So you’re thinking about getting an electric guitar? But, you’re stuck on one burning question: how much does one of these bad boys cost?
They come with different hardware options and are normally focused on specific music styles. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, there is sure to be a guitar for you! But how much are electric guitars, and what should you get?
First, start with our calculator below. It will help you get a price for everything you will need at this point in your journey, even if you are just getting started.
Then, read on as I’ll break down the costs of everything for you. This way, you can make an informed decision when shopping for your next axe.
💰 The Real Cost Calculator
Don’t get blindsided. Calculate the FULL cost to start playing.
How Much Are Electric Guitars?
The price tag on an electric guitar can swing widely! As a ballpark figure, anticipate spending between $100 and $800 for a basic model. But if you want a more premium version, you might have to spend a thousand or more dollars.
Those less costly options might not boast top-tier parts, affecting both the sound and the playability. On the flip side, those premium guitars often showcase fine, custom details and superior craftsmanship.
So when you’re in the market for an electric guitar, it’s key to mull over what you specifically need and can afford.
🔍 Price Tier Breakdown
| Price Range | What You Get | Common Issues | Best Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 – $300 | Basic functionality. Ceramic pickups. Thin finish. | Sharp fret ends, tuners slip, needs setup. | Squier Sonic / Yamaha Pacifica 012 |
| $400 – $650 | The Sweet Spot. Alnico pickups, bone nut, gloss neck. | Minor cosmetic flaws. | Squier Classic Vibe / PRS SE Standard |
| $800 – $1,200 | Pro specs. Branded pickups (Duncan/EMG), locking tuners. | Diminishing returns start here. | Fender Player / Schecter Hellraiser |
| $1,500+ | Made in USA/Japan. Nitro finish. Hardshell case included. | Expensive to repair/replace. | Gibson Les Paul / Fender American Pro |
Entry-Level Electric Guitars
Entry-level electric guitars are an excellent option for those getting into playing! Whether as a beginner or as someone on a tight budget.
They have less expensive materials and fewer features than pricier models. But, despite this, they can still offer a great playing experience. And they are more than suitable for learning the basics of guitar playing.
The average price for an entry-level electric guitar is around $160 to $600. In this price range, you will discover guitars that are well-built and quite easy to play.
Plus, they have good quality sound! These guitars are normally made in China or Indonesia and have very basic components and hardware. But they are generally pretty good for the cost.
Click here to find the best electric guitars under $500 today!
Most Popular Models
The pickups, hardware, and electronics are of lower quality compared to more expensive models. This helps the guitar brand in keeping the price down. Lower-end pickups are frequently found on these guitars.
This implies that while the sound is good, it isn’t fantastic. You will also find less expensive hardware.
Things like tuners or bridges are not as durable or robust. Additionally, the electronics in these guitars may be simpler and less versatile.
Especially when compared to those found in more expensive models. This does not, however, imply that the sound quality is subpar! The sound quality is perfectly acceptable for the price range and someone who is just starting to play the guitar.
Here are a few guitars you should consider at this price point:
| Guitar | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Squier Sonic Strat HT | $207.00 | The Squier Sonic is a solid option for beginners. It has a maple neck and single-coil pickups. This is great for those looking to learn the basics of guitar playing. |
| Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster | $404.00 | The Classic Vibe Telecaster offers a classic look and feel. It’s a great option for those wanting to learn on a guitar that is very versatile. |
| Yamaha Pacifica 112V | $310.00 | The Yamaha Pacifica is a versatile option that offers a comfortable playing experience. It features a solid alder body and maple neck. A good range of tonal options. |
| Ibanez RG450DX | $550.00 | The RG450DX is a rock and metal guitar made for shredding. It has a tremolo bridge, two humbuckers and a 5 way switch for big tonal range. |
| PRS SE Standard | $500.00 | The SE Standard is an amazing guitar! This version comes with two PRS humbuckers and an amazing sound and playability. |
Mid-Level Electric Guitars
Mid-level electric guitars are a great choice. Especially for those looking to take their playing to the next level! Or even for players wanting more features than entry-level models.
Generally priced between $500 and $1000, these guitars are made with higher-quality materials and are a great choice for intermediate players.
They often have more features than entry-level models. And without being as expensive as high-end options.
They are more than suitable for the developing player and tend to have better hardware and construction. Improved sound and playability are also a huge result of this!
Check out the best electric guitars for under $1000 here!
Popular Mid-level Options
In mid-level electric guitars, the cost of pickups, hardware, and electronics are typically higher. Especially over entry-level models! But not as expensive as high-end models. These guitars often feature higher-end pickups.
The sound is better, which could mean better articulation. More expensive hardware also means more durable tuners or bridges!
Better tuning performance is normally a result. Additionally, the electronics in these guitars may be more versatile and complex.
You will find that the potential for better controls is more than possible. Especially when comparing those found in entry-level models. But they will not be as advanced as those in high-end models.
Here are the guitars I would suggest you check out if this is the price point you are comfortable with:
| Guitar | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fender Player Telecaster | $850.00 | The Fender Player Telecaster offers a classic look and feel! It’s a great option for those looking for a versatile guitar. It features an alder body, maple neck and single-coil pickups. |
| Ibanez RG7320EX | $750.00 | The Ibanez RGRG7320EX is a 7-string guitar. It has a Meranti body, maple neck and humbucker pickups. |
| PRS SE Custom 24-08 | $850.00 | The quality of the PRS SE custom 24-08 in sound and feel is hard to beat. Plus, the range of sounds is very broad. |
| Gibson Les Paul Studio | $1300.00 | The Gibson Les Paul Studio is a rock machine. It has a mahogany body, maple neck and two humbuckers. They are warm and brilliant! |
High-End Electric Guitars
High-end electric guitars are the ideal option for professional players. Guitarists that are looking for the best quality and craftsmanship in their instrument. These electric guitars typically range from $1200 to upwards of $10,000 or more.
Made with the highest-quality materials, these instruments offer the most advanced features and playability! This often makes them considered works of art.
You can also find guitars that are hand-crafted. They are made with the highest-quality materials! And they often come with advanced features and specifications. These are an amazing investment to a player who wants the best quality available.
Very Popular High-end Guitars
The cost of pickups, hardware, and electronics in these electric guitars are typically the highest. These guitars often feature the most advanced pickups. Custom wound pickups that have the best sound possible!
The most expensive hardware, such as gold-plated or hand-engraved tuners or bridges. These are components that have amazing performance.
They will hold tune like no other! Additionally, the electronics in these guitars may be the most advanced and versatile!
You might find active electronics, coil-splitting, and more. The craftsmanship, wood selection, and custom options all come into play in the guitar price.
Here are some guitars found in the price range that you should consider for the best sound, feel, and experience:
| Guitar | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fender American Pro II Stratocaster | $1750.00 | This Fender guitar comes with top of the line pickups and materials. The hardware is pro quality and the feel is like no other. |
| PRS S2 Custom 24 | $1950.00 | The quality of the hardware and details to the body are incredible. The neck is thin and easy to play and the sound will wow you like no other! |
| Gibson Les Paul Standard | $3000.00 | The Gibson Custom Shop offers great high-end electric guitars! This Les paul Standard is testament to that. If you can afford it, this is the guitar you have been waiting for! |
Check out these guitars with active pickups!
Cost of Other Popular Electric Guitars
The prices for the more popular electric guitars are approximate and may vary depending on the model, location, and availability.
This table will provide some pricing on some of the more popular models today!
| Guitar Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Fender Stratocaster | $600 – $2000 |
| Gibson Les Paul | $1000 – $4000 |
| Ibanez RG | $500 – $1000 |
| PRS SE | $500 – $1000 |
| Jackson Soloist | $1000 – $2000 |
| ESP Eclipse | $1000 – $2000 |
| Gretsch G5420T | $800 – $1000 |
| Dean ML | $600 – $1000 |
| Rickenbacker 330 | $2000 – $3000 |
| Charvel San Dimas | $800 – $1000 |
It’s important to remember that some electric guitars are like keys, each designed to unlock a specific kind of music.
Maybe it’s the headbanging tunes of metal, the gritty notes of rock, or the soulful strains of blues.
So do your homework. Hunt down that guitar that jives just right with your rhythm, the one that feels like an extension of your own self when you’re lost in the music.
Take our guitar buying quiz to find your next instrument!
The Hidden Costs: What the Price Tag Doesn’t Show
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is spending 100% of their budget on the guitar, forgetting that an electric guitar is only half of the instrument. Without an amplifier, it is just a quiet, heavy wooden plank.
To avoid “Budget Shock,” you need to account for these four essentials.
1. The Amplifier (Required)
Estimated Cost: $100 – $250 Do not cheap out here. A $3,000 Gibson Les Paul played through a $40 micro-amp will sound like a toy. However, a $200 Squier played through a great amp (like a Boss Katana or Positive Grid Spark) can sound professional.
- Rule of Thumb: Budget at least 40% of your total spend for the amp.
2. The Setup (Crucial for Budget Guitars)
Estimated Cost: $50 – $80 Guitars in the $200–$400 range are mass-produced in factories overseas. They often arrive with “High Action” (strings too far off the fretboard), which makes them painful to play.
- The Fix: Take your new guitar to a local tech for a “Setup.” They will adjust the truss rod, lower the string height, and fix sharp fret ends. This $50 investment makes a cheap guitar feel like an expensive one.
3. The Cable (The Weakest Link)
Estimated Cost: $15 – $25 That free cable that comes in the box? Throw it away. Cheap cables buzz, crackle, and break within weeks. Buy a branded cable (Ernie Ball, D’Addario, or Fender) with shielded ends. It is the cheapest insurance for good tone.
4. The Accessories Survival Kit
Estimated Cost: $30
- Picks: Buy a variety pack ($5). You don’t know what thickness you like yet.
- Tuner: A Clip-on Headstock tuner is mandatory ($15).
- Strap: Necessary if you ever plan to stand up ($10).
The “Starter Pack” Debate: Are Box Sets Worth It?
If you walk into a guitar store or browse Amazon, you will see “All-in-One” starter packs containing a guitar, amp, strap, and picks for one low price (usually $250–$350).
Are they a good deal?
- Short Answer: Convenient, but low quality.
- Long Answer: They are designed to be a gift for a child who might quit in two weeks. If you are serious about learning, you will likely outgrow the gear in the box within 3 months.
The Problem with Starter Packs
The guitar is usually decent (often a Squier Sonic or Epiphone entry-level), but the Amplifier included is almost always “e-waste.” These tiny 10-watt amps sound boxy, fizzy, and uninspiring. Bad tone kills motivation.
The Better Alternative (The “Smart” Budget Rig)
For roughly the same price or slightly more, you can build a rig that will last you for years, not months.
| Comparison | The “Box” Starter Pack | The “Smart” Custom Rig |
| Guitar | Squier Strat (Basic) | Squier Classic Vibe or Yamaha Pacifica |
| Amp | Generic 10-Watt (Fizzy) | Boss Katana Mini or Blackstar Fly 3 |
| Tone Quality | 3/10 (Toy-like) | 8/10 (Real dynamic response) |
| Resale Value | Low (Hard to sell) | High (Desirable gear) |
| Total Cost | ~$300 | ~$400 |
The Verdict:
If you can stretch your budget by just $100, buying the guitar and amp separately will give you a significantly better learning experience. You want an amp that makes you want to practice, not one that sounds like an angry mosquito.
Conclusion
Electric guitars have some pretty crazy price ranges. As I’m sure you have noted, you can spend as much or as little as you want and still end up with a great instrument! Just stick with well known brands and see what people are staying about them.
Then make sure it will play the type of music you like. If it can, then your set! That’s the only real hurdle besides your budget. But if you can afford something expensive, make sure it will satisfy your style.
