How Much to Budget for Your First Guitar Setup
Totals below use only prices verified on 2026-10-17 (sources in each guide). Accessories are deliberately unpriced - add a modest amount for the checklist items. Prices change; confirm before buying.
| Tier | Example setup (verified prices) | Guitar + amp total |
|---|---|---|
| Under $200 | Guitar only: Squier Mini Stratocaster at $199.99 (kids/reduced size) - or put this budget toward a used instrument | $199.99 (no amp yet) |
| $200-400 | Acoustic: Fender CD-60S $229.99, complete with no amp. Electric: Yamaha PAC012 $219.99 + Boss Katana Mini $99.99 | $229.99 acoustic / $319.98 electric |
| $400+ | Electric: Squier Sonic Stratocaster $249.99 + Fender Mustang LT25 $159.99. Acoustic step-up: Yamaha FG800 $279.99 plus a hard case budget | $409.98 electric |
Do not spend the whole budget on the guitar and skip the tuner, spare strings and stand - the cheap items are what keep a beginner playing. Lessons are the other line item: compare lesson platforms and trials before subscribing.