How Much Does A Good Acoustic Guitar Cost?

A good acoustic guitar in 2026 typically costs between $300 and $800 based on current retail pricing from major brands and online music stores. Guitars in this range usually offer solid tops, consistent construction, and dependable tuning stability.

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Higher-end acoustic guitars commonly start around $1,500, where premium woods and detailed craftsmanship become more common.

I have tested and compared dozens of acoustic guitars across these price levels in both studio and everyday playing settings. The ranges in this guide are based on direct hands-on evaluations and current market listings.

Here I break down what each price tier delivers, which features matter most, and which models offer the strongest value for the money.

Table of Contents

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• How Much Is a Decent Acoustic Guitar?
  • Entry Level Acoustic Guitars: $200 – $500
  • Enthusiast Level Acoustic Guitars: $600 – $1500
  • Professional Level Acoustic Guitars: More than $1500
• Final Words

How Much Is a Decent Acoustic Guitar?

If you don’t have the time to read through the article, then here is a brief overview of good acoustic guitars at different price points:

• Entry Level Acoustic Guitars: $200 – $500 (For beginners)
• Enthusiast Level Acoustic Guitars: $600 – $1500 (For hobbyists and professionals)
• Professional Level Acoustic Guitars: More than $1500 (For professionals, performers, and artists)

But it’s advised that you read through the whole article for a better understanding of the reasoning behind the guitar costs and the price difference.

Entry Level Acoustic Guitars: $200 – $500

As a beginner, it is advised that you don’t go overboard and buy the most expensive guitar you can find. There are reasons why you should not do that. For starters, there is no guarantee that your newfound passion is going to last forever.

It is very common for beginners to abandon their guitars after a few weeks. The guitar is a very complex musical instrument. So, naturally, it has a very steep learning curve. Many don’t have the patience for it.

For learning to play the guitar, passion isn’t as important as dedication. So, unless you are sure that you are fully dedicated, going with a cheaper guitar is the best option.

A cheap guitar will be adequate for learning the basics. Also, you will get the chance to figure out if the guitar is the right instrument for you without spending a fortune.

Another reason why an amateur guitarist should go for a pocket-friendly guitar is that the more expensive ones won’t really make much of a difference. Yes, they have slightly better sound production. But your inexperienced ears won’t really pick up the difference that much.

Even though expensive guitars have much better build quality, you can always upgrade as you get better and better with your guitar skills, as cheap ones don’t cost that much.

You can even find guitars costing as low as $50. But I wouldn’t recommend them even if this is your very first guitar. They don’t really sound that well and are rarely in tune. So, they won’t be able to help you learn.

So, as a beginner, buying a guitar costing between $200 – $500 is the best choice.

The Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a decent choice for entry-level guitar players. Check the details below:

Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Dreadnought

• Solid Sitka Spruce Top
• Nato Back & Sides
• Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge
• Diecast Tuners

Check on Amazon

Enthusiast Level Acoustic Guitars: $600 – $1500

If you are already experienced with a guitar, then these are your best picks. Enthusiast-grade guitars have much better quality wood and a better design.

Better build quality ensures much better sound production. A better design allows for playing the guitar with comfort. Not to mention, they look much better than entry-level budget guitars.

A lot of them are electro-acoustic guitars. These guitars can be played both normally as traditional acoustic guitars and while hooked up to an amplifier. Making them much more versatile. They also come with many useful features like built-in amplifiers, equalizers, etc.

In many cases, they are much easier to play. Allowing experienced guitarists full control over their guitars.

All of these features make enthusiast-level acoustic guitars great for guitarists with a bit more experience.

I recommend something like the Taylor 110ce Electro-Acoustic guitar in this price bracket that delivers itself as a perfect choice for enthusiast-level guitar players. Check the details below:

Taylor 110ce Acoustic-Electric Guitar

• Rich projection and clarity from solid spruce top
• Bold, commanding tone with classic Dreadnought body
• Relaxed fretting feel with slender neck profile
• Clean, authentic plugged-in tone with ES2 electronics

Check on Amazon

Professional Level Acoustic Guitars: More than $1500

These guitars are not for the average Joe. Unless you are a rock star or at least a local band with some fame, I don’t think you could or even should consider buying one. These guitars are strictly for professionals who make a living from their guitars. So, not very suitable for the average hobbyist.

A lot of factors play into acoustic guitars’ high prices. Their build quality and brand can play a big part in their pricing. Also, age is a factor that can drastically affect the pricing of a guitar.

You see, guitars are kind of like wine. The older it is, the finer it gets. Sounds produced by aged guitars are much richer. So, many professionals prefer pre-aged guitars over standard ones. This raises the value of aged guitars a lot.

These are great guitars if you can afford them. However, as I mentioned earlier, if you are a beginner, you shouldn’t pay more than $600. So, leave these for the professionals.

Here, professionals choose their ax accordingly but in this price range, I would like to go for the Martin guitar. Check the details below:

Martin D-28 - Natural

• East Indian Rosewood Back Sides
• Ebony Fingerboard - Natural
• 6-string Acoustic Guitar
• with Spruce Top

Check on Amazon

Final Words

The sheer number of options when it comes to buying a guitar can make buying your first guitar a pretty daunting process. Be aware of what you are buying.

Do not be tempted by the features of expensive guitars if you are not even sure whether or not you will ever use them. Start cheap and upgrade as you become more and more experienced.

The guitars mentioned here in three different price points are designed to cater to the specific needs of specific consumers. So, be sure of your requirements and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Now that you know the cost of a good acoustic guitar, pick a good brand and go buy yourself a guitar. The earlier you start practicing, the faster you can reach your goals. Best of luck to you.

Thomas M.

Founder & Editor | + postsBio ⮌

Thomas M., the founder of Guitar Top Review, boasts 15+ years of guitar experience and was a church band member in L.A. Transitioning from piano to acoustic guitar, his first love remains his Taylor GS Mini. Alongside like-minded hobbyist friends, he launched the site, driven by a deep love for music that transcends professional boundaries.

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