Guitar Gear & Buying Guides
Good gear doesn't have to be expensive — but bad gear makes learning harder. These guides show you what matters, what doesn't, and how to avoid buying a lemon.
Best Beginner Guitars (2026): 15 Picks for Adults & Kids by Budget
The best guitars for beginners in 2026 — acoustic, classical and electric picks for adults and kids, from cheap starter guitars under $200 to the best value models, plus which guitar is easiest to learn on.
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Guitar Brands List: 30 Best Guitar Brands Compared (Beginner to Pro)
A complete list of guitar brands compared: Yamaha, Fender, Squier, Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez, PRS, Taylor, Martin and 20+ more — what each is known for, price range, and the best brands for beginners, metal, acoustic and jazz.
Read more →How to Check a Guitar Before Buying: New and Used Guitar Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for inspecting a guitar in a store or when buying used: neck, frets, action, electronics, tuning stability and warning signs to walk away from.
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Essential Guitar Accessories: Tuner, Capo, Picks, Strap, Case and Stand
The guitar accessories every beginner actually needs — tuner, capo, picks, strap, case, stand, spare strings — plus useful extras and what you can skip.
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Guitar Amps, Pedals and Headphones: A Beginner's Guide
How to choose a practice amp, headphone amp or multi-effects unit, headphone amp vs multi-effects compared, what effects pedals do, the right pedal order, and how to play electric guitar silently.
Read more →Best Electric Guitars Under $500 (2026 Buyer's Guide)
The best electric guitars under $500 in 2026 — budget picks under $250, the best value all-rounders, and the best affordable guitars for blues, rock, metal and indie — plus how to choose pickups and what amp to pair.
Read more →How we write gear guides
We are independent: we don't accept payment for recommendations and we don't have affiliate links on this site. We focus on features that make a real difference to players — playability, tuning stability, build quality — and on models with a long track record. Prices vary by country and change often, so treat the budgets as ranges and always check current prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on my first guitar?
For an acoustic, roughly $150–$300 buys a guitar that stays in tune and plays comfortably. Below about $100, playability problems are common. Electric starter packs with an amp usually cost $200–$400.
Is it OK to buy a used guitar?
Yes — used guitars are often the best value. Use our inspection checklist to check the neck, frets, electronics and tuning stability before paying.