The guitar is a small orchestra. Every string is a different colour, a different voice.
Andrés Segovia
For many South Africans, the sound of a guitar carries memories of only the happiest times in life. Songs shared around a braai, music drifting out of a local café, or the energy of live bands filling a neighbourhood venue. It is no wonder that so many people eventually ask themselves: how much is a guitar in South Africa, and what is the best way to choose one? If you want to learn to play guitar, the answer depends not only on your budget, but also on your personal goals, musical taste, and the kind of support you will need as you begin the journey of buying your first guitar.
Understanding the Best Guitar for Beginners
When buying your first guitar, whether you walk into a music shop in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or any smaller town with a community music store, you will quickly notice that guitars come in different shapes and sizes. To make sense of the prices, it helps to understand the three main types that beginners usually consider.
The classical guitar has nylon strings that are easier on the fingertips, and this is why many think this is the best guitar for beginner. Because the tension is lower, this type is popular with younger learners and those who prefer gentle sounds suited to styles like folk, traditional African ballads, or even flamenco. A steel string acoustic guitar has a brighter and louder sound. It is widely used in everything from pop and rock to gospel and township jazz.
Finally, the electric guitar requires an amplifier but offers the broadest variety of tones, from smooth jazz to heavy rock. Each type has a wide price range, which is why people often start with the question, how much is a guitar in South Africa, before deciding which model is right for them. As you budget for your instrument, don’t forget to factor in that you may want guitar lessons too.
Consider Budget as You Learn to Play Guitar in Comfort
When buying your first guitar, it is easy to be dazzled by brands and glossy finishes. However, what matters most is how comfortable the instrument feels in your hands. A well set up entry-level guitar will almost always be a better choice than a poorly adjusted but expensive model.
Shops such as Paul Bothner Music or Marshall Music not only sell a wide selection but also help new players with setups. Adjustments like lowering the action, which means the distance between the strings and the fretboard, can make the difference between a guitar that feels impossible to play and one that feels inviting.
This is why many teachers will tell you that the best guitar for beginners is not the priciest one on the wall, but the one that has been set up properly for easy playability. If you are serious about starting to learn to play guitar, it is worth asking the shop to change strings or check the neck alignment before you take your instrument home.
The Role of Musical Taste
While budget matters, it is also important to consider the type of music that excites you.
If you dream of strumming along to folk songs or contemporary South African pop, a steel string acoustic may be the best guitar for beginners in your case. If you are drawn to classical traditions, or if you are helping a child start out, a nylon string guitar will be kinder to young fingers. On the other hand, if your heroes include iconic players from Maskandi bands or South African rock groups, the electric guitar will give you the flexibility to explore those sounds.
Once again, this is where the practical question of how much is a guitar in South Africa comes into play. Classical guitars are often the most affordable, steel string acoustics range widely depending on build quality, and electrics usually require additional investment in an amplifier. Speaking to staff who are musicians themselves, like those at Bothner or Marshall branches, can also help you match your taste to a realistic budget.
Why Setup Matters More than Brand
It is tempting to think that the logo on the headstock is the most important factor, but for beginners this is rarely true. When buying your first guitar, playability and comfort matter more than brand prestige. A good setup ensures that the strings are at the right height, the frets are level, and the instrument holds its tuning. Many local shops offer a basic setup as part of the sale, and this service is particularly valuable in South Africa’s varied climates where wood can expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
If you find that your guitar feels stiff or goes out of tune quickly, do not assume it is a bad instrument. Often, a simple adjustment or string change will transform it. Asking your local store for advice, or being referred to a reliable technician, is an important part of the early journey when you begin to learn to play guitar.
Caring for Your Guitar in South Africa
Once you have invested in an instrument, taking care of it will extend its life and keep it sounding good. South Africa’s climate can be harsh on wood. The dry air of the Highveld, the coastal humidity of Durban, and the intense summer sun in the Karoo all affect guitars differently, but a simple care routine is all you need. Store the instrument out of direct sunlight, keep it in a case when not in use, and wipe down the strings after playing to prevent corrosion.
Many beginners do not realise how much difference these small habits make. A guitar left on a stand in front of a window may warp over time, while one stored in a case will remain stable for years. If you are ever unsure about how to maintain your instrument, local shops and tutors who give guitar lessons are usually happy to offer tips.
National Retailers and Local Support
For anyone asking how much is a guitar in South Africa, it helps to know that national retailers such as Paul Bothner Music and Marshall Music provide not only a wide range of instruments but also after-sales support. Many branches offer string changes, advice on accessories, and even basic setups. They also stock both local and international brands, which means you can compare options side by side.
At the same time, don’t overlook smaller community stores either. In towns like Bloemfontein or Pietermaritzburg, independent shops often provide personalised service and may even know local tutors who give guitar lessons to beginners. Asking around your neighbourhood can sometimes connect you with hidden gems, both in terms of instruments and people who can help you start your musical journey.
For guitar lessons in your budget, a platform like Superprof is a convenient place where you can compare a range of tutors in your area.
Mapping Out Your First Steps
Once you have chosen your instrument, the next question becomes how you want to learn to play guitar. Some people prefer structured paths with formal lessons, while others simply start by strumming songs they love. There is no right or wrong way. If you are someone who enjoys goals, you might even work toward a first graded exam with RSL Rockschool or Trinity College once you feel confident with basic chords. For others, joining friends at a local jam session in Stellenbosch or performing a song at an open mic in Durban may be the perfect measure of progress.
The important thing is that you practice regularly, remember that even ten minutes a day will bring improvement if you are consistent. This is why so many teachers recommend investing not only in an instrument but also in a few guitar lessons at the beginning. A tutor can correct posture, demonstrate how to change chords smoothly, and give you encouragement when your fingers feel sore. Platforms like Superprof make it easy to connect with local tutors, whether you want online or face-to-face guitar lessons.
Be Inspired to Play
Buying your first guitar is both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you are unsure how much is a guitar in South Africa today. The good news is that there is a wide range of options to suit every budget, from affordable entry-level classical models to well-crafted electrics. Find the best guitar for beginners – one that inspires you to play.
Remember that brand is less important than setup, and that local stores can help with adjustments and ongoing care. Once you are ready, consider booking a lesson or two with a tutor who can guide you through the first steps.
Start where you are, with what you can afford, and let the music grow from there.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
