Learning to play a musical instrument can be a very expensive endeavor, regardless of what type of instrument you choose to play. Pianos, for example, can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and even smaller instruments like clarinets and violins can still cost a small fortune to purchase. Guitars are no different and, depending on the manufacturer, a rare model can cost as much as a new car. Many beginning guitarists find this to be true and turn away from their dreams of learning to play the guitar before exploring all of their options.

If you would like to learn how to play the guitar but do not want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a new instrument, consider purchasing a used guitar. Many music stores offer used instruments for sale at reasonable prices or you may be able to find a guitar at a resale shop or flea market. Instruments purchased at flea markets and resale shops may not always be in the best of shape, but the cost of refurbishing an old instrument is often much less than the cost of purchasing a new one. If you choose to purchase a used instrument, however, be sure that it is salvageable - many instruments that can be found at resale shops and flea markets are beyond repair.

The sound that comes from a used guitar is often no different from the sound of a new one, so do not be ashamed if you decide to purchased a used rather than a new instrument. Play your guitar with pride and learn the unique characteristics and sounds of your particular instrument. You can do this in your daily practice sessions as you play easy guitar songs and strum chords, getting a feel as much for the chords as for the instrument itself. Playing an easy guitar song can be a great way to develop your skills - easy guitar songs provide you with an opportunity to apply the techniques you have been practicing in a way that goes beyond monotonous repetition of notes and chords.

The more your practice your easy guitar songs on your used guitar, the more familiar you will become with the techniques and your instrument. The best guitarists come to think of their guitars as an extension of themselves and, with practice and dedication, you and your used guitar can form a bond like this as well.