Guitars

Guitar Advice You Can Trust? That’s Sweetwater

Every player’s path begins with a single spark. No matter if you’re a student scoping out the perfect starter axe or a tone titan expanding your rock locker, you can count on Sweetwater’s guitar gurus to guide you to the gear that gets your mojo movin’. Our expertise doesn’t stop at guitars and basses, either. You can count on us for impact-rated advice on amps, pedals, cases, cables, and just about every accessory for the road ahead.

Searching for the guitar gear that sets your next song in motion? Find out why Sweetwater tops the charts in selection, support, and customer satisfaction.

What Makes Sweetwater the Player's Choice for Guitars and Gear?

Gear Guidance That Starts with Your Goals

Are you chasing the hottest pickups or the most faithful amp modeler money can buy? Chances are, we’ve been in your shoes. Sweetwater’s Sales Engineers have years of experience road-testing the latest guitar gear and would love to share their expertise with you. Not sure where to begin in your guitar journey? Call us anytime to receive personalized gear recommendations tailored to your goals and budget. If you need inspiration, our inSync online column offers a steady stream of guitar news and gear reviews. Tune in daily for the latest!

Shop Guitars Your Way with Sweetwater’s Guitar Gallery

Do you miss the in-store shopping experience? With Sweetwater’s Guitar Gallery, your easy chair becomes the perfect spot to explore the latest instruments. We weigh and photograph every guitar and bass priced at $399 and up, serial number by serial number. Now, you can choose the instrument with the specific figuring, finish, and feel that helps you look and perform your best.

Quality Guaranteed: Our Free 55-Point Inspection

Say goodbye to finish flaws and scratchy pots when you buy a qualifying guitar or bass at Sweetwater. Instruments $399 and up include a hand-signed 55-point Inspection card certifying the fit, finish, action, and electronics. Should any issues slip past our trained eyes, never fear; our 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ is designed to go above and beyond many manufacturer warranties.

Get Fast, Free Shipping on Thousands of Guitars for Sale

Sweetwater is committed to ensuring your gear reaches you safely and in record time. That’s why we typically ship guitars from our climate-controlled distribution centers at no extra cost to you.

Your Favorite Guitar Brands, All in One Place

Sweetwater is proud to partner with many of today’s leading guitar and bass manufacturers, including Fender, Taylor, Gibson, Yamaha, Martin, PRS, Ibanez, Gretsch, Guild, Marshall, JHS, Ernie Ball, Line 6, and many more, giving players of every background a leg up in their craft.

Guitar Buying Guide: Types, Materials, and How to Choose the Right Fit

As you probably already know, guitars come in various shapes and sizes. Acoustic guitars with steel or nylon strings are a popular choice for songwriters on the move. Electric guitars are available in different body styles and woods and can offer distinct tones depending on the genre of music you wish to play. Then there are semi-hollowbody (sometimes known as “semi-acoustic”) guitars for players who want the fuller sound of an acoustic guitar with the option to amplify it like an electric. Most guitars have six strings, but you’ll also find 12-string acoustic and electric guitars, as well as some contemporary 7-string and 8-string models. The ukulele, a small 4-string instrument with a characteristically bright and wispy tone, and the mandolin and banjo also fit into this wider family of fretted instruments.

How Much Should You Spend on a Guitar?

As with most fine crafts made from wood and metal, the answer is: it depends. If you’re just looking for an affordable instrument to build your fundamentals for lessons and open-mic nights, it’s possible to score a great starter axe for under $300, especially if you’re comfortable doing basic setup work.

If you’re moving into advanced techniques or chasing the tones of your heroes, the sky’s the limit. High-end Gibson, Fender, and PRS electric guitars can push $10,000 or more. And when Martin and Larrivée roll out their Milestone and Presentation Series acoustics, you may find yourself on the hook for six figures or more. Just remember: it’s an investment, not an expense.

Electric Guitar Styles and Sounds

Electric guitars are used in a wide range of musical styles, including rock, blues, country, jazz, funk, and more. Electric guitars feature pickups and electronics that convert the mechanical vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal that is then sent to a guitar amplifier. Some popular electric guitars include the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster and the Gibson Les Paul and SG. Electric guitars come in many forms, including solidbody, semi-hollowbody, and hollowbody designs. Each body type offers sonic differences to consider before you buy.

Acoustic Guitar Types and Tonewoods

If you’ve ever sung around a campfire, then you’re probably no stranger to the acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars produce sound naturally using the vibration of the strings and the resonance of the body. The guitar top, or soundboard, is a finely crafted and engineered element commonly made of spruce, cedar, or mahogany. The back and sides of an acoustic guitar are typically made from mahogany, sapele, rosewood, or maple. To get better acquainted with guitar terminology, explore our guide to the parts of a guitar.

There are many types of acoustic guitars available, from large dreadnoughts and resonator guitars to classical and travel guitars, with body styles that include cutaway and non-cutaway options. Some acoustic guitars feature pickups and electronics, allowing you to plug into an acoustic amplifier or PA system for increased volume or to utilize effects pedals. At Sweetwater, we offer a wide range of acoustic guitar packages so you can get your guitar, case, strap, and gig bag all at once.

Small Instruments, Big Sound: Ukuleles & More

Though not technically a guitar, the ukulele is a small stringed instrument commonly associated with the Hawaiian Islands. The word ukulele translates to “leaping flea” in Hawaiian. Guitarists love the ukulele because guitar chords can easily be adapted to the smaller instrument. Many ukuleles are made from koa wood, which is native to Hawaii and features a beautiful three-dimensional grain pattern. Ukuleles come in four sizes (from smallest to largest): soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.

Still Have Questions? Sweetwater Guitars Are Backed by Real Expert Advice

Now that you’re armed with this essential guitar knowledge, you may have more questions about the best guitar for you. Give your Sweetwater Sales Engineers a call at (800) 222-4700; they would love to learn more about your needs and budget to help you track down the guitar gear you’ve been missing.