guitar: Fender Squier

The Fender Squier is consistently hailed as the best affordable electric guitar for good reason. Typically found online (new) for around $150 to $200, Squier guitars offer incredible value and playability.

Their versatility is a major selling point. Whether you want to play blues, rock, pop, country, or even metal, a Squier can handle it. Many Squier models, particularly those in the Stratocaster and Telecaster styles, feature single-coil pickups, known for their bright, clear, and articulate tones, which contribute to this versatility.

Squier guitars are so well-regarded that many experienced guitarists even upgrade the electronics (pickups, wiring, etc.) in them, recognizing the solid foundation and excellent playability the instrument provides. This speaks volumes about their quality and potential.

A crucial tip when considering a Squier: Ensure you’re buying a full-sized Squier, not a Squier Mini. The Mini is a 3/4-sized guitar designed for children, and while it’s smaller and easier for little hands, it’s not ideal for adult beginners or those seeking a standard-sized instrument.

Runner-Up: Yamaha Pacifica

Runner Up: Yamaha Pacifica

Runner Up: Yamaha Pacifica

The Yamaha Pacifica is another outstanding cheap electric guitar and frequently cited as one of the easiest guitars to play, especially for beginners. Yamaha is renowned for its consistent quality control and comfortable necks, and the Pacifica embodies these traits.

While the Fender Squier often edges out the Pacifica slightly in terms of sheer popularity and sometimes price, the Pacifica remains a top contender and an excellent alternative. Its comfortable playability and versatile sound make it a fantastic choice for any beginner electric guitarist.

These are my top recommendations for the best cheap electric guitars available for under $200. Now, let’s turn our attention to acoustic guitars.

Finding the Best Cheap Acoustic Guitar: Acoustic Gems on a Budget

Best Cheap Acoustic Guitar: Jasmine by Takamine

The Best Affordable Acoustic Guitar: The Jasmine

When it comes to cheap acoustic guitars that deliver exceptional value, the Jasmine brand, by Takamine, is a clear winner. Jasmine guitars are essentially the entry-level, affordable line from the respected Takamine brand, much like Squier is to Fender.

Initially, recommending an acoustic guitar priced around $80 might seem risky. However, after playing several Jasmine models, it’s evident that they offer incredible bang for your buck, especially for beginners on a tight budget.

For a budget acoustic guitar, the Jasmine is arguably your best bet. It’s remarkably inexpensive, surprisingly good-sounding for its price point, and generally easy to play, making it an ideal starter acoustic guitar.

Runner-Up: Fender FA-100 Series

Runner Up: Fender FA-100

Runner Up: Fender FA-100

The Fender FA-100 series acoustic guitars are another excellent choice in the cheap acoustic guitar category. These guitars offer a step up in quality and features while still remaining very affordable.

Having owned a similar Fender acoustic model for over 20 years, I can attest to the durability and longevity of these instruments. They tend to age gracefully and often sound even better over time as the wood matures.

If your budget allows for a slight increase over the Jasmine, the Fender FA-100 (or similar models like the FA-115 or FA-125) is a worthwhile upgrade. However, both the Jasmine and the Fender FA series represent fantastic affordable acoustic guitar options for beginners.

These are my top picks for the best cheap acoustic guitars under $200.

Unlock Your Guitar’s Potential: The Power of a Guitar Setup

Here’s a secret that can transform even an $80 guitar into feeling and playing like a much more expensive instrument: a professional guitar setup.

Think of a guitar setup as a tune-up for your instrument, similar to servicing a car. When you buy a new guitar, it has often been sitting in a warehouse or on display in a store, potentially exposed to varying temperatures and handling. Even cheap guitars benefit significantly from fine-tuning and adjustments.

What are the benefits of a guitar setup?

A setup addresses several key aspects of guitar playability:

Action Adjustment: This involves raising or lowering the height of the strings above the fretboard. Optimal action makes the guitar easier to play and reduces finger strain.
Neck Adjustment (Truss Rod Adjustment): The neck of a guitar can bow or warp over time due to string tension and environmental factors. Adjusting the truss rod straightens the neck, improving playability and intonation.
Intonation Adjustment: Intonation ensures that the guitar plays in tune across the entire fretboard. Proper intonation means that notes played higher up the neck are accurate and not sharp or flat.
Other Adjustments: Depending on the guitar, a setup might also include adjusting pickup height, tightening tuning machines, lubricating the nut and bridge, and general cleaning and polishing.

In my experience, action adjustment is the most crucial element of a setup, particularly for beginners. Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. High action means you have to press harder on the strings, leading to increased finger pain and fatigue.

Finger pain is a common complaint among new guitar players, and while a setup won’t eliminate it entirely, it can significantly reduce it by making the guitar easier to play.

How do you get a guitar setup?

Simply take your guitar to your local guitar store or music shop and request a setup. The cost typically ranges from $60 to $80, but it’s an investment that is absolutely worthwhile, even if you’ve just purchased a budget-friendly guitar. The improvement in playability will be transformative.

While you can learn to set up a guitar yourself, it’s generally not recommended for beginners. It requires specialized tools and knowledge, and improper adjustments can potentially damage your instrument.

Where to Purchase Inexpensive Guitars: Finding the Best Deals

Your best options for buying cheap guitars include music stores and online retailers like Amazon and MusiciansFriend.com.

Large online retailers like Amazon often offer the most competitive prices and a wide selection, making them a convenient place to start your search. MusiciansFriend.com is another reputable online retailer specializing in musical instruments and gear.

Local music stores offer the advantage of being able to try out guitars in person before you buy, and the staff can provide expert advice and assistance. Supporting local businesses is also a great way to contribute to your community.

Considering Used Guitars: A Path to Even Greater Value

Used guitars present an excellent opportunity to save even more money and potentially get a higher-quality instrument for your budget.

While buying used involves slightly more risk than buying new, it’s manageable if you exercise caution and do your research.

When buying used, stick to the reputable brands we’ve discussed, such as Fender, Yamaha, Jasmine, Takamine, and Epiphone. These brands generally hold up well over time, and their used guitars are often readily available.

Yard sales, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Reverb.com are great places to look for used guitars.

If you’re interested in learning more about buying used acoustic guitars, check out this guide for detailed tips and advice.

The Allure of Free Guitars: Seizing Unexpected Opportunities

If you ever have the chance to acquire a free guitar, seize it!

Whether it’s offered by a friend, family member, found at a yard sale, or even discovered in an unexpected place, my philosophy is always to accept a free guitar.

Worst case scenario? If it’s truly unplayable, you can always dispose of it.

Best case scenario? You might stumble upon a hidden gem, perhaps even your new favorite guitar. While unlikely to be a collector’s item like a vintage $28,000 guitar, a free guitar is more likely to be a decent, playable instrument, possibly from one of the reputable brands mentioned earlier.

If you do acquire a free cheap guitar, the first steps are to get it professionally setup and put on a new set of strings. With a little bit of care and attention, you might be surprised at the musical potential you unlock.

That concludes our guide to finding the best cheap and best guitars! Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below.

Jake Posko does Online Guitar Lessons and Coaching as well as in-home lessons in the Annapolis, Maryland area including: Annapolis, Edgewater, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crownsville, Arnold and Kent Island, inquire about lessons by e-mailing him at [email protected].