Many beginner guitarists often wonder whether cheap guitars are harder to play than more expensive ones. While the price of a guitar can impact its quality, playability isn’t solely determined by how much you spend. In this article, we’ll explore whether cheap guitars are indeed more difficult to play and what factors contribute to the overall playing experience.

1. Quality vs. Price: How Cheap Guitars Differ from Expensive Models
Cheap guitars, typically those under $300, are designed for budget-conscious beginners. The difference between these and pricier models often lies in the materials used, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Expensive guitars are generally made with better-quality woods, components, and hardware, which can contribute to a smoother playing experience. However, this doesn’t mean that every cheap guitar is hard to play—there are affordable models that offer decent playability.
2. Playability Issues in Cheap Guitars
There are a few common issues that can make cheap guitars harder to play:
- Higher Action: Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Many cheap guitars tend to have higher action, meaning the strings are farther away from the frets. This requires more pressure to press down on the strings, making it difficult for beginners, especially when building finger strength and dexterity.
- Poor Intonation: Cheaper guitars may not have precise intonation, meaning the guitar doesn’t stay perfectly in tune as you move up the neck. This can make chords and scales sound slightly off, even if you’re playing the correct notes, which can be frustrating for beginners.
- Rough Fretwork: The frets on cheaper guitars might not be as smooth or well-finished, causing discomfort when sliding your fingers along the fretboard. Rough or uneven frets can make playing difficult, especially for beginners who are still developing their finger movements.
- Inconsistent Tuning Stability: Inexpensive tuning pegs on cheaper guitars can make it difficult to keep the instrument in tune. If you’re constantly re-tuning your guitar, it can take away from valuable practice time and reduce the enjoyment of playing.
3. Why Cheap Guitars Are Not Always Harder to Play
While many cheap guitars come with some of the issues mentioned above, not all affordable guitars are hard to play. There are several well-made budget guitars that offer good playability and are excellent for beginners.
- Decent Build Quality at Lower Prices: Manufacturing improvements over the years have made it possible for companies to produce affordable guitars with reasonable quality. Brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone have well-regarded entry-level guitars that are known for their playability.
- Adjustments Can Improve Playability: Even if a cheap guitar has high action or tuning problems, a proper setup by a professional can resolve many of these issues. Adjusting the action, intonation, and neck relief can transform a budget guitar into a much more playable instrument. These adjustments often come at a fraction of the cost of a more expensive guitar.
4. Tips to Make a Cheap Guitar Easier to Play
If you’ve purchased a cheap guitar or are considering one, here are a few steps you can take to make it easier to play:
- Get a Setup: As mentioned earlier, a professional setup can go a long way in improving a guitar’s playability. This includes adjusting the action, ensuring proper intonation, and fixing any fret issues.
- Change the Strings: The strings that come with cheaper guitars are often of lower quality. Changing them to a set of lighter gauge strings can reduce tension, making the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners.
- Use Lighter Gauge Strings: For those who are just starting, lighter strings can be easier on the fingers and require less pressure to play. This can make practicing less painful and more enjoyable.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping your guitar in good condition is key to improving playability. Regularly cleaning the fretboard, keeping the strings fresh, and ensuring that the neck isn’t warped can enhance the feel of a cheap guitar.
5. How to Choose a Playable Cheap Guitar
When shopping for a budget guitar, there are a few factors you can look out for to ensure you’re getting something that’s easy to play:
- Test the Action: Try pressing down on the strings to see if it requires a lot of effort. If the action feels too high, see if the store can perform a setup before purchasing.
- Check for Fret Buzz: Play some chords and notes up and down the neck to check for any buzzing sounds, which could indicate poor craftsmanship or a need for adjustments.
- Read Reviews: Look for online reviews from other beginner guitarists who have used the same model. If a budget guitar consistently gets positive feedback on its playability, it’s a good indication that it won’t be hard to play.
- Buy from Reputable Brands: Some guitar brands are known for producing high-quality, affordable instruments. Yamaha, Squier (by Fender), Epiphone, and Ibanez all offer models that are budget-friendly but still offer decent playability.
6. Conclusion
So, are cheap guitars harder to play? The answer is: it depends. Some cheap guitars can present challenges due to higher action, poor intonation, or rough frets, but many of these issues can be resolved with a proper setup or minor adjustments. Additionally, many budget-friendly guitars today are built to a higher standard than in the past, making them perfectly suitable for beginners and casual players alike.
With the right approach and some careful selection, you can find an affordable guitar that plays well and helps you on your musical journey without breaking the bank.