How Much Does a Beginner Electric Guitar Cost in Canada?
A clear answer for parents, new players, and anyone trying to avoid a headache.
Most well built, playable beginner electric guitars in Canada cost between $249 and $499 in 2025.
That’s the range where build quality, hardware, setup stability, and long-term reliability start to make sense for a new player. Below $249, you’re usually buying something that won’t stay in tune and becomes discouraging fast.
Price Breakdown (Canada, 2025)
$149–$249: “Bare-minimum playable”
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Often unbranded or generic imports
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Thin hardware, unstable tuners
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Sharp fret edges, inconsistent setup
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OK for a very tight budget, but not ideal
Most players outgrow these within months.
$249–$349: “True beginner” sweet spot
Typical examples: Squier Sonic/Strat, Jackson JS11
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Good enough hardware to stay in tune
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Decent fretwork
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Lighter weight / comfortable shapes
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Looks like a “real” electric guitar
This is the category most parents end up choosing.
$349–$499: “Beginner + First Real Guitar”
Typical examples: Yamaha Pacifica 112, Squier Affinity, Jackson JS22
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Noticeably better pickups
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More stable tremolo systems
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Better long-term reliability
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Nicer finishes + more colour options
These feel more like mid-range instruments and can last years.
$599–$899: “Buying Once” option
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Higher-end beginner guitars
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Great if the student is already serious
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Same cost as two cheap guitars over time
Not necessary — but the quality jump is real.
Why $249–$499 is the real starting point
Based on what we see daily in the shop, this is where:
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tuning stability stops being frustrating
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hardware is strong enough for real playing
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necks are comfortable and predictable
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electronics don’t crackle or cut out
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resale value is reasonable
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repair/setup cost doesn’t outweigh the guitar’s value
Cheap guitars used to be awful. Modern entry-level models from major brands are shockingly good if you stay in the right price zone.
Beginner Recommendations (Based on What We Actually Sell)
Electric Guitar Under $300
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Kramer Focus VT-112S (fun colours)
Electric Guitar Under $400
Electric Guitar Under $500
Do You Need an Amp? (Yes, but not a big one)
For beginners at home, a 10–20 watt practice amp is perfect.
Sets typically cost:
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$99–$149 for small practice amps
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$199–$299 for Bluetooth / modelling amps (more fun, keeps kids interested)
Many parents choose:
A full “ready to play” starter package usually lands in the $399 to $699 total range depending on guitar choice.
What We Tell Parents in the Store
“If the guitar won’t stay in tune, the student won’t stay interested.” - That’s why we rarely recommend anything below the $249 mark unless it’s temporary.
"It helps if it looks cool" - This goes for all of us, even if we've been playing for decades. A cool guitar will get played more. Play more = get better. It's an upward spirall and it pays to get the cool one (of course cool is in the eye of the beholder)
Kids don’t need expensive guitars — they just need something reliable and comfortable.
A stable beginner guitar at the right price is 10x more important than fancy features.
Avoid These Common Beginner Mistakes
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Buying the cheapest Amazon bundle
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Choosing a guitar that’s too big or heavy
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Picking colours instead of comfort (kids regret this fast)
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Ignoring setup quality
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Getting a guitar with a whammy bar when the student doesn’t need one
FAQ
Is $200 enough for a beginner electric guitar?
It’s possible, but you’ll likely get tuning issues and cheaper hardware. $249–$349 is a more realistic starting point in Canada.
Is $500 too much for a first electric guitar?
Not at all. Guitars in this range can last for years and feel noticeably better. It’s a “buy once” option.
Do beginner guitars need professional setup?
Yes — and we include one with every guitar.
A good setup can make a $300 guitar play like a $600 guitar.
What size electric guitar should kids use?
Ages 9–13: full size is usually perfect.
Under 8: consider a 3/4 size.
Check out our videos below on Choosing a Beginner Guitar and What to look for in a Used Guitar