Have you ever dreamed of strumming your favorite songs but felt stopped by the high price tag of a brand-new guitar? Many aspiring musicians face this exact problem. Finding a good, affordable guitar can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You worry about buying something cheap that sounds terrible or breaks quickly. It’s frustrating when your budget seems to limit your musical journey.
But what if we told you that amazing sound doesn’t need a massive bank account? We understand the struggle. That’s why we dug deep to find the best budget-friendly guitars available right now. In this guide, you will learn exactly which affordable models deliver quality sound without breaking the bank. We’ll show you how to spot the hidden gems.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for cheap guitars that actually sound great. Get ready to stop worrying about price and start focusing on playing! Let’s dive into finding your perfect, wallet-friendly axe.
Top Cheap Guitars Recommendations
- Acoustic black guitar is made of an all wood construction, steel strings, and a glossy, smooth finish
- This ultimate guitar starter kit includes a guitar pick, pitch pipe, a shoulder strap, and an extra set of strings for replacement
- Comes with a nylon carrying case perfect for storage and portability
- Right-handed guitar with accessories is ideal for beginners and is ready to use out of the box
- Guitar Dimensions: 38"(L) x 14"(W) x 3.25"(H)
- High-quality Construction: This 38 Inch acoustic guitar set is precision crafted for durability. The guitar is made of all-wood construction, steel strings, and a glossy, smooth finish for optimal sound quality
- Perfect for Beginners: Designed with novice players in mind, this acoustic guitar offers an easy learning curve and comfortable playability. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this instrument is the ideal choice
- Acoustic Guitar Kit: This set includes everything you need to get started on your musical journey. Alongside the acoustic guitar, you'll receive a gig bag for convenient transportation, a strap for comfortable playing, a pitch pipe for accurate pitch reference, a shoulder strap and an extra set of strings and picks to enhance your sound
- Captivating sound: The resonant tone produced by this acoustic guitar will captivate both beginners and more experienced players alike. Its rich, warm sound creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, making it perfect for solo performances or group jam sessions
- Stylish design: With its stunning black finish, this guitar not only sounds great but also looks incredibly stylish. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home, its eye-catching appearance is sure to impress
- Safe and durable: The guitar bag is made of waterproof Oxford cloth, which can last longer.
- Waterproof oxford cloth outer soft bag
- Size: 42*5*16.2 inches
- Two outer pockets: one on the front and one on the neck; you can put music scores, documents, music books, accessories (pedals, adapters, cables, tuners, etc.)
- Easy to carry: The acoustic guitar bag comes with two adjustable backpack straps and a handle loop. You can carry it by hand or carry it on your shoulder, depending on your comfort.
- Quality Materials: Crafted with a premium basswood top and back, this 30" classical acoustic guitar provides rich resonance and structural stability. The quality nylon strings ensure a comfortable and finger-friendly playing experience for kids and beginners
- Easy & Accurate Tuning: Featuring upgraded high-precision tuning pegs, this classical acoustic guitar beginner kit makes tuning a breeze—even for beginners. The included tuner allows precise and fast tuning, delivering a clear sound
- Classic Retro Design: This wood classical guitar boasts a beautifully crafted finish with tight binding for extra durability and impact resistance. With tight string-to-fret spacing, it is suitable for beginners, reducing finger fatigue during play
- Ideal for Beginners: Available in a variety of unique colors, styles, and sizes, this 30'' classical guitar starter kit is great for new learners, young musicians, traveling performers, music teachers, or anyone exploring a new hobby
- Complete Starter Kit: This wooden guitar bundle kit includes everything you need to start playing right away: 1 x gig bag, 1 x dust cloth, 1 x extra strings, 3 x picks, 1 x shoulder strap, 1 x tuner, and 1 x capo. No extra purchases required
- Sturdy Build Quality
- Easy Playability with Nylon Strings
- Handcrafted acoustic guitar with an Agathis top back and sides
- The smaller scale of this instrument (considered 1/2 sized) is specially designed with the younger player in mind
- Recommended for the players that are starting between the ages of 5-9
- COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE GUITAR KIT: No need to buy any additional accessories; this all-inclusive set comes with a gig bag, guitar strap with pick holder, extra nylon strings, 6 celluloid guitar picks, a capo, and a cloth
- 4 MONTHS OF NO-COST LESSONS: Our partner, Fret Zealot, has lessons for all levels and thousands of individual songs to build your skills. The App (iOS or Android) also includes a highly accurate digital tuner for easy tuning anywhere!
- FIT FOR ALL AGES: Playing guitar is easy with 7 accessories, and a classic acoustic guitar shape for a comfortable experience, perfect for teenagers and adults alike
- CLASSIC DESIGN: Guitar has been upgraded with a closer proximity between the fretboard and strings, reducing finger fatigue so you can jam out for hours
- EASY TO PLAY: Learning to play on this guitar is easy with nylon strings that are easier to hold down, reduce damage on the guitar bridge, and stay in tune, producing a beautiful tone while playing; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 38"(L) x 14"(W) x 4.3"(H)
- Complete starter kit: Entry-level bundle includes 41-inch cutaway acoustic guitar, nylon bag, 3 picks (of assorted colors), shoulder strap, digital tuner, an extra set of 6 strings, and an instructional sheet.
- Perfect beginner guitar: Specially designed for students and teens who are just getting started. This full size, right-handed, acoustic guitar features 20 smooth frets, 6 steel strings, and easy to hold neck.
- Superior-grade tonewoods: Top, back, and sides are crafted from laminated basswood for versatility and warmth, with a high-gloss finish. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, this guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity. This guitar is built to last.
- Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making, this beginner acoustic guitar features an impressive tone, bright sound, and standout projection. It's waiting to be heard.
- Classic design: Ideal for learners of any age, this guitar is lightweight and features a classic cutaway thinline acoustic guitar silhouette measuring 41" Long x 16" Wide x 3.25" Deep.
- Good for beginner: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable and easier to handle, especially for beginners or players with smaller hands.
- Portable: It offers a balance between a full-size guitar and a smaller travel guitar, making it a versatile option for both practicing at home and taking on the go.
- Variety: The folk guitar's sound is known for its warm and rich tone, which is well-suited for a variety of musical styles, from folk to country to pop.
- Full bundle: It bundle with full accessories including a strap with picks holder,digital tuner, set strings, capo,cleaning cloth,6 picks,gig bag.
- Highly Cost-effective: It is often more affordable than full-size guitars, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or looking for a good value.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Cheap Guitars: Strumming on a Budget
Thinking about starting your guitar journey but worried about the cost? You don’t need a super expensive instrument to make great music. Cheap guitars, often called entry-level or beginner guitars, are perfect for learning. This guide helps you choose the best budget-friendly axe.
Key Features to Look For in Budget Guitars
When you shop for a cheap guitar, certain features really matter for your playing experience. Don’t just look at the price tag!
- Playability (Action): This is how high the strings are off the fretboard. Low action is easier to press down. High action hurts your fingers and slows you down. Good cheap guitars have decent, playable action right out of the box.
- Tuning Stability: Can the guitar stay in tune? Cheap tuners (the knobs you turn) often slip. Look for guitars with sealed, metal tuners, even on the lower end.
- Intonation: When you play a note high up the neck, does it sound right compared to the open string? Poor intonation means the guitar sounds bad when you play chords higher up.
- Comfort: Is the guitar the right size? A huge acoustic guitar might overwhelm a small child. Many budget electric guitars are lighter and easier to handle than heavy acoustics.
Important Materials for Budget Instruments
Materials affect sound and durability. Expensive guitars use solid woods, but cheap guitars use different things:
- Body Wood (Laminates): Most cheap guitars use layered wood, called laminate. This is cheaper than solid wood. Brands often use woods like basswood or poplar for the body. These woods are light and acceptable for beginners.
- Neck: Maple is common for necks because it is strong. Make sure the neck feels straight.
- Fretboard: Cheaper guitars often use painted maple or treated rosewood substitutes. Smoothness here is important to prevent buzzing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a $150 guitar better than a $75 guitar? It often comes down to setup and attention to detail.
Quality Boosters:
- Good Frets: The metal strips on the neck must be smooth. Sharp, pointy fret ends will snag your hand.
- Decent Pickups (Electric Guitars): Pickups capture the string vibrations. Even cheap pickups can sound okay if they are installed correctly. Read reviews to see if the sound is muddy or clear.
Quality Reducers:
- Poor Finish Work: Thick paint jobs or sloppy edges show low quality control.
- Cheap Electronics: Knobs and switches that crackle or stop working quickly reduce the guitar’s lifespan.
- Bad Setup: A guitar can be built well, but if it is not set up properly (adjusting the neck and string height), it will be difficult to play.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this guitar for? Your use case changes what you should buy.
- The Absolute Beginner: You need the easiest playing experience possible. Focus on playability (low action). An inexpensive electric guitar might actually be easier to play than a cheap acoustic guitar because the strings are thinner.
- The Traveler/Backpacker: You need something durable and small. Look for 3/4 size guitars or travel acoustics.
- The Experimenter: You want to try different sounds without investing much. A cheap electric guitar is great because you can easily swap out parts later if you get serious.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Guitars
Q: Can a cheap guitar sound good?
A: Yes, a cheap guitar can sound good enough for practice and learning. Tone mostly comes from the player and the amplifier (for electrics), not just the guitar itself.
Q: What is the “action” and why does it matter on a budget guitar?
A: Action is the height of the strings above the fretboard. On cheap guitars, the action is often too high, which makes pressing the strings down very hard on your fingers. Lower action is always better for beginners.
Q: Should I buy an acoustic or an electric guitar first if I am on a tight budget?
A: Acoustic guitars are cheaper upfront because you do not need an amplifier. However, electric guitars usually have thinner strings and lower action, which can be physically easier for new players.
Q: Do cheap guitars break easily?
A: They are generally less durable than expensive ones, especially the hardware (tuners and bridge). If you treat them gently, they will last through the beginner years.
Q: What is the most important thing to check when buying a used cheap guitar?
A: Check the neck. Make sure it is straight and that there is no severe buzzing when you strum the strings. Also, check that all the tuning pegs turn smoothly.
Q: What does “laminate wood” mean?
A: Laminate wood means the body is made of several thin layers of wood glued together, like plywood. This keeps costs down compared to solid wood.
Q: Do I need an amplifier for a cheap electric guitar?
A: Yes. Electric guitars only make a tiny sound without an amplifier. You must budget for a small practice amp along with the guitar.
Q: How long will a beginner guitar last?
A: If you practice regularly, a good entry-level guitar can last several years. You might upgrade when you feel the guitar is holding you back from sounding better, usually after one or two years.
Q: What is the cheapest guitar size I can buy?
A: You can find 3/4 size guitars or 1/2 size guitars, which are smaller versions of standard guitars. These are often marketed for younger children.
Q: Should I pay extra for a “starter pack”?
A: Starter packs are usually a good deal. They include necessary accessories like a gig bag (soft case), a tuner, and a strap. Make sure the guitar in the pack still has decent reviews.