So, you’re dreaming of strumming chords and playing your favorite songs, but the price tags on some guitars are making your wallet weep? You’re not alone. Many aspiring guitarists, and even experienced players looking for a reliable backup, are on the hunt for the Best Cheap Guitar. The good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent instrument, especially when you’re starting out.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’ve personally never spent more than $200 on a guitar. And honestly? I’ve never felt the need to. This isn’t about dismissing high-end instruments – they’re fantastic! But for many of us, especially beginners, a cheap guitar is not just a starting point, it can be a long-term companion.
In this guide, we’ll explore why opting for an inexpensive guitar is a smart move, and I’ll share my top recommendations for the best budget electric guitars and affordable acoustic guitars available today.
A collection of various guitars, showcasing different types and colors.
Why Choose a Cheap Guitar?
You might be wondering, “Why even consider a cheap guitar?” There are actually several compelling reasons:
- Affordability is King: Let’s face it, budget is a major factor for most of us. A cheap guitar makes learning accessible without a huge financial commitment.
- Surprisingly Good Sound: Technology has come a long way. Many affordable guitars sound remarkably good, especially to beginner ears. You’ll be able to learn and enjoy playing without being held back by a terrible sounding instrument.
- Low Maintenance, Less Worry: Don’t want to stress about humidity levels or babying your instrument? Cheap guitars are generally more robust and require less meticulous care. They are perfect for taking anywhere without the anxiety of damaging an expensive piece.
- Build Your Collection Without Breaking the Bank: Want to experiment with different guitar types? With inexpensive guitars, you can afford to amass a small collection without emptying your savings account.
- Perfect for Beginners – Dip Your Toes In: Not sure if guitar is truly for you? A budget guitar is the ideal way to test the waters without a significant investment. If you decide it’s not your passion, you haven’t lost a fortune.
However, a word of caution: not all cheap guitars are created equal. Some are, frankly, awful and can actually hinder your learning and enjoyment. Investing in a truly terrible instrument can be more costly in the long run due to frustration and potential repairs.
Let’s dive into what “cheap guitar” really means and how to find quality without overspending.
Defining “Cheap”: What’s Affordable in the Guitar World?
The world of guitars is vast, with prices ranging from as low as $25 to upwards of $10,000 and beyond.
First things first: steer clear of the absolute rock-bottom priced $25 guitar. These are often more toy than instrument.
Secondly: if you’re contemplating spending $28,000 on a guitar, you probably aren’t searching for “cheap guitar” advice!
So, what constitutes “cheap” in our context?
“Cheap” doesn’t equate to “poor quality” or “badly made.” Instead, for our purposes, “cheap” simply means “inexpensive”, and we’re setting our budget at $200 or less. This is the sweet spot where you can find genuinely decent, playable instruments without sacrificing too much quality. We are committed to recommending only quality affordable guitars, completely ruling out those $25 nightmares.
What can you realistically expect to spend in this range?
- New Guitar: Between $80 – $200
- Used Guitar: Between $40 – $200
This price range opens up a world of possibilities for beginners and budget-conscious players alike.
Cheap Guitars to Avoid: Red Flags
While there are many great cheap guitars available, there are also some to avoid. Here are a few red flags to watch out for:
One brand I would generally advise staying away from, especially for beginners, is “First Act“.
A very basic, brightly colored children's guitar, visually unappealing and seemingly low quality.
Guitars from brands like First Act, often marketed towards very young children, frequently suffer from quality control issues, poor playability, and can be frustrating to learn on. Similarly, anything you might find in a general toy store should be approached with extreme caution. These instruments often prioritize appearance over functionality.
Beyond specific brands, a general rule of thumb for first-time buyers is: if the guitar lacks a recognizable brand name or a serial number that you can research and find reviews for, it’s best to avoid it. Reputable brands stand behind their products, and a lack of branding is often a sign of questionable origin and quality.
Buying used guitars presents a slightly different set of considerations, which we’ll touch on later.
Top Affordable Guitar Brands: Quality on a Budget
Now for the good stuff! Despite the “cheap” label, several reputable brands offer fantastic affordable guitars that are perfect for beginners and experienced players on a budget. These are brands known for quality and consistency, even in their more inexpensive models.
These are some of the best guitar brands for beginners that also offer cheap guitars:
These brands aren’t just for beginners; they produce excellent high-end instruments too. Their entry-level models benefit from this brand heritage, offering a level of quality often exceeding their price point. When buying new, you can generally rely on these brands to deliver a solid instrument.
When it comes to specific types of guitars, the best electric guitar brands in the affordable category often include:
And the best acoustic guitar brands in the cheap guitar realm are frequently:
- Jasmine (by Takamine)
- Fender
- Yamaha
- Takamine
- Seagull (While Seagull can be slightly pricier, used models might fall into the affordable category and offer excellent value)
- (Note: While Gibson, Taylor, and Martin are legendary acoustic brands, their guitars generally do NOT fall into the “affordable” category unless you stumble upon an exceptional used deal. For cheap acoustic guitars, stick with Fender, Yamaha, Jasmine, and Takamine).
Let’s get more specific and look at some top picks for both cheap electric guitars and cheap acoustic guitars.
Best Cheap Electric Guitar: Top Picks
Best Cheap Electric Guitar: Fender Squier
The Best Cheap Electric Guitar: Fender Squier
The Fender Squier consistently tops lists as the best affordable electric guitar, and for good reason. You can typically find new Squier models online for around $150, making them incredibly accessible.
Squiers are known for their versatility. Whether you want to play rock, blues, pop, or even heavier genres, a Squier can handle it. Many models, like the one pictured above, come equipped with three single-coil pickups. This pickup configuration is what gives Squiers their signature bright and articulate sound, and allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities.
The quality of Squiers is so respected that many experienced guitarists even upgrade the electronics in these guitars, recognizing the solid foundation they provide.
A crucial tip when considering a Squier: ensure you are buying a full-sized Squier, and not a Squier Mini. The Mini is a 3/4 size guitar designed for children, and while great for its intended purpose, it’s not ideal for most adults learning guitar.
Runner Up: Yamaha Pacifica
A Yamaha Pacifica electric guitar in a light blue color, with a sleek and modern design.
The Yamaha Pacifica series is another outstanding contender in the cheap electric guitar category. Pacifica guitars are renowned for their playability, often considered some of the easiest guitars to play. This is especially beneficial for beginners who are still developing finger strength and coordination.
The primary reason the Fender Squier edges out the Pacifica as the absolute “best” is often price and sheer availability. Squiers are often slightly more budget-friendly and widely found in music stores and online. However, the Yamaha Pacifica remains an exceptional cheap electric guitar choice, particularly if playability is your top priority.
These are my top recommendations for affordable electric guitars under $200. Now, let’s switch gears to acoustics.
Best Cheap Acoustic Guitar: Top Recommendations
The Best Cheap Acoustic Guitar: The Jasmine
The Best Affordable Acoustic Guitar: The Jasmine
When it comes to cheap acoustic guitars, the Jasmine brand, made by Takamine, is a standout. Think of Jasmine as Takamine’s equivalent to Fender’s Squier – the affordable, entry-level line from a respected manufacturer.
Initially, I was skeptical about recommending an acoustic guitar priced around $80. However, after playing several Jasmine models, I’ve been thoroughly impressed. For players on a very tight budget, the Jasmine is undeniably your best bet for a cheap acoustic guitar.
It ticks all the boxes: it’s cheap, it sounds surprisingly good for the price, and it’s generally easy to play, which is crucial for beginners.
Runner Up: The Fender FA-100
A Fender FA-100 acoustic guitar, showcasing its natural wood finish and classic dreadnought shape.
The Fender FA-100 is another solid contender in the cheap acoustic guitar category. I personally own a Fender acoustic model similar to the FA-100 (though mine is significantly older), and it has aged beautifully over 20 years, improving in sound with time.
If you have a little more flexibility in your guitar budget, I would lean slightly towards the Fender FA-100 over the Jasmine. While both are excellent affordable acoustic guitars, the Fender often offers a touch more refinement in terms of build and sound quality. However, you can’t go wrong with either of these top acoustic guitars for under $200.
Level Up Your Cheap Guitar: The Power of a Setup
Here’s a secret weapon to make your cheap guitar feel and play like a much more expensive instrument: a professional guitar setup.
Think of a guitar setup as a tune-up for your instrument. When you buy a new guitar, even a cheap guitar, it has likely spent time in a warehouse or on display in a store, potentially exposed to varying temperatures and handling. Guitars are delicate instruments that benefit greatly from fine-tuning.
What are the benefits of a guitar setup? A setup typically addresses several key adjustments:
- Action Adjustment: Raising or lowering the height of the strings from the fretboard.
- Neck Adjustment: Ensuring the guitar neck has the correct curvature (relief) for optimal playability.
- Intonation Adjustment: Ensuring the guitar plays in tune across the entire fretboard.
Depending on your specific guitar, other adjustments may be included. In my experience, the action adjustment is the most impactful aspect of a setup, especially for beginners.
Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. High action means you have to press the strings down further, requiring more finger pressure. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, reducing the effort needed to fret notes.
The harder you have to press, the more finger pain you are likely to experience. Finger pain is a common complaint for new guitarists, and while a setup won’t eliminate it entirely, it can significantly reduce discomfort and make learning much more enjoyable.
How do you get a guitar setup? Simply take your guitar to your local guitar store and ask for a setup. The cost usually ranges from $60-$70, but it’s an investment that is absolutely worthwhile, even if you’ve just purchased a cheap guitar around that price point.
While you can attempt a guitar setup yourself, it’s not recommended for beginners unless you have experience and the proper tools. It’s best left to a professional to ensure it’s done correctly.
Where to Buy Inexpensive Guitars: Finding Deals
Your best places to find cheap guitars are generally music stores and online retailers like Amazon or MusiciansFriend.com.
For potentially the most competitive prices, large online retailers like Amazon are often excellent resources due to their scale and competition.
Considering Used Guitars: Smart Savings
Used guitars are a fantastic way to save even more money and potentially get a better instrument for your budget.
Buying used does carry a slightly higher risk compared to buying new, but it’s easily manageable with a bit of caution.
My primary advice for buying used cheap guitars is to stick with the brands I’ve already recommended. Fender (Squier), Yamaha, Jasmine, Takamine, and Epiphone are generally safe bets in the used market.
Yard sales and online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can be excellent places to find used guitars locally.
If you’re interested in learning more about buying used acoustic guitars specifically, check out this guide for detailed tips and advice.
The Allure of Free Guitars: Seize the Opportunity
If you ever have the chance to acquire a free guitar, my philosophy is simple: always take it.
Whether it’s offered by a friend, family member, found at a yard sale for free, or even (incredibly rarely!) discovered in a dumpster, a free guitar is always worth considering.
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 not a $28,000 guitar, but maybe a surprisingly good player.
More realistically, you’re likely to end up with a decent, middle-of-the-road cheap guitar from one of the reputable brands mentioned earlier. If that’s the case, invest in a setup, put on a new set of strings, and you’ll likely have a perfectly playable instrument for free!
That wraps up my guide to the best cheap 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… (rest of original author bio omitted as per instructions).
