--- title: "The cost of learning guitar: a beginner's first-year budget" description: "The cost of learning guitar: a beginner guitar, accessories, lessons or apps, with a worked first-year example and ways to start playing for less." author: "Wealtie Team" published: 2026-11-13 updated: 2026-11-13 category: "Budgeting" canonical: https://wealtie.com/blog/cost-of-learning-guitar --- # The cost of learning guitar: a beginner's first-year budget The cost of learning guitar covers the guitar itself, a few accessories and either lessons or apps. In a worked example, a first year with a beginner guitar and fortnightly lessons costs about 800. ## Key takeaways - The cost of learning guitar covers the guitar, accessories and lessons or apps. - In a worked example, a first year with fortnightly lessons costs about 800. - A beginner guitar doesn't need to be expensive, but it should be comfortable to play. - Free videos and apps can replace lessons at first, if you practise regularly. ## How much does it cost to learn guitar? Guitar is one of the most popular instruments to learn, and it can be affordable. You need a guitar, a few small accessories and a way to learn, whether that's lessons with a teacher, an app or free videos. In a worked example, a first year with a beginner guitar and a lesson every two weeks costs about 800. Using an app instead of lessons brings the first year down to about 300. The biggest choice is how you learn. A teacher costs more but helps you avoid bad habits and keeps you motivated. Apps and videos cost less but need more self-discipline. ## What does a first year of guitar cost? Here's a worked example, in round numbers that work in any currency: | Item | Cost | | --- | --- | | Beginner guitar | 150 | | Lessons every two weeks | 600 | | Accessories | 50 | | **Total** | **800** | ![A first year learning guitar. Beginner guitar: 150, Lessons every two weeks: 600, Accessories: 50.](https://us-1-s3.polodev.net/wealtie-blog-media/posts/2026/11/a-first-year-learning-guitar-beginner-guitar-150-lessons-fd85cd632d.webp "Source: Worked example in round numbers") The lessons figure is 24 lessons at 25 each. Accessories include a tuner, picks, a strap, spare strings and a gig bag. ## What are the main costs of learning guitar? ### The guitar A beginner acoustic or electric guitar doesn't need to cost much, but it should be comfortable to play and stay in tune. A cheap guitar that's hard to play can put you off. Ask a teacher or a music shop to check the setup, which affects how easy the strings are to press. ### Acoustic or electric? An acoustic guitar needs nothing else to play. An electric guitar needs an amplifier, which adds cost, though small practice amps are affordable and headphones let you play quietly. Choose based on the music you want to play. ### Accessories A tuner, picks, a strap, spare strings and a bag are the basics. A capo and a stand are useful extras. ### Lessons Private lessons give you feedback and structure. Group lessons cost less per person. Online lessons are often cheaper than in-person ones. Lessons every two weeks, with practice in between, work well for many beginners. ### Apps and videos Guitar apps and free online videos can teach you chords, songs and technique. Some apps listen to you play and give feedback. A paid app subscription costs far less than regular lessons. ## How can you learn guitar for less? - **Buy second-hand:** used guitars are often good value, especially from a shop that checks them. - **Borrow first:** if a friend has a guitar they don't play, borrow it to see whether you enjoy playing. - **Start with free videos:** many beginner courses online cost nothing. - **Mix lessons and apps:** a lesson once a month plus an app in between keeps costs down. - **Take group lessons:** cheaper than one-to-one, and fun with others. - **Look for community classes:** colleges and community centres often run low-cost courses. ### Practice is free The best way to improve is to play a little every day. Fifteen minutes daily beats an hour once a week. Spending more on lessons doesn't help if you don't practise between them. ## Is it worth paying for guitar lessons? For many beginners, yes, at least at the start. A teacher can spot problems early, like poor hand position, that are hard to unlearn later. Once you have the basics, you might switch to occasional lessons and self-study. Work out the [cost per use](https://wealtie.com/blog/cost-per-use) of what you pay for: lessons you prepare for and enjoy are good value, while ones you skip are not. ### Learning as a child If you're paying for a child's lessons, many schools and music services offer subsidised group classes and instrument hire. [How to save money on kids' activities](https://wealtie.com/blog/save-money-on-kids-activities) has more ideas. ### Sell the guitar if it doesn't stick If you stop playing, guitars resell well. [How to sell things you don't use](https://wealtie.com/blog/sell-things-you-dont-use) covers how to get a fair price. Buying second-hand to start means you lose little if you sell. [How to save money on a hobby](https://wealtie.com/blog/save-money-on-a-hobby) covers more ways to keep costs down. ## What else adds to the cost of learning guitar? Strings wear out and need replacing every few months if you play often. A professional setup, which adjusts the guitar so it's easier to play, is a small cost that makes a big difference. Electric players often want pedals and a better amp once they progress. Songbooks and paid song lessons add up too. Budget for these after the first few months, once you know you'll keep playing. ## How do you track guitar costs in Wealtie? Add a music category to your [expense categories](https://wealtie.com/features/categories) and set a [budget](https://wealtie.com/features/budgets) for it. Add regular lessons or an app subscription as [recurring transactions](https://wealtie.com/features/recurring), so they log themselves on their date. ## Questions people ask ### How much does it cost to learn guitar? In a worked example, a first year with a beginner guitar, accessories and a lesson every two weeks costs about 800. Using an app instead costs about 300. ### How much should I spend on a beginner guitar? Enough for a guitar that's comfortable to play and stays in tune. A good second-hand guitar is often the best value. ### Can I learn guitar without lessons? Yes. Free videos and apps can teach you a lot, as long as you practise regularly. A few lessons early on help avoid bad habits. ### Is an acoustic or electric guitar cheaper to start with? An acoustic guitar is usually cheaper to start, since an electric guitar also needs an amplifier. *This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.*