Best Guitars Under 300 Dollars
Under 300 dollars is where most people buy their first guitar and where the difference between a good one and a bad one is largest. These are the ones we stock at that price and recommend without hesitation. Each one is a real instrument that a player can keep for years, not a starter to be replaced.
Acoustic
The Yamaha FG800J is the dreadnought, big and loud with a solid spruce top. The FS800J is the same guitar in a smaller concert body that suits smaller players and fingerpickers. The F335 is a little cheaper with a laminate top and is still a better guitar than its price suggests. Read dreadnought vs concert to pick the body.
Acoustic electric
The Ibanez V70CE adds a cutaway and a pickup to a dreadnought at a price that is hard to argue with. The Yamaha APXT2 is a three quarter size thinline with a pickup for travel and stage. Read do you need a pickup first.
Classical
The Yamaha C40II is the standard nylon string student guitar and the one classical teachers ask for most. The CGS103AII and CGS102AII are the three quarter and half size versions for kids. See nylon or steel strings.
Electric
Four real choices. The Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica and the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS are the two we compare in Pacifica vs Squier. The Squier Sonic Telecaster is the same quality in the Tele shape. The Ibanez GIO GRX70QA has a faster neck and a hotter sound for rock players. The Jackson JS22 Dinky sits just under 270 for metal.
Bass
The Squier Sonic Precision Bass and the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro short scale both come in under 300. See the bass buying guide.
Kids and small players
The Yamaha JR1 three quarter acoustic and the Squier Mini Stratocaster are the two we recommend most for ages 6 to 11. The kids guide matches size to age.
What is not on this list
Mystery brand kits from big box stores and marketplaces. The guitars inside usually cannot be set up to play well, and a guitar that is hard to play is the reason most beginners quit. Every guitar above is set up by hand before it ships, which is the difference you feel in the first week.
Every instrument we ship is set up by hand on our bench in Athens, Tennessee first. Read what a guitar setup is to see what that covers. Browse best sellers. Questions? Call the shop at (423) 462-1894 and a real person will help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best acoustic guitar under 300 dollars?
The Yamaha FG800J for a dreadnought and the FS800J for a smaller concert body. Both have a solid spruce top.
What is the best electric guitar under 300 dollars?
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012DLX and the Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS. Pick by neck feel and color.
Is a 300 dollar guitar good enough to learn on?
Yes. At this price a Yamaha or Squier is a real instrument that holds up for years once it is set up.
Do cheap guitars need a setup?
Yes. Every guitar under 300 ships from the factory with high action. A setup is what makes it easy to play.
