Beginner Guitars for Purchase:
There are lots of low-price-point beginner guitars (and beginner guitar sets) for sale both online and at music stores (and even stores like Walmart).
With a budget of $110-$189, there are many options that include everything that is needed to get started. These are full-size guitars (acoustic or electric) that get the job done. Plus, these packages include items like a strap, tuner, picks, extra strings, cables, amplifiers….
I have even seen some packages at / around $99 (see below).
I own one such acoustic ‘beginner guitar.’
Savannah SGO-12 OOO Acoustic Guitar (Black)
It costs $89.99 at Guitar Center
The very same guitar at Walmart costs $119.99
* These are the prices I found on Feb. 7, 2021.
Of course, it does not have the tonal balance, complexity, or nuance of my high-end guitars (nor should it), but it works just fine for me and I enjoy playing it. It’s easy and fun to play, stays in tune, and quite solid.
Browsing Online:
Here are some queries I used at amazon.com
“full size beginner acoustic guitar set”
“full size electric guitar for beginners”
Here are two packages that caught my attention:
LyxPro 39 inch Electric Guitar Kit Bundle - It even comes in pink! What's not to like about that? I'd like a pink guitar someday.
Pyle Acoustic Guitar & Beginner Kit
When browsing:
1 - Decide upon an Acoustic or Electric guitar. If you don't know the difference between Acoustic and Electric guitars - check the Help Center.
It’s okay to look at guitars/guitar packages online that fit the budget and say, “Yeah! That’s the guitar I like. It looks really cool, I love the shape of that guitar, and it’s my favorite color!” Guitar stores - same process. Although, at a guitar store, one is able to sit down and hold it. But, as a beginner, it can be difficult to tell how a guitar should feel in the first place! I suppose all guitars feel a little strange in one’s lap at first.
2 - When you narrow down your choices, you can even send me the links. I can look them over and give you my thoughts.
There is also the option of purchasing (maybe even renting) a used guitar from a mom & pop music store, pawnshop, or big chain like Guitar Center.
To locate Mom & Pop / Local Guitar Stores: I search “guitar stores near me/my town name.” I would certainly call in advance and ask if they have any beginner guitar bundles for sale and ask for some prices.
The above examples are entry-level guitars. Should you wish to invest in a guitar that is a step up from what you see listed, there are nice beginner packs and guitars from Yamaha, Squier (Fender) and Epiphone (Gibson), Ibanez, and Kramer.
You can also browse around at sweetwater.com. Sweetwater is an online store that has been very helpful to me over the years. So, if shopping online, I can easily and confidently recommend Sweetwater. Be sure to give them a call, let them know what you are looking for and they will get you over to a sales engineer to answer all of your questions.
That being said, there is nothing like going to a local guitar store, looking at all of the guitars hanging on the wall, and playing the instruments. Every guitar has a different feel and a unique story to tell. Please ask for assistance from someone at the store before taking a guitar off the wall and playing it - they will appreciate the consideration.
How do I know which guitar is right for me? You’ll know.
I hope some of this information is useful.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I’ll do my best to help.
Thanks again,
Chris
PS - If anybody has any helpful advice, experiences or suggestions to add, please post your comment below.