Whether you love the roar of an electric or the delicate strum of an acoustic, there’s a guitar out there that is perfect for you. There is a rich array of choices on the market, perfect for all types of playing styles, and different budgets. If you’re planning on buying a guitar but don’t have a lot of extra cash to spare, there are still plenty of high-quality options.
[Read: Different types of Guitar]
Best Guitars for Beginners in the Budget Category
If you have just started learning the guitar, choosing the right instrument can be hard. You need to make the right choice to suit your playing needs. You’re looking for a guitar that sounds great, is durable, and supports you in all your practice sessions, whether indoors or outdoors. As an expert, you’ll know what you want and can choose an instrument with specific features tailored to your own unique playing style. But whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can find a guitar that has what you need at an affordable price!
How We Made Our Picks
Editors from the BYJU’S FutureSchool blog researched the most popular guitars for beginners and cross referenced that against guitars that members of our music curriculum team recommend and have tried for themselves. The result: a list of vetted guitars for beginners to help you strum like a pro.
Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
Fender CD-60S All Mahogany Guitar
If you’re looking for a familiar brand for your first guitar, this Fender CD-60S is a great choice. It has an all-mahogany body, produces a nice rounded sound and clear bright treble tones. As one of the leading brands in the industry, you know you can rely on Fender to make a reliable instrument.
Price
Starting at $183.99
Yamaha FG800
With uncompromising quality and a budget-friendly price tag, the Yamaha brand is always a smart choice. This guitar is designed for easy play, which makes it perfect for beginners, but the tones are loud and clear. It will sound like you’re strumming a much more expensive instrument.
Price
Starting at $593.99
Epiphone DR100
The Epiphone DR100 is a budget-friendly dreadnought guitar based on a best-seller from Epiphone’s parent company, Gibson. You can get a nice balanced tone from this wooden beauty, and the humble price tag makes it an excellent choice.
Price
Starting at $432
Alvarez AD30
If you are looking for something solid yet stylish, the Alvarez AD30 could be the right choice. It is a superb acoustic guitar for beginners. The instrument has great playability, and the wooden design aids resonance.
Price
Starting at $239
Electric Guitars for Beginners
Yamaha Pacifica 112V
The Yamaha Pacific is one of the best electric guitars for beginners on a budget. The sound is clear and strong, and the solo single coils add ample percussion. The guitar is available in a variety of glossy colors like natural satin, raspberry red, black, sonic blue, and metallic silver.
Price
Starting at $299
Squier Bullet Mustang HH
The Squier Bullet Mustang HH is an affordable, short-scale model. Available in imperial blue and standard black colors, this instrument has a comfortable neck and fingerboard.
Price
Starting at $179
Epiphone Slash AFD Les Paul Special –II
If you are trying to take your first steps into the world of rock, this model by Slash could be the perfect match. It has powerful Ceramic Plus humbuckers and a built-in tuner that makes tuning easier for beginners.
Price
Starting at $249
Ibanez GRGA120
This beauty from Ibanez is a great fit for those looking to rock out with some heavy metal. The neck is thin, allowing easy access to all 24 frets. This stunning guitar is available in white and black knight finishes.
Price
Starting at $199
Squier Affinity Strat
The Squier Affinity Strat is an excellent choice for budget-conscious musicians, especially beginners. It is easier to hold than other models because of its lightweight design, and is available in standard black, competition orange, slick silver, 2 tone sunburst, and surf green finishes.
Price
Starting at $219
Harley Benton SC-550
The Harley Benton SC-550 is the perfect combination of classic looks and contemporary style. It has a gorgeous classic rock sound, plus features to help any beginner guitar players master their new instrument.
Price
Starting at $293.61
Harley Benton SC-Junior
The Harley Benton SC-Junior is a classic one-pickup single-cut guitar. It has a mahogany body with a black walnut fingerboard, and is available in three beautiful colors: metallic dark cherry, black, and casino gold.
Price
Starting at $449
Best Affordable Acoustic Guitars for Experts
Art & Lutherie Roadhouse
The Art & Lutherie Roadhouse is a top contender for best guitar under $500. This classic model has a solid spruce top and laminated wild cherry back and sides. Clear tones and strong middle and upper ranges will make playing this instrument an absolute joy.
Price
Starting at $449
Epiphone J-200 EC Studio
For seasoned guitarists looking for a tremendous plugged-in performance, this vintage-style guitar will be ideal. The Epiphone is available in standard black, natural, vintage natural, and vintage sunburst finishes.
Price
Starting at $499
Taylor GS Mini Acoustic Guitar
If you love to travel and play the guitar, the Taylor GS Mini is for you. This Mexican-made mini functions as a contemporary parlor guitar and a travel-sized acoustic. It has a robust build and a tight low end sound that makes it a decent recording guitar as well.
Price
Starting at $499
Martin Dreadnought Junior
The Junior from Martin is a beautiful, downsized dreadnought with a great price. It is a sturdy, old-school guitar with a classic sound.
Price
Starting at $499
Best Affordable Electric Guitars for Experts
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner
Gretsch created the Streamliner series to offer their unique style at a more affordable price. The G2622 has a semi-hollow body and an airy tone available in walnut stain and black.
Price
Starting at $449
PRS SE Standard 24
The PRS SE Standard 24 is the most versatile electric guitar available in this price range. The guitar has a player-personable setup and is available in tobacco sunburst, vintage cherry, and translucent blue models at the price available.
Price
Starting at $499
LTD EC -256
The LTD EC-256 is a great choice for rock and heavy metal lovers. The guitar has a slim mahogany body, set neck and ESP-designed humbuckers that cover several ground tones. The most exciting part about this guitar is that it’s like a blank canvas for players- you can add your own pickups or other enhancements.
Price
Starting at $449
Fender Player Jazzmaster HH
Another beautiful model by Fender, the Jazzmaster HH comes with a dual-humbucker layout. In addition, it has master volume and master tone control, and a 3-way switch selector.
Price
Starting at $449.99
The budget acoustic electric guitar category is fiercely competitive whether you’re a beginner or an expert. However, plenty of models are available at a reasonable price, even from some of the biggest brands in the industry.
While people used to think affordable guitars were only for beginners, newer techniques in manufacturing technology have made these guitars great options for experts as well. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Everyone needs a little help making essential decisions sometimes. So, use this article by BYJU’S FutureSchool as your guide to buying the best affordable guitar for you, and If you want more guitar resources you can sign up for a FREE trial class where you can learn live in a 1:1 setting with knowledgeable instructors—or check out some more helpful articles.
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