March 14, 2022 | Read time: 7
You wander around the store aimlessly, palms damp and heart thumping loudly in your ears. How can they possibly be asking you to pay so much for a premium guitar?
Don't worry. There are tons of cheap options to choose from. And the best news? With practice, effort, and inspiration, you can make magic happen without blowing your budget.
So let's break it down.
We'll start with the basics: acoustic vs. electric guitars. When you boil it down, these are the main types of guitars to choose from.
Reasonably priced and considered by many to be the easiest to learn, acoustic guitars are a popular choice for beginners. Acoustic guitars have a hollow body and a long, fretted neck connected by strings. When you pluck the strings, vibrations are transmitted to various instrument parts, ultimately creating sound waves from the sound hole. Some acoustic guitars (known as acoustic-electric) can also plug into an amplifier.
There are two types of strings used for acoustic guitars:
Nylon strings (Classical guitar): A nylon-string acoustic is easier on the fingers than its steel-stringed counterpart, but anyone just learning will still experience some discomfort. Nylon strings create a softer, mellow sound and are popular for playing folk, jazz, Flamenco, and pop.
Steel strings (Acoustic Guitar): Steel stringed guitars are harder on the fingers because you have to press down harder to produce sound. The tradeoff is that they create a brighter, more versatile tone. Steel strings are popular for playing rock, country, blues, bluegrass, pop, and others.
Electric guitars have a huge range in type and price, and they work differently than an acoustic guitar, requiring an amplifier to truly sing. Electric guitars have devices called pickups embedded in their body. When the strings vibrate, pickups convert the energy into an electric signal and send it to the amplifier through a cable. Although best known for playing rock, heavy metal, punk, and blues, electric guitars are incredibly versatile and can play almost any kind of music.
Now that we have the basics let's kick it up a notch and dive into some specifics. There are a few questions you can ask yourself that may help you decide which guitar is best for you.
What kind of music do you want to play?
While there are no hard and fast rules about what you can play on your ax, sometimes a guitar made for a specific sound or style is a better fit. For example, you're not going to create loud, distorted effects heavy metal requires by strumming an acoustic. Instead, consider the type of music you love and what best fits the genre.
What sounds do you like?
Like the last question, think about what kind of sounds you like. If you want softer sounds, a steel-string acoustic guitar may be the best fit. If you like more warmth to the sound, an acoustic guitar with nylon string can give you that bassy vibe. If our preference is for louder music with a wide range of sounds, an electric guitar may energize your beats.
Is there a famous guitar player that inspires you?
Many people are inspired to learn the guitar because they admire an influential artist. Is there someone you want to play like or learn from? Some artists even highly recommend specific instruments. Check out what your idols are talking about and consider if it factors into your plans.
Where will you play your guitar (and how loud)?
You're going to spend a lot of time playing your new guitar, right? So, where will you be playing? If you are alone in your house, you probably don't need to worry about sound level – you'll have the power and solitude to plug in your amp and hammer on your electric guitar. But if you're planning on busking around town, an acoustic that doesn't require power is a natural choice. Living in an apartment or with roomies? Something quiet like a classical guitar (or electric with headphones) may be your best bet. But, again, consider your environment and how your guitar practice will fit into it.
How much should I spend on a guitar?
And the question you've been waiting for… how much should you spend? If you're just starting or switching guitar types, there are many affordable guitars to choose from. Starting with a cheap electric guitar or cheap acoustic guitar can give you an idea if it's a good fit, giving you the time you need to learn the basics before investing in something more expensive
We've been through the basics and considered the specifics. It's time to talk prices and reviews.
1. Epiphone PR-150 Acoustic Guitar Natural1 | $149
A great guitar for beginners, most reviewers are surprised and pleased at both the aesthetic and sound quality found in such an affordable guitar. It's an easy guitar to play "out of the box" with minor adjustments needed. Many intermediate guitarists continue to use years into their playing, citing that it's reliable, has excellent sound, and stays in tune.
2. Martin LX1E Little Martin2 | $499
Reviewers appreciate this acoustic-electric hybrid guitar's solid build quality and bright tones. It's also compact and easy to travel with. As a result, it's a good guitar for singer-songwriters, though some reviews mention a noticeable buzz when plugged into an amp.
3. Yamaha STORIA III3 | $449
Musicians love this smaller body guitar's bright tone, clean sound, and smooth neck. Many guitarists mention that it stays in tune well and projects sound well. However, some reviewers said that the neck might be too thin for some players.
4. Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany4 | $299
This guitar has solid reviews across the board, with most players finding it has excellent intonation, solid mid-range brightness, and overall great value for the money. However, some find it too simple-looking, while others love the classic, minimalist design.
5. Guild M-240E5 | $429
This guild has a solid body, fit, and finish that is surprising and high quality for its price point. Most reviewers are surprised and pleased with its build, tone, and playability. Reviewers explain this guitar as a dependable acoustic that stands up to more expensive instruments.
1. PRS SE Standard 246 | $499
Reviewers call this guitar rock solid. They like the straight neck and signature on the headstock. Many find it easy to tune and express admiration for the smooth-as-glass controls, volume, and pickup switching. Some find it heavier than expected but say that using a wider padded strap helps.
2. Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline7 | $489
With a classic 70s look, reviews find this throwback model isn't your daddy's squire. They note the attention to detail in the build, the classic look quality, and their airy Thinline tones. Reviewers recommend this guitar almost without reservation, stating only that some players may not like the neck finish.
3. Schecter Demon-68 | $499
Reviewers love the pickups and the instrument's impressive ability to sustain. Many enjoy the sound and tuning stability, but several musicians note that the bridge needs adjustments, and the frets are pretty low.
4. Danelectro' 59XT9 | $459
Musicians love the classic single-coil tones and fast, comfortable neck. They note the solid tremolo and smooth frets. Reviewers rate this guitar highly, recommending it strongly without reservation.
5. Epiphone Les Paul SL10 | $159
Musicians are surprised by the quality sound of this super affordable electric guitar. Most agree that it's lightweight and "slick and easy playing." Reviewers note cheap tuners and recommend purchasing a solid color rather than sunburst if you're looking for something glossy.
Ready to jam? With these affordable options and financing opportunities available from our partners, you can buy your new guitar in a few clicks.
The best part? You can finance your instrument (and equipment) with the help of Synchrony partners. That means instead of shelling out $500 all at once, you can make smaller monthly payments over time.
1 Epiphone PR-150 Acoustic Guitar Natural (Musician’s Friend)
2 Martin LX1E Little Martin (Guitar Center)
3 Yamaha STORIA III (Sam Ash)
4 Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany (Guitar Center)
5 Guild M-240E (Sweetwater)
6 PRS SE Standard 24 (Guitar Center)
7 Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Thinline (Musician’s Friend)
8 Schecter Demon-6 (Sam Ash)
9 Danelectro' 59XT (Sweetwater)
10 Epiphone Les Paul SL (Musician’s Friend)
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