When to Upgrade Your Guitar: The Ultimate Guide (2024)
Knowing when to upgrade your guitar can be tricky. Should you stick with your beginner model until you “deserve” something better? Or will a better guitar actually help you improve faster?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
* 5 signs it’s time to upgrade
* What to upgrade first (guitar, amp, or pedals?)
* How much to spend at each level
* Common upgrade mistakes to avoid
5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Guitar
1. Your Guitar is Holding You Back
- Fret buzz that won’t go away, even after a setup
- Tuning instability (won’t stay in tune)
- Electronics cutting out
- Action too high (hurts your fingers)
Solution: Upgrade to a better-built guitar (500–500–1,200 range).
2. You’ve Outgrown Your Beginner Model
- You’re playing advanced techniques (bends, vibrato, fast runs)
- Your Squier/Yamaha feels “limiting”
- You’re serious about continuing guitar long-term
Solution: Move to a mid-tier model (e.g., Fender Player, PRS SE).
3. You’re Playing Gigs or Recording
- Your current guitar sounds weak in a mix
- You need reliable tuning stability on stage
- You want better pickups/electronics
Solution: Invest in a pro-level guitar ($1,200+).
4. You’re Chasing a Specific Tone
- Your current guitar can’t do the sound you want (e.g., metal on a Strat)
- You need different pickups (humbuckers vs single-coils)
Solution: Either upgrade or modify your current guitar.
5. You Can Afford It Without Guilt
- You’ve been playing consistently for 1+ years
- You know this isn’t just a passing phase
- You’ll actually play more with a better guitar
Solution: Treat yourself—you’ve earned it!
What to Upgrade First? (Guitar vs Amp vs Pedals)
Guitar First If:
- Your current guitar has playability issues
- You’re still using a beginner model
- You need a different type of guitar (e.g., switching to metal)
Amp First If:
- You’re still using a tiny practice amp
- Your guitar is decent but your tone sucks
Pedals First If:
- You already have a good guitar and amp
- You just need to expand your sound options
Upgrade Priority for Best Results:
- Guitar (if beginner-level)
- Amp
- Pedals
How Much to Spend at Each Level
| Skill Level | Recommended Budget | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (0–1 year) | 200–200–500 | Squier Affinity, Yamaha FG800 |
| Intermediate (1–3 years) | 500–500–1,200 | Fender Player, PRS SE, Epiphone LP Standard |
| Advanced (3+ years) | 1,200–1,200–2,500 | Fender American Pro, Gibson SG Standard |
| Pro | $2,500+ | Fender Custom Shop, Gibson Custom |
Note: These are general guidelines—you don’t need to spend this much to sound good!
3 Upgrade Mistakes to Avoid
1. Upgrading Too Soon
- Don’t buy a $2k guitar after 3 months “because the pros use it.”
- Fix: Wait until your skills justify it.
2. Upgrading for the Wrong Reasons
- “This guitar will make me play better” (it won’t—practice does).
- Fix: Upgrade to solve specific problems, not just for GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).
3. Ignoring Setup & Mods
- A $100 setup can make a cheap guitar feel premium.
- Swapping pickups is cheaper than a new guitar.
- Fix: Optimize what you have before buying new.
When NOT to Upgrade
- You’ve barely played in months (it’s not the guitar’s fault)
- You’re hoping a new guitar will motivate you to practice
- You can’t comfortably afford it
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
Yes, if:
- Your guitar has playability issues
- You’ve been playing seriously for 1+ years
- You can afford it without financial stress
No, if:
- You’re still a casual beginner
- You’re blaming gear for lack of progress
- It would strain your budget
Pro Tip: Before buying, rent or borrow the guitar you want for a week. The hype often fades fast.