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 by Budget: Acoustic, Classical and Electric
The best beginner guitars at every budget — acoustic, classical and electric — with proven models, what you get for your money and what to avoid.
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Guitar Brands Compared: Yamaha, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Taylor, Martin and More
An honest overview of the major guitar brands — what each is known for, their budget and premium lines, and which brands suit beginners, rock, metal, jazz or acoustic players.
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 modelling amp, what effects pedals do, the right pedal order, and how to play electric guitar silently or record at home.
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.